A snapshot of Mexican coffee production

Mexican coffee production is widespread, with more than 300,000 mostly small growers dedicated to its cultivation across 15 of Mexico’s 32 states, and despite the country being the 10th largest coffee producer in the world, the crop makes up only a small fraction of the country’s agricultural output.

Most of the coffee grown in Mexico is of the arabica kind, and more than a third is grown at high elevation which yields the higher quality, and more expensive, varieties of beans.  Much of it is grown in the shade, which adds to the quality of the coffee.

Quality and yield improving after ‘leaf rust’ blight

Coffee yields have recovered in recent years after a blight of ‘leaf rust’ devastated crops and caused production to fall by half between 2012 and 2016.  However, as the recovery emerges, regions most affected by the blight appear now to be producing some exceptional coffee beans with improving yields. In the 2019-2020 season, producers harvested about 3.7 million 60-kilogram (132 pound) bags, and that is forecast to increase to 3.9 million bags in the 2020-2021 season.  Although less acreage is expected to be planted, efforts have been made to increase the number of plants per hectare and to plant with more disease resistant trees.

Mexico’s coffee-growing regions

Mexico has four principal growing regions, and the coffees that emanate from each one carry distinct flavors and aromas, influenced by the local terrain, rich volcanic soils, the climate, and elevation.

Chiapas: distinct, highly sought-after coffee

Mexico’s southernmost state of Chiapas is the country’s biggest coffee producer, accounting for more than 40% of the annual crop.  The high rainfall in this region keeps the volcanic soils moist which is ideal for coffee growers.  The best arabica coffees from Chiapas carry a smooth, medium-bodied taste, with bright yet moderated acidity, and hints of cacao.  The aroma from these coffees is strong, often chocolatey, but they tend to be smooth and creamy on the palate and often have hints of a caramel-like sweetness to them.  Some coffee connoisseurs consider Chiapas’s coffee to be the among the best of all Mexican coffees.

Veracruz: dark and bold volcanic influences

The state of Veracruz situated along the shores of Mexico’s Gulf coast produces about a quarter of the country’s coffee. Veracruz’s topography climbs steeply from the coastal plains into an elevated mountainous terrain that provides ideal growing conditions for arabica coffee beans.  The coffee from this region is known for its distinct combination of being smooth and full-bodied, with a balanced acidity that carries undertones of nut and chocolate in its flavors.  The nutrient-rich, dark volcanic soils of this region imbue their influence into the taste of this region’s coffee.

Oaxaca: noticeably milder, and refreshing

Mexico’s state of Oaxaca, bordering Chiapas on the south side, Veracruz to the east, Puebla on north side, and descending from its central highlands to the shores of the Pacific Ocean in the west is also a terrain permeated with volcanic nutrients and plenty of moisture.  The Pluma region is the most renowned for coffee growing in Oaxaca, and beans here are grown at lower elevations that produces a range of distinct flavors.  Milder than most other Mexican coffees, Oaxacan beans carry a sweeter caramel overtone, a light citrus acidity that gives them a refreshing taste, a creamy body and, like many Mexican coffees, they also carry base notes of cacao.

Puebla: the dark horse of Mexico’s coffee regions

The Sierra Norte region in the state of Puebla, southeast of Mexico City, produces around 15% of the country’s coffee.  This highland region is the least well-known of Mexico’s coffee growing regions and coffees produced here are strongly influenced by the elevation and diversity of nutrients from this terrain that is watched over by Popocatepetl, Mexico’s most famous —and active— volcano.  The beans harvested from this region create a complex coffee flavor that includes notes of vanilla, citrus, nutmeg, and cacao.

Imported coffees continue to thrive in Mexico

Notwithstanding the wide availability of fine home-grown coffees, around half of the coffee consumed in Mexico is imported.

This is partly because Mexican producers focus on growing the finer quality arabica varieties, instead of the lower grade robusta beans employed for making the instant coffee that remains popular here, and is likely also driven by demand for specialty beans and brands among coffee drinkers in Mexico’s urban areas who can afford to be choosy.

Imported coffee brands, which include erstwhile names like Lavazza and Illy, elaborated using arabica beans —whether from Colombia, Costa Rica or even parts of Africa— are invariably more expensive than similar quality Mexican coffee.  A touch of malinchismo might be at play, or simply a yen for variety.

Place is personal, subjective, and important—and as you consider places to live in Mexico, Mexperience helps you to consider your choices and shortlist locations that may suit your lifestyle needs.

Discover places to live, work or retire in Mexico

To help you discover and explore potential places to live here, Mexperience publishes a curated list of locations to consider for living, working or retirement in Mexico—organized by popularity and notoriety and classified by the location type.

