Guide To Veracruz

About Veracruz

Southeast of Mexico City, on the Gulf Coast, you'll find the port city of Veracruz. Hernan Cortes, the Spanish conqueror, first landed here on Good Friday 1519 and, soon after, Veracruz became the first Spanish settlement and base from which Mexico was explored and eventually conquered by the Spaniards.

300 years of Spanish colonial rule also ended in Veracruz, as the Spanish fled to the fort of San Juan Ulua; once on an island offshore, it’s now connected by a road. The years that followed were not easy ones for Mexico and, again, Veracruz was a key center of historical events. The city’s title: “Four times heroic city of Veracruz” refers to the expelling of the Spanish and three other military triumphs: one against the French and two against the Americans.

Veracruz is an easy-going, friendly and bustling port-city. Its wealth is derived primarily from the huge amounts of trade and cargo ships docking at the city’s extensive ports.

The State of Veracruz is rich with arable lands where fine coffee and tobacco are grown. The country's oil drilled from wells beneath Mexico’s Gulf waters is also managed from here. As a result of these lucrative industries, Veracruz has never strived to become a big tourist attraction; so it’s not as widely known by foreign tourists as other destinations in Mexico.

Veracruz is a coastal city which has a strong and distinctive colonial feel to it. Palm trees line the streets and the Zocalo (main plaza) where, at night, Marimba (Afro-Caribbean) music fills the streets and people meet to talk, dine, dance and just watch the world go by.

This city is a hidden gem if you're looking for an experience which is distinct from the traditional 'tourist circuit' of colonial cities. Besides being a place of character, it's also colorful, lively and easy-going. Today, its leisure fame stems from Marimba, dancing and an annual carnival that, according to some, rivals Rio and New Orleans.

Nearby Veracruz you'll also find one of Mexico's finest archaeology parks: El Tajin. The State is host to Mexico's highest volcano, "Pico de Orizaba", the second highest volcano in North America. Other adventure tours including mountain climbing, white-water rafting and sports fishing are all easily accessible from here, too.

Veracruz is a surprising city. Away from the traditional tourist trail, it offers a unique experience in Mexico: a relaxed atmosphere with a lively heart and soul. Some people spend their whole vacation here and enjoy the stress-free ambience; some pass through for a few days as part of a wider travel experience. Either way, a visit to Veracruz will reward you with an enjoyable, fascinating and authentic insight to Mexico.

Thanks to the high speed toll road which connects Veracruz to Mexico City (also passing the colonial city of Puebla), Veracruz is easily accessible.

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Key Attractions

Colonial Center

Veracruz's main Plaza, the Plaza de Armas (Plaza of Arms) is situated in the middle of the city, and is a handsome place, featuring palm trees, a colonial fountain and beautiful arches.

The Cathedral faces the Plaza, as does the Palacio Municipal, and various other majestic civil buildings including the Correos y Telegrafos (post office) building and the Aduana Maritima (Maritime Customs) building.

The Plaza is also the hub of Veracruz's social scene, and at night, when the temperature cools, the Plaza comes alive with music, dancing and street entertainers.

One of Latin America's largest aquariums is a major attraction in Veracruz. It was opened about 10 years ago, and is host to nearly 25 tanks, some containing saltwater, some containing freshwater. Called simply, El Acuario, you'll find this on the south-eastern edge of town.

Look up Veracruz in the mainstream Guidebooks for more information about these museums, or consult the local Tourist Information Office (see Practical Information).

Fort at San Juan de Ulua

If you watched the film "Romancing the Stone" with Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner, you've already seen parts of this place: towards the end of the film, in the scenes leading up to the alligator swallowing the jewel...

The fort was built by the Spanish to protect against pirates, and later against foreign invaders. This fort was also the Spaniard's last foot-hold on Mexico: They retreated to here before being finally defeated by the Mexicans.

After the war of independence, this fort became a notorious prison, especially during the Porfirio Diaz era. Many of the prisoners sent here never lived to be released, because of the harsh conditions, including tuberculosis and yellow fever that were rampant at that time.

Today the fort is a major attraction in Veracruz. For a small admission fee you can wander around the fort and prison and get a feel for the history that unfolded around its walls. English-speaking guides are on hand, for an additional fee, if you want a guided tour.

Museums & Art

The Museo de la Ciudad de Veracruz (City Museum) houses excellent displays about the city's colonial history through to present day.

Originally a Naval Officer's school, the Museo Naval (Naval Museum) was restored and open in 1997 to record Mexico's Naval History and Evolution.

Diving in Veracruz

The beaches here are not that attractive, but what's underwater to be seen with diving gear is! Some of the waters in this area have been listed as national parks and, besides the reefs, you'll also be able to explore some underwater shipwrecks.

Adventure Experiences

Adventure holidays from Veracruz are becoming more and more popular, given the regions excellent natural climate and topography. river rafting and mountaineering are two favorites.

Sports Fishing

Local sports fishing is a popular activity here, and is becoming more popular with each passing year.

Local Tours

Boat Cruises and local excursions to nearby attractions like El Tajin and white water rapids of Jalapa (the State's Capital) are accessible if you are using Veracruz for your base of activities.

