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Gulf Coast Area including Veracruz and PueblaThe Gulf Coast area, which includes the cities of Veracruz and Puebla, is an excellent part of Mexico to travel to if you're interested in nature and adventure sports. You can get white water rafting excursions, mountain climbing and scuba diving. Travellers to this region can also visit a dormant volcano or see some some ancient ruins. If you want to rest from your adventures, you can take in the scenes in Veracruz, which is known for lots of great cafes.This is where Hernan Cortez and his conquistadors first landed in Mexico, but today fewer foreigners land here, as it's been an almost forgotten part of Mexico's tourism industry. It really is great for experiencing tropical life at its best, however, and you'll have a great time in Veracruz soaking up local music and great dining, or taking in the history in Puebla. Puebla has ruins galore, including the great pyramid of Cholula which is the New World's largest man-made structure. Veracruz was attacked by pirates many times over the years, as well as fatal diseases like malaria and cholera. With such an unlucky history, it's unerstandable that the museums of Veracruz aren't the greatest. That's ok, since there are lots of better things to do in this vibrant city. It's also a retreat for native Mexicans, who want to escape their own hustle and bustle and get away for a weekend. Life is lived at at relaxing pace here, and everything seems a little less restrained here, even compared to the rest of Mexico. Dancing is popular here, as it is home of La Bamba. You can enjoy wonderful marimba and carnaval music here, like nowhere else. Veracruz has its own Carnaval, the week before Ash Wednesday, and it's wonderfully local and filled with tradition. You'll see the ritual burning of ill humor and the finale, which serves as the funeral of the Carnaval itself. There are of course parades and floats. Puebla has 1.8 million residents, lots of history, and volcanoes in the surrounding countryside. Mole poblano originated here, and the colonial center of town has been named an World Heritage Site by UNESCO, because it has so many old-world mansions and churches. Many side trips out of this city to see ruins. |
•Mexico Ancient Ruins &Culture |
