Veracruz Mexico 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Veracruz City

Morning

  • Arrive at General Heriberto Jara International Airport (VER)
  • Take a taxi or shuttle to your hotel in the historic center
  • Check-in at Hotel Imperial or similar, a colonial-style hotel with comfortable rooms and a great location

Afternoon

  • Visit the Malecón, a waterfront promenade with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico
  • Explore the Fortaleza de San Juan de Ulúa, a 16th-century fort that served as a prison and now houses a museum
  • Walk around the Zócalo, the main square, and admire the beautiful colonial architecture

Evening

  • Enjoy traditional Veracruz cuisine at La Parroquia, try their famous arroz a la tumbada (a seafood rice dish)
  • Take a stroll along the Malecón and enjoy the street performers and live music

Tips

  • Be prepared for hot and humid weather, bring sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak hours (7-9 am and 5-7 pm) to minimize traffic congestion

Transportation

  • Taxi: readily available at the airport and around the city
  • Bus: an affordable option, but not as frequent as taxis
  • Walking: a great way to explore the historic center, but be mindful of pedestrian traffic and uneven sidewalks

Day 2: Veracruz City

Morning

  • Visit the Museo de la Ciudad, a museum showcasing the history and culture of Veracruz
  • Explore the Mercado de Artesanías, a marketplace selling traditional crafts and souvenirs
  • Stop by the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, a beautiful colonial cathedral

Afternoon

  • Take a boat tour to Isla de los Sacrificios, an island with a lighthouse, beaches, and historic significance
  • Enjoy the sunset at the Malecón or from the island

Evening

  • Dine at El Fogoncito, try their delicious huachinango (a type of fish) dishes
  • Experience the vibrant nightlife at Calle de la Republica, a street filled with bars and clubs

Day 3: La Antigua

Morning

  • Take a day trip to La Antigua, a colonial town about an hour away from Veracruz City
  • Visit the Quinta de Anáhuac, a historic hacienda turned museum
  • Explore the charming streets and alleys of La Antigua

Afternoon

  • Stop by the Ex-Convento de San Francisco, a 16th-century convent with beautiful architecture
  • Enjoy lunch at La Casa de los Abuelos, try their traditional Veracruz dishes

Evening

  • Return to Veracruz City and enjoy dinner at El Mesón, a restaurant serving contemporary Mexican cuisine
  • Relax at your hotel or take a stroll around the Zócalo

Day 4: Catemaco

Morning

  • Take a day trip to Catemaco, a picturesque town about two hours away from Veracruz City
  • Explore the Lago de Catemaco, a beautiful lake surrounded by lush vegetation
  • Visit the Museo de la Naturaleza y la Cultura, a museum showcasing the region’s natural and cultural heritage

Afternoon

  • Take a boat tour of the lake and enjoy the stunning scenery
  • Stop by the Isla de los Monos, an island with a variety of wildlife, including monkeys

Evening

  • Return to Veracruz City and enjoy dinner at La Casa de Toño, try their delicious tortas (sandwiches)
  • Take a leisurely walk around the Malecón

Day 5: Departure

Morning

  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring any last-minute attractions
  • Check-out of your hotel and head to the airport for your departure flight

Things to Know

  • Veracruz is a coastal state, be prepared for high humidity and heat
  • Try to learn some basic Spanish phrases, it will make your trip more enjoyable
  • Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas and public transportation

Other Things of Interest

  • Volcán de San Martín: an active volcano about an hour away from Veracruz City
  • Papantla: a town known for its traditional dances, music, and handicrafts
  • Tlacotalpan: a charming colonial town with beautiful architecture and scenic views

I hope you enjoy your trip to Veracruz!