Veracruz Luxury Holidays 2024/25

The capital city of Veracruz state and a vibrant cultural institution sat in the lush highlands. It’s worth exploring the Anthropology Museum exhibiting pre-Hispanic artifacts including the famed Olmec heads and soaking in the lively arts scene giving any visitor a brilliant blend of modern energy with historical charm. Colourful streets, storied architecture, bustling markets, and traditional music scene are all waiting. From Xalapa, venture further into the coffee region and explore farms and local cafes in Coatepec and Xico.

A town overflowing with unique traditions and heritage, Papantla should not be missed off any itinerary. Known for the jaw-dropping Totonac ritual of the Dance of the Papantla Flyers (Danza de los Voladores) where vibrantly adorned artists perform a centuries-old ceremony full of history. While in Papantla, visit the archaeological site of El Tajín, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll find Mesoamerican architecture in the form of pyramids, palaces, ball courts and temples. Papantla is also the core of Mexico’s vanilla producing region with the bean being native to this area and where it has been grown and exported well into the pre-Hispanic era.

If you want to take a small break from exploring then put your feet up in Tecolutla where you’ll find a lovely coastal town with a stunning stretch of beach, a laid-back atmosphere, and palm-fringed shores. There is so much natural beauty in the area, and it is also a great spot to see baby turtles being released during nesting season.

A bustling port city with lively markets, an atmospheric and historic square, and a seafront promenade to stroll along, Veracruz City showcases modern Mexican life. The welcoming vibe extends to the culinary scene where seafood stands front and centre. You will also find café after café serving up the very best coffee. Visit a historic café in Veracruz Port and tap on your coffee glass three times to ring for milk, brought to you by a roaming waiter…it’s a local pastime.

With a variety of cultures influencing the local cuisine in Veracruz, this is a state to indulge in the mouthwatering dishes on offer. It is also one of the only states to feature seafood so heavily in their cooking. Dive into fish tamales, crab chilpachole, and stuffed jalapeño peppers!

Mexico has put a smoking ban in place from January 2023. The ban prohibits smoking in both open and closed public spaces. Most hotels, however, have a designated smoking area. Please speak to your Travel Consultant regarding the smoking policy at your hotel and any questions you might have.

Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Polio and Tetanus-Diphtheria vaccinations are currently recommended. Mexico is regarded to have a risk of contracting the Zika virus. However, please consult your GP at least four to six weeks prior to travel for current advice.

The time difference is GMT -6 hours.

The gateway to Veracruz from the UK is via Mexico City, making it a great place to combine with your visit to Veracruz. The flight time from London to Mexico City is 12 hours, followed by a 1-hour domestic flight to Veracruz.

The currency is the Mexican peso.

British passport holders don’t need a visa to travel to Mexico.