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Veracruz State travel and tourist
information. High Mountains
Region
From the Sierras, with his mountains and valleys, High Mountains
region presents in addition a pretty interesting topography. The
“Pico de Orizaba” It´s the highest elevation of Mexico, the Peak
of Orizaba or Citlatépetll is part of the axis of neovalcanic
system and the Western Sierra Madre. The Citlatépetll is around
18,000 feet above the sea level, the Sierra of Zongolica with
its beautiful green landscapes is part od this region.
Full of history and of curious legends, the municipalities that
belong to the region as Cordoba, Orizaba, Coscomatepec, Yanga,
Zongolica, Fortin de las Flores and Huatusco offer interesting
and nices places to visit, to know and to learn.
Cordoba, famous for being the city that was founded by the 30
gentlemen and also by being the place where the heroes of the
independence war signed, the agreement of Cordoba, that was an
agreement between Iturbide and Don Juan deO´Donojú that led to
the independence of Mexico. Today is a city famous for its
coffee, prosperous and warm. The City Hall and the garden at the
main plaza posses a reminiscence of the British Style.
Orizaba, with its Iron Palace, brought from Belgium and the
Expiatory Temple of San Felipe Neri, today the Museum of Art of
the State, they alone are some of the most noticeable places to
visit in this city. The city buildings specially its churches
and temples are full of the Baroque, Ornate and Neoclassical
architecture. Its something you must explore and enjoy.
In this zone you can do a lot of ecoturism, trekking, biking,
walking, climbing, From the Pick of Orizaba to its prosperous
rivers like The Jamapa and the Metlac. Or to do culture and
visit many historical places in Orizaba, Cordoba, Fortin de las
Flores, Yanga and Zongolica. Whatever you choose to do in this
incredible and cool region you will get more than satisfied.
Culture and Adventure Region
As its name indicates it, this beautiful region offers the
perfect mix. It´s formed by Xalapa, Coatepec, Xico, Naolinco,
and many other little cities around.
This is a tremendous place to visit. Here from Xalapa you don´t
have to drive more than hour to reach all the culture and
adventure that you need and you look for. Here the complete
satisfaction of the visitor is guaranteed.
Xalapa is without doubt the capital of the Culture in the state,
acquaintance also by the title that Alexander Von Humboldt
offered to it, as the "City of the Flowers", Xalapa offers to
the visitor a great range of recreational and Cultural
activities, thanks to its great number of museums, galleries and
centers of Art. This have done done the city can be recognized
as the Athens of Veracruz.
Xalapa shares with Coatepec a special distinction because of
their good coffee a wonderful gastronomy as well as by his
vibrant and young population. To have a nice walk through any of
his two cities is something that will make you feel so good!
Coatepec is one of the two Magical Towns in Veracruz State. It´s
named a Magical town because of its Colonial architecture, the
clean environment, wherever you walk in the city you can smell
the delicious aroma of the “tostado” coffee. The cuisine in this
area needs a mention apart. From typical to fancy restaurants,
in this region you will be delighted by the taste of its dishes.
Xico and their neighboring city Teocelo are picturesque places
that were detained in the time. This towns conserve its
traditions and festivities. You will never get bored, the
colorful houses, with its typical and unique style will make you
feel glad of been there. The typical red roofs, the forest
around, its climate that is mainly cool the most of the year
make of this region a place you will love.
To seek adventure and adrenaline, you don´t have to go very far
away, therefore in Jalcomulco we find specialists on whitewater
rafting and of other extreme sports, that due to the geography
of the land, can be practiced in almost any time of year.
From Zip-line to hiking, treeking and rappel this zone offers to
the visitors multiples opportunities to enjoy and make of this
trip and unforgettable experience. The pescados river in
Jalcomulco is one of the most recognized in the world for the
practicing of rafting. National Geographic and other channels
who are expertise in this kind of activities have filmed many
times there.
Huasteca Region
It is limited by the Gulf of Mexico, and it´s in the north part
of the state, right below of Tamaulipas.
The natural wealth that this region possesses is found in the
River Tuxpam, the Tamiahua, lagoon its beaches and estuaries,
the mountains form part of the Wetern Sierra Madre, without
forgetting the natural landscapes that distinguish to this
region as a green, beautiful and tranquil region.
Its people has roots from different ethnic groups that lived in
the zone, like the nahuas, the huastecos, totonacos, otomíes and
tepehuas. Because of all this cultures plus the Spanish add,
today this region counts on one of most richest and complex
cultures in the whole country, in other words posses a unique
identity.
The Tropical climate has helped to consolidate its predominance
on economic activities as fishing, stockbreeding, petroleum,
electric power, among others, without forgetting the service
sector including Tourism.
