Tlacotalpan is a wonderful, and world-famous town on the Papaloapan River in Veracruz. One of very few World Heritage Sites of UNESCO in the world, the town is recognized for the stunning, colorfully painted architecture. But people visit for the sheer joy of strolling the streets and taking in row after row of intricately cared-for houses, and the striking sense of light, texture, and time.
The town is especially popular with seniors who bask in the slower pace of life, the seemingly endless calls to celebrate life, and for the history that still vividly calls to the human spirit.
Famous as a center for Son Veracruzano, the local music that stirs the heart and evokes emotion in even the most cynical among us, there are frequent concerts on the town square, especially in the summer.
The end of each January is a major commemoration of the feast of the Candelaria. Rooms get booked up to a year in advance and people come for carnival style celebrations, concerts and just for walking the many central streets.
The town is very much a river town, with a slow relaxed pace of life. There are a few river tours ranging from a few hours to nearly half a day. And the riverfront is lined with little eateries daily preparing the local culinary favorites, especially shrimp.
People get to town via Veracruz Puerto. It\\\'s about 90 minutes driving, or from the bus station. Take the Transportes Regionales Veracruzanos (TRV) buses towardCosamaloapan. They require a card fare system, but the driver can explain. TRV takes up most of the east side of the station as ADO takes up most of the west.
