|
|
VERACRUZ, MEXICO
Premium Mexico Links * Discount Mexico Insurance by Mexbound * Discount Vacations by Mexico Travel Net * Villa Rentals by Earth Sea Sky Vacations * Marina Costa Baja - Live the Dream Now!
WELCOME TO VERACRUZ, MEXICO
Veracruz is filled with the history of Mexico, from the invasion of Hernan Cortez through the Mexican Revolution. And the Mexican-American war in between! Because of it's location on the Gulf of Mexico, it's geographical layout as a protected port, and it's proximity to Mexico City, much of what went into and out of Mexico in year's past went through Veracruz. The city remains a very busy port today, and an important commercial hub. The city's main square is called Plaza de Armas, and is one of the oldest Spanish plazas in North America. The plaza is a focal point for locals and visitors, and sidewalk cafes provide a relaxing place to drink in the view. Music and dancing are often featured in the plaza and weekends can get lively. Sitting on the Gulf Coast, Veracruz has it's own Malecon walkway which attracts those who want to enjoy the ocean vistas. Sunset and early evening are the most popular times. There are several beaches south of town, including Playa Villa del Mar and Playa Mocambo. These beaches are not nearly as attractive as some of the beaches in other parts of Mexico, but they do provide a venue for the locals to beat the heat on hot summer days and weekends. There are several good restaurants in town, including the open-air seafood restaurants south of town at the Boca del Rio rivermouth. Locals sometimes provide street talent for before or after dinner entertainment. The Museum of Art and History features some of the varied history this historic town has experienced, in addition to displaying artwork from the local artists. The building is open every day except Monday. Like some other Mexican cities, Veracruz celebrates Carnival (Mardi Gras) early each Spring. Travelers looking for a higher level of excitment might consider visiting during this week of fiestas, which climaxes at midnight on Fat Tuesday. Everything gets back to normal the next morning, Ash Wednesday. Each year a sailing regatta departs Galveston Texas for Veracruz in early June. There are probably more U.S. citizens in town that week than at any other time throughout the year. The 600 mile adventure is a right of passage for those looking for an excuse to fill the bars, restaurants and dance clubs in Veracruz. It's hard to imagine a time when human sacrafices were common, but this is indeed the case in the earlier years of Veracruz and other parts of Mexico. Some of the Indian tribes that inhabited Mexico up until the 16th century were strong believers in satisfying the Gods by making offerings of men, women and sometimes children. Isla de los Sacrificios is a small island just offshore that was used for this purpose for many years. Boats trips to the island can be arranged from the departure point on the Malecon. To purchase a good map of Veracruz visit the web site of MEXICO MAPS. For local visitor information contact the Tourism Office at 011-52 (293) 2-1613 or VERACRUZ TOURISM BOARD.
VERACRUZ HOTELS
|