Veracruz is the main commercial port of Mexico. Its monuments, beaches, gastronomy and traditions invite travelers to discover it.
Veracruz is joy, music and exquisite food. Founded in the 16th century by Hernán Cortés, this heroic city has constituted an important part of the history of Mexico, concentrating a good part of the commercial dynamism. In its buildings and squares you can breathe the past, but also the warmth of its people and traditions, which show their best gala on danzón nights and during Carnival season.
This beach destination (90 km from Xalapa) offers its visitors great treasures such as San Juan de Ulúa, where legends come to life, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Asunción and the popular Boca del Río neighborhood, full of restaurants and a good atmosphere. .
Historical Center
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Asunción, with five naves and a tower, it was built in the seventeenth century. Inside it preserves the Baccarat chandeliers that belonged to Maximilian of Habsburg. On one side is the Zócalo and the Municipal Palace, an 18th century building that is preserved in good condition.
Admire the Venustiano Carranza Lighthouse, where the draft of the Constitution was debated; the Benito Juarez Lighthouse, located in what was the Convent and Church of San Francisco de Asís, and where Juárez promulgated the Reform Laws; and the Francisco Xavier Clavijero Theater, the most important in the city. A good way to see these venues is on board one of the tourist trams that leave next to the market.
A must see in Veracruz is to walk along its pleasant boardwalk, where you can observe the commercial activity of the port and some exhibitions.
San Juan of ulua
This fortress was built on an islet in order to protect the port from pirate attacks. First it functioned as a dock, then as a prison and even as the Presidential Palace of the Nation. Currently it is an attractive museum, where the guides narrate the legends of its dungeons (such as Chucho el Roto) and of the bridge of the last breath.
Beaches
Some of the beaches that you can visit are Punta Mocambo, Punta Antón Lizardo and the strip that starts from there with 17 kilometers of fine sand beaches and gentle waves. In front of this point, diving enthusiasts will find reef formations that will surprise them. In addition, the entire Costa Dorada is surrounded by hotels, restaurants and beaches with a good atmosphere.
Mouth of the River
Formerly a riverside fishing district, today it is a modern destination with hotels, restaurants, shopping centers and nightlife. Here also stand out its mangroves and beaches, perfect for relaxing or doing water activities. Get to know Mocambo beach and go to the Madinga lagoon, where you can eat delicacies from the sea such as fish fillet stuffed with shellfish.
Veracruz's aquarium
Inside the Plaza Acuario Veracruz is this place of recreation that has more than 25 fish tanks with species from the Gulf of Mexico and a dolphinarium. It is ideal to go with the family.
Danzón nights
This Jarocha tradition consists of gathering dancers of all ages in the portals of the Center. From the restaurants and cafes you can watch this fun dance and music show while having a delicious dinner (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 7:00 p.m. in the Zócalo).
The old one
28 km from Veracruz, is the "Old Vera Cruz", where the city was originally settled. Some of the places you can visit in La Antigua are: the House of Hernán Cortés (built in the Andalusian style of the time); the Ermita del Rosario, a 16th century church (the first in continental America); the Cabildo Building, which was the first of its kind to be built in New Spain; the Parish of Cristo del Buen Viaje, from the 19th century and which stands out for its baptismal fonts made by indigenous people; and the Cuarteles de Santa Ana, a military fortification built in the 19th century that was later used as a hospital.
Editor of mexicodesconocido.com, specialized tourist guide and expert in Mexican culture. Love maps!
