The climate throughout the state of Veracruz is very hot and humid, which makes for a beautiful lush, green landscape, especially in the southern part of the state. The northern stretch of coast, above Veracruz the city, is known as the Emerald Coast and is spotted with fine beaches and opportunities for beach camping. The most popular beach town is Tecolutla, featuring a number of beach resorts and access to fine-sand beaches with gentle surf, like Playa Oriente. There is also a Marine Museum, Aquarium, and a conservation group that hatches and releases sea turtles.
Additional locations throughout the state are known for their history and architecture. Tlacotalpan, for example, was declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architecture and colonial-era layout. Another well-known UNESCO World Heritage Site is El Tajin, which encompass ruins of sacred buildings where ceremonies and religious sporting events were once held. The architecture features Maya and Oaxacan influences, boasting several important pyramids, monumental platforms, and ball courts.
A few other popular locations include the cities of Veracruz, Xalapa, and Catemaco. Veracruz is best known for its culture, which is at its peak during the nightlife scene with plenty of music, food, and dancing. Xalapa is a college town with beautiful colonial architecture, and is home to an Archaeological Museum that showcases the cultures of Veracruz. Catemaco is a hub for ecotourism with access to lakes, rivers, waterfalls, the Gulf Coast, mangroves, and opportunities for bird watching. However, it is also famous for being Mexico's capital of witchcraft and sorcery, host to the annual National Congress of Sorcerers each March, and inhabited by people who largely put their faith in ancient rituals and magic. Visitors are likely to find markets here that specialize in the esoteric and occult.
Veracruz features a climate that make visitors flock to beaches and hope for the relief of a coastal breeze, but that climate also makes for stunning green landscapes and scenery. There are plenty of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and swimming that can be done all along the Veracruz coast, as well as opportunities for seeing wildlife.
Additionally, Veracruz is a great place to experience a unique blend of cultures-Cuban, Spanish, Afro-Carribbean-prevalent in the region's food, music, architecture, and history. Take advantage of Veracruz's authentic cuisine, enjoy the ethnic music, and spend time exploring each town and city. There are plenty of attractions, from colonial architecture to ancient ruins, worth sight-seeing.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Veracruz. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Tajin And Papantla Tour From Veracruz Or Boca Del Rio. Fast way for $124 details
- Tour to Orizaba and Cordoba from Veracruz or Boca del Río for $94 details
- 3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress for $21 details