Our articles introduce you to key places where many foreign residents live now, emerging locations that are becoming increasingly popular with foreign residents, as well as those places that are less well known, or situated off-the-beaten path. We also publish a selection of detailed guides of places to live in Mexico:

The most popular places to live in Mexico

Discover locations that have for a long time, or in recent times, garnered considerable popularity with foreign residents (retirees and others) and have active communities of interest established at the location.

Emerging locations to live in Mexico

Discover locations that have, in recent years, been catching the attention of foreign residents and have fledgling or developing communities of interest present there.

Underexplored locations to live in Mexico

Discover places that do not have significant numbers of foreign residents already established and are generally ‘off-the-beaten-path’ for most foreigners considering Mexico for living and retirement. These places can offer attractions that may be of interest to some potential foreign residents and retirees seeking someplace more traditional, unusual, and with a lower concentration of foreign residents living there.

Detailed living guides

For detailed guides to selected places to live and work or retire, connect to our section with Guides to Living Places in Mexico

Living in Veracruz

Veracruz on Mexico’s tropical southern Gulf coast, is the nation’s leading commercial port. The historic center is frequently likened to pre-revolutionary Havana, and though its colonial buildings lack the majesty of those of the Cuban capital, it is hot, bustling and funky for sure.

Veracruz At-A-Glance:

Location Type

Colonial Port City

Population

Veracruz City: ~811,000 (2010 Census)
Veracruz State: ~8 million (2010 Census)

Altitude

10 feet above sea-level

Time Zone

Mountain Time

High/Low Temperatures

96F/33C (Daytime, Summer);
57F/14C (Nocturnal, Winter) Year-Round Average 74F/21C.

Rainy Season?

Veracruz’s rainy season runs from late May to October each year, with heavy tropical downpours in July and August

Hurricanes?

Veracruz is occasionally affected by hurricanes.

Local Economy:

Industries supporting oil exploration; agriculture, coffee production, fishing and livestock breeding

Expat Penetration

Very Low*

Cost of Living

Lower*

Travel Guide

Guide to Veracruz

Safe in Veracruz

Latest Mexico Safety Updates

*Relative to other foreign expat communities in Mexico

Officially founded by the Spanish at the beginning of the 17th century, Veracruz claims to be the oldest city in the Americas. Not counting pre-Conquest cities, of which El Tajin is only one of several Totonac and Olmec sites where remnants of the ancient civilizations are preserved in Veracruz state. Four times, Veracruz has been dubbed “heroic” by Mexico’s federal government. Once for driving out the Spaniards from their fortress at Ulua (now a high spot on the tourist trail), once for fighting off the French, and twice for resistance to U.S. invaders.

Away from the Tourist Trail

Unlike most other popular retirement spots in Mexico, Veracruz is very much a working city. Tenaris, the world’s leading producer of pipes for the oil industry, has a major plant just outside the city. Tourism, though important, is a sideline. And that is just part of the charm for those seeking the “real” Mexico. Even when tourists flood into Veracruz, as they do each year during school holidays – especially at Easter – and for the annual carnival, they are overwhelmingly Mexicans.

At this point, some nomenclature would be handy. To distinguish it from the surrounding state of the same name, the city is commonly referred to as El Puerto de Veracruz (the Port of Veracruz), or simply “El Puerto”. To complicate matters yet further, what most people call “Veracruz” or “El Puerto” is a conurbation.

About quarter of a century ago, Boca del Rio was a tropical village of palm-frond shacks and beach restaurants, with nothing to interrupt the fishermen as they dozed in their hammocks with a six-pack by their side. No longer. The swathes of farmland that once separated Veracruz from Boca del Rio have long been swallowed up by modern developments. These days, Boca is where it’s at for luxury hotels, modern apartment buildings, shopping malls and discos. Scarcely a hammock in sight, and most six-packs are tucked out of sight in the trunk of a Volvo.

For almost all purposes, Veracruz and Boca are one and the same. Neither, however, is the state capital. That honor is reserved for Jalapa (sometimes spelled Xalapa), a university town with all the trimmings, including museums, a symphony orchestra and a rich program of cultural events. Jalapa is about an hour and a half by car from Veracruz, or two hours by bus. With its surrounding coffee estates, many open to visitors, Jalapa’s altitude can provide a refreshing break from the mid-summer heat of Veracruz.

Low Cost of Living in Veracruz

One of the big attractions of living in Veracruz is that costs tend to be much lower than in most retirement spots, or in the cities of Mexico’s industrial north. Everything from beer to taxis and dental treatment cost a fraction of the going rates in the U.S., Canada and Europe.