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Getting There & Around

Getting There

By Air - You can fly to Veracruz from the US and and other points in Mexico including Mexico City & Oaxaca.
Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for Airlines

By Bus - You can travel to Veracruz on a luxury bus from Mexico City - the trip takes around 6 hours. Veracruz is a major bus hub for the eastern Gulf coast of Mexico and you'll be able to travel effectively by bus around this entire region from here if you want to.

Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for National Buses

By Car - Driving to Veracruz is very fast and efficient using the many high-speed roads that connect this region. See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico's Toll Roads on Mexperience.

Getting Around

From the Airport - The airport is about 9 miles west of the city center. Ground transportation is available from the airport into town; buy your tickets from the booth inside the terminal building.

Taxis - Taxis in Veracruz are not metered, so agree your price before you get in. Your hotel can arrange taxis for you; some post their rates on a board in the lobby. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a better price! Another good reason to Learn Spanish!

By Bus - Veracruz is a major bus hub for the eastern Gulf coast of Mexico, and you'll be able to travel effectively by bus around this entire region from here if you want to.

Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for National Buses

Rent a Car - Veracruz is very accessible by road and there is plenty to see and do in the surrounding areas - including one of Mexico's best Archaeological parks - El Tajin. Renting a car would be a smart option you're thinking about exploring this this region in detail, as it will give you the freedom and flexibility to see more of the area and its surrounding attractions effectively. Remember to take the car back to the agency from where you rented it, else hefty return charges will be applied to your account.

See the Mexperience Travel Center for Car Rental

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Local Events Calendar

Nine Days before Ash Wednesday (February or March) - Veracruz hosts its famous Carnaval (Carnival) at which time the city buzzes with life, music, dancing, food, performances, culture, fireworks, arts and crafts and much more. This is a really busy time in Veracruz, so book early if you want to see this grand festival!

Afro-Caribbean Festival - This festival takes place in the summer - in July or August; check with the local tourism board for exact dates as they vary. Various Caribbean countries participate and the weeks feature dance and music, film, art expositions and business fairs.

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Practical Information

Telephone: Connect to the Communications in Mexico Page on Mexperience for full information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines are found throughout the downtown area of Veracruz; some hotels also have ATMs (additional fees may apply), and you can also find them at the shopping center next door to the World Trade Center in Veracruz. During business hours, they and the local Casas de Cambio will buy traveler's cheques and cash from you as well. Read about currency exchange in Mexperience's Money Section.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical cover and/or travel assistance cover when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Internet Access: Internet cafes are commonplace in Mexico - new ones open and old ones close all the time - but you won't have to look too hard to find one downtown and in the main tourist areas.

Holiday Periods in Veracruz: A lot Mexican people holiday in Veracruz; you are likely to see very few foreigners here! This means that during the school holidays (December-New Year, Easter, Summer between end of June and September) Veracruz is very busy indeed. It's quite possible that your travel plans may coincide with some of these dates, especially if you have a family and take your holidays during school breaks, so be sure to book well ahead of time during these peak periods.

Local Tourist Office: Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for details of the nearest Tourist Information office.

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Accommodation

• Find a Hotel in Veracruz

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Restaurants

We have no specific restaurant recommendations at this time.

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When Night Falls

Veracruz comes very much alive at night - As the sun sets and the sweltering daytime temperatures give way to cooler evenings, people get their glad-rags together and prepare for an evening of music, dance and merriment.

There's a good variety of nocturnal entertainment in Veracruz to keep you up into the early hours. The best atmosphere and buzz at night surrounds the main plaza (Zocalo), downtown, where Marimba music and dancing takes place.

Locally Hosted Parties - Check with yours and other Local Hotels about public parties they may be hosting during your stay. Traditional Mexican theme night parties are popular with the locals, and there's a chance you could join a really special night out - the REAL Mexican way, and certainly on the eve of September 16th - Mexico's Independence Day! Hosted parties usually include dinner, dancing, a show and / or live music (usually authentic Mexican Mariachis) plus all drinks for a fixed fee and are always excellent value for money! Ask at your hotel to find out what is happening locally.

Nightclub Scene - Some night clubs charge an all inclusive cover fee; some a smaller cover and drinks on top. Drinks are served all night - don't even consider going to a nightclub before 11pm. Nightclubs keep going all morning and most people will start to leave between 5 and 7 am.

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What to Buy in Veracruz

You'll find several curios shops in and around Veracruz, some selling local crafts.  The State of Veracruz is famous for fine coffee grown in the region and Mexico's best cigars, produced locally, from the leaves of the tobacco grown in the state.

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Local Climate

As a city on Mexico's Gulf Coast, Veracruz enjoys year-round, hot, sultry and humid weather. It's especially hot in May and June. Humidity drops a little further inland. The climate is ideal for taking part in a variety of outdoor activities and for taking in the local culture, architecture and scenery; be sure to keep yourself hydrated. The rainy season is April thru November, but as with most monsoon areas, rains tend to be fierce and brief in the late afternoon, leaving the evenings dry and cooler.

Live Weather Report:

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