LOCAL Houston | The City Guide February 2017 | Page 71

FOOD | ARTS | COMMUNITY | STYLE + LEISURE
Campeche Cultural Center and Town Square | Craig B . Thompson
El Ojo de Agua
SEE : Campeche Cultural Center and Town Square – the cultural center offers a really well-done presentation of the city ’ s history with detailed stories of the pirates and conquistadores who saw its value . Across the street is the town square which is still the central site where the city comes together . At 8pm on any given evening , a light show about 20 minutes long projects a dazzling display of light and sound sharing the city ’ s pride in its story . ( www . visitmexico . com / en / campeche )
Edzna Archeological Site | Craig B . Thompson
Edzna Archeological Site was discovered in 1907 and although not entirely unearthed , offers a glimpse into a world here long before us . A world of mythology and gods , commerce and trade , sports and entertainment comes to life . ( www . visitmexico . com / en / the-most-important-archaeological-site-in-campeche-mexico )
El Ojo de Agua – You ’ ll need an outfitter company like Campeche Tarpon to traverse the Gulf of Mexico into mangroves exploding with flora and fauna . Boat through a tiny portal only someone kin to these waters could find , into a world I can only describe as upside down . Massive roots grow above the water as a forest pierces the waters edge creating a canopy dense enough to cover the sky at times . Estuaries meet the sea allowing crocodiles and other reptiles to navigate stealthly . Our guide expertly takes us to a pirate looking bridge covered in moss which opens up to a natural made pocket of spring crystal clear water that we are able to dive into . The water is so pure it ’ s sweet . A true testament to the majesty of nature . ( www . campechetarpon . com )
STAY : If you want to be in the city in the middle of it all stay at Plaza Campeche . 20 rooms are tucked into this property in perfectly understated luxury . ( www . puertacampeche . com )
Hacienda Uayamon
However a 25-minute drive will have you at the stunning Hacienda Uayamon built in 1700 . This sprawling hacienda will have your mouth on the floor at every turn . The villas and suites are sprinkled along a lushly vegetated path each one unique in grand . The pool is encased in original walls and nestles itself among the hacienda ruins . This option is about 25 mintues from the Edzna Archeological Site ( more on that below .) Both are Starwood Properties . ( www . haciendauayamon . com )
Plaza Campeche Hacienda Uayamon Pool
Continued on next page .
february 17 | LOCAL 71