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DAY 1

This afternoon our group will assemble in McAllen and will be shuttled to Reynosa ́s airport to catch our flight to Veracruz. We’ll proceed immediately for a late
dinner, and then go to check-in at our very centrally located. You may want to stroll around the main square or zócalo, right across from our hotel, just before
going to bed.
Overnight in Veracruz

 

DAY 2

We will enjoy touring the historic district of Veracruz, as well as the fortress of San Juan de Ulúa, built in the 16th century. Afterward, visiting the local aquarium will offer the opportunity to learn about different species of marine creatures. or ask your guide to take you to the most traditional ice cream shop in town, offering lots of tropical fruit flavors. From our centrally located hotel, right across the Zocalo, you may want to take a stroll along the pier, conveniently close to our hotel, where dozens of stands will offer a nice selection of handicrafts and souvenirs. For dinner, remember to stop at Gran Café de la Parroquia and ask for a café lechero: is such a unique treat that you will take pictures or video when they serve it! If you feel like it, a good way to end the day could be a ride on the local trolley.
Breakfast included.
Overnight in Veracruz

 

DAY 3

After breakfast, we ́ll be heading our way to Santiago Tuxtla, to learn about one of the most famous masterpieces of prehispanic Olmec art: the biggest stone-made sculpture of a colossal head, at least 7 tons in weight. We’ll have to continue our way to visit a cigar factory and will be told about the process of crafting them. Later, our tour will proceed to visit Salto de Eyipantla, an amazing 164-foot-high waterfall! Finally, it is time to check-in. You will enjoy a walking tour to the nearby main square and get ready for all the things your guide will let you know about the local warlocks and witches.
Breakfast included.
Overnight in Catemaco

 

DAY 4

Good morning! Once we are done with breakfast, we ́ll be going along the boardwalk to discover several trees, fruits, and birds from this latitude. A boat ride will take us to the natural reserve of Nanciyaga: monkeys, macaws, butterflies, and lots of impressive natural landscapes will delight us all here. After lunch, we ́ll be back on the road to visit “the Pearl of Papaloapan river”: Tlacotalpan, a very charming town that possesses a very interesting history! Declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1998, primarily for its architecture and colonial-era layout. This town was established in 1550 on what originally was an island on the Papaloapan river, and it developed to become the most important interior port in Mexico. Musical instrument makers, jarocho dancers, composers,
cultural activities, and very friendly people you’ll know in this town. Nowadays, its main economic support is fishing and tourism! At the main square, try one of the many flavors of the local drink: torito!
Breakfast included
Overnight in Tlacotalpan

 

DAY 5

After our unbelievable breakfast, we must keep going for a morning tour of this lovely town, to enjoy some of its unique architecture. You won ́t believe the fine layout of this town, its very kind inhabitants, and the very calm atmosphere here. Did you know that the traditional dress of this state was first tailored in this town? After lunch we ́ll drive to Xalapa, the capital city of this state. We ́ll arrive just in time for dinner and to get some good night rest!
Breakfast included
Overnight in Xalapa

 

DAY 6

Today, our route will lead us to one of the towns where coffee is the most important crop and offers outstanding quality: Coatepec. The featured tour here will show us everything about coffee, from its planting, harvesting, roasting, and, of course, tasting! By the way, the appellation of Origin has been granted to the coffee grown in this area, meaning that it has a specific quality and characteristics that are essentially due to the geographical environment in which it is
produced. After lunch, we ́ll pay a visit to an extraordinary place to know the archaeological background of this state: The Museum of Anthropology, managed by Veracruz State University (Universidad Veracruzana). Then, our driver will take us to the town of Papantla. Upon arrival, we ́ll go immediately for a late dinner. Get ready for tomorrow!
Breakfast included.
Overnight in Papantla

 

DAY 7

The highlight of the day will be the visit to the extensive archaeological site of El Tajín, included in the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Its most famous monument is a pyramid that boasts 365 niches, just like the days of our solar calendar. After lunch, we will enjoy a short night walk to know some of the artistic work by Teodoro Cano, a native of Papantla that was taken under the wing of world-renowned Mexican muralist Diego Rivera, as his prentice! Also, exquisite mural paintings by another local artist (Pepe Martínez) will be pointed out. Our lunch will be at a very good restaurant, where entertainment is offered continuously. Also, there will be a last chance to buy real premium quality vanilla beans and some more handcrafts.
Breakfast included.
Overnight in Papantla

 

DAY 8

We are in the northern area of this state, but specifically at the birthplace of the world ́s second most expensive spice: vanilla. Today we will be told a piece of vast information for us to learn about this fragrant flavor! We ́ll be heading back to the Gulf of Mexico ́s shoreline. En route, we ́ll stop for you to try some fresh-made coconut candy or to sip on very cold milk right out of the coconut! While on the road, the landscape will offer views of different fields: sugar cane, papaya,

lime, orange, tangerine, mango, grapefruit, banana, and several others! Right after lunch, we ́ll continue our way to Veracruz to fly back to Reynosa and on to the Rio Grande Valley afterwards, with fond memories of a great and well-paced tour!
Breakfast included.
Overnight...at HOME!!!

 

NOT INCLUDED: admissions to attractions or museums (other than the ones clearly described as included in the above paragraph), tips to waiters at any meal. Tips for maids at hotels. Gratuities to tour guide are not included. We strongly recommend setting aside a minimum of $6-8 dollars per person, per day, for your tour guide. Your guide is a professional in his field and he will always be on call to take care of you in every aspect you indicate him. Gratuities to bus driver are not included either.

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NOTE: The cost of the Mexican Immigration Permit to travel into Mexico (charged by Mexican authorities and obtainable at the air or land port of entry), beyond the 20 mile allowed distance, is about $38 USD, and it is not included in the tour price!