The Best of Veracruz │ History, Traditions & Ancient Ruins Tour – 7 Days

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Best of Veracruz │ History, Traditions & Ancient Ruins Tour- 7 Days

Explore the Early Civilizations & History in México’s Gulf Coast State of Veracruz

7 Day Guided México History Tour
(includes day of arrival & departure)

from $2095 per person + air
Single Supplement +$350

The cultural blend of Spanish, European, Caribbean, and African influences combined with the customs of the original indigenous people make the state of Veracruz a veritable melting pot rich in history, traditions, music, and dance.

History has shown that the deep water port city of Veracruz has always been the Gateway to México since the time of the Spanish conquest in the early 1500s. After that, immigrants from Europe, enslaved people from Africa, and the military invasions from Spain, France, and the United Sates have all used Veracruz city as the main east coast arrival port to this Latin American country. 

Add to this the ancient archaeological ruins sites and artifacts left by the Olmec, Totonac, and Huasteca populations and you will discover a land overflowing with a colorful story of Spanish conquest, human sacrifice, myths, slavery, assimilation, and world trade.

On this fun and informative trip to México’s tropical gulf coast state of Veracruz, our local historian guide will be with us each day as we explore 3 archaeological ruins sites to learn about the ancient civilizations who lived here and also hear the accounts of the first interactions between the Spanish explorer, Hernán Cortés and the local people upon his arrival in 1519.

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One of the highlights of this tour is a visit to the Xalapa Anthropology Museum where we’ll be introduced to the oldest known civilization in the Americas, the Olmecs. Several original giant Olmec stone heads are housed in this museum filled with thousands of ancient artifacts.

In addition, we’ll have the opportunity to tour the historic port city of Veracruz, its massive harbor fortress, the Veracruz Naval Museum, and the coffee growing region of the state where we will wander around 2 quaint pre-Hispanic towns which have been designated as Pueblo Mágicos (México Magic Towns).

This tour is for curious travelers who like to dig into what took place in the past, when it happened, why it happened, and how it has influenced the people living their today.

Join us on this week-long educational journey we call, Best of Veracruz │ History, Traditions & Ancient Ruins Tour in the state of Veracruz, México.

Tour Highlights

•  La Antigua – First Spanish Coastal Settlement
•  Cempoala Totonac Archaeological Site
•  Quiahuiztlan Archaeological Burial Site
•  Villa Rica – Landing Site of Hernán Cortés
•  El Tajín  Archaeological Ruins – UNESCO World Heritage Site
•  Papantla Fliers – Voladores Ceremony
•  Xalapa Anthropology Museum
•  Coatepec –
Pueblo Mágico
•  Xico – Pueblo Mágico
•  Coffee Finca – Learn about Coffee Growing
•  San Juan de Ulúa – Port of Veracruz Harbor Fortress 
•  Veracruz
Naval History Museum
• 
Learn about the African & Cuban Influences in this Region
•  Port of Veracruz
City Tour

Dates & Prices

 

*2024 Tour Dates

May 4-10 (Sa-Fr)
Nov 16-22 (Sa-Fr)
Dec 7-13 (Sa-Fr)

**2024 Prices

$2095 per person – double
Single: +$350

Attn: Educators, History Buffs & Travel Organizers
Put together a private group of 10-16 people and your tour package is free! (airfare not included).

We can provide you with advertising materials for promotional use.

If you have alternative dates in mind for your group other than those advertised, contact us and we can check availability.

* Includes day of arrival & departure.
** Prices in USD. Air not included in tour price.

Tour Itinerary
DAY 1: Welcome to Veracruz

After arriving to the Veracruz International Airport, catch one of the airport taxis to the hotel in the city center. The rest of the day/evening is free to explore the city and begin to acclimate to the slower-paced life here in Veracruz. Sleep 1 night in the city of Veracruz.

DAY 2: Archaeological Ruins Sites / Historic Beach

This morning we’ll meet our local historian guide for breakfast. He will give us an overview of our tour itinerary and answer any questions.

Then we will check out and start our journey north to the small town of La Antigua where we’ll explore the remains of an administration building built by Cortés and his soldiers. Our guide will explain the known history of this area as it was back in the early 1500s when the Spanish first arrived. We’ll also visit the first coastal Catholic chapel built in the Americas.

Continuing our journey, we’ll travel further up the coast to the Cempoala Archaeological Site. Back in the 14th and 15th centuries, Cempoala was the capital of the Totonacans as well as the largest city near the Gulf of México with over 30,000 people living there. This is also an important place because it was here that Cortés first struck an alliance with the Totonac chief by telling him they would help them fight the Aztecs. The Totonacans were under Aztec rule and felt they were being over taxed for little return.

Continuing north, we’ll explore the remains of the ancient city of Quiahuiztlan (Key-ah-wheezt-lan). This peaceful remote site is located at a higher elevation with a stunning backdrop of the Gulf of México coastline. One of the more interesting aspects of this site is the 70 small miniature temples or tombs used by the wealthy people as their final resting place.

