Discovering Three States of Mexico: Oaxaca, Puebla, and Veracruz

In the beginning, the gods created man and gave him corn to survive. Then came new customs and gave shape to a culture that has left behind beautiful temples and complex traditions. Now the gods come to Oaxaca, Puebla, and Veracruz to enjoy the natural beauty and multicultural richness that has been forged over the centuries in this region of Mexico, exerting a powerful attraction on everyone who travels its roads.

Live the experience of knowing three states of Mexico that are the beginning and end of unforgettable adventures, because in them you will find beaches, mountains, fossils, rivers, archeology, valleys, and beautiful cities, many cities with stone temples that keep countless secrets.

The Route of the Gods is an invitation to get to know three states of Mexico, which are waiting to serve you as Mexicans know how to do, with great hospitality and pride in their roots.

In Oaxaca, explore the pre-Hispanic cities of Mitla and Monte Alban to encounter the advanced civilizations that preceded us. Admire the beauty of Mexican baroque at the Templo de Santo Domingo and other colonial buildings. Tour the city of Oaxaca, where you can breathe a tranquil atmosphere and savor exquisite traditional cuisine. Or, glide over the high waves of the Pacific coast.

In Puebla visit a beautiful indigenous city, Cholula, with its great temple dedicated to the rain god covered by the same indigenous people who built it. Then enter one of the most beautiful and richest colonial cities, Puebla de los Angeles, an architectural and artistic monument that you can visit through the Angelópolis tourist circuit with 12 perfectly organized tours. On the outskirts of the city have fun in Africam Safari, practice ecotourism, and visit convents or temples located in picturesque villages.

In Veracruz discover ancient Totonac settlements of impressive urban structures such as El Tajin and Zempoala. Visit La Antigua, the first Spanish settlement on continental land. Immerse yourself in the joy of the port of Veracruz and enjoy a wide range of possibilities for fun and relaxation, combining the present with the past in the fortress of San Juan de Ultra. IncXalapa, share a charming bohemian atmosphere. Finally, take the road to the high mountains for an adventure.

Oaxaca: Discover the Fun in The South

One of the favorite destinations of tourism for its natural, gastronomic, and cultural richness, is waiting for your next visit to attend you with its ancestral courtesy.

Whoever visits the State of Oaxaca is immersed in an unusual world of natural beauties, in a special universe in which the past still coexists with the present full of vitality.

In its vast geography, the visitor finds beaches, mountains, forests, and valleys; archaeological zones, colonial architecture, enormous biodiversity resources, all the comforts of the modern world, centennial traditions, and inexhaustible folklore, which constitute one of the favorite destinations for national and foreign tourism.

The city of Oaxaca and the Central Valleys is a unique experience because they are the human expression of many centuries and of a present full of traditions and aspirations that you are invited to get to know and enjoy.

Oaxaca: Beauty that Wins You Over

The city of Oaxaca is distinguished by the beauty and harmony of its colonial architecture, the richness of its customs and traditions, the wide variety of its typical food, and the mildness of its spring climate.

The historic center of the city is a feast of the green quarry, declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Plaza de la Constitución or "Zócalo", one of the most beautiful squares in Mexico, is the heart from which the city vibrates. The walkway Macedonio Alcalá or "Andador Turístico" is a pedestrian street home to museums, old colonial houses, galleries, restaurants, and the most distinguished handicraft and jewelry stores.

The Church and Ex-Convent of Santo Domingo de Guzman stand out for its Mexican Baroque splendor, with its high altar covered in gold leaf and its impressive interior decoration. In the Ex-Convent of Santo Domingo, perhaps the largest viceregal construction of Mexico and probably of all America is located the Santo Domingo Cultural Center which gathers the Museum of the Cultures of Oaxaca, the Fray Francisco de Burgoa Library, the Ethnobotanical Historical Garden and areas dedicated to conferences, congresses, exhibitions, and concerts.

Set out To Explore the Central Valleys

Route to Mitla. Departing from the city of Oaxaca, visit the Ciudad de las Canteras (City of Quarries), an ancient site converted into a recreational center. Only 12 km from there you will marvel at one of the most extraordinary natural beauties: the Arhol del Tule, guardian of the town of Santa Maria el Tule.

