Veracruz...

Located in Mexico’s eastern region along the Gulf coast, Veracruz borders the states of Tamaulipas to the north, Oaxaca to the south, San Luis Potosi, Hidalgo and Puebla to the west, and Tabasco to the east. This state has a tropical climate and impressive natural scenery, such as the Citlatapetl Volcano and Pico de Orizaba, the highest peak in the nation. You’ll also see picturesque cities and towns that have preserved their local architecture.

In the city of Veracruz, an important commercial center, you can visit Fort San Juan de Ulua, which has been converted into an interesting museum. You can also take a stroll along the boardwalk, where every year Veracruz’s famous carnival takes place. In the city’s plazas, known for their beautiful gardens, you can watch couples dance to the rhythm of danzon, an experience that will take you back to another era.

In Xalapa, the state capital, you can walk down cobblestone streets full of music, color and folklore, while in Tlacotalpan, a town that lies along the Papaloapan River, you can enjoy its wonderful Historic Center, which was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. There you can witness the town’s famous Virgen de la Candelaria procession.

Along the coast you can visit the Costa Esmeralda, a 50-km (31-mi) beach strip north of the port. Finally, if you’d like to see some ruins, there’s no better place than the archaeological zone of El Tajin, which also was declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

SURROUNDING AREAS, TOURING AND NOTABLE PLACES
Touring La Antigua, Cempoala and Chachalacas. Departing from the city of Veracruz, head 25 km (15 mi) north to La Antigua, a pleasant town that was the old port of Veracruz for 75 years and which still has 16th- and 17th-century buildings. Among the most notable edifices are la Ermita del Rosario, the first Christian church built in Latin America, and another structure that was first house of conquistador Hernan Cortes. There’s also a river that runs past the town, which is ideal for whitewater rafting and kayaking outings. Continuing along Highway 180, about 3 km (2 mi) ahead you’ll hit a turnoff that leads to the ancient Totonac ruins of Cempoala, where you’ll see structures that were built with stones from a river. Cempoala means 20 waters, which is probably a reference to the number of Totonac river villages that once existed in the area. As you continue along Highway 180, about 7 km (4 mi) ahead you’ll arrive at Chachalacas Beach, where you can take a boat ride from the river to the coast. There you can also take out an all-terrain vehicle on the sand dunes on the northern end of the beach. Keep in mind that you can only rent the ATVs on weekends and during vacation periods.

Cordoba. This historic city, founded in 1618, is located 129 km (80 mi) west of Veracruz on Highway 150. Among its notable tourists attractions is Plaza 21 de Mayo, which is one of the most beautiful squares in the nation. There you can have a cup of delicious coffee while watching couples dance to the rhythm of danzon music. It also has numerous spots that are ideal for adventure-sport and ecotourism outings.

Orizaba. Located 151 km (94 mi) from Veracruz on Highway 150, this is one of the most developed industrial cities in the state of Veracruz. In the Historic Center you’ll see many interesting buildings and in the surrounding areas you’ll find beautiful natural areas with lush vegetation.

Tlacotalpan. Located 80 km (50 mi) south of Veracruz off Highway 180. This picturesque town, declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO, has beautiful houses with red tile roofs and splendid arches. A strong draw here is the procession of the Virgen de la Candelaria, which takes place on Feb. 2. During that time of year, you’ll see parades, bull runs and numerous stalls serving regional food. For five nights you can also listen to the region’s best son jarocho groups

XALAPA
Xalapa, the state capital of Veracruz, is located 140 km west of the port of Veracruz, in a mountain zone with a temperate and humid climate. The average year-round temperature is 18º C (64º F).

This city, known for its eclectic architectural offering, has buildings that are a blend of neoclassic, Moorish and neogothic styles, as you’ll see in such edifices as the Palacio de Gobierno, the Palacio Municipal and the Cathedral. As you walk along the cobblestone streets you’ll also come across interesting attractions like the Xalapa Anthropology Museum, one of the nation’s most important museums. There you can see an important collection of archaeological pieces from the Olmec, Totonac and Huastec cultures, groups that inhabited the region during the pre-Hispanic era.

Thanks to its rich cultural heritage, Xalapa hosts important artistic and cultural events, such as the International Jazz Festival and the June Music Festival, which is organized by the Xalapa Symphony Orchestra. The city also offers various food festivals and restaurants where you can delight in delicious regional cuisine.

In Xalapa’s surrounding areas you can do diverse outdoor recreational activities. At the Clavijero Botanical Garden you can observe more than 700 regional plant species in its heavenly gardens. If you’d like to do some camping and mountain climbing, the Cofre de Perote National Park has the second highest mountain in the state of Veracruz and the eighth largest in Mexico, with an altitude of 4,282 meters (14,130 feet) above sea level. You also can visit archaeological site El Tajin, an ancient capital of the Totonacs. The most notable structure there is the Pyramid of the Niches. Each year, the site hosts a summit that draws scientists, intellectuals and artists from all over the world who attend the event to discuss cultural and ecological issues.

SURROUNDING AREAS, TOURING AND NOTABLE PLACES
Touring from Xalapa to Poza Rica. After enjoying a fresh cup of coffee in Xalapa, you can head out of the city on Highway 140. Go west for 15 km (9 mi) to arrive at Banderilla, an old town famous for its tropical vegetation and its excellent cuisine, particularly the chiles rellenos (stuffed chiles) and the tasty desserts. About 30 km (19 mi) ahead you’ll reach the town of Las Vigas, where you’ll find El Volcancillo, a cavern system that is ideal for cave diving. Continuing along the same highway, 21 km (13 mi) ahead you’ll arrive at Perote, where you can visit the famous Cofre de Perote volcano, the state’s second highest volcano with an altitude of 4,282 meters (14,130 feet) above sea level. This is a popular spot for mountain and rock climbing. From there, take Highway 129 north to reach Martinez de la Torre, which lies 80 km (50 mi) north of Xalapa. There you can do rafting trips down the Filobobos River. From there, go 40 km (25 mi) to arrive at Nautla, where the famous Emerald Coast begins. This is a group of beautiful beaches with well-developed tourism facilities. From this point, take Highway 180 to Papantla, which is 239 km (148 mi) north of Xalapa. In this town you can witness celebrations with many years of tradition, such as the Fiestas de Corpus Christi. The city is also famous for its vanilla, which is added to many regional sweets. Continue along Highway 180 for 21 km (13 mi) to reach Poza Rica, a commercial port in northern Veracruz where you’ll see some of Mexico’s most important petroleum wells.

More information: http://www.visitmexico.com/

Veracruz City Tour