The Magical Towns of Veracruz

Explore the magical towns of Veracruz on a nine-day journey of cultural discovery, ancient civilizations, and natural beauty. The “magical towns” include some of Veracruz’s Pueblos Magicos, a title awarded by the Mexican government to extra-special towns for their “magical qualities”.

Begin with an exploration of Veracruz, the lively city within the state of the same name, before touring the archeological site of Zempoala and, if they’re around, witnessing the famous Voladores de Papantla (a troupe of daredevil performers who swing from a tall pole attached by a rope around their ankles).

Next, tour the local magical towns of Veracruz, including Catemaco, Xalapa, Coatepec, and Naolinco. Along the way, enjoy privately guided tours to learn all about these fascinating and beautiful traditional towns.

HIGHLIGHTS

3N Mexico City – Enjoy 3 nights in the vibrant capital city of Mexico, at Casa Polanco boutique hotel.

4N Veracruz City – Enjoy a total of 4 nights in Veracruz City as your base, while you explore nearby towns.

3N Coatepec – Relax for 3 nights in Coatepec, a magic town in Veracruz known internationally for their coffee.

Veracruz City Tour – Explore this lively city with a private guide, visiting colonial buildings and the fortifications built to protect against pirates

Xalapa – Visit the capital of Veracruz and its spectacular Anthropology Museum, which exhibits the ancient work of Olmec, Huastec, and Totonac artists

Catemaco – Tour the spiritual community of Catemaco and its lake, visiting Monkey Island and Nanciyaga.

– Visit Quiahuixtlán, La Antigua and Cempoala archaeological sites.

Magic Towns – Visit two of Veracruz’s picturesque “Magic Towns”: Xico and Coatepec

Day 1: Arrival to Veracruz

After arriving at the airport, meet a local guide and enjoy private transportation to a charming hotel in the historic city center of Veracruz. Relax and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 2: Explore the City of Veracruz Private Tour

Today, enjoy a privately guided city tour of Veracruz, one of the most important ports in the country. Visit its gorgeous, colonial buildings and monumental fortifications, which once defended the population against the attacks of treacherous pirates.

Day 3: Archeology Discovery: Quiahuixtlán, La Antigua & Cempoala

Enjoy a privately guided tour of Quiahuixtlán archaeological zone (part of the Totonac culture and important site during the conqust of Hernan Cortez). The adventure continues in Cempoala (or Zempoala), an archeological site whose name means ‘the place of twenty waters’ is an important place that is believed to have been inhabited by the Totonac, Chinantec and Zapotec peoples. Finish the day with a private tour of La Antigua, considered the first Spanish town in Mexico since it had the first municipal government on the mainland. Visit the remains of Hernán Cortés’ house built in 1523 and a simple white chapel built by Franciscan monks.

At the latter, find a Mesoamerican archeological site surrounded by lush foliage and rich agricultural land. At the time of the Spanish Conquest, it was the principal city of the Totonac and, while most buildings date from the 14th and 15th centuries, the area was populated at least 1,500 years earlier.

On weekends and during vacation months, guests may also see the famous Voladores de Papantla – a group of high-flying performers who strap themselves to a tall pole via their ankles and twirl their way down.

Day 4: Catemaco Spirituality and Los Tuxtlas

Visit Santiago Tuxtla, which houses a colossal Olmec head in the main plaza. Discover the history behind these large heads that can be found throughout Veracruz and are a clear example of the importance of the Olmec people in Mexico. Next, visit a cigar factory in San Andres Tuxtla, where the cigars are rolled by hand. Tobacco is grown abundantly in Veracruz due to its warm and wet environment.

Continuing your journey through the region, head to Catemaco, an area associated closely with a rich pre-Hispanic tradition of witchcraft. Board a boat to take a ride across the lake, which was once a crater and en-route visit Monkey Island and the Ecological Reserve of Nanciyaga, rich with tropical flora and fauna.

Day 5: Coatepec Coffee Plantation

After checking out of your hotel in Veracruz City, it’s time to head to Coatepec – a region known for coffee. Visit a local coffee plantation to discover the rich history behind its production process and sip samples of locally grown coffee.

Day 6: Xalapa City Exploration, Xico & Waterfall

Enjoy a full city tour of Xalapa and visit to the charming town of Xico. In Xalapa there is the chance to admire excellent examples of architectural styles that range from Gothic, neoclassical and Renaissance, French to the contemporary and modern.

After spending the morning in Xaplapa, head towards small city of Xico, to explore town and enjoy lunch. After Lunch the experience continues to explore Waterfalls. Back in Coatepec, enjoy rest of evening at leisure.

Day 7: Private Experience to El Lencero with Anthropology Museum and Coatepec

Enjoy a privately guided tour to El Lencero (occasionally called the Museo de Muebles or Furniture Museum), which was once the home of Antonio López de Santa Anna, a former president of Mexico. Next, enjoy a privately guided tour of the Xalapa Anthropology Museum, learning more about the area’s indigenous people.

For lunch, head back to Coatepec, for a lovely afternoon and a guided walking experience in this magic town, distinguished for its coffee fields and greenhouses, aromatic liquors and excellent cuisine. Hip cafes and coffee roasters can be found on every corner, and the heavy smell of coffee permeates the town.

Day 8: Private Tour of Naolinco

Today is exploration of Naolinco, a picturesque town located in the mountain range of Chiconquiaco. Its colonial houses seem removed from a story or from a picture. Red roofs, colorful house make of Naolinco a place you always want to come back. Interestingly, 80% of their inhabitants live on the production leather products as, boots, belts, wallets, shoes, jackets other kind of products made of fine leather.

Day 9: Departure

Enjoy a private transfer from the hotel to the airport for onward flights home.

Dates

Our trips are fully customized, allowing us to build your itinerary for any time of the year.

Prices

Our custom-tailored journeys start from $1,000 USD per day for two travelers. Contact us today to discuss your travel desires and design a personalized proposal with exact pricing.