Location, location, location. In real estate and tourism, that factor alone is more often than not, the key. Mexico as a whole is lucky in this regard. The country is the most popular destination in Latin America and in global terms, ranks in the top ten with well over 20 million visitors per year on average.
With coastlines on the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean and Pacific Ocean and of course, a location on the border of the United States of America, Mexico is hard to resist. Throw in colonial architecture, cosmopolitan urban life, a rich cultural landscape and some of the best beach resorts in the world and there you have it: pure excellence.
All of the above sums up the superlative state of Veracruz. Eleventh in size and third in population in the country, Veracruz snakes down the Gulf of Mexico and borders seven other states, from Oaxaca and Chiapas, to Tabasco and Puebla. As such, again, location plays a major factor in the overall appeal of this phenomenal area of Mexico.
Here are some points of interest to look out for in Veracruz.
Volcano lovers be on alert. The stratovolcano known as Citlaltepetl or Pico de Orizaba, is a behemoth. Only two mountain summits in North America reach higher than the notable Veracruz landmark, which overlooks a beautiful valley and city of 117,000 people.
The city, Orizaba, is worth a visit, not only to explore the Pico but also for colonial monuments and wonderful local hospitality.
The small city of Perote, on the border of Puebla, is home to a terrific example of colonial fortress architecture. Fortaleza de San Carlos is known by many names – Perote Castle, San Carlos de Perote Fortress and Perote Prison to name a few – but whatever you call it, the former prison and treasure depot is a notable 18th century-era landmark.
UNESCO has been very kind to Mexico. The international body that awards recognition to peerless cultural and natural landmarks has been a friend to the country, with no less than twenty-nine inscriptions and dozens more on the tentative list.
One of the most significant sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list is El Tajin in Veracruz. The pre-Hispanic city was vibrant between the 9th and 13th century and was a vital hub in Mesoamerica. With extensive cultural tentacles felt across the Gulf of Mexico and Maya region, the complex of El Tajin is a veritable masterpiece.
A mere 3 km from the small city of Xico and less than 20 km from Xalapa, the Cascada de Texolo is a prime example of the inherent natural beauty in the state of Veracruz. At close to 80 feet, the drop is dramatic and romantic at the same time, made even more so with a thick woodland foliage backdrop. Fortunately for visitors, footpaths abound over the gorge that contains the waterfall.
Xalapa may not get a lot of press outside of Mexico but the big city of over 400,000 people is a great destination, with colorful pastel architecture, a notable culinary and musical legacy and many wonderful landmarks.
Prime attractions in Xalapa include the Neo-Gothic Baroque cathedral, Patio Munoz barrio, Parque Juarez and anthropology museum. This “City of Flowers” is first and foremost, a pedestrian city, with many, many fine parks and gardens to explore. The historic home of the venerable jalapeno pepper has superb, honest-to-goodness cuisine on tap as well, especially in the bohemian Diamond Alley district.
The beach. Can one visit Mexico and not hit the coast, at least once? Veracruz, on the Gulf of Mexico, offers a slew of resorts, from the big, all-inclusive variety, to the hidden gem, diminutive, no-frills type of beach experience.
Take your pick. No matter where you choose to sun and surf in Veracruz, fine choices abound, from the 50 km Costa Esmeralda, to Boca del Rio and small village escapes up and down the coast.
Discover some of the best hotel deals in Veracruz.
Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Veracruz – geographically-speaking has … in one word – DIVERSITY!
From the high altitude alpine region to the steamy tropics to the vast Gulf of Mexico coastline, travelers can experience all this within this one Mexican state. The even better news is,not many foreign travelers has discovered it – at least, not yet.
Great info and photos Ian!