Car Hire Veracruz
Mini guide to Veracruz
Veracruz is one of the most popular destinations for Mexicans looking to escape their busy cities. The city is known for its production of lively music, and is the birthplace of the famous song La Bamba. Veracruz is an exciting destination for those who love cafés, evening strolls and a vibrant nightlife.
Veracruz was once entirely surrounded by walls which protected it from rampaging pirates. The Baluarte Santiago, a bastion built in 1635, is one of the few remnants of the fortification, and it houses a small collection of pre-Hispanic gold jewellery for display.
The Fort of San Juan de Ulúa is another interesting attraction. After Mexico's independence, the fort served as a prison. It has walls that stand up to 11m high, with bastions at each corner. Stroll through the courtyard, storehouses, barracks and old prison cells on a guided tour.
It's worthwhile spending a day at the El Acuario, the largest aquarium in Latin America. Boasting 9 freshwater and 15 saltwater tanks, the aquarium is comparable to many famous aquariums around the world. The largest tank is built to look exactly like the ocean; while the shark tank is gigantic and is probably the most exciting display in the park.
The danzonera, marimba, jarocha, mariachi and norteño music that plays in the town square nightly adds to the ambience of the city. Locals come here to dance, drink coffee and wine, and socialize.
Every year, in the week before Ash Wednesday, the city comes alive for Carnaval, one of the most lavish festivals in Mexico. Incredible floats of papier-mâché figures, flowers and live entertainment are breathtaking; additionally, costumed revellers party in the streets well into the night.
Near Veracruz, you'll find one of Mexico's finest archaeological sites, El Tajin. The state is also host to Mexico's highest volcano and the second highest volcano in North America (5,791m), the Pico de Orizaba. Other adventure tours like mountain climbing, white-water river rafting and sports fishing are all easily accessible from Veracruz.
To drive to Veracruz from Mexico City (232kms), take toll Highway 150D into Veracruz; the journey takes about six hours. From Xalapa, take Highway 140 to the coast and then the coastal toll Highway 180 south (two hours). A frequent bus service to Veracruz is available from Mexico City, Puebla and Xalapa. Veracruz has an international airport about 11kms from the city centre.
