Veracruz, founded in the 16th century by the Spanish, is one of Mexico’s oldest and largest ports. For visitors to this beautiful city located on the Gulf of Mexico, there is so much to explore including the ruins of generations past at Cempoala Plaza with its Great Pyramid painted with vibrant coloured murals, Veracruz Aquarium with its vast array of sea life, and snorkeling the Cancuncito Reserva Reef beholding the stunning array of sea creatures in crystal clear waters. Besides enjoying Veracruz’s culturally rich locations, Jacomulco is an adventure seeker’s dream in that it offers heart-pounding activities such as white water rafting, rappelling river canyon walls, and hiking through the dense jungle. For those seeking adventure, culture, sunbathing, and a plethora of culinary experiences during their visit to Veracruz, please check out the following list of things to do in Heroica Veracruz, Mexico, before deplaning at its international airport.
1. Catch the jellies at Veracruz Aquarium
The Veracruz Aquarium, the largest and most important in Mexico and Latin America, houses 250 varieties of species and more than 3,500 specimens. Visitors can interact with fin sharks thanks to an acrylic box immersed in the tank or stroll through a long tunnel observing tiger sharks. The jellyfish exhibit aids in the distribution of the species to other aquariums throughout Mexico. There is an exhibit featuring species from the Tuxtlas jungle where you can discover lizards, vibrant feathered macaws, toucans, and a boa constrictor strangling its prey during feeding time while experiencing the enchanting sound of a waterfall in the background.
Veracruz Aquarium
Address: Blvd. Manuel Ávila Camacho S/n, Ricardo Flores Magón, 91900 Veracruz
Website: Veracruz Aquarium
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 7pm; Fri - Sun: 10am - 7:30pm
Price: 5 USD
2. Explore the historic San Juan de Ulúa
San Juan de Ulúa is a large complex consisting of fortresses, prisons, and a former palace on an island in the Gulf of Mexico overlooking Veracruz’s seaport. This fort stands tall after experiencing attacks by pirates, the English, French, Mexican, and American natives. More silver and gold have been collected, stored, and shipped from this fortress than any other location on earth. The fort played a pivotal role in the inception and closing stages of the Spanish rule in Mexico.
San Juan de Ulúa
Address: Camino Escénico a San Juan de Ulúa S/N, Manuel Contreras
Website: San Juan de Ulúa
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 4:30pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 3 USD
3. Emulate your heroes at Wax Museum of Veracruz
The museum is an ideal attraction for family fun with its superhero section featuring Superman, Spiderman, and Batman. Mexican, American, and international figures are represented throughout the museum. Enjoy taking selfies beside celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Salma Hayek, and Nicole Kidman to musical figures including Elvis, Michael Jackson, and Justin Bieber. Politicians including Barrack Obama and Prince William and Princess Kate are available to include in family photos. The high-quality workmanship of the figures makes for a fun-filled day for those visiting the museum.
Wax Museum of Veracruz
Address: Blvd. Manuel Ávila Camacho 1, Ricardo Flores Magón
Website: Wax Museum of Veracruz
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 7pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 7:30pm
Price: 3 - 5 USD
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4. Scour the ruins of Baluarte de Santiago
Completed in 1635, the fortress is made up of a huge exterior wall surrounding Veracruz which provided the city with protection from invasions from pirates and other countries. The museum inside this stone-walled fortress exhibits pre-Columbian jewellery. There is no admission to walk around the fort, however, there is an entrance fee to visit the museum.
Baluarte de Santiago
Address: n, Calle Francisco Canal S, Centro
Website: Baluarte de San Tiago
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 4pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 41 USD (free on Sun & public holidays)
5. Uncover hidden treasures at Cempoala Archaelogical Site (from USD 72.0)
After being pushed from their Sierra Madre settlements by the Toltecs, the Tototanacs moved to the coastal plain between 1000-1150 AD. In 1330 - 1500 AD, this large complex, with ceremonial buildings surrounded by aqueducts providing water to its ceremonial centre, residences, and to the farmlands for irrigation, was constructed. The Aztecs built the Great Pyramid on which they painted brilliantly coloured murals showcasing jaguar heads and paws, stars, and snake rattles. Emperor Montezuma’s palace along with various temples are scattered throughout the archaeological site. There are also three large rings which were used to calibrate time and the cycles of the sun and planets.
