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Things to do in Veracruz

Our most recommended things to do in Veracruz

From Veracruz: Tajin & Papantla Archaeological Zone Tour

1. From Veracruz: Tajin & Papantla Archaeological Zone Tour

Start the tour with pick up at your hotel at 8 AM and travel for 3.5 hours to the archaeological zone. Arrive at the most important ceremonial center of the Totonaca peoples, the archaeological area of El Tajín which combines history, knowledge, and beauty in one setting. Next, admire the pre-colonial buildings in the middle of the jungle including a palace, temple, and soccer fields. Marvel at the amazing pyramid of Los Nichos which is considered to be an agricultural, civic, and sun calendar, due to its 7 levels and 365 niches. After this, continue the tour to Papantla, also known as Pueblo Mágico, located a few kilometers away in Totonacapan. This place is where vanilla originates from and where local men performed fertility rituals. Learn about how the precolonial and Spanish melting pot of cultures led to the mixing of folklore and taste; a heritage that still lives on in the region. Explore the historical center of Papantla and take in panoramic views of Papantla from the observation deck. Return to Veracruz at 6 PM where you will be dropped off at your hotel.

From Veracruz: Nature & Seafood Boat Tour to Madinga

2. From Veracruz: Nature & Seafood Boat Tour to Madinga

Start the tour 3:00 PM, with a convenient pick-up from Aquarium Square in Veracruz. Travel for 25 minutes to the village of Madinga, known for its variety of good restaurants. Here you can enjoy a tasty seafood lunch as you admire the beautiful landscape and lagoon surrounding you. Listen to a variety of live music matched with veracruzano folklore. After this, take a boat ride and learn about the diversity of the flora and fauna predominant around the village. Cross the small lagoon to the big lagoon and appreciate the enchanting sunset from amongst the mangroves. Pass by small islands and birds lodges that are unique to the place. At the end of the tour, get dropped off back at Aquarium Square at 6:30 PM.

Veracruz: Juan De Ulúa, Boca del Rio, Naval Museum & More

3. Veracruz: Juan De Ulúa, Boca del Rio, Naval Museum & More

Visit San Juan de Ulúa one of the most ancient fortresses of America, this place is connected to the biggest events in our Country during the colonial period since independence, reform and revolution. It also served several functions throughout its 400 years of existence. In first place, it was used like grain warehouse, after as a fortress , prison and finally like presidential residence. Then we will visit the Port of Veracruz and Boca del Río with a panoramic visit of the City that will show you the interest places like the Martitime Custom Building, the Telegraph Building, the Train Station, the Historic Center, the Malecon and the Baluarte de Santiago. Apart from the City of Boca del Río with its hotel infrastructure contrast with its picturesque fishing village, there are beautiful places such as the Zócalo, the Church of Our Lady of Santa Ana of the XVII century and the City Hall. Then, take a trip to the Naval Museum. Learn the history of the Mexican Navy from its beginnings to the present in an an interactive way. After that, the tour ends at the impressive Veracruz Aquarium, the largest and most important in Latin America.

Veracruz: Isla de Sacrificios Kayaking Experience

4. Veracruz: Isla de Sacrificios Kayaking Experience

Throughout this aquatic adventure, you will kayak through the Gulf of Mexico to the Isla de Sacrificios. The tour begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel and a ride to "La Bamba" beach, where you'll receive a kayak, a life jacket, and snorkeling equipment. From there you will begin start to kayak in front of the the island, entering the water and following your guide out to the snorkeling spot to begin your underwater experience. Whilst paddling out to the snorkeling location, you will also have plenty of time to appreciate the wonders of the Veracruz reef park. If it is possible you will visit the island for a moment to relax and enjoy the nature. Following this, you will return to the starting point, being able to observe turtles and dolphins on the way.

Veracruz: 5-Attraction Tour with Aquarium and Boat Tour

5. Veracruz: 5-Attraction Tour with Aquarium and Boat Tour

This package is ideal to visit the places you should not miss in Veracruz. We start with a tour of the Veracruz Aquarium, where you can admire the representative fauna of the state. At noon, we will visit the fortress of San Juan de Ulúa, which was built by orders of Hernán Cortés, as it protected Veracruz from pirate and corsair attacks of the time. A guide will tell you all about the history and legends of the oldest prison in Mexico. At the end of this visit, we will transfer to Mandinga, where we will enjoy a boat ride through the mangrove area and also have time to eat delicious freshly cooked seafood in Mandinga's restaurants. To finish the tour, we will tour the historic center of Veracruz aboard a traditional streetcar, from where we will be able to observe the most important and beautiful places of the city.