The main Cities of this region are: Tuxpan, Tamiahua, Pánuco,
Teayo, Temapache, Chicontepec and Tempoal.
Each one of these places offers different activities and
attractions to the visitor, like the Archaeological Museum of
Tuxpan, the archaeological zone of Teayo, the Church of San Juan
Apostol in Temapache, or the diverse traditions, as “the missed
boy” in Tuxpan.The speed race boat on the seashore, The Tajín,
the festivity of All Saints in “Tempoal”, without forgetting the
extensive gastronomy that offers the sea, with shrimps, crabs
and oysters and fish. A plus is its music and its dance, he
famous “Huapango” is a icon of this region, The Huastec region.
Olmec Region
This region is located at the very south of the state, this
region takes its name from the ancient culture that lived here
in around 1400 BCE to 400 ACE, the Olmec culture, that it is the
pre-hispanic moher culture in Mesoamerica.
Archeological zones like Tres Zapotes, San Lorenzo Tenochtitlán,
the Azuzul, constitutes, the main evidence of the flourish of
this people in Veracruz State. The Olmec culture no doubt can be
compared with any other millenary culture around all over the
world, Egypt, China and Mexico must fill proud because of its
historic and splendorous past.
Just in San Lorenzo Tenochtitlán, 10 of the 17 uncovered
colossal olmec head were found, and in the Azuzul the famous
twins and the Jaguar were found, while you walk in that area you
can see some hills that still covers a lot of evidences about
this magnificent and millenary culture, you can not feel more
than humble because of this opportunity, to not come here and
visit this region, is like if you went to Egypt and you missed
to visit the millenary Egyptian remains.
With a tropical climate in the zone, forest landscapes are the
perfect refuge for a rich and variety flora and fauna. Lanscape
that catch your vision can be enjoyed everywhere.
Close to Coatzacoalcos the biggest city and main port of the
region, you can find wonderful places to visit, like “Playitamonzo”,
“Peña Hermosa”, Chinameca, a many other nice places, beautiful
waterfalls can be found in this region easily. Eco-tourism can
find a very good choice in this area, the small companies that
take care of most of the sites are native people, who speaks
plus Spanish a native language. So to visit and spend time here
in your next vacation period will be a smart choice, because you
just not will enjoy of the activities but will help this town to
be economically independent. tourism.
Coatzacoalcos is the most important city of the region,
therefore counts on one of the most noticeable petrochemical
industries as well as of an adequate infrastructure for the
conventions. Its amazing convention center and its beautiful and
spectacular theather built by the architect Zabludosky, make of
Coatzacoalcos the perfect place for your next business meetings
and to hold your next convention in this area.
Music, traditions, and spectacular gastronomy are the perfect
frame for all the experience. The rhythm of its music is
distinctive of its friendly and happy people. You wont be
disappointed about the cuisine. Any kind of seafood in
Coatzacoalcos or in “Las Barrillas” or even in the public
market, or the famous “Carne of Chinameca”, will make of this an
exceptional culinary experience.
First Steps of Cortes Region
Without doubt, one of the most interesting regions due to its
historic past and because of its present is this. Takes its name
because of its amazing historical past, here is where the
Conqueror Hernan Cortes, arrived and created the very first
municipality in all continental America. Here is where Cortez
had his very first steps to the Conquer of Mexico.
In April 22th, 1519, Cortez founded the City of the “Villarica
de la Veracruz” , here is where the fusion of 2 cultures start,
here was where the history began, you can not understand the
history of whole Mexico without Veracruz, even you wont
understand the whole history in “The New World” (America
Continent) with out understanding Veracruz, History first.
Veracruz city is located on the seashores of the Gulf of Mexico,
almost in the middle of Veracruz State. Around Veracruz many
other cities have grown. Veracruz is still the first city in
America and the main industrial port in Mexico.
Cities like Boca del Rio, La Antigua, Alvarado, Tlacotalpan, and
some others are part of this region.
Boca del Rio and Veracruz, holds more than 70% of the national
visitors because of its modern and well developed infrastructure
for tourism, the Hotels from international chains are placed
right in this area. Boca del Rio, holds the Veracruz WTC, where
the most of the most important events take place. The WTC is the
host for business conventions or for artistic shows, the most
famous singers and performers have picked the WTC for their
presentations.
The beaches, the night clubs, the restaurants, makes of this
zone and all inclusive area, you don’t have to leave from here
to be totally satisfied.
Something you can not afford to miss is to practice, snorkeling
or scuba diving, the Veracruz Coral Reefs System, was ranked as
one of the 13 natural wonders in Mexico, the opportunities to
visit the largest Coral Reefs System in Mexico are just ready
for you to take them. Don’t miss it.
