VERACRUZ
Veracruz is located 390 km (242 mi) from Mexico City, with a warm tropical climate, averaging 25º C (77º F) year round. Situated on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, Veracruz is one of the nation’s most important ports.
Most famous for its Carnival, which lasts 9 days, and celebrates the regions love of music with lively entertainment, dancing and a festive atmosphere, it is the state’s most important event of the year. Veracruz has some wonderful beaches set in the beautiful calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, making it ideal for all kinds of water sports, particularly scuba diving along the coral reefs at the Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano.
Within the city centre are some interesting historic buildings, including el Edificio de Correo (The Post Office), el Baluarte de Santiago (The Santiago Bastion), el Faro (The Lighthouse), and the San Juan de Ulua Fort, which is now a history museum. The Acaurio, Latin America’s largest saltwater aquarium, makes for an interesting visit. The boardwalk along the beach at Veracruz offers a wide range of shops selling all kinds of souvenirs, and you will find no shortage of cafes, bars and restaurants serving delicious food and a great atmosphere. For lively nightlife, head for the Plaza Lerdo, in the heart of the city.
In Veracruz’s surrounding areas you can visit the Cempoala archaeological site, which was once the largest city on the Gulf of Mexico, the town of La Antigua, where you can see the oldest church in Latin America and also visit the home of the famous conquistador Hernan Cortes. Pico de Orizaba National Park is where you can view the highest volcano in Mexico, and the picturesque town of Tlacotalpan, which was declared a World Heritage Site for its impressive urban layout that beautifully blends Spanish and Caribbean architecture and flavours.
XALAPA
Xalapa, meaning ‘spring in the sand’, is the state capital of Veracruz, and is located 104 km (64 mi) west of the port of Veracruz, in a mountain zone with a temperate and humid climate. The average year-round temperature is 18º C (64º F).
The city of Xalapa is also known as the ‘Athens of the North’ because of the strong cultural influences of its three major universities. The city of Xalapa has eclectic architecture, with buildings that are a blend of neoclassic, Moorish and neogothic styles, all of which show hints to the regions rich history. The Palacio de Gobierno, the Palacio Municipal and the Cathedral are excellent architectural examples. Along the quaint cobblestone streets are interesting attractions like the Xalapa Anthropology Museum, one of the nation’s most important museums, where displayed is ann important collection of archaeological pieces from the Olmec, Totonac and Huastec cultures.
The International Jazz Festival and the June Music Festival are two popular cultural events hosted by the city of Xalapa, along with numerous food and craft festivals where you can experience the vibrant culture and flavours of the regions people.
The Cofre de Perote National Park has the second highest mountain in the state of Veracruz and the eighth largest in Mexico, with an altitude of 4,282 meters (14,130 feet) above sea level. El Tajin archaeological site, was an ancient capital of the Totonacs, here you can see the Pyramid of the Niches. Each year, the site hosts a summit that draws scientists, intellectuals and artists from all over the world who attend the event to discuss cultural and ecological issues.