Veracruz: Guided City Tour with Aquarium Visit

6. Veracruz: Guided City Tour with Aquarium Visit

Discover the beauty of the Port of Veracruz with this tour that combines history, culture, natural attractions, and colonial buildings. Start your tour at San Juan de Ulua, one of Latin America's oldest fortresses, where you will learn about the birth of America's first town hall. After visiting the fort, explore the city's main points of interest, including the Maritime Customs Building, the old train station, and the Post Office building. Later, visit the famous Malecon, a beautiful seaside promenade lined with restaurants, cafes, and stores. Afterward, visit the Boca del Rio zone, a booming area that combines modern buildings with a rich history. Finish your tour at the Veracruz Aquarium and spend the afternoon exploring at your leisure. Watch entertaining dolphin shows and see a range of aquatic animals such as sharks, penguins, and jellyfish.

Chachalacas: ATV & Dunes With La Antigua

7. Chachalacas: ATV & Dunes With La Antigua

Join this journey to Chachalacas Beach, where 550 acres of sand dunes offer excitement to visitors. Enjoy spectacular views of the ocean that will make you want to stay and relax for the whole day. Have fun on a quad bike as you drive through the sand dunes and feel the adrenaline running throughout your body. Your journey continues with a visit to the small town of La Antigua. Learn about the history of the first city council and church in all of Mexico and see the house of Spanish Conquistador, Hernan Cortes.

Veracruz: Sandboarding on the Dunes at Chachalacas Beach

8. Veracruz: Sandboarding on the Dunes at Chachalacas Beach

The trip starts with pickup from your accommodation in Veracruz then heads out to Chachalacas Beach where your adventure begins. The beach is home to 550 hectares of sand dunes as well as spectacular views of the ocean and out across the Gulf of Mexico. Admire the breathtaking landscapes where the sea mixes with sand formations and resembles a huge desert. Time to get surfing as you hop on board and glide along the dunes. Feel the adrenaline rush through your body as you sail across the sand with the wind in your hair. After a fun few hours of surfing on the dunes, enjoy a relaxing walk along Chachalacas Beach and some free time to take photos of the incredible landscape.

From Veracruz: San Andrés Tuxtla and Catemaco Lake Tour

9. From Veracruz: San Andrés Tuxtla and Catemaco Lake Tour

Discover the landscapes and culture around Veracruz on a guided tour. Get up close to local wildlife and see how cigars are made. Benefit from round-trip transfers from your accommodation. After pickup at your hotel, head to San Andrés Tuxtla to explore a cigar factory. Learn the secrets of tobacco production and see how these plants are cultivated. Continue to Eyipantla Falls and admire one of the largest waterfalls in the region. Next you’ll enjoy a boat trip, to discover the natural beauty of Catemaco Lake. Admire the mountain scenery as you cruise past various islands, and keep watch for monkeys and other animals. Arrive at the Reserva Ecológica De Nanciyaga for a guided tour of the nature reserve. Learn about local biodiversity, stroll through the jungle, and see views of the lake. At the end of your tour, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel.

Cordoba and Orizaba: Coffee Sierra Day Trip

10. Cordoba and Orizaba: Coffee Sierra Day Trip

Start the tour at the Coffee Museum and learn about the history of Mexican coffee. Then head to Cordoba, the renowned 'City of the 30 Knights'. See the main square where most of the buildings of architectural and historic value are located included the City Hall, La Parroquia, and the Zevallos Portal where the Treaty of Cordoba was signed. Continue on to the historic center of Orizaba which was founded in the 16th-century. Visit the art museum and the Palacio de Hierro, a building structure that was brought from Belgium. Ride the cable car for a panoramic view of the city.

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Other Sightseeing Options in Veracruz

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What people are saying about Veracruz

Overall rating

4.3 / 5

based on 14 reviews

Good knowledge of history of Veracruz - good english - easy to understand. Good driver - felt safe.

With prepaid ticket quick entry without any fuss. The operator provided the e-ticket efficiently.

Rafael was great...great knowledge of Mexican history, culture, politics, economy etc...

Excellent trip highly recommended very friendly guide