Veracruz (state)

Veracruz is a coastal state in Central Mexico. Veracruz has replaced Chiapas as the poorest state in Mexico, so expect lots of young European backpackers to soon "discover" it as Mexico's next hip destination.

Colorful houses in Tlacotalpan

Regions

Veracruz has traditionally been less of a tourist destination than Pacific parts of Mexico due to its hot, humid weather. Yet the area incorporates a range of climates, from the damp jungle areas in the northwest to the cooler, mountainous heights of Xalapa.

Cities

🌍 Xalapa (or Jalapa) — state capital and a beautiful college town with its colonial architecture
🌍 Catemaco — famous as the witchcraft center of Mexico.
🌍 Coatepec
🌍 Coatzacoalcos
🌍 Córdoba
🌍 Orizaba
🌍 Papantla
🌍 Poza Rica
🌍 Tlacotalpan — a 17th century colonial settlement inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List
🌍 Tecolutla — beach town
🌍 Tuxpan — laid-back beach town
🌍 Úrsulo Galván
🌍 Veracruz — partying and rowdy city in the south

Other destinations

🌍 El Tajín – historical UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Emerald Coast (la costa esmeralda) – a long stretch of coast north of the city of Veracruz (puerto) that is well known for its fine beaches and beach camping. Offers something of a Baja experience on the Gulf coast of the country.

Understand

Although the hot, humid summer weather can be unpleasant for many visitors, it creates a very lush, green landscape that can be beautiful along the southern half of the state.

Talk

Spanish and some English.

Get in

Xalapa is about a five-hour trip from Mexico City.

Get around

By Bus, motorcycle, bike, horseback, or on foot

See

Ruins, old colonial cities, and lush green mountains reminiscent of Costa Rica

Do

The whitewater rafting around Xalapa is some of the best in north america.

Eat

Veracruz city is famous throughout Mexico for its seafood feasts. The Cuban/African influence is stronger here than on the Pacific coast and the plates bear some resemblance to Cuban dishes. Though not cheap, the seafood restaurants will likely be a highlight to any trip to Veracruz.

Drink

Good fresh fruit drinks are widely available.

Stay safe

The City of Veracruz has a bit of violent crime, elsewhere its mostly just petty theft.

Go next

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