Introduction

Veracruz is without a doubt a favorite vacation destination for Mexicans from all walks of life. A year-round festive atmosphere, fresh seafood prepared myriad ways, and a wide variety of activities are all part of its appeal. Within a relatively short distance, the adventurous traveler can go from sea level to 19,000 feet, and cover historic ground from before 3000 BC to the present. The culture reflects indigenous, Spanish, Afro-Caribbean and other influences, while major archaeological sites, ecological reserves, jungle rivers, beaches, and coral reefs provide unlimited experiences.

The state begins just across the river from Tampico, Tamaulipas, in northern Mexico, and stretches, much like California, 600 miles south along the Gulf of Mexico to Coatzacoalcos. The port city of Veracruz is at almost the same latitude as Mexico City, 261 miles due west.

Travelers driving to the city of Veracruz from Mexico City pass through the colonial towns of Orizaba, Fortin de las Flores, and Cordoba. Orizaba is nestled under the snow-capped Pico de Orizaba, the second-highest volcano in North America at 19,000 feet, and Mexico’s highest. In Fortin de las Flores, the next stop on the journey, “flowers” form part of its name and much of its landscape. The small, industrial city of Cordoba is located about 10 minutes from Fortin.

The town’s central plaza where Mexico’s Declaration of Independence was signed offers a nice place to enjoy a sip of coffee, beer or rum, all products of local industry in this coffee and sugar growing region. From here travelers descend through sugar cane fields on their way to Veracruz and its fast-growing neighbor turned suburb Boca del Rio.

There are several 45-minute flights a day from Mexico City. By car or bus, the drive passes through the state of Puebla and across the formidable Cumbres de Maltrata Mountains down into the lush vegetation that characterizes just about the entire state. The drive from Mexico City to the port city of Veracruz takes under five hours on a toll road that has garnered a good rating from the American Automobile Association (AAA). Drivers should be aware that just outside Veracruz the return highway is at an 8,000-foot elevation and often enveloped in thick fog, making driving this stretch a challenge.