Veracruz

Veracruz

The city of Veracruz is known as the Gateway to México because of its deep water port. Even to this day, cargo ships large and small enter this busy port with foreign goods and leave with Mexican goods for export.

Because of the state’s geographic location of being wedged in between the Gulf of México to the east and the tall Sierra Madre Oriental mountains to the west, Veracruz is blessed to offers a variety of outdoor adventure activities.

This state has been called, México’s Outdoor Adventure Playground.

Nature enthusiasts will discover excellent whitewater river rating, mountain hiking, rappelling, ATV rides up and down tall sand dunes, canyon trekking, and even snorkeling and Scuba diving over nationally protected coral reefs in the gulf. The southern region of the state contains rain forest jungle areas and the same kinds of flowers, plants, and beautiful waterfalls you would see in Hawaii. The reason? Both locations are on about the same tropical latitude.

Visitors might notice that some of the people living in Veracruz state have darker skin than most other Mexicans. This is because the Spanish brought many African enslaved people to work for them in the new world and they all came through the port of Veracruz. Over the centuries, intermarriage occurred and the results can still be seen today. Because of this, Veracruz also reflects the many influences adapted from the Africans. It can be seen in the food, the type of dancing, and the music of this region.

Map / Quick Facts

Location: Gulf Coast Region

Capital City: Xalapa

Pueblo Magicos
Coatepec
Xico
Papantla
Coscomatepec
Orizaba
Zozocolco de Hidalgo

Distances from Veracruz City to
Catemaco – 106 mi / 170 km
Coatepec – 72 mi / 116 km
Coatzacoalcos – 194 mi / 311 km
Córdoba – 69 mi / 111 km
Coscomatepec – 87 mi / 139 km
Xico – 78 mi / 125 km
Papantla – 137 mi / 220 km
Orizaba – 82 mi / 132 km
Tecolutla – 132 mi / 212 km
Xalapa – 67 mi / 108 km
Zozocolco – 176 mi / 282 km

Oaxaca, OAX – 283 mi / 455 km
Puebla, PUE – 177 mi / 284 km

Nearest Airports from Veracruz City to
Veracruz International Airport VER
8 mi / 13 km

Minatitlán / Coatzacoalcos International
Airport MTT
189 mi / 304 km

Weather in Veracruz City
Jan-Feb High 70s / Low 60s
Mar-Oct High 80s / Low 70s
Nov High 80s / Low 60s
Dec High 70s / Low 60s

Weather in Xalapa
Jan High 60s / Low 40s
Feb High 70s / Low 40s
Mar-Apr High 70s / Low 50s
May-Jun High 70s / Low 60s
Jul-Nov High 70s / Low 50s
Dec High 60s / Low 40s

Photos

Videos

African History
Where Enslaved Africans Lived

Alvarado
Fish Market Tour

Birding in Veracruz
An Interview with a Local Birding Guide

Coastal Regions North of Veracruz City
Playa Chachalacas – Popular Seaside Town
Playa Chachalacas – ATV Beach & Sand Dunes Ride
Playa Chachalacas – Snorkeling & Sand Surfing
Playa Chachalacas – Boy Sand Surfing
Playa Chachalacas – Kids on Banana Boat
Playa Chachalacas – Driving On The Beach
Tecolutla – Protecting Baby Turtles

Los Tuxtlas Region – Southern Veracruz
Catemaco – Quick Walking Tour of Catemaco
Catemaco – A Peaceful Sunday Morning
Catemaco – Independence Day Parade
Montepio – Rural Tropical Beach
Wild Sounds in the Jungle
Waterfalls, Monkeys & Jungle Hiking
Sea Cliff Rappel
Waterfall Jumping
Tropical Jungle Rainstorm

MEXICO MOMENTS in Veracruz – Short Travel Clips
Driving on a Veracruz Rural Road
Nature’s Natural Massage
Fun Family Tropical Vacation
Dancing in the Veracruz Plaza
Harp Music
Tropical Swimming Hole – Misantla

Veracruz City
Veracruz City Highlights Tour
Gulf of Mexico Ocean Sport Fishing
Tour of Hotels on Bicycle
Havana-Style Rum Made Here
Weekend Outdoor Market
Eating Tacos With Locals – Travel Clip
Independence Day Festivities
Tall Ships Festival
CARNIVAL: I Saw Spiderman

Veracruz is “México’s Outdoor Adventure Playground”
Adventure Guide for the State of Veracruz
ATV Beach & Sand Dunes Ride – Playa Chachalacas
Snorkeling & Sand Surfing – Playa Chachalacas
Waterfalls, Monkeys & Jungle Hiking – Los Tuxtlas Region 
Sea Cliff Rappel – Los Tuxtlas Region
Waterfall Jumping – Los Tuxtlas Region
Nature’s Natural Massage – Los Tuxtlas Region
Picnic with Friends by a Tropical Stream – Los Tuxtlas Region
Crossing a Raging River – Los Tuxtlas Region
Gulf of México Ocean Sport Fishing – Veracruz city
Canyon Hike & Rappel Adventure – Western Veracruz
Extreme Waterfall Rappel – Western Veracruz
Rappel Adventure Down Massive Waterfall

Western Mountain Region
Coscomatepec – Rural Mountain Market
Huatusco: Tour a Bamboo Farm
Canyon Hike & Rappel Adventure
Extreme Waterfall Rappel

Xalapa – Capital City & Surrounding Area
Coatepec – Tlayudas from Oaxaca
Naolinco – Day of the Dead Celebration
Xalapa – Macuiltepetl Park – Big Hill in the City

Rain Forest Jungle Hikes

Dancing in the Plaza - Veracruz City

Wild Animal Sounds in the Jungle - Video