Orizaba, Veracruz

Nestled at the foot of the Citlaltépetl, just two hours from the port of Veracruz, the city of Orizaba keeps in its streets a history that dates back to pre-Hispanic times, when the Nahuas and Totonaca peoples considered these lands a sacred place.

The name Ahuilizapan, which means place of joyful waters, reflects the indigenous worldview that venerated water as the origin of life and channel of spiritual communication.

With the arrival of the viceregal period, Orizaba became an important commercial and cultural point, flourishing as a city of exchange between the coast and the highlands, whose legacy can be appreciated today in its architecture, traditions and spaces that narrate centuries of history.

It begins by touring the Historic Center, declared the Zone of Monuments, where the Cathedral of San Miguel Arcángel stands, in neoclassical style, which every September 29 is adorned with multicolored sawdust mats during the patron saint's celebration.

A few steps from there visit the Iron Palace, an architectural jewel designed in Belgium and assembled in Mexico at the end of the 19th century.

Climb Cerro del Borrego by cable car and enjoy the incredible panoramic views of the valley, and then tour the site where the battle of 1862 took place.

Enjoy with your family the museums of State Art and Cri-Cri, dedicated to the famous composer Francisco Gabilondo Soler, originally from this city.

Continue on the Orizaba River Walk, an ideal space to walk next to the watercourse, listen to the birds singing and closely observe species such as jaguars and monkeys in its biopark.

Go hiking on one of the guided tours to the foothills of Pico de Orizaba, organized by local tour operators.

In every corner of the city it is possible to taste traditional dishes such as chileatole, molotes or pambazo veracruzano, as well as contemporary proposals that revalue the ingredients of the region.

Orizaba awaits you with history, nature and culture in every corner!