Ahead you will find the religious complex of Tlacochahuaya, from the XVI century, the archaeological zone of Dainzú. Teotitlán del Valle - first Zapotec settlement and artisan center of wool rugs. The archaeological zone of Lambytieco. Santa Ana del Valle, where fine wool textiles are made. The Sunday market of Tlacolula and Yagul is contemporary to the archaeological zone of Mida. In the latter observe the varied ornamentation of the buildings, based on unique fretwork in the country, because, unlike other ancestral pre-Hispanic structures, the walls of this city are made of stone mosaics embedded, decorated with totally abstract forms.

Monte Albán - Zaachila Route. This route includes the archaeological zone of Monte Albán, the most representative city of the Zapotec culture for its cultural development and monumental architecture, as well as the town of Atzompa, where beautiful pieces of natural and green glazed clay are made. On the way back to the city, highway 131 leads to Arrazola, famous for its copal and polychrome wood carvings. In Cuilapan de Guerrero there is a 16th-century convent complex that stands out for its open chapel. The route ends in Zaachila, where after the visit to the archaeological zone, the exquisite Oaxacan gastronomy and the joy of its Sunday market can be appreciated.

Ocollán Route. The main attraction of this route is the black clay pottery of San Bartolo Coyotepec. Nearby, San Martin Tilcajete offers beautiful carved and polychrome wooden figures. In Santo Tomás Jalieza cotton weavings are made, and in Ocotlán de Morales visit the Museum of Santo Domingo, the craft workshops of cutlery and pottery, as well as the house of the painter Rodolfo Morales.

Etla-El Mogote Route. The ex-convent of Etla from the XVI century is worth a visit, as well as the market, where you can taste the quesillo and cheese of Oaxaca. In San Jose El Mogote, an important pre-Hispanic site is located the Hacienda del Cacique, a true historical monument.

Route of the Dominicans. It takes you to the heart of the Mixteca to visit the churches and former convents of Yanhuitlán, Tamazulapam, Teposcolula, and Coixtlahuaca, of enormous architectural beauty. You can also visit the archaeological site of Huamelulpan and Cerro de las Minas, an important archaeological site in Huajuapam de León.

Ride A Wave in Huatulco That Has Everything, Except Winter

Only 248 km from the state capital is one of the most beautiful places on the Mexican Pacific coast: Huatulco, which has nine bays with beaches of fine, soft sand on which luxurious hotels await you.

Huatulco is considered one of the most ambitious tourist complexes in the country because in all its megaprojects it has sought to protect the natural beauty of the place and preserve its ecology.

Currently, there are multiple activities to enjoy the sunlight or the moonlight, such as tours of the bays, river rafting, bike rides or ATVs, diving in coral reefs or near sunken ships, and water sports (jet skiing, windsurfing, or sea kayaking), golf in one of the best courses in the world, sport fishing, hiking, horseback riding and much more.

Two Typical Southern Paradises

Puerto Escondido and Puerto Angel contrast with the modernity of Huatulco, offering their beautiful landscapes and charming beaches to those seeking tranquility.

In Puerto Escondido, the ideal place for surfers is celebrated every year at the coastal dance festival, which puts you in touch with rhythm, songs, and ancestral dances; don't miss it! In Puerto Angel, you will be surprised to find a cemetery with colorful tombs on the seashore, at the Playa del Panteon: at lunchtime, fresh fish is the best.

Ecotourism

Water petrified by centuries. "Hierve el Agua" is one of the most extraordinary natural sites in Oaxaca, where the water that springs from the top of a mountain branch has left its mark in a waterfall of petrified salt. Here there is a tourist stop to be close to nature.

Ecotourism route through the Northern Highlands. The enormous biodiversity of this region offers you the opportunity to enjoy alternative tourism through impressive mountain forests, practicing camping, mountain biking, hiking and observation of landscapes, flora, and fauna, and visits to typical villages such as Benito Juárez, Latuvi, La Nevería, Cuajimoloyas, Yavesia, Llano Grande and other localities.

Santiago Apoala, in the Mixteca, as well as the coffee farms near the coast, among which La Gloria, Pacífico, and Alemania stand out, complement this offer in the State. For everything and more, Oaxaca is a complete tourist destination for an unforgettable trip with family or friends.

