VERACRUZ

Very, Very, Very Nice

 

7 DAYS                                                                          $435 PER PERSON

Veracruz - a veritable paradise!  The entire state is a tropical splendor from the sparkling blue Gulf waters, to the soaring mountains covered with coffee plantations. Avocados, bananas and  mangos grow wild and in abundance. One of the more literate and wealthier states in the Republic. You will notice the difference as soon as you cross the state line. At the suggestion of Jo’s customers, an extra day has been added giving  more time  to enjoy the swinging city of Veracruz. A much more relaxed, enjoyable tour. You will love it!

DAY 1 - Leave the border driving through farmlands dedicated to the raising of grain crops before crossing ranch land to Soto La Marina where we pause for lunch. Shortly, tropical vegetation appears as your charter coach approaches the bustling seaport city of Tampico where it seems all the world must meet on the square in front of our hotel. You will have time to visit the cathedral begun in 1823 and completed with funds donated by Edward Doheny, an oil magnate implicated in the Teapot Dome scandal. Or perhaps you may want to visit the local market where tropical fruits and products of the sea abound. Or take a stroll to the nearby restored second plaza.  Wrought iron balconies remind one of the French influence earning a new name for Tampico - the “New Orleans of Mexico”.  Overnight at the Mansion Real in Tampico.                            

 

DAY 2 - Cross the Panuco River on the tallest bridge in Mexico from which vantage point you will have a panoramic view of the “Zona Franca” or the port areas. Lush green grass, mango orchards, dense tropical foliage welcome you to the state of Veracruz.   Tour the ruins of El Tajin for a visit to the phenomenal Pyramid of the Niches.  If we are lucky, the Voladores or the Flying Indians will perform for us in their Totonac ritual of thanksgiving and prayer.  Return to Poza Rica to our  hotel where you will probably want to explore the lush, tropical gardens.  Overnight at the Poza Rica Inn in Poza Rica.      

 

DAY 3 - No trip to Veracruz would be complete with out a stop in Papantla, center of the vanilla growing region..  Purchase hearts, scorpions or crosses all twisted into shape from vanilla beans.  Free time in the very interesting local market that caters to the local people.  Lunch will be a little late today, so you may want to purchase a snack before we follow the coast, lined with banana plantations, into the city of Veracruz, beloved by all Mexicans. This afternoon, take an included city tour.  One of the stops will be the city market where you can buy anything from cabbages to kittens.  If you haven’t sampled any of the tropical fruits such as mamey, zapote or mango...now is the time! Free time in the downtown area. Get in the mood as you sip your favored beverage at one of the outdoor arcade restaurants.  Marimba music will set your feet to tapping.  Your hotel is right across from the beach. Overnight at the Hotel Novo Mar in Veracruz.

 

DAY 4 - Included tour to the state capital, Xalapa or is the spelling Jalapa.  Included visit to the dream like former hacienda El Lencero, once belonging to  Gen. Santa Ana.  The setting is so beautifully romantic that it is being used for the filming of a Mexican soap opera.  On to Xalapa for an included city tour and a visit to the Museum of Anthropology.  See the coffee fincas as we return to Veracruz.  Relax back at the hotel as tonight you may want to practice the “danzon”, a romantic dance made famous in Veracruz.  Ask your guide who will accompany you.  Overnight at the Hotel Novo Mar in Veracruz.