Veracruz, Mexico: the best tourist destinations in the state
Discover the best things to do in the state of Veracruz, Mexico: magical towns, beaches, archaeological sites and much more.
10min
Veracruz is the Mexican state with the most kilometers of coastline, so we might think that all its attractions revolve around its beaches. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Veracruz is full of history, both pre-Hispanic and colonial, since it was in these lands where the Spanish landed for the first time in continental America.
In this article about Veracruz, Mexico, we’ll cover its history, its beaches, and much more. Keep reading until the end, because I'll also share a special tip on how to find free accommodation there (and all over the world) while living a much deeper cultural immersion. Enjoy!
6 best places to visit in Veracruz, Mexico
1. Veracruz city
The City of Veracruz is the most populated city in the state of the same name, in addition to being of fundamental importance for Mexico as it is the main seaport in the country. The city developed around its port, so you might notice that the Jarochos (inhabitants of Veracruz) also refer to it simply as “Puerto” (port).
It was in Veracruz that the first European settlement on the American continent grew, after Hernán Cortés and his troops landed there in 1519. The four great invasions that followed gave it the title of “Four times heroic,” but also destroyed much of its architectural heritage.
Not everyone falls in love with Veracruz as soon as they arrive. The city is much more oriented to its port than to tourism, so you will probably prefer to dedicate just a couple of days to it and then continue to other parts of the state. However, while you’re there make sure to enjoy the excellent Veracruz food and the dances in the zócalo.
Let's talk about the main attractions of the city? Come with me!
Port and downtown
The port and downtown area is where the main tourist attractions of the city of Veracruz are located. Since it’s a compact area, you can explore it all on foot in a day's walk.
Walking along the boardwalk is a Jarochos' favorite, a journey along the sea with the Cancuncito, Sacrificios and Pájaros islands in sight.
You can start at the Fishermen's Wall (Muro de los Pescadores), passing through Regatas Beach (Playa Regatas) and the Navy Pier (Muelle de la Armada). A few blocks inward is the Baluarte de Santiago, the last remains of what was once the defensive wall that protected the city.
Returning along the coastal promenade you will come across several important buildings and monuments of the city, such as the Venustiano Carranza Lighthouse (Faro). Inaugurated in 1910 as the first in the city, it was only used as such for five years, then the President Carranza converted it into the seat of the executive power.
A few meters away is the Sentinels of the Homeland (Centinelas de la Patria) monument, which commemorates one of the city's defenses against the Americans. On its four sides are the dates of the four defenses that gave the city the honorary title of “Four times heroic.”
In front of the Customs (Aduana) is the Plaza de la República, a space full of life, very popular with skaters and for family walks at night, when the nearby buildings are colorfully illuminated.
And if we talk about places full of social activity, I cannot fail to mention the Zócalo (Plaza de Armas), where you’ll often find people dancing to live music. This square is surrounded by the portals, the Municipal Palace and the Cathedral.
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San Juan de Ulúa
Located on a small island next to the port, the San Juan de Ulúa fort was built by the Spanish under the command of Hernán Cortés upon his arrival, to protect the city from continuous pirate attacks.
By the mid-19th century, the fortress became one of the most feared prisons in Mexico, full of stories of its most famous prisoners and urban legends.
You can visit it by paying a low entrance fee. It is not necessary to hire a guide but of course by doing so you will learn much more about the fantastic history of the most emblematic place in the city of Veracruz.
Boca del Río
If you still have some time left after exploring the port area and downtown Veracruz, I recommend that you visit Boca del Río.
Located towards the south of Veracruz, it has an extensive area of mangroves that can be visited with a boat excursion that takes you inland from the mouth of the Jamapa River.
Just like in downtow Veracruz, the Zócalo is also the liveliest place in Boca del Río. I recommend walking along the entire beach to where the river begins, following its course along the coast and then turning onto the pedestrian Revolution Avenue (Avenida Revolución) until you reach the main square.
2. La Antigua
Other great attraction in Veracruz, Mexico, is the historic town of La Antigua, located less than 30 kilometers away from the port city.
Between 1519 and 1525, the first settlement of Spanish colonizers in continental America changed location several times and finally settled in the current La Antigua. That helped make the city a tourist attraction for housing some of the oldest colonial buildings in the country.
One example is the House of Hernán Cortés. Although it bears this name, it is believed that the Spanish conqueror never lived here but that the building functioned as a customs office. It’s also worth visiting the Ermita del Rosario, built in 1523, which is one of the oldest Christian temples on the continent still standing.
The most striking and photogenic feature of La Antigua are the ruins of centuries-old buildings taken over by the roots of enormous trees, covering them like octopuses. You won't have to walk far to find them, since they are right in the center of town.
3. Chachalacas Beach
As I’ve mentioned, Veracruz is the Mexican state with the most kilometers of coastline, but its beaches are much less popular for tourists than those of the famous Riviera Maya.
Less than 50 kilometers from the city of Veracruz is Chachalacas beach, which in contrast to those of the Riviera Maya, offers a much calmer environment.
The enormous sand dunes located steps away from the sea are the most notable feature of Chachalacas, where you can practice sandboarding.
Chachalacas may not be one of the “must see” places on a trip to Mexico, but if you are in the city of Veracruz, spending a day climbing the dunes and resting on the shore of the Gulf of Mexico is an excellent plan.
