Attractions and Sightseeing in Veracruz State, Mexico

Catemaco Lagoon

Located in front of Catemaco, this lagoon is one of the biggest in Mexico and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region. It is also full of a large variety of fish and the tradition of fishing in this lagoon has ensured the livelihood of hundreds of fishermen, while providing the city with delicious cuisine based around these freshwater species.

There are many islets in the lagoon, some of which are inhabited by different types of monkeys, for part of a research project of the University of Veracruz. Due to the large number of fish that live in the lagoon, many of the primates have learnt to swim and catch fish for eating. It is common for tourists who cross the lake on rental boats to see the funny monkeys wandering freely around the islets.

Papantla

Located about 20 minutes from the city of Poza Rica, Papantla is a small and traditional city in Veracruz that keeps many of its original customs and traditions intact. Visiting Papantla is a good opportunity to discover a typical city and enjoy the local cuisine as well as its peaceful atmosphere full of culture and history.

In Papantla there is a museum dedicated to the Totonacan civilization and if you visit the city on Sunday, you will be able to behold the famous dance called "Los Voladores de Papantla" (Papantla's Flyers) right in the heart of downtown, next to the Cathedral gardens. This deep-rooted dance dates from pre-Columbian times and is very common in this part of Mexico, and it is even considered a sacred ritual for some groups. The dance is pretty amazing as it begins several meters far above the ground, on the top of a long pole. There, four dancers tie onto the pole and jump towards every cardinal point to begin "flying" in circles around the pole. The dance finishes when each dancer has rotated 13 times around the pole.

El Tajin

Around fifteen minutes from Poza Rica, near Papantla, you will find the archeological site of El Tajin, named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1992. El Tajin was the political and religious capital of the Totonacan civilization. It boasts structures of impressive beauty, including the Pyramid of the 365 Niches. When at El Tajin you can visit the museum located in the main access and buy a variety of handicrafts and souvenirs offered there by local artisans. Likewise, at the archeological site you can view the spectacular Dance of Papantla's Flyers, which is performed several times a day.

Veracruz Beaches

With over 460 miles of coastline facing the Gulf of Mexico, the state of Veracruz features beautiful beaches; many of them are almost virgin and all are wonderfully preserved. Some of the most popular beaches in the state of Veracruz you can visit are Costa Esmeralda, a 30-mile stretch of beach located about one hour from Poza Rica. Some of the other beaches near Poza Rica include Cazones, Tuxpan and Tecolutla, all located about 45 minutes away.

Many beaches in Veracruz offer facilities for tourists and a variety of aquatic activities. At Tecolutla beach, for example, it is possible to rent palapas with chairs, tables and hammocks, and even participate in fishing tournaments.

In the north of the state there are also many outstanding beaches such as Palma Sola and Lechugillas, the latter featuring unspoiled beauty and with very few visitors. At both it is possible to enjoy delicious fish and seafood. The south of Veracruz offers beaches like Playa Escondida, which is ideal for those who long for a secluded place to have a rest and get in touch with nature. Coatzacoalcos beaches feature several hotels and restaurants as well the chance to enjoy different water sports, from swimming to fishing.

Pico de Orizaba Volcano

Located on the state border, about 70 miles from the port of Veracruz, the Pico de Orizaba is a 5600 meter high volcano, the highest in Mexico. Due to its colossal size, the highest part of the volcano can be viewed from hundreds of miles away. The volcano itself and the surrounding area, comprising around 70 square miles, have been named a National Park. Within the park it is possible to go climbing, trekking and hiking, thus being an excellent option for those who enjoy outdoor activities, adventure tourism or ecotourism.

Tlacotalpan

Tlacotalpan is a town in Veracruz, named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998, due to its picturesque architecture that perfectly represents a fusion of Spanish and Caribbean traditions. When you visit Tlacotalpan you will be able to stroll around wide, cobblestone streets, admiring the modest houses and multicolor facades, as well as the lush trees that create a matchless provincial atmosphere.

