Mexico Guide » Destinations in Mexico » Veracruz

Veracruz

The eastern boundary of the state of Veracruz lies along the Gulf of Mexico, bordering Tabasco to the south-east; to the south it is bounded by the state of Oaxaca and to the west, Puebla, Hidalgo and San Luis Potosi. To the north, Veracruz abuts the state of Tamaulipas.

Within its boundaries lies Mexico's tallest volcano, Orizaba.

Major cities include the Port of Veracruz, originally named La Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz, founded in 1519 by Hernan Cortes; the capital city, Xalapa; the coffee producing lands of Orizaba and Cordoba, and large industrial Minatitlan and the petroleum port of Coatzacoalcos on the gulf.

Other places of interest with Veracruz state are the town of Papantla, known for its vanilla production and the amazing Voladores de Panpantla (Papantla flyers), who perform an amazing ritual from atop and descending tall poles in a most unusual fashion, the important archaeological sites of El Tajin and Cempoala, and the natural beauty of Lake Catemaco and the nearby waterfalls in the tobacco-growing region of the coastal plain.

In the port of Veracruz itself, be sure to take in a walk along the oceanside boulevard or Malecon; the fort of San Juan de Ulua, an old, Spanish stronghold, later was converted into a prison and now a museum, and the festive atmosphere and music under the arches of the town plaza.