G
ULF
C
OAST OF
V
ERACRUZ,
M
EXICO
| The
state of Veracruz covers an area of 71,896 square kilometers (27,759
square miles) with 690 kilometers (430 miles) of Gulf coastline. While
much of the state is coastal plane, the interior rises abruptly and the
state contains the tallest mountain in Mexico, the perpetually snow-tiped
Volcan Orizaba. It has a large Indigenous population . Vera Cruz
was the point of contact between European explorers and Mexican
civilization in the 15th century. The state contains not only ruins from
several Pre-Columbian cultures, but also the first colonial architecture in
Mexico. Vanilla, tobacco, and sugarcane cultivation are centered in this
state. |
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The cuisine of Veracruz has spread around Mexico and the world,
with a special emphasis on its seafood. The natural beauty of the state is indescribable;
the cultural variety unbelievable.The coast of Veracruz lies entirely within the tropics, with its
northern border below 23 degrees and its southern border reaching to 17
degrees of latitude. The coastal areas can be steamy, but as you reach the
central highlands, the valleys become quite temperate.
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Acayucan [ah-cah-YEW-kahn] is a nifty little city on the Isthmus. |
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Xico [HEE coh], is a small mountaintop community near Coatepec and Xalapa. |
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[ahn tone lih ZAR do] Home of the Mexican Naval Academy, this small town just outside Vera Cruz is an ideal jump-off point for the verdant coral reefs in the area.
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Boca del Rio [bow-ka-del-REE-oh], is a small community located on the outskirts of Vera Cruz known for its cuisine. |
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Catemaco [kah·tey·MAH-ko], is the center of Mexico's culture of mysticism. Located alongside a crater lake in the northern portion of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. |
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Coatzocoalcos
[co-AHT-so-co-AL-cos] is an industrial city on the western base of the
Yucatan peninsula. It is one of the centers of petrochemical production in
Mexico but also has some intersting beaches on its outskirts.
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Minatitlán [me-nah-tee-TLAN] is
located at the confluence of several major rivers in the northeastern part
of the Isthmas of Tehuantepec. It's known for its strawberries and its
forrest. |
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Nautla [NOW-tla] is located
between Tuxpan and Vera Cruz on the Costa Esmeralda. The archetecture
along the river shows the 19th century French influence. There are budget
hotels and nice beaches. The atmosphere has been described as
"Hemingwayesque". |
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Orizaba [oh-ree-ZAH-bah] is also
known as "the land of the happy waters." In the highlands below Volcan
Orizaba, the area is blessed with innumerable waterfalls and houses some
of the finest colonial architecture in all of Mexico.
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Papantla [pah-PAHN-tla] is
vanilla. 'Nuff said, for afficionados. Of course, it's also home to Los
Voladores, the famous flying dancers of the Totonacas. If you've never
experienced a performance of their death-defying art, then you need to
visit. The El Tajín ruins are nearby... |
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Poza Rica [poe-sah-REE-cah] is
another location in the central part of Vera Cruz state near the vanilla
production regions and El Tajín. The facilities are perhaps a bit more
modern. |
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Tamiahua [tah-mee-AH-hwah] is sn
isolated fishing village north of Tuxpan, perfect for those who really
want to get out of the way. |
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Tuxpan [TOOS-pahn] is a truly
enchanting city with widely differing flavors on each side of the river.
There are very interesting coral reefs off-shore and some nice beaches.
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 | Vera Cruz [Beh rah CRUS] The first European city on the mainland of North America. For nearly half a millenium, thi city has grown and developed. Like New Orleans or San Francisco, it has a special flavor all its own. A mecca for divers; a paradise for gastronomes; this is a city that embodies part of the heart of Mexico. |
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Xalapa (ha LA pa) is the capitol
of Vera Cruz state. It is located in the highlands and features a number
of attractions, including a zoological park. This was an important
stop-over for the early Spaq |
Looking to go on a nice vacation to the coast? Check out what a relaxing summer vacation can offer! If your looking for beautiful scenery take a vacation to Mexico. Check us out before you travel!
www.splat.com John Williams: john@johnzap.com
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