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Things to do in Veracruz

Our most recommended things to do in Veracruz

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

1. 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.

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: Isla de Sacrificios Kayaking Experience

3. 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 3-Hour Guided City Tour

4. Veracruz 3-Hour Guided City Tour

See the sights of Veracruz, a port city on the Gulf of Mexico and the first Spanish settlement in Mexico. On this 3-hour tour you’ll enjoy a drive around this lively city, accompanied by a professional guide. The Spanish conqueror, Hernan Cortes, first landed here in 1519 and, not long afterward Veracruz became the base from which the Spaniards conquered Mexico. When you leave from your hotel, you’ll first see the malecón, or boarwalk, that stretches for kilometers along the Gulf of Mexico. During the tour, your guide will provide commentary about all of the sites on the itinerary. Without stops, you’ll see the Island of Sacrifices, the Pemex Tower, the Monument to Sailors, and the Carranza statue. A highlight of the tour is Fort of San Juan de Ulúa, a great fortress that was constructed for the defense of the port of Veracruz. It has also served as a prison. You’ll also pass by the Ships Workshop, Café de la Parroquia, the Benito Juarez Lighthouse, and more.

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.

From Veracruz: Tajin & Papantla Archaeological Zone Tour

6. 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.

Veracruz: Hop-On Hop-Off Double-Decker Bus Tour

7. Veracruz: Hop-On Hop-Off Double-Decker Bus Tour

Explore Veracruz by boarding a convenient hop-on-hop-off bus tour and discover the city's most popular attractions. Listen to the included audio guide as you cruise past the Plaza Las Américas, the Aquarium, and much more. Start your tour at the Arts and Crafts Market and board one of the spacious double-decker buses to see the city. Stay on the bus for the full circuit, which takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete, or hop on and off at any of the official stops along the way. Enjoy 5 hours of unlimited travel along the Boca del Río circuit and visit important attractions like the lively harborside district of Malecón Veracruz Puerto, or the Veracruz Cathedral located in the historic center of the city. Take advantage of the onboard audio guide and learn about the city's customs and traditions, its music, cuisine, and much more. An audio guide designed especially for children will help keep your little ones entertained as well. Boca del Rio circuit stops:1.      Seafront2.      Zócalo and City Hall3.      The Bastion of Santiago4.      Aquarium Plaza Wax Museum and Ripley’s North5.      Agustín Lara House Museum6.      Las Américas Shopping Center7.      Vela Shopping Center8.      Aquarium Plaza Wax Museum and Ripley’s South

Chachalacas: ATV & Dunes With La Antigua

8. 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: City Tour with San Juan de Ulua

9. Veracruz: City Tour with San Juan de Ulua

Discover the beauty of the Port of Veracruz with this exciting tour that fuses history, culture, natural attractions and colonial buildings. The activity starts in San Juan de Ulua, one of the greatest and most antique forts in America. After visiting the fort, you will explore the main points of the city’s downtown, including the Maritime Customs Building, the old train station, and the post office building. You will also visit the famous "Malecon", a beautiful seaside promenade lined with restaurants, cafes, and stores. Afterwards, you'll visit the Boca del Rio zone, a booming area with modern, first class hotels, and services, yet with a deep-rooted history.

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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Frequently asked questions about Veracruz

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Tlacotalpan

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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

What has been done is interesting, however time is very limited and it should be a two-day tour. With the guide Claudio very well, attentive, knowledgeable and patient.

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