Oaxaca Is a Feast of Flavors

Oaxacan cuisine is one of the richest in Mexico and the world, where the pre-Hispanic ingredient is fundamental. Here, cooking is a pleasure and art, a forced and patient exercise, always attentive to the ritual, to the demands of good food, which are tradition, imagination, and good raw materials. In Oaxaca, a meal begins and ends with a feast of flavors.

Whoever visits Oaxaca is obliged to taste one of the most traditional dishes which is the "mole oaxaqueño', in its seven varieties. Depending on the type of chile that is used, it starts from the simplest mole to the most elaborate. There are black, yellow, coloradito, almond, chichilo, green and red mole. Also outstanding are the stuffed chiles, quesillo, tlayudas, typical tamales, deliciously flavored ice creams, fresh fruit waters, the famous chocolate, the rich tasajo, sopa de guías, or totopos from the Isthmus region.

The most peculiar dish is the "chapulines", small crickets prepared with salt that have their legend. It is said that those who try them "always come back to Oaxaca". Among the typical drinks is the mezcal.

Puebla: Close to Heaven and Earth

Legends, millenary customs, and hundreds of romantic stories hidden behind the balconies and beautiful wooden doors are waiting for you in Puebla to welcome you.

There is a place between heaven and earth populated by angels... where time can be touched. Land of gods and God, of magic and perfection... of beliefs and knowledge... of the mixture of indigenous and Spanish. In Puebla, life stops to take a breath...

Puebla is a state whose richness is reflected in multiple manifestations. Its vast natural beauties range from forests that cover a tortuous mountain range in the north with amazing waterfalls, unusual caves, large lagoons, and bucolic landscapes, to unsuspected places in the south with a valley of giant biznagas, priceless fossils, a biosphere reserve, and semi-desert panoramas that together make biodiversity with magical scenery. In its capital, architectural beauty and rich cultural life are integrated into a baroque symphony of attractions to welcome tourists, in addition to providing a wide range of services and modern entertainment centers.

The City of Puebla

This jewel of world architecture, located only 120 km from Mexico City, is called de los Angeles due to the dream of the Bishop of Tlaxcala Fray Julian Garces, in which he saw angels descend from heaven with gold and silver cords to trace the city in a valley. The greatness of its architecture is one of its main attractions because it keeps true jewels in more than five thousand buildings worthy of admiration located in the historic center and the monumental area of the city, which is why Puebla is considered a Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Main attractions. The Cathedral, begun in 1575, shows off its Herrerian-style towers that reach 73.93 meters in height. The Palafoxiana Library dates from the 18th century and has more than 40 thousand volumes, among them 3 incunabula books. The Amparo Museum, with a large collection of works from different periods, is located in two buildings from the XVII and XVIII centuries. And the Chapel of the Rosary is considered by many as the eighth wonder of the world for its baroque style churrigueresque. It is covered with stucco lined with 22-karat gold leaf.

Museums. Guardians of priceless jewels of history, the museums transmit the cultural tradition and give a distinctive touch to the place. Visit the Forts of Loreto and Guadalupe, the main scenarios of the Battle of May 5, 1862, the first of which is currently the Museum of the Intervention. Be sure to visit the Amparo Museum, the Poblano Museum of Viceroyal Art, the Regional Museum of Anthropology and History, and the Museum of the Revolution, located in the former home of the Serdán brothers. The Bello y Gonzalez Museum. As well as the Museum and Art Gallery José Luis Bello y Zetina, where you will discover splendid works of art.

Religious buildings. They are admirable works for their beautiful architecture and rich ornamentation, which speak of the power of faith, among them are the Cathedral, the Church of Carmen, the Church of the Company, the Former Convent of Santa Monica, and Santa Rosa, today the State Crafts Museum.

Civil architecture. Some examples are the Municipal Palace, the Main Theater, El Portalillo, today the Council of the Historic Center, the Hotel Palacio San Leonardo of Porfirian style, the Casa de Alfeñique built-in 1790, and the Casa de los Muñecos whose facade is covered with poblana Talavera tiles, the former market La Victoria, as well as the Casa del Deán founded in 1580 in the classic renaissance style, among many other buildings.

