Mexico State — Beachcomber Pete Travel Adventures

Veracruz State, Mexico

Although the state of Veracruz in Mexico has one of the country’s leading economies, its economy isn’t as dependent on tourism as those of some of the other states in Mexico. Petroleum and agriculture are the two biggest industries in Veracruz. This is good news to travelers who prefer to avoid areas in which mass tourism prevails. Visitors to Veracruz find it easy to experience the authentic culture of the region without feeling crowded by large numbers of other tourists.

Veracruz is located in the eastern part of Mexico and has a long coastline featuring many miles of sand dunes. The waters of the Gulf of Mexico provide superb sports-fishing opportunities and there are many fishing guide services to accommodate the fishing enthusiast. Those who prefer snow-topped mountains will find plenty of them in Veracruz also.

The city of Veracruz is the oldest city in Mexico. Founded in 1519 by Hernán Cortés, it’s now a vibrant, modern port city. It’s the largest city in the state of Veracruz and offers many activities. From May to August, scuba diving is a popular pastime. The Plaza de las Armas in the center of the city of Veracruz is always filled with musicians, dancers, and other attractions such as vendors selling craft items and food. For those interested in marine life, the Veracruz Aquarium is the largest aquarium in Latin America.

Xalapa is the state capital of Veracruz and is noted for its many museums. More than 400 exhibitions are on display at the Museum of Science and Technology in Xalapa. An extensive collection of Mesoamerican artifacts can be found in the Museum of Anthropology. Xalapa Is also located in a mountainous region of Veracruz, making it a good choice for those wishing to escape the heat.

Veracruz has much to offer the person who desires to experience authentic cultures. Those who have an interest in handmade arts-and-crafts will appreciate the quality of the furniture made in the town of Castillo de Teayo, the musical instruments created in the town of Los Tuxtlas, and the beautifully embroidered women’s blouses created in the communities of Tlalixcoyan and El Higo. There are many more rural communities that specialize in different types of handicrafts. Those with an interest in indigenous arts-and-crafts will find much to explore in Veracruz.

Veracruz is the perfect travel destination for those who want to avoid tourist-filled commercialized areas and to experience authentic, vibrant culture.

Filed Under: featured, Mexico, Mexico State, Veracruz State

Tlaxcala State, Mexico

With La Malinche volcano serving as a backdrop, the Mexican State of Tlaxcala has the cool, semiarid climate of the Mesa Central where it is located. This densely populated state is Mexico’s smallest by area. It has an economy built upon agriculture, cattle raising, and finely made woven handicrafts. The state and its capital both derive their name from the local, pre-historic culture. The current boundaries of the state are similar to those of a native federation that never surrendered to the Aztecs.

The storied past of the area has led to a vibrant tourist industry. Visitors will see the archeological ruins of Cacaxtla, Tizatlan and Xochitecatl. Archeologists are currently excavating, exploring and documenting these ancient sites. At the time of the conquistadors, the region was a land of grand plazas, palaces and temples consistent with a Post-Classical period, Mesoamerican civilization. The Xochitecatl ruins date from approximately 400 A.D. It is here that you can view the Serpent Pyramid, the Spiral Building, the Volcano Base and what is believed to be the most important structure, the Flower Pyramid.

The Cacaxtla ruins are from structures that were built around the 7th century A.D. This archeological site is larger than that of Xochitecatl. Nearby is the modern town of San Miguel with its amazing murals that adorn the walls of various temples. The Tizatlan site is unique because the ruins consist of adobe brick, which is extremely rare for this time period and location. There are numerous other historical sites worth visiting along with the colonial architecture of the capital, Tlaxcala City.

Although in its infancy, eco-tourism is centered on the La Malinche Volcano National Park. Visitors can mountain bike, rock climb, rappel and horseback ride during the day. At night, you can camp out under the stars after watching the sunset over the panoramic vista from the top of the volcano.

Guests who spend time in the cities of Apizaco, Huamantla and San Pablo del Monte will witness regional festivals that feature dances of masked men who imitate the Spaniards of old and don colorful garb and plumed hats. There are festivals that commemorate historic events and religious holidays. This is an opportune time to sample the local cuisine of barbacoa and mixiote along with regional delicacies of escamoles, maguey larvae and the xoconostle cactus fruit.

Not as widely known as other Mexican destinations, Tlaxcala is a hidden gem awaiting discovery.

Filed Under: featured, Mexico, Mexico State, North America, Tlaxcala State

Mexico State, Mexico

Pack your bags and get ready to travel to the breath-taking State of Mexico, also known as Estado de Mexico, in Spanish. The country of Mexico has 31 states. Mexico State is the most densely populated of those states, with a population of 15,175,862. It is located in the center of the country, just 39 miles from Mexico City. The Capitol City of Mexico State is Toluca de Lerdo, which has a population of approximately 747,512, and the most populous city in Mexico State is Ecatepec de Morelos, with a population of 1,655,015.

There is much to do, see and enjoy in Mexico State. You will find lakes, rivers, hot water springs, water falls, a water park, mountains, volcanoes, natural formations, archeological sites and golf courses. Whether you want to hike, do some rock climbing, sailing, kayaking or water skiing, or jump off of a cliff and paraglide over Mexico State's natural beauty, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Parque Acuatico Ixtapan, a water park located in Ixtapan de la Sal, and the largest water park in Latin America. It has 16 pools which includes a wave pool and four thermal springs. There is a water roller coaster, and water slides that are a 492 feet long. This water park offers a lagoon that offers both pedal and paddle boats, and a thermal pool located indoors. For the kids there is a pirate ship, tunnels, nets and more. Stop in at the spa for a relaxing massage, for a healing therapy and/or a beauty treatment.

In the valley between Mexico State's Capitol of Toluca and Tenango, lies an inactive volcano called Nevado de Toluca, also known as Xinantecatl, that is open to the public. This volcano is the fourth highest peak in Mexico, reaching an altitude of 2.914 miles above sea level. In the crater of the volcano are two lakes called, El Sol and La Luna: the Sun and the Moon.

San Miguel Ixtapan, located in Tejupilco, is just one of the archaeological sites you will find in Mexico State. Here you can view ancient, prehispanic ruins. There is also a museum on the site that has approximately 800 artifacts from that time period.

Another great place to visit is Valle de Bravo, also called Mexican Switzerland, which is a scenic mountain village, that is at an altitude of 6,200 feet. You will find a 8,402-acre lake for water skiing, swimming, boating, and fishing. The quaint, colonial village is lined with cobblestone streets, and it is the center of arts and crafts. Here you will find colorful pottery and fine lace made by the Mazahuas Indians.

Whatever your pleasure, you will find it in the heart of Mexico – Mexico State.

Filed Under: featured, Mexico, Mexico State, North America

Veracruz State, Mexico

Tlaxcala State, Mexico

Mexico State, Mexico

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