Veracruz

The trade port of Veracruz, set in the state of the same name, is lapped by beautiful Gulf of Mexico waters and offers visitors a mix of modernity, history and some of mother natures' best work.

Stunning natural resources surround the Mexican port including a rainforest hiding a wealth of tropical wildlife, an amazing coral reef system hidden beneath the sea surface and regions ranging from soft beaches to snow-capped mountains by the Sierra Madre Oriental.

Veracruz was the first city to form part of a European foundation in the American continent and hides the history of the ancient Mesoamerican civilization.

The history of the city is also reflected in its gastronomy, a mix of flavours from Native American, Mediterranean and African cultures.

Close to the Malecon (seawall) is the famous coffee bar Café de le Parroquia – the best place to sit and have breakfast and to experience genuine coffee, created by the land. Travellers can relax and take in the atmosphere of the port.

As well as coffee, Veracruz is renowned for producing vanilla, sugar cane, rice and the world famous Jalapeno chili.

Visitors can naturally enjoy mouth-watering ocean-fresh seafood in the city and the most famous dish is Huachinango a la Veracruzana – fish fillet covered with a delicious sauce-garnish popular with anything served under it.

Other delicacies include shrimp, crab or seafood Chilpachole (spicy soup), Tumbada style Rice (with seafood) and the mysterious Carne de Chango from Catemaco (which tourists are told is monkey meat, when it is actually smoked pork).

Villa Rica is the most popular seafood restaurants chain in Veracruz and its success has spurred other branches in other cities around the country.

Travelers will not be stuck for things to do in the city whether they prefer relaxing on the hot sunny beaches – Boca del Rio is just a few minutes away – or visiting attractions such as the museums, a modern aquarium, a zoo and an ecological park. Neighbouring towns are also filled with archeological sites to explore.

A recommended activity is a refreshing walk by the malecon and Plaza de Armas which transforms into a huge dance floor in the evening where local enthusiasts freely practice their rhythmic and passionate "danzon".

For a more cultural experience, the City Museum set in a late 19th century neoclassical building stores treasures from the port's past, while the Naval History Museum attempts to relate the evolution of navigation from the invention of the trunk and paddle to the collections showing the Mexican navy's participation in the Second World War.

Veracruz aquarium – the eighth most visited aquarium in the world - displays the largest oceanic fish tank in Latin America and contains one of the most complete collections of aquatic organisms.

But the most exciting event in Veracruz is the colourful carnival, the biggest in Mexico, held in the city every February. Since 1925 the aim of the carnival has been to raise funds for charitable causes whilst enjoying a big bright party full of music, good atmosphere and plenty of fun. It starts with the "Quema del Mal Humor" (bad temper burning) followed by the coronation of the Carnival Queen. Six traditional parades made up of floats and bandwagons travel by the sea wall to the sound of samba music.

Travelling around the city is easy using the local bus network and even with a hire car as many high-speed roads connect the region. The airport is about nine miles west of the city centre and visitors can fly in from the US and other points in Mexico. One word of warning though, taxis in Veracruz are not metered so it is a good idea to agree a price before you get in otherwise you could find yourself paying too many Mexican Pesos for the trip.