Walking tours. Visit the Plazuela de los Sapos, an esplanade closed to traffic and surrounded by typical colonial houses painted in very Mexican colors, where you will find antique shops, restaurants, and lively bars. Stroll down Paseo Bravo, one of the largest and most beautiful avenues in the country, as well as Juarez Avenue, where you can feel the city's economic activity. If you like handicrafts, visit the El Parián market, where you will find onyx, Talavera, miniatures, costumes, and typical sweets.

Puebla, the venue for your best events. Puebla has a modern Convention Center located in the historic center, with specialized halls for congresses, conventions, conferences, social and cultural events, exhibitions, and galleries, with a covered area of more than 4,600 square meters, as well as beautiful open spaces. The city also has a wide range of hotels of different categories, typical and specialty restaurants, and countless bars to celebrate the success of your events.

Archeology, ecology, and fun. Starting from the city of Puebla, you can visit archaeological sites, zoos, and resorts.

In Cholula, the ancient seat of the cult of Quetzalcoatl with 2,500 years of existence, you will see a pyramid dedicated to the Rain God Chiconahui Quiáhuitl, whose base is the largest in the world with 450 m per side. This construction is formed by several superimposed pyramids since it was a tradition that each generation marked by the beginning of a solar cycle covered the pyramid with adobe and made a new one over the previous one. So when Cortés arrived at Cholula the pyramid was already covered.

Cantona is one of the few cities of ancient Mexico whose urban planning was extremely elaborate. In the archaeological zone, 15 architectural units have been enabled for public viewing, among which are two causeways, ball game complexes, the central plaza, the palace, and the eastern plaza.

Yahualichan, with less urban development than Cantona, presents structures covered, both in its cornices and niches and slopes, with slabs of metamorphic rock similar to granite. As if it were a gigantic jigsaw puzzle, the slabs are embedded to give the squares and frames of each niche with practically no mixture, as each part is pressed into place. The main buildings are grouped around a central plaza.

At Africam Safari, the most spectacular zoo in Latin America, you can admire more than 3,000 animals of hundreds of species living in the wild and have fun with the innovative entertainment options for the whole family. The tour consists of a safari, which takes place by car or bus, through the sections where animals representative of various regions of the world await you; each visit is unique because you will always find new surprises.

In Metepec there is a resort with swimming pools and excellent facilities. Next to it is a camping and trout fishing site.

The Northern Region of The State of Puebla

The Nothern Highlands of the State of Puebla is a charming area of green valleys and high mountains that enclose typical villages of beautiful colonial architecture, archaeological sites that reflect the greatness of ancestors, as well as splendid landscapes. The entire region has hotels, cabins, and restaurants to stay comfortably and taste the delicious cuisine that has given international fame to the state.

Chignahuapan is a perfectly laid out town, whose Plaza de Armas boasts one of the most picturesque kiosks in Mexico, decorated with bright colors and raised from the ground by eight colorful columns. Also, in its surroundings, enjoy the outdoors and swimming in one of its many swimming resorts. Zacatlán, the city with the eternal smell of fruits, is a delight for its architecture and its ex-Franciscan Convent from the XVI century. Here ecotourists can visit the Valley of Piedras Encimadas, the San Pedro waterfall, the Barranca de los Jilgueros and the caves of Camocuautla.

In the middle of the highlands of Puebla, Zacapoaxtla is reminiscent of the villages of northern Spain with its typical tile roofs. Cuetzalan stands out for its beautiful landscapes and its architectural jewels: the "church of the little jugs", a temple dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe, whose tower has the edges adorned with clay pots, and the church of San Francisco de Asis of sober Renaissance style.

The Southern Region of The State of Puebla

The southern part of the state preserves beautiful convents, archaeological sites, fossils, mineral springs, and delicious gastronomy.

In the mountains, there are beautiful places such as Huatlatlatlauca with its convent that preserves a magnificent coffered ceiling on the roof of the church. Atexcal with its amazing valley of giant biznagas. Zapotitlán Salinas, where a spectacular biosphere reserve is located. Tehuacán is the cradle of corn and the origin of a whole cultural tradition. Atoyatempan, with its great waterfall formed by three waterfalls. And Molcaxac, where the spectacular Puente de Dios (God's Bridge) is located, crosses the mountain range.

