Veracruz Trip Overview
Combine visits to three historical Mexican sites in one day with this day trip from Veracruz. With a local guide, you’ll travel to the ruins of Quiahuiztlan and Cempoala, followed by a stop in the small town of La Antigua, the first Spanish settlement in Mexico. See ancient temples, admire views of the Gulf of Mexico, and visit attractions such as the first Catholic church in the Americas. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.
Additional Info
Duration: 6 hours
Starts: Veracruz, Mexico
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Archaeology Tours
Explore Veracruz Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Veracruz, Veracruz, Mexico
Combine visits to three historical Mexican sites in one day with this day trip from Veracruz. With a local guide, you’ll travel to the ruins of Quiahuiztlan and Cempoala, followed by a stop in the small town of La Antigua, the first Spanish settlement in Mexico. See ancient temples, admire views of the Gulf of Mexico, and visit attractions such as the first Catholic church in the Americas. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Quiahuiztlan Archaeological Zone, Mexico
Knock out visits to three important historical Mexican sites in one day with this guided trip from Veracruz. After morning hotel pickup by minivan, travel with your guide to Quiahuiztlan, located about 45 miles (75 km) up the coast. Upon arrival, follow your guide around the archaeological ruins, set on a hill with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. See what remains and learn about their importance. The site was home to Totanac temples, plazas, and a ballcourt during its time as part of the Tlaxcala confederation. Next, head south about 20 miles (30 km) to the archaeological site of Cempoala, meaning ‘twenty waters.’ Hear about the origin of its name and gain insight into Cempoala’s Mesoamerican history, from its time as the Totonac Empire’s capital to the Aztec invasion. You’ll see a myriad of temple ruins, including the Circulo de Los Gladiadores (Circle of the Gladiators), Templo Mayor (Major Temple), Templo del Dios del Viento y la Cruz (God of Winds Temple and the Cross) and Templo de las Chimeneas (Temple of the Chimneys). Then, continue south in your minivan to La Antigua, the first town the Spanish settled in Mexico
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Lagunas de Zempoala National Park, Mexico
After a lunch break at a delicious local eatery (own expense), begin your sightseeing tour of the charming, tree-lined town. Its historic attractions include the 16th-century house of Spanish conqueror Hernán Cortés, who led the invasion of the Aztec Empire; Ermita del Rosario (the first Catholic church in the Americas); and La Casa del Cabildo (one of the oldest Spanish buildings still standing in Mexico). Your day trip ends with transport back to your hotel in Veracruz.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