Just below this archaeological ruins site is the small seaside village of Villa Rica. This is where Cortés and his men came ashore and eventually started a long trek inland to meet the Aztec leader in their capital city which is now where México City is located.

A little further up the coast, we will overnight at a local hotel not far from we will be going the next day. We’ll sleep there for 2 nights.  (B,L,D)

DAY 3: Ancient City Ruins / Fertility Ritual / Vanilla

After breakfast, we’ll continue our history lesson by visiting the ancient ruins site of El Tajín which is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Totonac people built over 150 structures including 17 ball courts and flourished there between 800 and 1150 A.D. The most famous structure at El Tajín is called, the Pyramid of the Niches.

Later, we’ll have the opportunity to witness the ceremonial flight of the Papantla Voladores. Five men (Voladores or Fliers) will reenact high above the ground an ancient ritual which was performed by the Totonacs to appease their god of fertility to bless the area with an abundance of food and water.

In the afternoon, we will take a little walking tour of the town of Papantla. An interesting note is that in this northern region of Veracruz state, the Spanish invaders first smelled and tasted a delightful new spice which was growing there. It was unknown to the Europeans at that time. We know it today as vanilla

We’ll sleep once again in the same hotel.  (B,L)

DAY 4: Xalapa Anthropology Museum / Coatepec

This morning we’ll start travelling south and then west to the city of Xalapa (Ha-la-pah) which is the capital of Veracruz. There we will visit the Xalapa Anthropology Museum. This very modern museum showcases the largest collection of artifacts from the people who once lived in the Mexican gulf coast region. One of the main attractions on display are the huge stone heads from the Olmec civilization which were discovered in southern Veracruz state and in the adjacent state of Tabasco.

Less than 30 minutes south of the capital city is the pre-Hispanic town of Coatepec. We’ll have the evening free to stroll around the town square exploring its many restaurants, shops, and cafes. Coatepec is located in the heart of one of the top 4 regions in Mexico where coffee is grown and processed.

We’ll sleep 2 nights in Coatepec.  (B,L)

 

 

DAY 5: Coffee Finca Tour / Xico

After breakfast, we’ll travel to a local coffee Finca (estate) where we can learn about their coffee growing and processing operation. Of course, we will also sample the different kinds of coffee produced by them.

Not far away is another pre-Hispanic Pueblo Mágico called, Xico (Hee-coh). It is a cobbled street town with a beautiful church, handicraft shops, and the Museo del Danzante, a small dance museum. Nearby, we can view the tropical waterfall which was used in the classic movie, Romancing the Stone.

Sleep in Coatepec.  (B,L)

DAY 6: Harbor Fortress / Veracruz City / Farewell Dinner

We’ll check out and head back toward the city of Veracruz. Right outside the city we will stop to explore San Juan de Ulúa, a massive fortification built in the harbor to protect it from foreign invaders and pirate raids. Later it was converted into a brutal prison.

Back in the port city we’ll have lunch. Then our historian guide will take us to the Veracruz Naval Museum to see the exhibits portraying the history of the many naval battles fought against invading countries and pirates. 

Later we’ll go on a walking tour of the main sites of this Gateway to México port city to learn about it’s roll as the most important east coast arrival destination for imported cargo and in the past, for people coming from Europe, Africa, Cuba, and the United States.

In the evening, everyone will get together for a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant in the city.

We will sleep in the city of Veracruz for 1 night.  (B,L,D)

DAY 7: Tour Ends After Breakfast

Our tour ends after breakfast. Taxis are plentiful to take you to the airport for your trip home 
or on to your next great adventure.  (B)

Buen Viaje!

Itinerary schedule is subject to change.
What's Included

Tour Price Includes:
•  7 day / 6 night guided tour
    (includes day of arrival & departure)
•  Small group tour size of up to 16 travelers
•  All ground transportation during guided tour days
•  All activities as listed in the itinerary
•  All entrance fees
•  6 nights of hotel lodgings
•  5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners
•  All tips for all your guides & driver

Excluded:
Airfare
Airport transfers
Additional activities & meals not listed above
Alcoholic drinks
Trip interruption insurance
Medical evacuation insurance

Group activities listed are subject to change.

Tour Details

Activity Level: Easy-Moderate
Maximum Group Size: 16
Suggested Minimum Age: 12 years
Arrival & Departure Cities: Veracruz (VER) / Veracruz (VER)
Deposit: $350 USD per person

A Reminder –
There is no need to fret over how much to tip and of having the right amount of Mexican Pesos at the end of your tour. Tips are already included for all specialty guides as well as your main host guide.

Tour Terms & Conditions

Extend Your Trip

If you would like to stay a few more days either before or after your tour with us and would like some assistance in making those plans, contact us.

We can design an independent travel experience based on what you would like to see and do. We can help you to arrange for local transportation, accommodations, and set you up with a local guide.