Hecelchakán

Located in the heart of the state of Campeche, Hecelchakán is a destination that enchants visitors with its history, gastronomy, and peaceful atmosphere. Its name comes from the Mayan Helelchakán, meaning “savanna of rest”, derived from the words helel (rest) and chakán (savanna). Over time, this name was Hispanicized, giving rise to the current name of the municipality.

In Hecelchakán, you can enjoy an authentic experience that combines culture, history, and traditional flavors.
Among its main attractions is the Museum of the Caste War, which preserves valuable records of the conflicts between the Mayas and colonial authorities, offering a deep insight into the region’s history.

Another must-visit site is the Church of San Francisco de Asís, an 18th-century architectural gem that retains the charm of the colonial era and forms an essential part of the municipality’s historical landscape.

The Hecelchakán Market is the heart of the town’s gastronomy. Here, visitors can savor typical dishes such as pibipollo, panuchos, or cochinita pibil, and delight in the famous Pomuch bread, a fluffy and sweet treat considered one of the best in the region.

Local cuisine also offers delights like frijol con puerco, puchero, tamales torteados and colados, papadzul, pipían, relleno negro, and sanchac. For those with a sweet tooth, treats made from local fruits and roots stand out: ciricote, nance, plum, papaya, tamarind, pumpkin, yuca, sweet potato, macal, cocoyol, and manjar blanco.
Among the most popular drinks are pozol, atoles, rice pudding, coconut rice horchata, and refreshing fruit waters such as barley or soursop.

With the arrival of the Mayan Train, Hecelchakán has strengthened its tourism appeal. The Hecelchakán Train Station has become a strategic point on the railway route connecting central Campeche with other destinations in southeastern Mexico, promoting the economic and cultural development of the area.

Near the station, visitors will find a variety of accommodation options, from small family-run inns to mid-range hotels, all offering comfortable services and warm hospitality. This makes it an ideal base for those looking to rest after exploring the cultural and natural treasures of the municipality.

From the station, it is easy to access taxis, local transport, and private services that provide transfers to Campeche City, Pomuch, or nearby archaeological sites, making Hecelchakán an excellent starting point to discover the charm of southeastern Mexico.