Veracruz, however, has many upscale residents and there is shopping to match. Branches of Sam’s Club and Costco do a roaring trade. Supermarkets abound: Wal-Mart is here and so are its principal Mexican competitors, Soriana, Mega and Veracruz’s very own Chedraui. Department stores and boutiques are heavily concentrated in shopping malls, of which the leading one is Chedraui’s Plaza Las Americas at the Boca end of town. Didier Drogba, a millionaire Premier League superstar, recently flew over from London … just to buy a watch he particularly wanted at a boutique in Las Americas. For those unfamiliar with soccer, by the way, Drogba is to his sport roughly what A-Rod is to baseball.

But if “authenticity” is what you want when you go shopping, head to the Veracruz central market. Almost every herbal remedy, fruit, vegetable and cut of meat that you’ve ever seen is on display, as well as more than a few that you probably haven’t. Just don’t ask the guy with a dead iguana slung over his shoulder what he proposes to do with it. Fine dining is not exactly a strong point of Veracruz, but seafood is. Try Villa Rica by the Mocambo beach or one of several what used to be the village of Boca. Cacharrito’s, an Argentine joint as you enter Boca from Veracruz, is recommended for meat lovers. Check-out the breakfasts at the Zaragoza market.

Easily Accessible

Veracruz is connected to Mexico City by a modern, four-lane, highway. The journey time takes about three hours by car; around four hours on a first-class bus. The city’s bus station is a major regional hub, offering connecting services to all other major towns and cities in the state of Veracruz as well as services which run north and south along Mexico’s Gulf Coast. The city’s international airport, located some six miles southwest of the center and offers frequent connections to Mexico City as well to a few U.S. cities, most notably, Houston, TX.

Attractions Along the Gulf Shore

Modern sewage treatment plants have cleared up pollution on the city’s beaches, but they still aren’t great. Keen swimmers might prefer the municipal Leyes de Reforma complex with three excellent pools, one of Olympic dimensions, where senior residents can swim at any time until swim-club training begins late afternoon, for a small stipend each month.

Downtown dive shops offer trips to offshore reefs for scuba and snorkel enthusiasts, though aficionados say the diving is better at Anton Lizardo, about half an hour from downtown.

Fine beaches – Chachalacas, for example – and adventure sports such as canoeing and white water rafting, are among other out-of-town attractions in a state with more than its fair share of natural blessings. And history. This is where Hernan Cortes and his expeditionary force first landed in the mainland of the Americas. As gold from the Aztec empire was shipped out by the boatload to the Old Country, the Conquistadors dubbed it La Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz (The Rich Town of the True Cross).

Authentic City, Largely Undiscovered by Expats

Veracruz is a perfect ‘short list’ location for people who want to live and retire in Mexico away from the popular tourist cities and resorts which have become, in some instances, almost overwhelmed by foreign expatriates.

Veracruz is a working port city; a conurbation on Mexico’s Gulf Coast that can be hot and humid, but which is also susceptible to the cold Nortes: northerly winds which blow down the coastline during the winter months.

Notwithstanding the climate, the city offers foreign residents an opportunity to enjoy one of Mexico’s most charismatic and most vibrant cities; authentic with modern comforts; extremely affordable; friendly and easily accessible by road and air.

Cost of Living in Veracruz

The cost of living in Mexico is typically lower in Mexico than it is the USA, Canada and Western Europe, although precise costs depend upon where you live and your lifestyle choices.

Cost of Living Report

To learn more about the cost of living in Mexico, connect to the Mexico Cost of Living page on Mexperience.

Regional and geographical cost variations do exist, and this part of the guide shows you how some goods and services at Cuernavaca vary from the average.

See Also:

Banks, Banking and Credit in Mexico | Money in Mexico

Blog Articles:

Money, Banking & Finance| Mexican Economy

Real Estate in Veracruz

Information about the real estate market in Veracruz.

Real Estate Market in Veracruz

Prices of realty in Veracruz, as elsewhere in Mexico, have risen over the last decade, although they still remain at very affordable levels when compared to properties in popular Mexican resort cities.

Prices for real estate continue to hold for desirable properties overlooking the Gulf and, as further planned development takes place, the supply of land for dwelling houses and constructed homes is likely to increase in the years ahead.

Most real estate is sold through local realty agents who know the area and the surrounding region, as well as directly through the developers marketing major realty projects, often on prime beachfront locations or on fine golf courses.

