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North America : Mexico : Central Mexico : Veracruz

Veracruz (state)

Veracruz is a coastal state in Central Mexico. Veracruz recently 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 (also spelled Jalapa). Highlights are Xalapa with its colonial architecture, the laid-back beach towns such as Tuxpan and Tecolutla, and partying, rowdy Veracruz in the south.

Cities

Other destinations

  • El Tajín - historical site - UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Tecolutla - beach town
  • Úrsulo Galván
  • The Emerald Coast (la costa esmeralda)- a long stretch of coast north of the city of Veracruz (puerto) that is well known for its fine beaches and beach camping. Offers something of a Baja experience on the Gulf coast of the country.

Understand

Although the hot, humid weather can be unpleasant for many visitors, it creates a very lush, green landscape that can be painfully 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

Itineraries

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

City of Veracruz has a bit of violent crime, elsewhere its mostly just petty theft.

Get out

This page was last edited at 20:17, on 7 August 2008 by Wikitravel user Episteme. Based on work by Evan Prodromou and Ken Eckert, Wikitravel user(s) Jonboy and Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel.