Veracruz, Mexico 3 Day Itinerary

Veracruz, Mexico 3-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Historic Veracruz City

Morning:

  • Check-in at your hotel (Recommended: Hotel Boutique El Meson de María Inés)
  • Breakfast at the hotel or local café like Café El Marqués
  • Visit Plaza Juarez, the city’s central square, and admire the beautiful architecture
  • Explore the nearby Palace of the Governors and Casa de la Música Veracruzana

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at La Parada del Callao, a seafood restaurant with a great view of the port
  • Visit the Museum of Anthropology and History to learn about the region’s history
  • Stroll along the Port of Veracruz, enjoy the bustling atmosphere, and try local street food

Evening:

  • Dinner at El Atrio, a popular restaurant serving regional dishes
  • Enjoy live music at Café El Marqués or La Sirena Gorda

Day 2: Xanath Archaeological Zone and Catemaco

Morning:

  • Depart early to visit the Xanath Archaeological Zone. It’s a Mayan site with stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings.
  • Have lunch in the town of Tuxpan at El Tio Panchito, known for its seafood dishes

Afternoon:

  • Head to Catemaco, a small town famous for its lake, lush nature, and psychic phenomena. Visit the Lake Catemaco and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere
  • Explore the downtown area, visit local shops, and try some traditional desserts at a local bakery

Evening:

  • Dinner at El Ranchito, a restaurant serving regional dishes in Catemaco
  • Return to Veracruz City for the night or spend the night in Catemaco (Recommended: Hotel Boutique Casa del Lago)

Day 3: Boca del Rio and Reef Snorkeling

Morning:

  • Breakfast at your hotel or try El Panadero, a popular bakery chain in Veracruz
  • Visit the trendy beach area of Boca del Río. Enjoy the modern architecture, beach, and shops
  • Take a boat tour to snorkel at Barra de Tecolutla reef (Arrange this through local tour agencies)

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at El Faro, a restaurant with a great view of the ocean in Boca del Río
  • Relax on the beach or explore more of Boca del Río

Evening:

  • Farewell dinner at La Taberna de la Abuela, known for its seafood and traditional dishes
  • Spend your last evening walking around Veracruz City, visiting any sites you may have missed, or enjoying live music at a local venue

Things to Know:

  • The weather in Veracruz can be hot and humid year-round, so pack light, breathable clothing.
  • Spanish is the primary language spoken in Veracruz, but many people also speak indigenous languages.
  • Mexican pesos are the local currency. Credit cards are accepted at most tourist spots, but it’s good to have cash on hand for street vendors and smaller businesses.
  • Taxis are widely available, but it’s best to use radio taxis (like Sitio Verde) for safety. Uber is also available in Veracruz City.

Transportation:

  • Renting a car can be a good option if you’re comfortable driving on Mexican roads. However, public transportation and taxis are widely available.
  • Buses (camionetas) connect most towns and cities in the region, including Veracruz City, Tuxpan, Catemaco, and Boca del Río.

Enjoy your trip to Veracruz, Mexico!