Veracruz is a state with a wide range of attractions in its colorful,
colonial and historical cities.
Actopan
The name of this beautiful town means “firm ground” in Nahuatl.
It is the headquarters for the Mango Festival, a fun event that includes
electing a queen of the festival, a rodeo, horse racing, dances and several
other activities. It takes place at the end of May and runs through the
beginning of June every year.
Actopan is known for its festivals and parties making it a great spot
for those who love to have fun at all hours. Another great aspect of this
place is the Actopan River or “the descabezadero”. The Actopan
River is ideal for a fun river rafting trip.
Alvarado Veracruz
This picturesque city is surrounded by tall dunes like the Duna del Rosario
a little over forty meters high and the Duna de Verdún more than
50 meters high.
Alvarado enjoys a warm climate (rainy and tropical) and is characterized
by its history and the important events that have taken place there. During
the 17th century, the small town of San Cristóbal de Alvarado was
attacked frequently by pirates and was also the main entry point for those
in the slave trade.
Sport fishing is one of the main activities in this port. The Laguna de
Alvarado, measuring more than 60 square kilometers, can be found at the
southern part of the state where the Papaloapan, Blanco and Acula Rivers
end. Take a walk on the malecón and take some pictures of the boats
The quality of coffee in Veracruz makes it a popular attraction for the
palate. Coconut and almond bocadillos and guava empanadas are the perfect
accompaniment to the coffee.
Alvarado has diverse celebrations throughout the year like the Cruces
de Mayo and the Sábado de Mojigangas with its somber celebration
of the Virgin of the Rosary. This event was started by the founders of
Alvarado to celebrate the anniversary of the triumph of the Christian fleet,
led by Don Juan of Austria, over the Moors. The battle is re-enacted with
model boats. It takes place on the first Sunday in October with live music,
fireworks, and horse races.
Coatzacoalcos
Coatzacoalcos is a tranquil place with beautiful beaches, warm water and
magnificent sunsets. It also has exquisite regional and international food
at some of the best restaurants in the region, hotels and nightclubs.
The beautiful coast and spectacular Coatzacoalcos I and Coatzacoalcos
II bridges make for an unequaled boat tour on the Coatzacoalcos River.
Here you’ll find the perfect combination of sun, sand and fun activities.
Swim, get a tan, take a boat tour, or visit “the Barillas” where
the sea and river meet. If you like to walk, take a stroll on the malecon.
The malecon is also an ideal place to watch the sunset or read a great
book.
During Easter the port is host to the Expofera. This excellent local festival
has arts and crafts, industrial, commercial and cultural exhibits.
Some of places of interest in Coatzacoalcos are: the Convention
Center and the City Theater, the Jetty Walk, Coatza I Bridge, Coatza II
Bridge, the Barillas, the Coastal Malecon, the Rafael Hernandez Ochoa Stadium,
the Bandera Plaza, the Olmeca Plaza, Sol Beach Park, Navy Plaza, the Lighthouse
Museum, Ribereño Walk, Chamber of the Young Heroes, Independence
Park, Olmeca Archaeology Museum and the Olmeca Mural.
Coatepec
Coatepec is a typical city with an air of history. To really get a feel
for the history of Coatepec, one must tour downtown, around the municipal
palace, the market, the main parish, the Orduña Hacienda, the San
Juan Bautista de Tuzamapan Hacienda and the Guadalupe Church.
Coatepec is also internationally known as the “coffee city” due
to its magnificent coffee production. So, you can’t leave Coatepec
without a good supply of coffee and unique arts and crafts made from the
seeds and branches of the coffee plant.
Carrizal
Carrizal is located only 45 km from Xalapa. This calm city has marvelous
hot springs and is the ideal place for rest and relaxation. Enjoy this
natural spa which is fully equipped with its own naturally occurring hydrotherapy
massage.
Carrizal also has a farm-hotel, magnificent camping spots, games for the
kids, reservoirs and last but not least, the Apazapan River which is ideal
for river rafting.
Jalcomulco
To the left of the Rio de Los Pescados (Fish River), 39 km from Jalapa,
you will find Jalcomulco or “sand corner” in Nahuatl. If you
thirst for adventure, this is the place for you. You can your raft, rapel,
horseback ride, hike and bird watch.
If you have an appetite for fandangos, visit from May 11-13, during the
celebration of the patron saint, San Juan Bautista. This classic festival
features cultural and popular events, folkloric dancing and bands.
Perote
You will be hard pressed to find a better place than Perote to practice
your mountain climbing. It has a marvelous forest surrounded by conifers
that are covered with snow during winter time.
Full-service cabins can be rented at the top of the mountain. It’s
far enough away from the city to enjoy the peace and quiet and has an amazing
vista of Xalapa and the Citlaltépetl, Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl
summits. The festivals celebrated here in September fill the town with
life.
Xico
Xicochimalco is known for its predominantly simple baroque architecture,
with flat walls and tiled roofs. It creates an enchanting and picturesque
view.
The most popular festival in this area is held July 18-23 in honor of
Santa Maria Magdalena. The celebration includes parades, fireworks, horseback
riding, bullfights, running of the bulls and rooster fights. The whole
main street, leading up to the church is covered in a carpet of sawdust
and flowers.
It is important to visit the museum and appreciate, among other things,
the collection of more than 300 dresses the community has given to Santa
Maria Magdalena over the years.
