The Tropical Charm of Veracruz !

On the Gulf of Mexico
Veracruz is on the Gulf of Mexico and has a special charm that is unique in the world. It is like the French Quarter in Old Downtown New Orleans. There´s also beaches, ancient precolombian pyramids, and a lot of unexplored historical places to left to discover.

If you come here for pleasure, you will want to see everything, and it's a good idea to let one of our experienced guides show you the best of this tropical Old World city where the first Europeans set foot in America in 1519. Spend your days on the streets and in the markets getting to know the friendly people of Veracruz. Explore the sights and sounds, and the delicious smells of delicious shrimp frying in butter and garlic sauce. In Veracruz, you can always hear music in the streets. Veracruz is to be explored and enjoyed.

Shopping, Seafood, and Beaches
In Veracruz there are many opportunities to shop along the Malecón, or visit the fish market where you can get one of the best shrimp cocktails in Mexico. There are also many museums to browse, such as the Naval Museum, the City Museum, the former Bethlemite Convent, and Old Fort Santiago, where you see old sailing ships, and some of the recovered gold treasures, along with the colorful history of pirates on display in old photographs. Most of all, you can walk and admire the architecture of many of the old tropical homes in the old downtown area of Veracruz. Or, when you have time, you can go swimming at the beach, go snorkeling or diving, or simply do some beachcombing. You never know what the tide brings in and maybe you´ll find an old Spanish doubloon from the many old sunken ships in the area.

Music, Dancing, and Tropical Evenings
Enjoy your evenings at one of the outdoor cafes on the Zócalo listening to the live music and watching the traditional folk dances of Veracruz, or even let the people teach you a step or two of the typical "danzón", a slow tropical dance preserved and cherished by the people of Veracruz since the 19th Century when it was brought over from Cuba. Enjoy a rich "café con leche" along with the local people in town at the Café del Portal across the street from the Cathedral.

The Port of Veracruz

The Harbor in Veracruz	The Fort of San Juan de Ulua	Delicious Seafood Everywhere

Seeing the Best of Veracruz with Our Experienced Guides
With one of our experienced guides, you can spend the morning at the fort of San Juan de Ulua and listen to the many legends of old Veracruz. For over 400 years, this fort was the target of attacks by pirates and foreign countries looking for the treasure which became part of one of the largest transfers of wealth in the history of mankind. Later see the animal life from the area in the waters around Veracruz at the modern Aquarium of Veracruz with live sharks and manatees. The Veracruz Aquarium receives 1,000,000 visitors each year, and is one of the finest in Latin America. It's a Must-See on everybody's list.

The Port of Veracruz

La Bamba: The Dance of Veracruz	El Malecon in Veracruz	The Veracruz Aquarium

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North of Veracruz

North of Veracruz: A Breathtaking View, Ancient Pyramids and the First Europeans in America
An hours drive north of Veracruz through miles of sugar cane fields, is the breath taking view of the Gulf of Mexico from Quiahuiztlán and the Villa Rica peninsula which was also the site of the first Veracruz established in the year 1519. Close by are the ceremonial pyramids of Cempoala where you may catch an age old performance of the Voladores de Papantla. Returning to Veracruz, you can stop at peaceful Antigua, Veracruz which until the year 1600 was the second Veracruz.

Quiahuiztlán and Villa Rica The First Veracruz	The Ceremonial Pyramids Cempoala, Veracruz	The Ancient Walls Antigua, Veracruz

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South of Veracruz

South of Veracruz
An hour south of Veracruz you can walk among the shrimp boats in colonial Alvarado, then explore the quiet colorful streets of the peaceful river town of Tlacotalpan which is a paradise for the photographer. The restored 19th century opera house is a marvel in itself.

Shrimp Boats Alvarado, Veracruz	A Peaceful River Village Tlacotalpan, Veracruz	A Fun Boat Ride Lake Catemaco

Catemaco
About two hours south of Veracruz are the Tuxtlas, and Lake Catemaco known by the local people as the headquarters for the "brujos" or shamans. Many people come to Catemaco to take the boat trip the nature preserve at Nanciyaga and see where the movies "Medicine Man" with Sean Connery, and Mel Gibson´s latest movie "Apokalypto" were filmed. On the way back you can stop to feed the monkeys who live on Monkey Island. To enjoy Catemaco to the fullest, it´s best to plan on spending the night and experience the "temascal" or Indian sweat bath cleansing ceremony. In the early morning take a stroll along the lake front of Lake Catemaco among the many boats in the area.

Our Organized Tours for Special Groups
Each of our tours is unique and designed around the special requirements of our customers. For your next trip contact us for more information about our specialized tours, and let us know what you would like to see and do in Veracruz.