Puerto de Veracruz

The Port of Veracruz gets called Veracruz Puerto, and to people from the state of Veracruz, it's often just Puerto. It's often confused with the Capital of Veracruz. That's technically in the mountains some 90 minutes to the northwest in Xalapa. Founded in 1519, it's a deeply historic coastal city that combines cultural influences from across the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean region beyond. It's an important cultural destination, with vibrant music scenes that keep people swinging, and that never settle on just one style.

It's also iconic in the history of is architecture, neighborhoods, and public spaces, and for the role it has played in the history of the country for so many centuries. People come to eat, to dance, to stroll the central streets, and often en route to other parts of the state. The famous Macroplaza de Malecón area with views out to the San Juan de Ulúa fortress is almost dominated by the giant sculpture Riqueza del Mar by sculptor, Francisco Zúñiga. The lighthouse, today named for Venustiano Carranza, starts to give visitors an idea of the city's great history and style.

As a coffee exporting country, this was the port from which tons of the savory beans were exported, even before Mexican people really caught onto the coffee craze of the late 20th century. Veracruz was the original coffee culture town for the entire country and still hosts famous old cafes and eateries. To the south, the Boca del Río area offers some of the most affluent beaches and shopping. But as a major transit hub, Veracruz should also be taken advantage of for the considerable resources it offers those looking to stay a few days. Museums, and nearby archaeological sites will soon prove just how ancient and interesting the region remains. 

Today, most guests will arrive from Mexico City to the Veracruz Airport. The trip by bus takes just a little more than five hours, but it is a very popular route will multiple departures daily. There are still flights arriving, with somewhat less frequency, from Dallas and Houston.