Stone Crabs | Photo by Jailyn Marcel
EAT + SHOP : The humble city of Hecelchakan en Route to Becal is a day trip . First stop by Hecelchakan , known for its tacos of Cochinita de Pibil – the states national dish . I kid , but it very well could be . These are credited as being the best of the best . In Becal you can find one of the original makers of the Panama Hat ( which are technically not even from Panama , they are from Ecuador ). Generations of artisans still hand make the hats from the leaves of the jipijapa a species of palm plants using traditional methods . And if you see crab claws on any menu , get them . Trust me , best Stone Crabs I ' ve ever eaten .
El Faro del Morro is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving the area delicious seafood for generations . A typical dish of the region is the Pan de Cazon made by layering handmade tortillas with prepared Dogfish ( a species of baby shark popular in the region ) than covered in a tomato sauce and topped with a grilled habanero pepper and avocado . But the grilled octopus al mojo de ajo will have me dreaming of its perfection for years to come . ( Resurgimiento 120 , Miramar , 24030 Campeche | + 52.981.816.1990 )
Probably one the most beloved restaurants in the city is La Pigua and once you ’ ve made a visit you will see why . Simply , yet perfectly prepared dishes shine . From the tiny cup of shrimp broth served as a welcome at the start of the meal , to the fresh ceviche delivering a bright and crisp bite after bite . The most tender grilled shrimp served with decadent mashed potatoes and coconut shrimp served simply with an apple chutney . And a beautifully presented whole fish al escabeche ( pickled ), again typical of this region . It ’ s safe to say you won ’ t go hungry on this trip . ( www . lapigua . com . mx )
El Forro del Morro La Pigua | Craig B . Thompson
For artisanal goods varying from Guayaberas and hand-embroidered blouses and dresses to wood carved goods , ceramic painted plates and a plethora of other craft goods , Casa de Artesanias Tukulna is reasonably priced and features the work of true artists . ( Calle 10 333 , Zona Centro , 24000 | + 52.981.127.1768 )
Aeromexico
Cochinita de Pibil | Craig B . Thompson
Casa de Artesanias Tukulna | Craig B . Thompson
For more information , visit www . visitcampeche . com
FLY : AeroMexico offers four daily non-stop flights to Mexico City where you can catch a connecting flight to Campeche . The carrier is a founding member of SkyTeam which allows them access to a global network of multiple destinations worldwide . AeroMexico is one of the few airlines where you don ’ t pay for one checked suitcase ; snacks and beverages are complimentary in-flight . So sit back , relax and enjoy your flight to your destination .
72 LOCAL | february 17