Veracruz Sightseeing

Local Sights

Isla de Sacrificios
Directions Off shore in Veracruz port.
Description Named the "Island of Sacrifices" for the native executions witnessed by Cortes and his troops as they approached.

Plaza de Armas
Directions Plaza de la Constitución
Description The main square where the Municipal Palace, built in the 17th Century, and the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, built in 1743, are situated.

San Juan de Ulúa Castle and Fort
Directions San Juan de Ulúa Island
Description A great island fort built in early colonial times to defend the port.

Spanish Arms Museum
Directions Baluarte de Santiago
Description A small museum containing weapons and armor used by the Conquistadores.

Nearby Sights

Boca del Rio
Directions Some 8 miles south of Veracruz port.
Description A long beach area containing resort hotels and fine open-aired restaurants serving delicious seafood.

La Antigua
Directions 15 miles north of the port.
Description A small fishing village where Cortes landed with his troops in 1519. The remains of Cortes' headquarters and La Ermita, the first church built on Mexican soil, can be seen and explored.

Laguna de Catemaco
Directions Some 60 miles south of the port.
Description A large lake surrounded by dormant volcanic hills. It is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Mexico and contains the islands of Tenapi and Agaltepec. Popular local tales state the best witch-doctors in Mexico come from this area.

Zempoala
Directions Some 25 miles north of the port of Veracruz.
Description An archeological site covering approximately three square miles considered to be the last capital of the Totonaca Empire.