A paradise is waiting among the valleys of northern Veracruz: Huasteca and Totonaca regions. A tour of the northern municipalities is an example of how the entity blends into all landscapes, all flavors, and aromas. Veracruz is a destination that has history, adventure, and fun. The Huasteca and Totonaca regions shine by its culture, gastronomy, and regional landscape.
Tuxpan
Therefore, Tuxpan is one of the tourist and commercial capitals of Veracruz. It was founded on the banks of the river that bears the same name and was discovered by Spanish explorers who arrived in the Huasteca region in 1518.
The city has a citrus perfume; since the orange harvest is the base of its economy. In addition, the port and tourist activity grows day by day. That is to say, the beaches of Tuxpan are the closest to Mexico City and are only 4 hours away thanks to the Mexico-Tuxpan Highway that reduced the distances from the center of the country.
The hotel and beach offer is varied. Just 20 minutes from the municipal seat are beaches such as “Tuxpan”, “Mis Amores”, “Playa Azul” or “Playa Solita”.
Lobos Island
Traveling about 50 minutes along the state highway, Tamiahua stands as one of the capitals of fishing activity in the state. Its gastronomic offer is rich in seafood and not only that, it is the closest point to get to Isla Lobos, the hidden paradise in the Veracruz sea.
Recognized as the Best Emerging Destination 2023 by México Desconocido Magazine, Lobos Island is located in the Lobos Tuxpan Reef System. Here you can go hiking, scuba diving and walk along the semi-virgin white sand beaches.
Moreover, the reefs of Isla Lobos bury the remains of the Melchor Ocampo Ship, which ran aground in 1920, thanks to the scourge of a hurricane and which has merged with the marine flora and fauna. Elevated 85 meters from the sand, the island lighthouse has become a favorite place for taking pictures, and, from its booth, you can appreciate the richness of the Gulf of Mexico.
Papantla
Back on the mainland, and 50 minutes away from Tamiahua, is Papantla. Considered the capital of the Totonacapan region and the cradle of an artistic and cultural tradition that represents Veracruz and Mexico, in the eyes of the world.
Just a few kilometers from Papantla is the archaeological zone of Tajín, the City of Thunder. The capital of the Totonac world is living proof of the architectural greatness of a pre-Hispanic culture that became the basis of the identity of our state.
The region that smells of vanilla is in three episodes by UNESCO. The Tajín Archaeological Zone is Cultural Heritage since 1992. While the Ritual Dance of the Voladores and the CAI (Center for Indigenous Arts), were named Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2008 and 2012, respectively.
The Tajín Festival
During the beginning of spring, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture organizes the Cumbre Tajín Festival, one of the most important on the continent regarding native cultures. The park is part of the Papantla metropolitan area. And, within each section, the traditions inherited by the ancestors are still in force.
During the great party, as well as throughout the northern region of the state, you can savor delicious dishes such as Bocoles, Pan de Cazon, Huatape, Piques, Zacahuil, or pipián enchiladas accompanied by chicken or roast beef.
To conclude the tour, Costa Esmeralda has the most exuberant beaches in the region. The coastal bar extends for more than 50 kilometers and is one of the hidden jewels of beach tourism since it is not a crowded tourist spot.
This site is one of the hearts of state ecotourism; La Cienega del Fuerte has routes that make you live with the local fauna and flora. Huasteca and Totonacapan, among its mountains, hills, and beaches, are a fusion of cultures and landscapes that fills us with pride.
