The best of Veracruz: Top 8 things to do in Veracruz based on my experience
How many days do you need in Veracruz?
The 8 best things to do in Veracruz
1. Explore the ancient city of El Tajín
2. Spend a day exploring Orizaba
3. Take a boat trip across Laguna Catemaco
5. Wander the colorful streets of Tlacotalpan
6. Experience the power of Salto de Eyipantla
7. Walk among the Olmecs at Tres Zapotes
Olmec heads, spectacular lakes, shamans, macaques, mountains, and ancient ruins… Veracruz isn't usually the first place people think of when planning a trip to Mexico, but it ended up being one of the most surprising states I visited.
I spent time exploring different corners of Veracruz, from the ancient city of El Tajín and the volcanic landscapes of Los Tuxtlas to colorful colonial towns and the mountain city of Orizaba. Along the way, I met local shamans, stood in front of colossal Olmec heads, took boat trips across jungle lakes, and even visited an island full of macaques.
In this guide, you'll find my favorite things to do in Veracruz, based on my own travels throughout the state. This isn't a giant directory of every attraction you could visit. Instead, it's a curated list of the places I genuinely enjoyed, including practical information, prices, opening hours, and a few spots that I think deserve far more attention than they get.
Read more from my Mexico travel blog.
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These are the 8 things to do in Veracruz that I believe are worth your time:
Before I move to the best things to do in Veracruz and the top places to visit in Veracruz, Mexico, here's a quick overview of the state.
Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave—or just Veracruz, if you don’t insist on being super formal- is one of the 32 federal states in Mexico. The Gulf of Mexico borders it on the east, and it is bordered by the states of Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosí, Hidalgo, Puebla, Oaxaca, Chiapas, and Tabasco.
Have a look at my guides to Mexico City and Chiapas, if you wish to explore Mexico more.
Veracruz is a strip of land as narrow as a slice of salami—only 35 kilometers (22 miles) wide in its narrowest place. On the other hand, it stretches about 650 kilometers (404 miles) from north to south. Crossing it from one side to another would take about 13 hours by car. (So use your noodle and don’t do it.) There are other options for how to enjoy Mexico to the fullest—check my top 10 hikes in Mexico instead.
The capital of Veracruz is Xalapa, located approximately in the middle of the state, and home to 800,000 people in its metropolitan area (that’s not a lot, compared to Mexico City with its 22 million inhabitants).
Apart from sun-splashed beaches, Veracruz also offers harsh mountains, including Pico de Orizaba—the highest peak in Mexico. Whether you're looking for beaches, waterfalls, volcanoes, or colonial towns, you'll find some of the best places to visit in Veracruz, Mexico spread across this surprisingly diverse state.
Tip: There is much more to know about the geography and history of the country. Read 12 most important facts about Mexico you should know before you set off.
The climate of Veracruz reflects the state's geographical diversity. It’s hot and sunny in the lowlands and on the beaches, with the average annual temperature being around 25 °C (77 °F). It is a bit colder at higher altitudes. Above 1,600 m (5,250 ft) above sea level, the average temperature is around 15 °C (59 °F).
I'd recommend spending four days exploring Veracruz. The state is much larger than many travelers expect, with many of the best places to visit in Veracruz spread across several regions. This Veracruz itinerary groups nearby attractions together, making it easier to experience the state's highlights without spending your entire trip on the road.
Start your trip at El Tajín, one of the most impressive Veracruz attractions and one of Mexico's most spectacular archaeological sites. If time allows, stop in nearby Papantla before continuing your journey.
Spend the day discovering Orizaba, one of my favorite places to visit in Veracruz. Walk along the Río Orizaba, visit Palacio de Hierro, ride the Teleférico, and hike the 500 Escalones trail.
Explore the colorful streets of Tlacotalpan, then continue to Tres Zapotes and Santiago Tuxtla to discover the region's fascinating Olmec heritage. Finish the day at the spectacular Salto de Eyipantla, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Veracruz.
End your Veracruz travel itinerary with a boat trip across Laguna Catemaco, followed by a hike through Los Tuxtlas, one of the most biodiverse regions in Mexico and one of my favorite things to do in Veracruz.
The easiest way to follow this Veracruz itinerary is by renting a car. While buses connect many of the major towns, having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to explore places like Los Tuxtlas, Laguna Catemaco, and Salto de Eyipantla at your own pace.
I usually compare prices on DiscoverCars because it lets me check multiple rental companies in one place, and I've consistently found some of the best deals there.