Properties in Veracruz range from beachfront homes, lots, and condos. There are also a number of time-share projects in and around Veracruz, and especially in the tourist area of the city, Boca del Rio (note that time share is not ownership). Private residences (mostly re-sales) are available in the historic town center of Veracruz as well as out-of-town, where investors are buying homes offering semi-rural surroundings and ocean and/or mountain views.

Rentals Market in Veracruz

Most rental properties in Veracruz are offered through local realty agents or by individual property owners listing properties on the Internet or local newspapers and magazines as well as signs posted at restaurants, cafes and bars near the vicinity where the rentals are situated. Some developers rent out their units or rent out units on behalf of owners: check with local developers or a local realty agent for details and further information.

See Also:

Guide to Real Estate in Mexico | Home Maintenance | Home Security

Healthcare in Veracruz

In addition to Mexico’s state sponsored healthcare provided via the country’s national health service IMSS, good quality healthcare services offered through private clinics with US -standard healthcare services exist in Cuernavaca. The privately-run out patient clinics available locally are ideal for day-to-day ailments, sprains, broken bones and other health matters which would normally be diagnosed and treated by a General Practitioner of medicine.

See Also:

Health and Healthcare in Mexico | Travel Health in Mexico

Local Climate in Veracruz

Veracruz enjoys a yearly average temperature of 76F/21C. Winter months can be cooler and drop to 57F/14C at night; summer months may reach highs of 95F/33C in July and August especially, accompanied by drenching humidity.

Winter Climate:

November through January are the coolest months. Temperatures can range from 57F/14C to 79F/24C in the day.

Spring Climate:

February through April – springtime – the weather begins to warm up in Veracruz, with temperatures ranging from 63F/16C overnight to 90F/31C in the daytime during late spring.

Summer Climate:

May through September are the hottest months, with temperature ranging from 75F/21C overnight, to 95F/33C in the daytime. The rainy season begins in late May and torrential downpours are common during July and August; the high temperatures do moderate in these months, as the rains cool things down although the humidity levels soar. Temperatures and humidity reach their peak during September and October.

Autumn Climate:

Temperatures moderate again starting in October, the humidity passes and the hot, humid, daytime temperatures climb down from their summer highs. Temperatures in the autumn months range from 66F/18C overnight to 88F/27C in the daytime.

Rainy Season:

Veracruz’s rainy season runs from May to October, with most of the rain falling in June, July and August. Torrential afternoon rains may be experienced several days a week and, in the peak temperature months of July, August and September tropical storms may feature, too.

Hurricanes:

Hurricanes from the Gulf of Mexico can occasionally affect Veracruz.

Sea Temperature in Veracruz

During the peak summer months of June through September, sea temperatures may reach as high as 85F/25C; in other months, the sea temperature will average around 65F/18C.

See Also:

Weather and Climates in Mexico

Practical Information About Living in Veracruz

This section contains links to guides where you can learn more about living in Veracruz.

Accessibility / Transport

Getting Around Veracruz

Getting Around

Transportation choices in Mexico

Communications

Staying in contact while living in Mexico

Money and Banking

Guide to Money in Mexico | Banks & Banking in Mexico

Practical Matters

Practical Information (Travel Guide)

Auto Insurance in Mexico

How to insure your foreign-plated car in Mexico

Safety in Mexico

Latest Safety Updates

Key Attractions

Travel Guide to Veracruz

Southeast of Mexico City, on the Gulf Coast, you’ll find the exuberant port city of Veracruz. Hernán Cortés, the Spanish conqueror, first landed here on Good Friday 1519 and, soon after, Veracruz became the first Spanish settlement and base from which the Spaniards explored and eventually conquered Mexico.

Veracruz is an easy-going, friendly and bustling port-city. Locals are known as jarochos, and they have a reputation for partying. Its leisure fame stems from Arican-and Caribbean-influenced music, lively dancing and an annual Carnaval that according to some, rivals Rio and New Orleans.

Three hundred years of Spanish colonial rule also ended in Veracruz, as the Spanish fled to the fort of San Juan de Ulua; once on an island offshore, it’s now connected by a road. The years that followed were not easy ones for Mexico and, again, Veracruz was a key center of historical events. The city’s title: “Four times heroic city of Veracruz” refers to the expelling of the Spanish and three other military triumphs: one against the French and two against the Americans.

The state of Veracruz derives its wealth primarily from the huge amounts of trade and cargo ships docking at the city’s extensive ports; it also has rich, arable lands where fine coffee and tobacco are grown. The country’s oil stocks, drilled from wells beneath Mexico’s Gulf waters, is also managed from here. As a result of these lucrative industries, Veracruz has never striven to become a big tourist attraction; so it’s not as widely known by foreign tourists as other destinations in Mexico.

