Dates: Thursday, Feb 12 – Saturday, Feb 14, 2026
Celebrate the spirit of Mexico’s oldest Carnaval with the IWC! We’ve put together a trip that balances festive local traditions with ample time for relaxation and personal growth.
We have several planned group moments, but since our members have varying levels of interests, travel budgets, and mobility, there will be ample time to enjoy the pastel streets, the flavors of Campeche, the ocean views, and local history at your own pace.
Thursday, Feb 12: Arrival & Welcome
Traveling to Campeche. Whether you are driving from Mérida (approx. 2.5 hours) or taking an ADO bus or the train, we have all thelogistics ready for you here: Transportation & Carpool Details.
- 6:30 PM – Welcome Happy Hour. Join us at the bar at our host hotel, Hotel Plaza Campeche, to toast the start of our trip.
- 7:30 PM – The “Afterglow”. Some may choose to take a short stroll to the Malecón nearby to see the end of the Paseo de las Flores (Flower Parade) and its festive atmosphere.
- 8:00 PM – Dinner. Small or large group dining on the beautiful Andador (Calle 59), similar to Mérida’s Corredor Gastronómico (Calle 47).
Friday, Feb 13: Trends & Tradition
- 9:00 AM – Group Breakfast at the host hotel, Hotel Plaza Campeche.
- 10:00 AM-Noon – Spotlight Sessions (TBA) at our sister hotel, Hotel Plaza Colonial.
- 1:00 PM – Lunch & Culture on your own, with optional visits to various Campeche sites. (We’ll provide a list of suggestions.)
- 4:45 PM – The Corso Infantil (Children’s Parade). We’ll gather in the Hotel Plaza Campeche lobby to avoid the peak sun, then take a group stroll down Calle 51 to the Malecón. We’ll walk along, catching the parade, featuring elaborate, museum-quality costumes, in festive snippets as we walk. (Bring a rebozo to use to sit on the seawall when you want to rest your legs while watching the children and floats go by.)
- 6:15 PM – Sunset & Fountains. We’ll time our walk to catch the sunset over the ocean, eventually making our way to the colorful musical fountains.
- 6:45 PM – Dinner on the Andador (Early Bird). We aim to reach Calle 59 by 6:45 PM. This is the “sweet spot”—it allows us to snag tables and enjoy the historic atmosphere before the major concert crowds and loud music take over later in the evening.
Saturday, Feb 14: Farewell
- 8:30 AM – Farewell Gathering. A final breakfast together and poolside socializing.
- 11:00 AM – Check-out: Safe travels home! (Note: The “Sábado de Bando” big parade begins at 5:00 PM for those who would like to stay an extra night).
Where We Are Staying
Our host hotel is Hotel Plaza Campeche. It is on a fairly busy street corner. It has a pretty lobby, a pool, a restaurant, a bar, and a parking lot. The rooms are nice, many with balconies and black-out curtains. Its sister hotel, Hotel Plaza Colonial, is just a few steps away. It is in a much quieter location with pretty rooms, a small pool and seating area, an upper outdoor deck, and a small parking lot. Some of its second floor rooms don’t have windows. All guests of one hotel are welcome to use all of the amenities of the other.
| Hotel | Vibe | Price per Person per Night (dbl. occ.) |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Plaza Campeche | Host Hotel / Elegant | $2,350 MXN / $65 USD / $90 CAD |
| Hotel Plaza Colonial | Sister Hotel / Charming Boutique |
$1,845 MXN / $51 USD / $71 CAD |
Hotel Plaza Campeche
Ready to join us? Spaces are limited due to Carnaval dates!