Ecotourism in Veracruz State

This is a world of nature, ancient ruins, culture and active sports. One can experience the steamy jungle with its loud monkeys in Lake Catemaco, its cool cloud forests with flowers, birds and butterflies in the Coatepec-Xico region, ancient cities of the Totonac Indians in Papantla and Zempoala and world class cultural performances in art, music and dance in the capital city of Jalapa. Jacomulco located on the River Pescados, about 25 miles from Coatepec, is fast becoming the center for adventure sports.

Port of Veracruz

Veracruz welcomes the world to Mexico from the heart of the Gulf of Mexico that shares both the waters and the atmosphere of Havana, Miami and the Caribbean. Although its historical center is reduced to a few blocks, Veracruz offers the warmth of its people, its delicious cuisine and its music. This warmth is the result of its unique blend of Indian, Spanish, Negro and Arab legacies, as well as others brought in by trade and adventure.

Founded by Hernán Cortés in 1519, Veracruz was the first Spanish city on the continent, and the starting point of the quest for treasure, land and souls, which made it rich and powerful but not enough so to prevent the recurrent pirate raids. Few other Mexican cities have had a history as stormy as that of Veracruz.

The city has twice been the nation's capital at critical times: during The Reform (1858-1860) and from 1914 to 1915 during the Mexican Revolution. In the war for independence, Spanish troops bombarded and almost leveled the city from the San Juan de Ulua port. The French did the same 17 years later. U.S. troops occupied Veracruz during the Mexican-American war in 1847 and advanced to Mexico City. The French were back again in 1860, prior to the establishment of Maximilians short-lived empire. And U.S. forces once more bombarded the port in 1914.

Veracruz has a well-deserved reputation as the liveliest of Mexican cities. Its atmosphere is reminiscent of pre-Castro Havana. Not only was it the starting point for immigrants from Europe, it was also the last wave consisting of refugees from the Spanish Civil War. That European influence may explain the presence of its sidewalk cafes. The Caribbean also has influenced Veracruz, especially in music and dance. Carnival time brings with it an uninhibited outburst of color and gaiety.

(See other sections on Ecotourism in COATEPEC and Ecotourism in JALAPA)