About the cuisine here in this area, we can just said that is
internationally recognized. International chefs are taking care
of the most exquisite recipes. But of course the typical seafood
dishes are our “Ace under the sleeve”, good taste, wonderful and
affordable prices. Deal?
Totonac Region
It located in the central north part of Veracruz State, this
region was influenced by the Totonac Culture. Actually was in
this territories were his culture reached his maximum splendor.
The main pre-Columbian Totonac center was The Tajín, which is
found immersed in a rain forest with humid and hot climate, very
near what today is the city of Papantla.
The region counts on natural resources that give greater beauty.
From the Filobobos river, to Tecolutla and Cazones river, that
contribute their volume to nourished to the extensive extensions
of vegetation and in to some of the estuaries, they help to form
bars, like the Bar of Cazones, or well, they flow into in the
seaboard of the Gulf of Mexico.
The Coastal line that is finded in this region is very unique in
its landscape, the region that goes from Tecolutla to Nautla is
better known as Costa Esmerlda “ Emerald Coast, because of the
green and blue tones of the sea in the area. Nice place to get
tan to swim, and to practice many Aquatic sports, like water
ski, fishing and many others.
The municipalities that are in this region: Nautla, Tecolutla,
Martínez de la Torre, Tlapacoyan, Gutiérrez Zamora, Papantla and
Poza Rica. All these places offer different activities, since
the cultural, in Papantla, with their diverse indigenous and
religious festivals, like the Corpus Christi and the Voladores
de Papantla, to activities of Adventure, with the whitewater
rafting in Tlapacoyan at the Filobobos river.
The Gastronomy cannot be set apart , and because of their
proximity to the sea, Seafood dishes here are something
memorable. The “Zacahuil and “Los Bocoles” in Papantla is
something you must try, and please don’t forget that Papantla is
the first producer of Vanilla in the whole world.
The Tuxtlas Region.
It is nailed in the south of the State, near to the Gulf of
Mexico, the region of The Tuxtlas posses a natural and magical
environment. Ecosystem in this region are protected by the law,
in fact the UNESCO make and statement to declared this region
and its biosphere as Natural Patrimony of the World. Also counts
with its own part of the Sierra, called The Sierra of the
Tuxtlas.
Besides the natural diversity of this zone, the municipalities
that belong to his region, as San Andres, Santiago, Catemaco,
counts with its own characteristics that make them different
from all the others places in Veracruz State and even in Mexico.
In San Andres and Santiago, tobacco is one of the main
industries, the quality and the taste of the “puros” that are
produced here are well recognized in the whole country and even
abroad. Natural sceneries have been use for many filmmakers to
produce their movies. Catemaco deserves a mention apart, because
of its beautiful lagoon, the islands as the Island of the
monkeys, but because of the mystical environment that you can
find there. They call Catemaco as the city of the witches and
sorcerers, in fact every first Friday of march a unique meeting
for sorcerers take place there in Catemaco, and add to the area
that characteristic of magical.
The gastronomy of the Region is diverse and even exotic, like
the Meat of Chango that is eaten in Catemaco (pork Smoked),
iguana, tamales and pork meat to the acuyo style..
In spite of this diversity, also culture can be found here,
including the archaeological zone where the first Olmec head was
founded: Tres Zapotes. In Santiago Tuxtla is the Tuxteco
Regional Museum, where several pieces dedicated to the Olmec
Culture and to the discoveries of the excavations in the place
can be appreciated.
Challenge, adrenaline and fun is what you will find in Veracruz
with the various activities, from the exciting and recognized
white-water rafting in the rapids up to entertaining diving in
the reef waters, or even, zigzag in the mountain bike or
climbing up a cold Pico de Orizaba ... Veracruz has a lot to
offer for fun.
he sun and the sea cannot lack. With a length of 745 kilometers
of seaboard, Veracruz state counts on pretty destinations.
Waves, sand, sun it´s a mix of fun ready for you. From the
Emerald Coast to “The Breaked Rock” close to Santiago Tuxtla,
passing by “La Mancha” (the spot) to the beautiful beaches of
Veracruz city and Boca del Rio.
Hike in the dense tropical jungle, find hidden waterfalls with
crystal clear pools below for swimming, relax and frolic on the
mostly uninhabited sand beaches dotting the Gulf of Mexico
shoreline, experience exhilarating white water river rafting,
bump along on a 4-wheel drive trek up the mountains to the
high-altitude base camp of a snow-capped mountain that dwarfs
any you will find in Colorado, Mountain bike down 10,000
vertical feet on a dual suspension mountain bike, kayak on a
meandering mountain stream, and explore ancient Meso-American
ruins.