With a rich indigenous past, Tlacotalpan preserves some footprints of the Conquest, the Colony, the establishment of the Haciendas and the first years after the Mexican War of Independence. The architectural style that is currently common in most of the city, consisting of picturesque big houses with red-tiled ceilings, pillars and arches in the form of semicircles dates back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Besides preserving its original urban layout, Tlacotalpan is the cradle of some traditional celebrations that characterize the state of Veracruz. Many times during the year, the town reaches its folkloric peak with colorful festivals, lively celebrations, and delicious feasts.

Archeological Sites

Several archeological sites show the history and culture of the territory of Veracruz. Throughout the state, there are vestiges of the Totonacan, Olmec, and Huasteca civilizations. When you visit Veracruz you will probably find, near your destination, an archeological site of one of these civilizations.

For instance, only 45 minutes away from Poza Rica you can find the archeological site known as the Castillo de Teayo (The Castle of Teayo), named after the town of Teayo. This site keeps important vestiges of one of the first cities of the Huasteca civilization. Near the port of Veracruz you will find Cempoala, one of the most important sites of the Totonacan civilization during the Postclassic Era. About 75 miles from Xalapa you will find the archeological site of Filobobos, nestled among creeks, small bodies of water and other natural attractions. Also in the surrounding of Xalapa, the archeological site of Las Higueras presents ancient murals.

Towards the center of the state, Paxil is an important Totonaca city that reached its peak between 450 and 1500 A.D. This site preserves several buildings and structures, including the ball game. The archeological site of Tres Zapotes, one of the most important on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, is located near Catemaco. Tres Zapotes witnesses the transition between the periods of the Olmec history.

San Lorenzo

San Lorenzo, located very close to Minatitlan, was one of the main cities of the Olmec, the first civilization of Mesoamerica. Founded around 1200 B.C., San Lorenzo is also one of the oldest archeological sites in the area. Many giant sculptures resembling human heads have been found in this site. These kinds of sculptures are a characteristic element of the Olmec civilization and they weigh between six and ten tons each. While in San Lorenzo you can also visit the small local museum, which exhibits different archeological pieces, including the last giant head found. Next to San Lorenzo you can find a small river where you can go fishing for fun or food!

Adventure Tourism

Veracruz is an authentic piece of paradise, perfect for the adventure tourism enthusiast and nature lovers alike. In this state of impressive geography and natural scenery, you can have fun enjoying all kinds of outdoor activities and sports in direct contact with nature. Whether you are an experienced fan of extreme sports or you have no previous experience in these activities, the state of Veracruz is the ideal option.

Veracruz is also excellent for rafting. Rivers such as the Rio Pescados even hold yearly international competitions. Not far from Xalapa, Filobobos River is another option for enjoying this activity, where you will be surrounded by waterfalls, canyons and caves. If you prefer mountain climbing and rappelling, you can visit places like the Cofre de Perote ecological park, an extinct volcano where you can go trekking, rappelling and camping. The town of Jalcomulco is known for its rappelling, zip lines, hiking and other fun outdoor activities.

Nanciyanga Nature Reserve

Close to the city of Catemaco, Nanciyanga nature reserve there is an excellent opportunity to enjoy ecotourism at its best. You will be able to visit the beautiful tropical forest and discover different species in their original ecosystems; it's a great way to have fun and learn. There are many different activities available at Nanciyanga, including guided tours, kayaks, massages, temascal, boat rides, and birdwatching. You can also enjoy music shows and plays as well as music and handicrafts workshops, along with many other activities, all in harmony with nature. As for Nanciyanga's food and beverage service, you can enjoy delicious regional cuisine and Mexican snacks as well as exquisite fish and seafood from the Catemaco Lagoon.

Coatzacoalcos Convention Center

Due to the importance of Coatzacoalcos in both the business tourism and the groups and conventions sector, the city has first-class facilities, including a convention center considered one of the most modern of its kind in the state of Veracruz and in all of Mexico. It boasts an elegant, functional design, with several function rooms, ballrooms and meeting rooms as well as an auditorium, a restaurant, a bar and even an adjoining theater. Coatzacoalcos Convention Center features cutting-edge audiovisual equipment and all the services required for a successful event, whether it is an international convention or a private social gathering.