Pull up a seat at a seafood shack, learn about the local history and cruise through the mangrove-dotted waters of this municipality’s arterial river to spot wildlife.
Champotón is a municipality in the state of Campeche that stretches along the river of the same name. The waters of the Ría Champotón have been a life-sustaining resource in the region since ancient Mayan times. The river also changed the course of history when Francisco Hernández de Córdoba landed his expedition in the place that would become the city of Champotón in 1517. Check out the city and encounter wildlife while exploring the meandering river waters.
Discover a significant turn in Mexico’s history when you learn Champotón’s story. The first Spanish expedition from Cuba landed on these shores in the 16th century, but the local Maya warriors quickly forced the Spaniards to retreat. Walk around the city of Champotón’s historic waterfront, Malecón, where the Ría Champotón meets the Gulf of Mexico. This is thought to be where the famous battle of Mala Palea took place. The waterfront boardwalk is a pleasant spot for a stroll overlooking the river mouth.
Today, the city of Champotón is known for its magnificent fresh seafood. Watch local fishing boats bringing in the daily catch and check out what’s available at the market. Order freshly prepared seafood dishes and shellfish cocktails from restaurants and thatched-roof seafood shacks. A collection of these can be found on the town’s northern beaches.
Book your spot on a boat ride down the Ría Champotón and weave between the mangrove trees. Your guide will point out caiman swimming stealthily through the waters, as well as the remarkable abundance of birdlife that inhabits the estuarine waters.
Champotón is a city and municipality situated on the Yucatán Peninsula. It’s a 1-hour drive from Campeche and 2 hours from Ciudad del Carmen. The meandering coastal road from Campeche makes Champotón a great destination for a scenic road trip. The city is accessible by bus from Campeche, Sabancuy, Ciudad del Carmen and Xpujil. Stop off in Champotón for its exquisite seafood or book accommodations at one of the family-friendly coastal hotels.