Antigua-Cempoala and Quiahuiztlan Archaeological Site Day Trip
Duration: 8 hours
6. Enjoy soaking up the sun at Villa del Mar beach
Enjoy soaking up the sun on a lounge chair along Villa del Mar beach during a relaxing visit to Veracruz. After spending a day of relaxation at the beach, delight in mouthwatering seafood at its oceanfront restaurant. Boat tours depart daily from Villa del Mar beach to the Isla de Los Sacrificios for snorkelling the shallow waters surrounding the island.
Villa del Mar beach
Address: Blvd. Manuel Ávila Camacho 2431, Ignacio Zaragoza, 91910 Veracruz
Website: Villa del Mar beach
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
7. Dive into history at Mexico Naval Museum
As you enter the courtyard with manicured hedges, you can see the foundations of the wall of the City of Veracruz from the eighteenth century. There is a 3D simulator allowing visitors to steer a ship and exhibits on American ships, the flag of the Battleship Anahuac, and the Chapultepec Frigate to take in during a museum visit. Consisting of 18 rooms, guests will find exhibits pertaining to pre-Hispanic navigation, a chemistry room, a mapping room, the conquest of Mexico, fortifications, and piracy.
Mexico Naval Museum
Address: Calle Mariano Arista 418, Centro
Website: Mexico Naval Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
8. Take a stroll through the vibrant district of Zócalo de Veracruz
Zócalo de Veracruz is also referred to as Plaza de Armas and Plaza Lerdo. Wander through the marble-floored arcades surrounding renowned sites as the Palacio Municipal and its cathedral or enjoy relaxing on a bench while enjoying the shade from numerous palm trees decorating the large courtyard. During the evening, admire local artisan’s easels with brightly coloured canvases, shopping, dining, and listening to music performed by local musicians in the courtyard.
Zócalo de Veracruz
Address: Centro, 91700 Heroica Veracruz
Website: Zócalo de Veracruz
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
9. Relive history at Casa de Hernan Cortes
The house served as an armament house and later as a refuge for black slaves. The property consists of two main rooms, a well, a wheel, a stable, a bread oven, and a fence that prevented the further deterioration of the house. The stone walls accented by coral remain intact and the trees in the earthen floored courtyard help keep the structure standing. It is best to hire a local guide to tour the property for information on its history.
Casa de Hernan Cortes
Address: Venustiano Carranza, Centro, 91687 La Antigua Veracruz
Website: Casa de Hernan Cortes
Opening hours: Mon & Tues: 24 hours; Wed - Sun: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Price: Free
10. Indulge in specialty coffee at La Parroquía
Enjoy indulging in delicious pastries while sipping a coffee with milk, cappuccino, or another coffee-infused speciality drink. The restaurant is a well-known meeting place for politicians, workers, fishermen, and merchants where they can enjoy a regional coffee accompanied by delicious food such as enchiladas and chilaquiles con huevos. Being extremely popular, expect that service will be on the slower side which will give you time to relax and enjoy your coffee alongside one of their delicacies.
La Parroquía
Address: Paseo Insurgentes Veracruzanos 340, Centro, 91700 Veracruz
Website: La Parroquia
Opening hours: 7am - 12am (daily)
11. Savour the seafood delicacies at Palapa Perea
Enjoy dining at this seafood restaurant decorated with an ocean-inspired wall mural of sea turtles, dolphins, and various other sea life along with a great white shark dangling from the ceiling. Savour succulent giant shrimp, crab claws, and octopus freshly caught from the waters off Vera Cruz. As this is a local favourite, visitors can enjoy friendly service and quality dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients while dining under a thatched roof.
Palapa Perea
Address: Avenida 16 de Septiembre 16 Cerca del Acuario de Veracruz
Website: Palapa Perea
Opening hours: 9am - 7:30pm (daily)
Price: 7 - 13 USD
12. Revive your musical senses at Plaza de Armas
Each evening stroll over to the large open plaza surrounded by restaurants and historical buildings to enjoy a festive atmosphere full of life and colour. Enjoy people watching from your table while listening to a four-piece band perform jarocha music. Take pleasure in watching the dancers on stage, dressed in their finest, as they move to the accompanying tropical music. Observe or join in on the marble floor with the locals as they dance the night away under the stars.
Plaza de Armas
Address: 16 de Septiembre, Centro, 94950 Veracruz
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
13. Meander through Tlacotalpan
The Pearl of the Papaloapan River, Tlacotalpan Town, is located on the Papaloapan River’s banks and consists of charming, vibrantly coloured residences along with historically rich cultural sites. While leisurely strolling the cobbled streets, stop by the Jardin del Arte gallery or the Rafaela Murillo Barbero Artisan House which feature local and national art. Afterwards, head over to a local restaurant where you will discover foodie heaven while indulging in crab pies, sea bass stuffed with seafood, or tamale casserole. Later walk over to Plazuela Doña Martha and spend an evening enjoying lively cultural performances by the jaraneros and their dancers.