Puebla always awaits you to offer you its hospitality, which seems to have inherited from the angels for the gentle treatment that distinguishes its inhabitants.

Veracruz: Live It with All Your Senses Because It Is the State that Has It All

From the challenging heights of the volcano to the calm depths of the sea, in Veracruz, you will discover the most joyful atmosphere for an unforgettable stay.

Veracruz is a state full of history, traditions, and cultural richness, which stands out for the joy of its people, its popular festivities, and delicious and varied gastronomy prepared with fish and seafood, which should be accompanied by the traditional "toritos", fruit drinks, condensed milk and a "piquito" of liquor.

To tour the state of Veracruz with ease, seven circuits have been created, each with a wide range of entertainment possibilities and services for all tastes.

The Veracruz Huasteca Region

In the northern part of the state visit especially the port of Tuxpan, with one of the best beaches in the area for its gentle slope and almost 70 m of the dry beach. In it, as well as in the river, water sports can be practiced.

In Castillo de Teayu, an archaeological zone near Tuxpan, stop to see the pre-Hispanic pyramid with Toltec, Huasteca, and Nahuatl influences. Do not forget to taste the "zacahuilt" in some corner of the Huasteca, an exquisite dough tamale of enormous proportion, prepared with pork, chicken, or turkey and cooked in a clay oven.

Totonacapan

This is one of the most attractive areas of Veracruz, where a culture of universal transcendence flourished: the Totonaca, whose most outstanding vestige is the city of El Tajin, located only 20 km from Poza Rica.

El Tajin, considered a Cultural Patrimony of Humanity, covers an area of 10 square kilometers and its main center extends over 144 hectares with approximately 180 structures. In this city stand out the ceremonial center, the administrative area, 17 ball games, the plaza of the stream, and the palace of the governor of Tajin. It presents a very particular architectural style because the buildings were built in talud-tablero with niche and cornice overhang, which produce a very special play of light and shadow.

Fifteen kilometers from there is Papantla, a beautiful city of colonial architecture famous worldwide for its vanilla, which is used to make beautiful figurines. Ahead, following the coast you will find paradisiacal places from Tecolutla to Ursulo Galván, where Costa Esmeralda stands out for its calm beaches suitable for resting or practicing diving, volleyball, and skiing. There are also boat rides through the "Ciénegas del Fuerte", an extensive swamp surrounded by mangroves.

The area includes other archaeological sites such as Quiahuiztlán, where there are three cemeteries, a ball game, and a residential area. The ceremonial centers of Vega de la Peña and Cuajilote, in Tlapacoyan. And Zempoala, the last capital of the totonacapan of the south, whose ceremonial center stands out the Templo Mayor, the Templo de Quetzacóatl, "las caritas" and "las chimeneas".

High Mountain Circuit

The sierra offers ideal scenery for free flight and paragliding. In this area, with Nahuatl influence and great agricultural and industrial development, are located cities with colonial architecture and delicious climate. There are also two beautiful natural spaces: the Pico de Orizaba National Park and the Cañón de Río Blanco National Park.

In Cordoba visit the City Museum, the Pedro Diaz Theater, the Zeballos Portal, where the Treaties of Cordoba were signed in 1821, the Municipal Palace, and the Parish of the Immaculate Conception. Fortín, only 7 Km. from Córdoba, offers an abundance of flowers in its provincial landscapes; here there are gardens with gardenias and orchids.

Huatusco, 46 Km. from Cordoba, offers a very pleasant climate and is surrounded by exuberant vegetation, where coffee plantations stand out. Orizaba, one of the oldest cities in the state, offers the beauty of its temples and churches, the Plaza de la Constitución, the Art Museum, and the old Municipal Palace, as well as the natural beauty of the Cerro del Borrego and the Elephant Waterfall.

Culture and Adventure Circuit

Deployed in the central zone of the State, this circuit includes the capital of the State, Xalapa, a beautiful city with a pleasant climate that awaits you with its Botanical Garden, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Science and Technology, the State Theater that always has activity, the House of Crafts. The Callejón del Diamante is full of life with food and handicraft establishments. The Callejón de Jesús Te Ampare is typical, silent, and harmoniously beautiful. The Park of the Berros, the Macuiltépetl National Park, and the Lakes of the Dike. As well as the Museum of "El Lencero", a construction that dates back to 1525 and was converted into a hacienda by Lopez de Santa Ana.