I’m here to help you plan an unforgettable vacation! These are the best places to visit in Veracruz, Mexico—all tried and tested by me, myself, and I.
The ruins of El Tajín
Exploring El Tajín is one of the best things to do in Veracruz. It's one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Mexico and definitely one of the top places to visit in Veracruz. It's a site full of unique structures that can't be seen anywhere else in Mexico.
Among numerous temples, pyramids, and palaces, the Pyramid of the Niches is the most impressive one. Its seven terraces are made of flagstones and decorated with 365 niches, originally painted red and black. The building probably served as a temple.
The city flourished from around 600–1200 AD, and after its collapse, it fell into oblivion. It was the Pyramid of the Niches that first drew the attention of Europeans at the end of the 18th century, when a Spanish official accidentally came across it while searching for illegal tobacco plantations. Imagine the shock it must have been.
Pico de Orizaba
Lush vegetation, deep valleys, and a breathtaking view of Pico de Orizaba in the background. The city of Orizaba is not only a great day trip from Puebla, it's also one of the best places to visit in Veracruz and a destination worth visiting.
Pico de Orizaba is a popular tourist attraction, even though hiking enthusiasts usually get disappointed. You can't hike the mountain from Orizaba—you can only admire it from a distance. If you do want a good hike, I've summarized the 10 best hikes in Mexico in a separate article.
In Orizaba, you can follow the 500 Escalones (500 Stairs) trail, which leads through the Río Blanco Canyon to viewpoints overlooking the Elephant Waterfall. Or, you can let the Teleférico cable car take you up Cerro del Borrego for panoramic views of the city. Another option is to walk alongside the river, where a free animal reserve is run by the locals, and then admire the Palacio de Hierro, designed by Gustave Eiffel (yes, that Eiffel). The options are almost limitless. The good news? All of them are good.
Me, on the 500 Escalones in Veracruz
In the picture above, I'm hiking the 500 Escalones trail. The best part is the beginning with overwhelming views—the rest is rather underwhelming. And even a bit dangerous, if you ask me
I recommend Trogon is a fine restaurant in the center, just a few minutes from Palacio de Hierro. Get ready for excellent Mexican cuisine!
I recommend Hotel Misión Orizaba. This colonial-style hotel in the historic center of the city offers a swimming pool and air conditioning. Ideal, in my opinion. The ambience is great, too.
Prices start at USD 60 per night for 2 people.
Taking a boat trip on Laguna Catemaco
Taking a boat trip across Laguna Catemaco is one of the most unusual things to do in Veracruz. But beware—it's not an ordinary lake. It has macaques and shamans.
You can rent a kayak or take a boat tour, just as I did. The boat follows a route across the lake, where you'll spot stump-tailed macaques originally brought from Thailand for scientific research in the 1970s. The monkeys are extremely fat because tourists don't seem to have any limits when it comes to feeding cute, fluffy animals.
When you've had enough of fat macaques, you can look for a local shaman to get rid of your evil spirits. To tell the truth, the procedure is actually a moderately relaxing neck massage that will probably ruin your clothes with expensive oil. And once you're trapped and can't escape, the shaman will happily offer you overpriced talismans and souvenirs. Awesome, isn't it?
Did the shaman purify my soul? Nope. Did he make me laugh? Hell, yes. Especially after telling the story to my friends over and over again back in Czechia. That's why I think it's an experience everyone should try when visiting Veracruz.
If you enjoy places like this, I also had a great experience at Lagunas de Montebello in Chiapas. You can read more about it in my Chiapas itinerary article.
Enjoy the nature while hiking in Tuxtla
If you're looking for active things to do in Veracruz, hiking in Los Tuxtlas should be high on your list. This volcanic mountain range is full of lush forests, scenic trails, and spectacular views.
I recommend hiking Cerro del Venado, but you can also start from San Andrés Tuxtla or Catemaco and choose from dozens of trails just waiting to be explored.
Another beautiful spot is Laguna Encantada, especially the trail to Laguna Azul (El Almendro). You can comfortably walk there from San Andrés Tuxtla. The trail is flat, wide, and about 4 km (2.5 mi) long, with an elevation gain of approximately 130 m (426 ft).
Wandering through Tlacotalpan is one of the most relaxing things to do in Veracruz. This UNESCO World Heritage town is known for its colorful Caribbean architecture and former fame as an important river port before the railroad arrived.
Once you dive into the colorful streets, stroll around the historic center, and sample the local seafood, you will never want to leave.
