Veracruz Travel Guide

The Fuerte de San Juan de Ulúa stands on a reef island off the port of Veracruz, built up from the 16th century as Spain's most important military position on the Gulf of Mexico and the transit point through which colonial silver left for Europe. It saw repeated action: sacked by pirates in 1683, and held by a Spanish garrison for years after Mexican independence. It later served long as a prison, its cells dank and cramped, holding a number of political prisoners; those dungeon sections survive. It is open today as a historic site.

The Acuario de Veracruz is among the largest aquariums on the Gulf coast of Mexico, next to the malecón. It splits into freshwater and saltwater sections, with dolphins, sharks, manatees and coral fish unique to the bay, plus a touch pool and dolphin shows — a popular family outing.

The Malecón de Veracruz is the port city's liveliest public space, running several kilometres along the shore. By day you see fishers and strollers on the breakwater; after dark the famous danzon dancers pair off, street bands play and snack vendors appear, with views out to the Isla de Sacrificios offshore.