Coatepec, world-famous for its coffee and the exquisite beauty of its orchids and multicolored anthuriums, is located 8 km from Xalapa. Its cobblestone streets, colonial-style houses with beautiful interior courtyards, and numerous churches are a very pleasant setting to enjoy a cool climate most of the year. Savor the ice creams from the kiosk in the park and the fruit liqueurs from the Bautista Galvez house.

Adventure tourism is a great alternative in this area. In Jalcomulco-Carrizal, La Antigua, Actopan, Atoyac-Cotaxtla and Filohobos, river rafting is practiced. In Jalcomulco, 30 minutes from Xalapa, there are ecotourism camps. Carrizal, located 45 km from Xalapa, has a beach area. Rafting is practiced on the Filobobos river, crossing a large canyon to reach the "El Encanto" waterfall. Additionally, fishing, hiking, speleology, and rappelling are practiced.

Cortes' First Steps

The route begins in La Antigua, where the first contact between Spaniards and indigenous people took place, and where the Villa Rica de la Veracruz was founded in 1525.

The port of Veracruz is the most important city on the circuit because it has a lot to show you, starting with the Historic Center, the Municipal Palace, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, and the Plaza de Armas, the heart of the city since the 17th century. Also visit the Castillo de San Juan de Ulua and the Baluarte de Santiago, ancient constructions of defense against pirate attacks.

To appreciate the culture of the port, we recommend the dance evenings at Zamora Park, a stroll along the boardwalk, enjoying a traditional milkshake at the Gran Café de La Parroquia, which is now located next to the boardwalk, as well as a visit to the Portales at night, where tourists, sailors, and inhabitants of the port happily chat with each other.

The beach, the National Marine Park located in front of Sacrificios Island, and the Aquarium -where there is an impressive fish tank that houses sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles- are the places where fun awaits you, complemented by the services of the hotel zone and the nightclubs of the Veracruz-Boca del Río conurbation, where you can feel the lively character of the Veracruz people. In February, do not miss the Carnival of Veracruz, the most joyful in the country.

An additional attraction of the Veracruz-Boca del Río area is the modern EXPOVER Convention and Exhibition Center, which has 92,000 square meters of construction and has all the necessary infrastructure for large events.

To the south of the port, Alvarado, Tlacotalpan, and Cosamaloapan show a marked Spanish influence in their architecture and their very rich culture, with artistic, musical, and gastronomic manifestations that gave rise to totally "jarocha" expressions. Tlacotalpan, a city declared Cultural Heritage of Humanity, celebrates the Virgin of Candelaria from January 31 to February 2, with a great traditional festival that in turn frames the national meeting of jaranero musicians.

Los Tuxtlas, Magic and Beauty

This is an amazing circuit, where you will find history, magic, and natural beauty. Here there is one of the unique microclimates in the world, which can be seen in the Nanciyaga Ecotourism Park, located within the jungle of Los Tuxtlas and on Lake Catemaco, which offers very original rustic facilities with solarium, kayak and canoe dock, mineral water spa, temazcal bath, and food and sleeping area.

The most attractive towns in the circuit are Tres Zapotes, with vestiges of the Olmec culture, San Andrés Tuxtla, Santiago Tuxtla, and Caternaco, where there are pleasant hotels on the shores of the lagoon, from where you can take ecotourism tours to the island of the monkeys. Try to visit Salto Eyipantla, an impressive waterfall with natural pools and picnic facilities.

Olmec Circuit

Named after the Olmec culture that settled in its territory at least 1,500 years before Christ, this circuit stands out for the magnificence of its archeology and the ethnic groups that still exist. The Soteapan and Huazuntlán waterfalls are beautiful scenery to enjoy near imposing industrial zones. In Coatzacoalcos, you can take motorboats and paddleboats on the river, and in the open sea, the International Tarpon Fishing Tournament takes place in July.

In Minatitlán, the Manatee Lagoon offers a wonderful spectacle for nature lovers with the bird migration that takes place from November to March. San Lorenzo Tenochtitlán is an archaeological zone full of surprises, where colossal heads of the Olmec culture have been found.