1 day tour of Tlacotalpan and Alvarado from Veracruz

We begin our tour with Alvarado, just 72 km south of the port of Veracruz, at the mouth of the Blanco and Papaloapan rivers. We visited the Iglesia del Rosario, the Plaza de Armas and the fishermen's wharf. Later we will arrive at Tlacotalpan, considered as a cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO. It is located 18 km from Alvarado. We will take a tour through its streets contemplating the simple and colorful architecture of its houses with traditional furniture, we will visit the Ferrando museum and the famous composer Agustín Lara, the Church of the Virgen de la Candelaria patron saint of this place, the unique Nezahualcóyotl Theater, enjoy of typical sweets and handicrafts.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   2 hours

   Before the arrival of the Spaniards, the place that the Alvaradeña community occupies today was inhabited by various native groups.To prove this success, reference is made to the artificial wall that runs parallel to the lagoon, to the south of the city, formed of clay and oyster shells known as "El cerro de las Conchas". These promontories were raised as a dike to prevent flooding from the Blanco and Papaloapan rivers. During the expansion of the Aztec empire, it was called Atlizíntla, which means "next to abundant water." Currently its name is due to the conqueror Pedro de Alvarado.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   30 min

   The Alvarado boardwalk began to be built in 1948, it is currently an emblematic place for locals and visitors, it is a meeting point for coffee, dinner or a walk. From this point you will be able to appreciate an incredible view of the Alvarado Bridge.

3. 3

   Augustin Lara Museum

   30 min

   Space that seeks to rescue, promote and shoutout the artistic work of Agustín Lara. The property was donated by Mrs. Yolanda Gasca, who was the artist's wife. It is intended to keep alive the taste and pleasure of enjoying the composer's romanticism. It has a permanent exhibition of trophies, newspaper clippings, photographs and other pieces, which tell the story of the poet musician Agustín Lara. In this place many memories of Agustín Lara are concentrated, such as newspaper clippings, photographs, trophies, among other objects belonging to the musician. The place is also a center of Jarocha expression and a house of culture, so you will find ballet performances, exhibitions of young talents and a reed-on-wood crafts workshop.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   30 min

   This chapel dates from 1779, replacing another that was destroyed by a fire, later it was inaugurated in the first decades of the 19th century. The construction was caused by the donation of Pedro de Ovando y Rivadaneyda in the year 1776. The most important popular festival in Tlacotalpan is the one held in honor of the Virgen de la Candelaria from January 31 to February 9 and it is right in this temple where the image of Our Lady of Candelaria is protected. With a solid architecture made of mucar stone and mortar in the Arabic-Spanish style and influenced by a sober late baroque. It is painted annually with lime, which offers a renewed appearance. Its bells were molded under the direction of the priest Don Feliciano Noel. The interior of the chapel, today elevated to a sanctuary, has five neoclassical altars, the last one having been destroyed in 1935, and which was dedicated to Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   1 hour

   Tlacotalpan, whose houses with large portals, curved red tile roofs, wide porches and warm colors illuminating its walls are reminiscent of the vernacular tradition of the Caribbean. Founded by Spaniards in the 16th century to develop livestock activities, but above all as a fishing village, it is an unparalleled destination where its hot climate makes it ideal for long romantic walks while watching sunsets from its boardwalk or, letting yourself be enveloped by the buildings full of history. Its historic center was declared a World Heritage Site in 1998 due to the unique beauty of the architecture of its buildings, harmoniously blending Caribbean and Spanish styles; but above all because it protects the facilities of a late 18th century factory in perfect condition.

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.