Few places in Mexico can match Veracruz in terms of diversity.
From sea level to over 18,000 feet, you will find colonial
cities, archeological sites, lush green gardens overflowing with
exotic orchids, jungles filled with hidden waterfalls, alpine
forests, coconut-laden palm trees, and hundreds of tropical
birds and animals.
Veracruz posses one of the greater heritages of Natural Areas,
besides possessing international recognitions from the
commission RAMSAR and from the UNESCO.
Veracruz counts on a very rich past inherited from the
pre-hispanic cultures that inhabited the territory of Veracruz,
the archeological zones and the museums of place form part of
the historic-cultural heritage that Veracruz sample to their
visitors.
Veracruz, is the first city in all continental America, the mix
of cultures and the richness of traditions make of Veracruz a
source for art and culture. Since Hernan Cortes arrive here
Veracruz have been part of he history and of the main changes.
Veracruz is a ticket for present and past.
Castle of Teayo In this place was found one of the old Huastec
cities. Its was occupied during the X century to the XII century
and during the late post classic period it the city received a
lot of cultural influence from mexica culture. In the center of
the towm there is a building of pyramidal form that conserves
part of its complete structure.. .
Cempoala Its name means "place of twenty" or "twenty", and was
one of the most important Totonacas settlementst during the Post
Classic period.
Cuyuxquihui . This settlement gives the impression to be a
fortification because of its retaining walls that run along the
terrace from north to south. Its height makes it relatively
inaccessible by the west, as well as the cliff that limits to
the east that produce the mentioned effect.
The Zapotal , The discovery of the archaeologists shows a great
complexity in the disposition of the tributes. In a level above
the sanctuary of the Mister of the dead persons, located in the
deepest area, four secondary burials were found, in which the
presence of smiling figures is emphasized, some of them
articulated, accompanied by smaller sculptures of clay than
represented animals.
Filobobos. Because of its location this archaeological zone in
Filobobos, located among glens and waterfalls, have been
preserved in its natural form.
La Higuera Is a notable place by its extraordinary heritage of
mural painting.
Quauhtochco Hidden in the green foliage that identifies the
beautiful State of Veracruz, the archaeological place of
Quauhtochco is found. A little known town that was occupied for
ancient cultures, but they were not from any of the well known
cultures, actually even in present times, nobody can say exactly
from this ancient cultures came.
Quiahuiztlan . The name of the place is of Nahuatl origin, is
composed of "Quiahui", rain and "tlan", place; that is to say
Quiahuiztlan or Quiahuixtlan signifies "The place of the rain".
It is a burial and sacred place, for the royalty and other
principals from the Totonac culture.
San Lorenzo . The place of San Lorenzo, regional capital of the
Olmecs, is characterized for large artificial modifications to
the natural land. The place occupies the highest lands of the
region.
The Tajin. The great native capital of the pre-hispanic times in
the coast of the Gulf. Their name in tongue totonaca synthesizes
the force and the power of the tropical storm that dampens all,
the coastal territory, and to which the aborigines of the
Antilles called hurricane.
Tres Zapotes . This archaeological place is considered as one of
the most important in the coastal plain of the Gulf of Mexico.
Is one of the few places witnesses of the transition between the
Olmec culture and the Classical Culture of Veracruz.
Vega de la Peña, It´s around 4 km to the north of The Cuajilote.
This place was inhabited between the years 900 and 1500, when
its inhabitants built the Temple of the Borders, thus called
because exhibits in its facade a decorative stripe that alludes
to the famous one Xicalcoliuhqui or snake of fire.
Diverse mosaic of rhythms, colors, dances, songs and religion,
Veracruz is recognized not just for it happy festival but
because of its devotion to what they consider sacred.
So this diversity can be found in every city, every little town,
Veracruz has a great tradition, that comes from its very
beginning, when the ancient cultures used to live in this lands.
Later the Spanish come to add, and now we can say without doubt,
that Veacruz posses one of the richest cultures in all México
and in the whole America Latina. Festivities and Traditions in
Veracruz are part of the heart of Mexico.
¡Come to enjoy them!
Fragrances, flavors, colors, tradition… that and more is what
gastronomy presents us about Veracruz, From the Huasteca with
their exquisite fish and shellfish, the Vanilla in the
Totonacapan, the smoldering and rich Coffee from the Center
region to it more exotic one in The Tuxtlas.
Veracruz invites you to know their people through the flavors of
the different and various dishes that form part of the culture,
mixing ingredients and forms of preparation, but above all,
enjoy of the opportunity to know its happy and friendly people,
that is the secret ingredient, the one who really add flavor to
this amazing cuisine.
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