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Forget Cancun and its overdeveloped hotel zone, Tulum and the growing crowds of partygoers, and the American wellness cult of Playa Del Carmen: if you fancy a deep Cultural Mexico getaway while still having plenty of beach time, Veracruz is where you need to go.
Located on a quieter stretch of the Gulf of Mexico, away from the hustle and bustle of Yucatán, this charming spot has been stealing the hearts of culture vultures lately, with no fewer than 40% increase for bookings in this category and positions itself as one most promising city trip.
It’s rarely mentioned in the news media during Mexico’s epic tourism reintegration, and it’s certainly not in most guidebooks, so what’s driving this? new wave of popularity?
Why is Veracruz rising in popularity right now?
If you’ve been following Mexico’s travel trends lately, you know that cultural activities have become just as important as the established market for all-inclusive resorts.
While it’s true, a majority of Americans still want that in the first place relax on the beachEspecially when they don’t get the chance to travel as often, a growing number of them want to get a taste of culture, and there’s no better place to have both than lesser-known Veracruz.
Not just mea coastal town on the Gulf of Mexico, where the beaches are pristine and pristine, but it happens to be Mexico’s oldest and most important port: it was founded as early as the year 1519 by Spanish colonists, one of the first European-built cities in the Americas.
An old port city with a fascinating colonial history
At the height of the transatlantic Spanish empire, when Mexico was still under Spanish control, Veracruz grew into a major trading center, home to a wealthy trading class that built a number of trading centers. colonial mansions and palaces, so graceful and stately that they attracted the attention of real pirates.
Veracruz and its colorful facades and majestic Christian shrines were threatened by raids for much of the 17th century, leading to the construction of a European-style fortress – Fort San Juan de Ulúa – which is still in perfect condition today.
It is also one of the most important sights in the city Plaza de Armasthe main square and heart of the walled colonial city, the Baroque municipal palacebuilt in the year 1608, the towering, whitewashed cathedral of Veracruz and the historic harbor full of monuments.
Two of the most important sights on the waterfront are the old lighthouse, which housed the government of Mexican revolutionary Venustiano Carranza, and the Registry Building, where the first birth certificate issued in Mexico is exhibited.
The same historic center is there rehabilitated to highlight Veracruz’s rich history, investing 25 million Mexican pesos (approximately $1.46 million) in restoration works.
The aim is to revive the zone’s old world charm make it more tourist friendly.
Beautiful Gulf beaches nearby
On top of its architectural heritage, Veracruz is a short drive from a beautiful 37-mile stretch of coastline aptly named Costa Esmeralda, where the sands are hugged by emerald green waters and tall palms line the shores.
Numerous offshore islands can also be visited, including Isla del Sacrificios, a paradise spot teeming with marine life that is part of the Veracruz Reef System, and the diving and wild swimming spots from Isla de Enmedio and Isla Verde.
If you are budget conscious, you will be happy to know that Veracruz is far from expensive like Cancun or much of the Riviera Maya, mainly because luxury resorts are not at the forefront of tourist offerings, and despite a growth in international tourism, it is a place where mainly Mexicans holiday still.
Affordable accommodations
Some of the best hotels along the Malecon – the traditional promenade found in every coastal city south of the border – cost so cheap $64 per night to book, and the average cost of food per day is an acceptable $48.
In total, a week-long trip to Veracruz will cost each person an average of $831, including accommodation, daily expenses for food and transportation, and sightseeing.
It’s Mexico without the Americanized gourmet eateries and high room rates we are for it.
Connectivity with Veracruz is improving
It is no wonder that demand for Veracruz continues to increase, and the launch of new non-stop flights from the United States is Further evidence from that.
Starting in June, American Airlines will begin offering flights between Dallas, Texas and Veracruz.
Dallas will be only the second US city to offer Veracruz flights Houstonwhere United Airlines operates.
Nonstop domestic flights from Mexico are available from a number of cities that Americans typically use as entry points, such as Cancun, Mexico City and Guadalajara.
Connectivity with Veracruz has increased landside like a new train route which connects the state to Palenque, the last stop of the hugely popular Mayan Train, which was inaugurated last December.
Find more off-the-path gems of Mexico and start planning your cultural getaway here.
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The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