Tlacotalpan
Address: Tlacotalpan Municipality, Veracruz
Website: Tlacotalpan
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
14. Head to the Malecon Port for unique souvenirs
Malecon Port is an ideal location to sit down at a table and people watch with its street vendors. Stop by its charming restaurants to indulge in the local cuisine and subsequently take a stroll along the boardwalk to enjoy stunning ocean views. After watching the fisherman come into port, browse the stalls to buy coral accessories, shell figures, or miniaturized boats to take home as gifts. During the weekends, enjoy viewing shows packed full of culture and entertainment.
Malecon Port
Address: Veracruz 91700, Mexico
Price: Free
15. Check out downtown Veracruz's nightlife
Visitors have a wealth of options to enjoy while experiencing Veracruz nightly. From Plaza de Armas’ lively sala performances at nightclubs, there is never a shortage of activities. There are also night markets such as Mercado Hildago to eat street food and view an array of vibrant produce and handiwork of local craftspeople. During the evening, some restaurants showcase live music to enhance the dining experience of their patrons.
Nightlife in downtown Veracruz
Address: Boca del Río, Veracruz
16. Get your adrenaline rush at Jalcomulco
For adventure seekers, there is no shortage of adrenaline-pumping activities to get your heart racing on the Pescados River. Enjoy rafting on the rapids with one of many tour groups or challenge yourself by rappelling up the rock faces of the surrounding canyon walls to experience a real high. Zip high above the canopy of the mango forest on a zip line or simply take in a nice walk in the woods. Experience fun, adventure, good gastronomy, friendly staff, and relaxation in Jalcomulco.
Jalcomulco
Address: Capital, Veracruz, Mexico
Website: Jalcomulco
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
17. Attend a mass in La Antigua town
This place of worship was constructed using a special adhesive made by the Totonac Indians with snail slime, cactus, seawater, calcined lime, and bee honey. It was established as the first church of new Spain with the arrival of Hernan Cortes and twelve Franciscan missionaries led by Fray Martin de Valencia in 1524. At present, the church offers Sunday Mass along with other services throughout the week.
La Ermita del Rosario
Address: Elodia Rosales, Centro, 91687 La Antigua Veracruz
Website: La Ermita del Rosario
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 8am; Sat: 7pm; Sun: 11am
Price: Free
18. Stroll through the stunning ruins of Papantla
The Pirámide de Los Nichos, reaching high into the heavens, was once a sacred place where the Totonac presented offerings to the Gods to help in their crops’ fertility. Visitors exploring El Tajín will experience the largest and most important city of Mesoamerica’s Classic era which included numerous temples, palaces, and pyramids. Along with its historical gems, Papantla has cafes, bustling marketplaces, and a beautiful park where visitors can enjoy performances by the voladores leaving them with magical, unforgettable memories.
Papantla
Address: Sierra Papanteca range, Gulf of Mexico, Papantla, Veracruz
Website: Papantla
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
19. Snorkel the vast Cancuncito Reserva Reef
After boarding your tour boat, be prepared to be whisked away to the Cancunito Reserva Reef teeming with a wide array of fish species and vibrantly coloured coral. Make certain to bring water shoes so that your viewing experience can be enhanced in various depths of water. Although the water isn’t more than about five feet deep at most, you will want to take a break and stand up which isn’t very comfortable to be standing on coral without water shoes due to the hard texture and coral can cut through your skin.
Cancuncito Reserva Reef
Address: Veracruz 91900, Mexico
Exploring the diverse Gulf city of Veracruz
Make certain to stop in at La Parroquia for one of their speciality caffeinated drinks accompanied by a sweet pastry during your downtime between exploring local museums, historically rich archaeological ruins, the wax museum, or the souvenir vendor stands on Malecon Port. Other interesting places in the area for visitors to explore include the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tlacotalpan with its colourful homes, culturally rich sites, and delicious cuisine or Papantla with its pyramid, bustling markets, and beautiful park which is ideal for picnics in the summertime. In conclusion, Veracruz is definitely a destination that should be considered as a place to visit with its culturally rich experiences, historical sites, beautiful natural areas, thriving culinary scene, and numerous other sites which make this Gulf City truly unique.
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