Discover Ciudad del Carmen by Hire Car
“La Perla del Golfo” is what Mexicans call the fascinating coastal town of Ciudad del Carmen in the southwest of the state of Campeche on the Yucatan Peninsula on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico.
The town is connected to the mainland by two huge bridges. The “Puente El Zacatal”, built in 1994, is even one of the longest bridges in all of Latin America.
Development of Ciudad del Carmen
Earlier, Ciudad del Carmen was a sleepy pirate nest and was inhabited mainly by Mayans in the pre-Columbian period and later by mestizos.
This picture changed abruptly, however, when oil was discovered there. Today, about 80 percent of the nation’s crude oil supply comes from Ciudad del Carmen and the population represents an international mix.
In Mayan times, the site was a ceremonial center honoring the goddess Ix Chel, who stood for fertility and healing but was also considered the bringer of disease.
The remains of the pyramidal temple complexes can still be visited today. You can continue to walk in the footsteps of the Mayans at over 7000 excavation sites throughout Campeche.
Leisure activities in Ciudad del Carmen
Besides the unique relics of a sunken culture, Ciudad del Carmen also has a sensational landscape with an extremely lush vegetation.
One of the most beautiful beaches with snow-white sand and crystal clear water is Puerto Real. Here you should not miss to try a ” Pan de cazón “, a fish pickled in vine leaves.
Since Ciudad del Carmen has so many interesting things to offer, and sometimes long distances to drive, a hire car is definitely recommended here.
hire car price comparison Ciudad del Carmen
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