SURROUNDING AREAS, TOURING AND NOTABLE PLACES

Touring from Xalapa to Poza Rica. After enjoying a fresh cup of coffee in Xalapa, you can head out of the city on Highway 140. Go west for 15 km (9 mi) to arrive at Banderilla, an old town famous for its tropical vegetation and its excellent cuisine, particularly the chiles rellenos (stuffed chiles) and the tasty desserts. About 30 km (19 mi) ahead you?ll reach the town of Las Vigas, where you?ll find El Volcancillo, a cavern system that is ideal for cave diving. Continuing along the same highway, 21 km (13 mi) ahead you?ll arrive at Perote, where you can visit the famous Cofre de Perote volcano, the state?s second highest volcano with an altitude of 4,282 meters (14,130 feet) above sea level. This is a popular spot for mountain and rock climbing. From there, take Highway 129 north to reach Martinez de la Torre, which lies 80 km (50 mi) north of Xalapa. There you can do rafting trips down the Filobobos River. From there, go 40 km (25 mi) to arrive at Nautla, where the famous Emerald Coast begins. This is a group of beautiful beaches with well-developed tourism facilities. From this point, take Highway 180 to Papantla, which is 239 km (148 mi) north of Xalapa. In this town you can witness celebrations with many years of tradition, such as the Fiestas de Corpus Christi. The city is also famous for its vanilla, which is added to many regional sweets. Continue along Highway 180 for 21 km (13 mi) to reach Poza Rica, a commercial port in northern Veracruz where you?ll see some of Mexico?s most important petroleum wells.