The Gulf Coast

To the Gulf States belong Tamaulipas in the north, Veracruz, Tabasco and Campeche. But the most multifaceted state is Veracruz. It has a tropical climate and impressive natural scenery, such as the Citlatapetl Volcano and Pico de Orizaba, the highest peak in the nation. You'll also see picturesque cities and towns that have preserved their local architecture.

In Xalapa, the state capital, you can walk down cobblestone streets full of music, color and folklore, while in Tlacotalpan, a town that lies along the Papaloapan River, you can enjoy its wonderful Historic Center, which was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. There you can witness the town's famous Virgen de la Candelaria procession.

Along the coast you can visit the Costa Esmeralda, a 50-km (31-mi) beach strip north of the port. Finally, if you'd like to see some ruins, there's no better place than the archaeological zone of El Tajin, which also was declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Veracruz

Veracruz was the country's first port and is still its most important and liveliest one. Is located in the coast of the Gulf of Mexico and its weather is hot and humid during the summer and rather mild in winter. Well-known attractions are Mocambo and Boca del Rio beaches and Veracruz grand promenade. In the city centre the cathedral stands out as well as the Governmental Palace - both from the XVIII century. There are traditions that start at breakfast time, such as a delicious cup of milky coffee at La Parroquia, continue with a trip to the City Museum or the Photographic Archives and end after well after midnight, such as the danzón performed in the Main Square or an evening spent listening to Agustín Lara's songs in what was once his house. There are also an aquarium (the largest in Latin America), the legendary fortress of San Juan de Ulloa and places for diving, kayaking or sport fishing. Last but not least is Veracruz carnival, considered the best in Mexico for its colour and ambiance.

El Tajín

Located in the state of Veracruz, El Tajín was at its height from the early 9th to the early 13th century. It became the most important centre in northeast Mesoamerica after the fall of the Teotihuacan Empire.  

Its architecture, which is unique in Mesoamerica, is characterized by rows of square niches on the sides of buildings, numerous ball courts and sculptures depicting human sacrifice connected with ball game. The most impressive building is the "Pyramid of the Niches". The site is divided into five zones: Grupo Plaza del Arroyo, Central Zone, Great Xicalcoliuhqui, Small Tajin and the Column Complex. 

Further it's famous for its Voladores performances that are performed almost daily for visitors. It's a sort of slow-motion bungee jump from the top of a vertiginously tall pole. The rite begins with five men in elaborate textile costumes climbing to the tope of the pole. Four of them sit on the edges of a small, square frame at the top, arrange their ropes and then rotate the frame to twist the ropes around the pole. The fifth man dances on the tiny platform above them while playing a chirimía, a small drum with a flute attached. When he stops playing, the others fall backward in unison. The symbolic meaning is a fertile rite and the fliers make invocations to the four corners of the universe before falling to the ground, bringing with them the sun and rain.