4. The magical town of Orizaba
Orizaba was designated as one of the “magical towns” (pueblos mágicos) of Mexico by the Mexican Ministry of Tourism, and I recommend that you visit it to understand why.
There are plenty of reasons to go there while you’re in Veracruz, Mexico. Just to name a few: its colorful historic center of colonial architecture, its great variety of museums and parks, the river that crosses the cobbled streets, the greenery that surrounds it, its temperate climate - unlike the heat of the coast and the cold of the highlands - and the presence of the snow-capped Pico de Orizaba (the highest in the country) always visible.
Orizaba was one of the places with the greatest economic development during the Viceroyalty of New Spain because it was a strategic point on the road between Mexico City and the Port of Veracruz. The impacts of that period can be seen in its many historical buildings.
Going up to Cerro del Borrego by cable car is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Orizaba. From its top you will have beautiful views of the city framed by hills, which will give you a better idea of its privileged location. There are also several trails in this ecopark, so I recommend you take the cable car up and walk down.
Another great attraction of Orizaba is the majestic Iron Palace (Palacio de Hierro), designed by the French architect Gustav Eiffel as a gift from France to Mexico. It currently functions as a cultural center with free admission. It houses several museums, such as the Beer Museum, a science museum, an archaeology museum, and one dedicated to football, as well as an emblematic coffee shop.
Located just 130 kilometers from the city of Veracruz, it can be a day visit if you are based there, but it is better to spend a few days to get to know it well. This is personal, of course, but I find Orizaba much more pleasant than Veracruz.
5. Coatepec
Coffee is the first thing that comes to mind when I think about Coatepec. The “brown gold” is the engine of its economy, the smell of its streets and the magnet for tourism. If you are a lover of good coffee, you already know which destination cannot be missed on your trip to Veracruz, Mexico.
Coffee production made Coatepec one of the most prosperous cities in Mexico by the end of the 19th century, which explains its great architectural heritage. Although currently the main national producer is the state of Chiapas, the quality of its product gives it a special status among connoisseurs.
The colonial buildings and the relaxed atmosphere in a wonderful natural environment gave both Coatepec and the neighboring town of Xico the title of “magical towns”.
Together with Xalapa (capital of the state of Veracruz) they form a trident at the foot of the Sierra Madre. Coatepec is the halfway point, making it an excellent base to explore these three places that are less than 15 kilometers away.
6. El Tajín archaeological zone and Tecolutla Beach
El Tajín and Papantla
At first glance the El Tajín archaeological zone may not be as impressive as Chichén-Itzá, Teotihuacán, Uxmal, Tulum or Palenque, but not having the huge international fame of these pre-Hispanic cities means that you can appreciate it without the crowds.
What you will find in abundance in the former capital of the Totonaca Empire are the ball playing fields; this is the city with the largest number of these in the country. But what will surely catch your attention the most are the stepped temples, especially the Pyramid of the Niches (Pirámide de los Nichos), with its 365 holes that represent the days of the year.
If we add to it the wonderful natural environment in which it is located, the result is one of the best places to visit in Veracruz, Mexico.
Very close to El Tajín is Papantla, one of the six “magical towns” of the State of Veracruz. Nicknamed “the city that perfumes the world” for its vanilla plantations, it is a place to immerse yourself in the Totonac culture, from its gastronomy and typical clothing to the language, since there are communities that keep ancestral traditions alive.
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Tecolutla
An excellent option to visit Papantla and the El Tajín archaeological zone is to do so from Tecolutla. This town is famous for its excellent beaches, mangroves and estuaries and it is located less than 50 kilometers away.
On weekends it can get a little bustling because it is also the closest beach to Mexico City, but the rest of the time it is usually a very quiet town. The perfect place to spend a few days relaxing and visiting the surroundings.
Something important for you to keep in mind is that between December and February Tecolutla is usually the setting of storms known as “nortes”. These cold winds that come down the Atlantic coast cause its warm waters and soft waves to change completely.
Other places to visit in Veracruz, Mexico
So far, I’ve taken you on a tour of the main tourist destinations in Veracruz, but there are many more places to discover in this extensive state.
If you are looking for more beaches, I also recommend Tuxpan, north of Veracruz. If you fell in love with the magical towns and want to visit a few others, there are two more in the state: Coscomatepec, in the High Mountains region of central Veracruz; and Zozocolco, that also has strong Totonac roots.
Tlacotalpan is another destination worth visiting if you have time, just 90 kilometers away from the City of Veracruz. It is a small, picturesque city on the banks of the river with a marked Caribbean influence. Its historic center of pastel-colored houses was declared a World Heritage Site.
Volunteering in Veracruz
There is no shortage of options for places to see in Veracruz, Mexico. If you want to explore the state in a slower, more immersive way, while also saving money on accommodation, consider volunteering through Worldpackers. This collaborative platform allows you to exchange your time and skills for free stay, besides extra benefits like meals and tours.
In Veracruz, Mexico, there are many opportunities to volunteer with different types of hosts. Being part of a Worldpackers program is a great opportunity to develop new skills, learn more about local culture and meet other travelers while making your trip super cheap.
Check out some of the positions available for volunteering in Veracruz and start planning your trip:
- Help with maintenance of the edible forest, natural construction and painting in Xalapa
- Volunteer with social media management for a permaculture project in Coatepec
- Collaborate with farming, gardening, building and repairing at a retreat in Tecolutla
I hope this article about what to do in Veracruz, Mexico, was useful to you!
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