Veracruz
Veracruz is a coastal state in Central Mexico. Veracruz has replaced Chiapas as the poorest state in Mexico, so expect lots of young European backpackers to soon "discover" it as Mexico's next hip destination.
Regions
Veracruz has traditionally been less of a tourist destination than Pacific parts of Mexico due to its hot, humid weather. Yet the area incorporates a range of climates, from the damp jungle areas in the northwest to the cooler, mountainous heights of Xalapa.
Cities
- 1 Xalapa (or Jalapa) — state capital and a beautiful college town with its colonial architecture
- 2 Catemaco — famous as the witchcraft center of Mexico.
- 3 Coatepec
- 4 Coatzacoalcos
- 5 Córdoba
- 6 La Gloria
- 7 Orizaba
- 8 Papantla
- 9 Poza Rica
- 10 Tlacotalpan — a 17th century colonial settlement inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List
- 11 Tecolutla — beach town
- 12 Tuxpan — laid-back beach town
- 13 Úrsulo Galván
- 14 Veracruz — partying and rowdy city in the south
Other destinations
Understand
Although the hot, humid summer weather can be unpleasant for many visitors, it creates a very lush, green landscape that can be beautiful along the southern half of the state.
Talk
Spanish and some English.
Get in
Xalapa is about a five-hour trip from Mexico City.
Get around
By Bus, motorcycle, bike, horseback, or on foot
See
Ruins, old colonial cities, and lush green mountains reminiscent of Costa Rica
Do
The whitewater rafting around Xalapa is some of the best in north america.
Eat
Veracruz city is famous throughout Mexico for its seafood feasts. The Cuban/African influence is stronger here than on the Pacific coast and the plates bear some resemblance to Cuban dishes. Though not cheap, the seafood restaurants will likely be a highlight to any trip to Veracruz.
Drink
Good fresh fruit drinks are widely available.
Stay safe
The City of Veracruz has a bit of violent crime, elsewhere its mostly just petty theft.
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