VERACRUZ

Located in Mexico?s eastern region along the Gulf coast, Veracruz borders the states of Tamaulipas to the north, Oaxaca to the south, San Luis Potosi, Hidalgo and Puebla to the west, and Tabasco to the east. This state 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 the city of Veracruz, an important commercial center, you can visit Fort San Juan de Ulua, which has been converted into an interesting museum. You can also take a stroll along the boardwalk, where every year Veracruz?s famous carnival takes place. In the city?s plazas, known for their beautiful gardens, you can watch couples dance to the rhythm of danzon, an experience that will take you back to another era.

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.