Coatzacoalcos

Coatzacoalcos is a major city and port in the very south of Veracruz. The city stands on a  narrow stretch of land connecting the Atlantic with the Pacific oceans. The name comes from the Nahuatl language and could be translated as place where the serpent hides. Some 4,000 years ago, the region was home to the Olmec civilization. Their famous ceremonial and civic center, La Venta, is an important site for visitors. It's just across the state line in Tabasco about one hour to the east of the city center.

People visit the city especially for the Olmec Archaeology Museum. Original artifacts reveal the ancient civilization's art, and enduring legacy. The Coatzacoalcos boardwalk allows visitors to get the most of the Gulf coast with abundant murals, sculpture, and public art that narrate stories of identity, resilience, and transformation. Not far away the Jaguaroundi Ecological Park shelters a few very rare mammals and lets human guests enjoy a bit more greenery.

One of the most famous sites within the town is the Los Arrecifes Marine Turtle Conservation Center. It's important not just for protecting and encourage in the marine turtles, but for the education of everyone who visits.  People also take to the Bicentennial Park, or for a boat tour of Las Barrillas. 

But Coatzacoalcos is probably best known as a gateway to many of the surrounding areas and attractions. From the Tren Interoceanico, guests now glide across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, all the way on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca. But much closer to home, the town of Minatitlán shares the region's most important airport with Coatzacoalcos. It's but the first of many smaller towns and cities that await you.