Veracruz (veh-rah-cruz), the largest Mexican City on the Caribbean, owns a busy port, a rich history and a very romantic, slow-paced, Mexican atmosphere. There's live music all around you, great food to consider and a year-round Carnaval attitude that projects an atmosphere that life is too precious to not be enjoyed with gusto. The afternoon is ideal for a walk on the Pier (malecón) or perhaps sit and enjoy a natural fruit ice cream while you take in the splendid views. Live marimba music featuring the xylophone can be heard in the zócalo at all hours but will really pick up in the evening with dueling groups of musicians. Enjoy a strong coffee or other brew with a local cigar while you appreciate the cacophony of sounds and colors swirling around you.

The State of Veracruz is the home of the mother "Olmec" culture of Mesoamerica The Olmecs ruled the coast as early as 1200 BC and were the first to use the sophisticated calendrical system and ritual ball game. When Cortés arrived on good Friday in 1519 he made the Totonac natives his first allies in his battle of conquest against the ruling Aztecs. Cortés primed his men a battle with victory as the only option by burning his own ships in this harbor.
As the main port of entry for the Americas largest City, Veracruz has been a contested prize many times and Veracruz is now officially titled 'Four Times Heroic' in reference to the final expulsion of the Spanish in 1815, the 1838 expulsion of the French Navy in 1838's 'Pastry War' and resistance to American occupation in 1847 and 1914. The Spaniards established the first City government in the Americas here and imported thousands of African slaves. The resulting long simmering stew of cultures contains an Afro- Caribbean flavor by way of Cuba
The region is largely undiscovered by foreign tourists but is popular with Mexico City natives who appreciate its good prices and proximity. The surrounding verdant hill region of Los Tuxtlas lures visitors with many rivers and lakes.