Added: 01/10/2006 |
Orizaba is associated with enjoyment, music, dance, and charmVeracruz State, located in southeastern Mexico, features the longest coastline on the Gulf of Mexico and is virtually synonymous with enjoyment, music, dancing, charm and witchcraft. Its colorful fiestas held throughout the year culminate in its internationally renowned carnival, which, combined with the superb local cuisine, make it a magnet for tourists.
Veracruz features several important archaeological sites. El Tajin is one of the country's most-visited archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The buildings found in El Tajin are masterpieces of ancient Mexican and American architecture that reveal astronomical and symbolic significance. Its unique architecture is characterized by elaborate carved reliefs on the columns, and the Pyramid of the Niches, in particular, features 365 niches representing the days of the year. Cantona, 60 miles away from the capital city of Xalapa, is another important archaeological zone and considered one of the largest cities in Mesoamerica.
Outdoor enthusiasts can also participate in a variety of activities. Popular attractions include the waterfalls at Xico, the traditional coffee town of Coatepec, the Cofre de Perote and the town of Jalcomulco, where travelers can practice numerous adventurous sports including whitewater rafting and mountaineering.
The city of Veracruz was founded by Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés in 1519 at the start of his quest to conquer Mexico and who named the port La Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz. It remains one of the most important port cities in Mexico, is the largest city on the Gulf and features a fascinating blend of colonial and modern architecture.
Walking tours on the malecon (boardwalk) or through the zocalo (downtown historic center) are popular activities among visitors to Veracruz. In the evenings, young and old gather to dance the danzón, a dignified, stately dance, attracting large audiences of locals and tourists alike. The city and surrounding towns, among them Boca del Rio, are famous for their seafood dishes.
Veracruz is also the site of coffee plantations surrounded by stunning natural wonders including waterfalls, lagoons, rivers popular for rafting, as well as the magnificent coastal strip of the Costa Esmeralda, providing boundless opportunities for adventure and ecotourism.
Veracruz is home to colorful cities such as Cordoba, Papantla and Tlacotalpan, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Catemaco and its Isla de los Monos are known for their magical influences and Catemaco's witch festival held annually in March. Another city of Veracruz is Orizaba. The name Orizaba means "place of playing waters". It is the commercial center of a prosperous bean and sugar growing region. Orizaba is a popular vacation spot. The city is also a cultural center noted for its fine-arts institute. Orizaba is one of the most important cities of Mexico. Among Orizaba main attractions are: Del Carmen Convent, The Municipal Palace, The Temple and Convent de La Concordia and others.
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