Cortés’s Trail
Relive Hernán Cortés’s journey and the origins of the Conquest, from the beaches of Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz to the ruins of Quiahuiztlán, with its breathtaking view of the sea. Marvel at Cempoala, the site of the first great alliance between two worlds, and visit La Antigua, where the first town council was established and the first Catholic chapel on the American continent was built. A journey rich in history, culture, and contrasts.
We depart from Xalapa bound for the Veracruz coast, where a journey through the most iconic sites of the history of the Conquest begins. Our first stop is Villa Rica Beach, where the arrival of Hernán Cortés’s ships is reenacted, along with the passages narrated by Bernal Díaz del Castillo in his *True History of the Conquest of New Spain*. Here, in addition to learning about this pivotal moment, you can enjoy the coastal scenery or take a dip in its calm waters.
We continue on to the Quiahuiztlán Archaeological Site, an ancient Totonac settlement nestled atop Cerro de los Metates. From the summit, the views of the sea are simply spectacular, and among the stone tombs of the pre-Hispanic cemetery, you can feel the fusion of history and nature.
The tour continues to Cempoala, the most important site of the Gulf cultures during the 16th century. It was here that Cortés forged the first major indigenous alliance that would lead him to the central highlands and, ultimately, to his encounter with the Mexica Empire.
To round out the day, we visit La Antigua, the birthplace of the first city council in the Americas. Among its ruins are the first Catholic chapel built on the mainland, the so-called Casa de Cortés, and the tranquil landscapes along the banks of the La Antigua River—a perfect setting to enjoy the tropical atmosphere and reflect on the dawn of a new era in Mexico’s history.
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