Veracruz Travelers Recommend

The port city of Veracruz makes a strategic base for discovering the Gulf of Mexico’s ruins, beaches, and towns. Three days give you ample time to go city sightseeing, experience Veracruz’s nightlife, and take one or two day trips. Here’s how. 

Day 1: Sightseeing in the City

It’s possible to tick off Veracruz’s central sights in just one day; start with a visit to the island fortress of San Juan de Ulúa, which affords panoramic harbor views from its ramparts. Afterward, stroll around the historic center and stop to admire the white-fronted Veracruz Cathedral and the craft markets along the seafront boardwalk. 

In the afternoon, visit Veracruz Aquarium to see giant manta rays, sea turtles, and nurse sharks. Latin America’s largest aquarium does get busy, so book admission tickets in advance to save time. A sunset boat cruise or kayaking tour through the mangroves of the nearby Manginga Lagoon is the perfect way to end the day. If you’ve still got energy to spare, the Zocalo—Veracruz’ central square—is the place to be after dark. Grab a seat at one of the terrace cafés as musicians, dancers, and street entertainers take to the streets to perform.

Day 2: UNESCO Sites and Beaches

Less than a 2-hour drive from Veracruz, you’ll find the city of Tlacotalpan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colonial-era architecture and plazas. Day trips from Veracruz typically include a walking tour of the historic center—with plenty of stops to photograph the brightly painted buildings—and give you time to glimpse local life in Zaragoza Square. Many Tlacotalpan tours also include a visit to the historic town of Alvarado. 

Alternatively, spend the afternoon exploring Veracruz’s beaches. Just north of Veracruz, Chachalacas Beach is fringed with towering sand dunes; adventurous travelers can go sandboarding and quad biking, while the coast is lined with coral reefs that prove ideal for swimming and snorkelling. 

Day 3: Mexico’s Magic Towns

There are numerous other options for day trips from Veracruz. If you’re a naturist, visit the lakeside city of Catemaco and explore the Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve; to get your history fix, take a day trip the ancient Mesoamerican ruins of Cempoala or the pre-Columbian archeological site of Tajin; or for a relaxed wander, head to the Spanish colonial town of La Antigua. 

If you have to pick one, opt to immerse yourself in Mexican culture in the Magic Towns (Pueblos Magicos) of Xalapa, Xico, and Coatepec. Tours typically stop in the Veracruz capital of Xalapa, where you can visit the excellent Museum of Anthropology and admire views of the Macuiltepetl volcano, and include a coffee tasting session Coatepec, renowned for its coffee production. Finally, Xico is a vibrant cultural hub, where highlights include its cathedral and numerous handicrafts markets.

Veracruz hosts Mexico’s largest Carnival celebrations with nine days of special events, parades, and parties taking over the city in the run up to Mardi Gras and Ash Wednesday. Here are a few ways to join the festivities.

• Admire the colorful floats, intricate costumes, and comparsa dancing groups at the spectacular Carnival parades.

• Enjoy the nightly live music, dancing troupes, and jarocho shows at the Zócalo in Veracruz city center.

• Experience ancient Carnival traditions such as the Quema del Mal Humor (Burning of Bad Mood), the burning of the Juan Carnaval effigy, and the coronation of the Carnival queen.

• If you can’t celebrate Carnival in Veracruz, head to Mazatlán on the Pacific Coast, where Carnival festivities include elaborate parades, street parties, and live entertainment 

Two days in Veracruz means you have time to take in the city highlights, including the aquarium and San Juan fort. You can also relax on the beach and enjoy a day trip to Tlacotalpan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here’s how to spend two days in Veracruz.  

Day 1: Highlights of Veracruz

**Morning:**Explore the historic port, starting with a visit to the 16th-century fortress of San Juan de Ulúa. Book your tickets in advance to save time and climb up to the ramparts for a view across the harbor. Afterwards, stroll along the seafront malecon, or promenade, browse the crafts market for souvenirs, and admire central landmarks such as Veracruz Cathedral.

**Afternoon:**Visit Veracruz Aquarium—the largest of its kind in Latin America—to spot giant manta rays, sea turtles, and nurse sharks. Afterwards, stroll down to Villa del Mar beach, the city’s main beach, and spend the rest of the afternoon swimming, sunbathing, or sipping mojitos at one of the beach bars. 

**Night:**The Zocalo or Plaza de Armas—the main Veracruz square—is the place to be at night. Grab a seat at one of the terrace cafes and make the most of the happy hour drink deals as you watch the free entertainment. Street performers and dancers fill up the square around sunset, dancing to traditional marimba and danzón music.

Day 2: Explore UNESCO-listed Tlacotalpan

**Morning:**One of the most popular day trips from Veracruz is to the colonial city of Tlacotalpan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located along the Papaloapan River. Explore the city on a walking tour, stopping to admire architectural landmarks such as Candelaria Temple and House Rafael Murillo; pose for photographs in front of brightly painted buildings; and stroll around lively Zaragoza Square.

**Afternoon:**Many tours of Tlacotalpan include a stop in the historic town of Alvarado. Alternatively, return to the city and head north to Chachalacas beach. One of the more beautiful beaches in the region, it’s fringed with dramatic dunes. Adventurous travelers can try activities such as sandboarding and quad biking, or dive in to swim and snorkel along the colorful coral reefs.

**Night:**The modern neighborhood of Boca del Rio, just south of the historic center, is a popular spot to spend the evening. Watch the sunset along the beachfront, be entertained by street performers along the main street, and then tuck into regional cuisine at one of the neighborhood restaurants.Caldo de mariscos (seafood stew) is a menu staple. 

One day in Veracruz gives you enough time to visit popular attractions including the aquarium and San Juan fort, as well as to relax on the beach and experience the city’s vibrant nightlife. Here’s how to spend one day in Veracruz.

Morning: Historic Veracruz

The highlights of the historic center of Veracruz—Mexico’s oldest port—are best seen on a walking tour. Stop to admire Veracruz Cathedral, with its white Neoclassical facade; stroll along the seafront malecon, or boardwalk, and browse the daily crafts market; and visit the City Museum. Don’t miss a visit to the San Juan de Ulúa fortress, which stands on a small island guarding the northern end of the harbor. Dating back to the 16th century, it was built to protect the city from pirates. You can explore the dungeon and barracks, and take in views from the ramparts.

Afternoon: Marine Life and Mojitos

Veracruz Aquarium is the largest in Latin America, and it’s a popular destination for families, as well as animal lovers of all ages. Book your tickets in advance to avoid the queues and spot marine life including giant manta rays, sea turtles, nurse sharks, and barracudas. Next, walk to the Villa del Mar beach and order a mojito from one of the beach bars and cool off with a swim in the Gulf of Mexico. A tranquil alternative is the Manginga Lagoon, where you can enjoy boat cruises, kayaking, and bird watching in the mangrove forests.

Night: Drinking, Dancing, and Dining

The Zocalo or Plaza de Armas is the main square in Veracruz, and it comes alive at night. Traditional marimba and danzón music fills the square, and local dancers take to the streets to show off their moves. Grab a seat at a terrace cafe for the best views. The modern neighborhood of Boca del Rio is another great spot to while away the evening. Watch the sunset from the beach, and then head to one of the many restaurants to sample local specialties such as caldo de mariscos (seafood stew) or huachinango a la veracruzana (red snapper in a spicy tomato sauce).