Hotel Doña Juana was genuinely such a delight (especially the AC)
I recommend Hotel Doña Juana with rooms just as colorful as the town outside your window. The hotel offers air conditioning, a 24-hour front desk, and free Wi-Fi.
If you're craving fresh seafood with river views, head to Restaurante Los Jarochos. It's one of the town's best-known restaurants and a great place to end the day.
Karin in front of the Salto de Eyipantla falls
The 50 m (164 ft) tall Salto de Eyipantla is definitely one of the best waterfall attractions in Veracruz. Roaring and spraying water all around, the waterfall is, according to local legends, home to the ancient rain god Tlaloc.
Restaurants and souvenir stands line the path to the falls, making it a rather busy place. You can visit the free mirador and watch the waterfall from above or go down nearly 250 stairs to see it from below. I recommend trying both perspectives.
Poor, skinny children often roam near the trail and offer to guide you or take photos of you. On one hand, you can accept, give them a tip, and support a local family. On the other hand, you may also be encouraging child labor instead of children being in school. The choice is yours.
Tip: Are you fascinated by waterfalls? Then you should consider visiting Cascada El Aguacero near Tuxtla Gutiérrez or Cascada El Chiflón near San Cristóbal.
The Olmec head
If you're interested in ancient history, visiting Tres Zapotes is one of the most fascinating things to do in Veracruz. "Tres Zapotes—Ancient Olmec site with stone heads," says the map. And the map is right.
Tres Zapotes used to be one of the major cultural centers for more than 2,000 years, beginning around 1000 BC. Numerous stone structures and monuments have been discovered here.
Among the famous civilizations of Mexico, the Olmecs were the oldest—much older than the Aztecs or the Maya. They carved colossal heads from massive basalt boulders, and they remain one of the greatest mysteries of Mesoamerican history. The heads weigh several tons each and measure between 1.5–3 m (5–10 ft) tall. Even today, it's hard to imagine how they were created and transported.
Nowadays, Tres Zapotes is a quiet rural town where you can explore the archaeological site and the excellent site museum while breathing in the air of Olmec history.
Another Olmec Head in Santiago Tuxtla
If Tres Zapotes tells the story of the Olmec civilization, Santiago Tuxtla brings it to life.
Knock, knock. Who's there? Another Olmec head! This time in Santiago Tuxtla, just 28 km (17 mi) from Tres Zapotes, or about a 35-minute drive away. You can easily visit both places in a single day and turn them into your own Olmec tour.
The mostly agricultural town of Santiago Tuxtla is home not only to one of the largest colossal Olmec heads in Mexico, but also to the excellent Museo Tuxteco, where you'll find hundreds of archaeological artifacts from the region. The museum sits right next to Parque Olmeca, making it an easy and worthwhile stop that takes about two hours.
From ancient ruins and colorful colonial towns to jungle lakes, waterfalls, and incredible wildlife, Veracruz surprised me at every turn. If you're looking for a destination that combines history, nature, and authentic Mexican culture, you'll find plenty of unforgettable things to do in Veracruz. I hope this guide helps you plan an incredible trip and inspires you to explore one of Mexico's most underrated states.
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The best of Veracruz: Top 8 things to do in Veracruz based on my experience
How many days do you need in Veracruz?
The 8 best things to do in Veracruz
1. Explore the ancient city of El Tajín
2. Spend a day exploring Orizaba
3. Take a boat trip across Laguna Catemaco
5. Wander the colorful streets of Tlacotalpan
6. Experience the power of Salto de Eyipantla
7. Walk among the Olmecs at Tres Zapotes
Hi, I’m Jan. I travel fast and intensely, whether I’m exploring the buzz of Tokyo in 3 days or road-tripping through mountains and beaches on a 3-week Thailand adventure. And no matter where I am, you’ll always find me in a comfortable hotel at night and eating the best food.
If that sounds like your kind of journey, hop on board, and let’s explore the world together!
I started this blog after realizing how tough it can be to find reliable, authentic travel info. You wouldn’t believe how many “travel bloggers” never even visit the places they write about! On Next Level of Travel, you can count on my full honesty and insights drawn from my firsthand experiences.
Here’s the deal: not every destination is all superlatives and unicorns. I’ll let you know if a tourist attraction isn’t worth your time, like skipping overrated stops in my 2-week Spain itinerary. And when I find something truly special—like the perfect mix of culture and nature in Cape Town—you can trust that it’s worth adding to your itinerary.
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