Explore Tropical Veracruz 7 Day Vacation

Day 1: Arrival in the city of Veracruz
Your bilingual trip guide will be waiting for you upon your arrival at the Veracruz Airport. From there it is just a short 45 minute ride the small seaside town of Chachalacas. You will be staying at a small local family-owned hotel. Personalized service is the key as the owners also live there. Located just a short walk from your hotel are the sandy beaches of the Gulf of México. The rest of the day is free to explore the town and begin to acclimate to the slower-paced life here in Veracruz.

Day 2: Archeological Ruins /Spanish Conquistadors / First Church in the Americas / Soak in Thermal Pools
This morning you will travel to the nearby archeological ruins of Cempoala. These ruins were once the capital of the Totonac people with an estimated population of more than 25,000. Most of the structures date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Then your group will visit the town of Antigua where Hérnan Cortez and his army of Spanish Conquistadors first landed and also learn some history about the Spanish invasion of the Americas. Still standing in the small town of Antigua is the first church ever built in the “new world.” Lunch will be at a small local restaurant. Only a short distance away is the town of Los Baños (The Baths). It is here that there are hot natural springs flowing up from the earth. Some local folks have built swimming pools to capture this clear hot water and you will have the opportunity to soak in these therapeutic waters. After returning to Chachalacas, you will have the option (extra fee) to ride an ATV on the beach and up into the local sand dunes. Overnight in Chachalacas. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Waterfall used in the movie, Apocalypto / Temazcal Ceremony
It's time to journey to the southern part of the state to the tropical lakeside town of Catemaco. On your way, you will stop to see the massive waterfall used in Mel Gibson's movie, Apocalypto. It is impossible to get real close without getting sprayed. Think of it as the "Niagara Falls" of Veracruz. Continuing on to Catemaco, you will check in at a local hotel, and in the evening, experience a Temazcal Ceremony. This is an ancient ritual that includes an igloo-shaped hut which becomes a sauna and you covered with special cleansing mud all over your body. It will definitely be an experience you will want to tell your friends about back home! (B,L,D)

Day 4: Lake Boat Ride / Tropical Nature Reserve / Swim in pool below Jungle Waterfalls
Today you will explore Lake Catemaco by boat and dock at a tropical nature reserve called, Nanciyaga. One of the park's young guides will lead you on a walking tour in this jungle setting to explain some of the history of the ancient peoples who lived there. After this tour, the boat ride continues to see monkeys that live on the island lakes. Your personal guide will then take you around the lake by land and up into the dormant green volcanic hills to explore some beautiful waterfalls where you can enjoy swimming in the crystal clear pools found below these falls. On a hot tropical day, this is definitely the place to be. Later, you will head back to Catemaco and your hotel. (B,L)

Day 5: Gulf of México Shoreline / Ocean Boat Ride / Beach Time
Your Veracruz adventure continues as you travel through the forested jungles to the Gulf of México where you will explore some of the tiny coastal villages and hang out on the semi-secluded beaches under the tropical sun. Here you can truly relax at one of the small palapa-style restaurants and take a dip in the ocean at your leisure. Weather permitting, you will embark on an ocean boat ride to see a huge cave carved by the waves, an island brimming with tropical birds,  and to take in the very scenic coastline. Optional activities may include a horseback ride to some small waterfalls nearby and a banana boat ride in the ocean. Overnight in Catemaco. (B,L)

Day 6: Veracruz City Tour / Farewell Dinner
This morning, you will leave Catemaco and head north to the city of Veracruz. Your personal guide will give you a city tour and explain some of the colorful history of this steamy tropical port city. In the evening, everyone will gather for a  farewell dinner at a nice restaurant in the city. Your overnight accommodations will be at one of the hotels in the city. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Travel day home

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