Veracruz is a coastal city which has a strong and distinctive colonial feel to it. Palm trees line the streets and the zocalo (main plaza) where, at night, Marimba (Afro-Caribbean) music fills the streets and people meet to talk, dine, dance and just watch the world go by.

This city is a hidden gem if you’re looking for an experience which is distinct from the traditional ‘tourist circuit’ of colonial cities. Besides being a place of character, it’s also colorful, lively and easy-going.

Nearby Veracruz you’ll also find one of Mexico’s finest archaeology parks: El Tajin. The state is host to Mexico’s highest volcano, “Pico de Orizaba“, the second highest volcano in North America. Other adventure tours including mountain climbing, white-water rafting and sports fishing are all easily accessible from here, too.

Veracruz is a surprising city. Away from the traditional tourist trail, it offers a unique experience in Mexico: a relaxed atmosphere with a lively heart and soul. Some people spend their whole vacation here and enjoy the stress-free ambiance; some pass through for a few days as part of a wider travel experience. Either way, a visit to Veracruz will reward you with an enjoyable, fascinating and authentic insight into Mexico.

The high-speed toll road which connects Veracruz to Mexico City (also passing the colonial city of Puebla), makes Veracruz easily accessible from the capital in addition to regular flights to/from Mexico City and elsewhere.

Key Attractions

Colonial Center

Veracruz’s main plaza, the Plaza de Armas (Plaza of Arms), is situated in the middle of the city; it is a handsome place, featuring palm trees, a colonial fountain and beautiful arches.

The cathedral faces the Plaza de Armas, as does the Palacio Municipal, and various other majestic civil buildings including the Correos y Telegrafos (post office) building and the Aduana Maritima (Maritime Customs) building.

The plaza is also the hub of Veracruz’s social scene, and at night, when the temperature cools, the plaza comes alive with music, dancing and street entertainers.

Acuario de Veracruz

One of Latin America’s largest aquariums is a major attraction in Veracruz. It is host to nearly 25 tanks, some containing saltwater, some containing freshwater. You’ll see species of marine life native to the Gulf of Mexico, including barracudas, sea turtles, manta rays, tiger sharks and manatees. Called simply, El Acuario, you’ll find this on the south-eastern edge of town.

Paseo del Malecon

A visit to Veracruz wouldn’t be complete without a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk. This is a great place to watch the locals as they engage with family and friends. Enjoy some ice cream as well, vendors are everywhere.

Fort at San Juan de Ulua

If you’ve ever watched the late 1980’s film “Romancing the Stone” with Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner, you’ve already seen parts of this fort (towards the end of the film, in the scenes leading up to the alligator swallowing the jewel).

The fort was built by the Spanish (the original construction began in 1565 and was expanded several times) to protect against pirates and, later, was also a defense against foreign invaders. This fort was also the Spaniard’s last foot-hold on Mexico: the last Spanish troops retreated to here before being finally expelled by the Mexicans circa 1825.

After Mexico’s war of independence, the fort later became a notorious prison, especially during the Porfirio Diaz era. Many of the prisoners sent here never lived to be released, because of the harsh conditions, including tuberculosis and yellow fever that were rampant at that time.

Today, the fort complex has been converted in a museum and is a major tourist attraction in Veracruz. It’s easy to get to and is well worth a visit when you are in Veracruz. For a small admission fee you can wander around the fort and old prison and get a feel for the history that unfolded around its walls. English-speaking guides are on hand and, for a small additional fee, will give you a guided tour which may well include a good dose of folklore in addition to historical facts.

Museums and Art in Veracruz

The Museo de la Ciudad de Veracruz (City Museum) houses excellent displays about the city’s colonial history through to present day.

Originally a Naval Officer’s school, the Museo Naval (Naval Museum) was restored and open in 1997 to record Mexico’s Naval History and Evolution.

Beaches and Diving in Veracruz

The beaches here are not that attractive—you’ll have to travel about 4 miles south of the Veracruz to Playa Macambo to see improvements in the beaches. If you are at Playa Macambo, also be sure to visit Boca del Rio, a fishing village that has some of the best local seafood to be had. What better way to finish off a day at the beach than fresh seafood and a cold drink. For divers, some of the waters in this area have been listed as national parks and, besides the reefs, you’ll also be able to explore some underwater shipwrecks.

Adventure Experiences

Adventure holidays from Veracruz are becoming more and more popular, given the regions excellent natural climate and topography. River rafting and mountaineering are two favorites.

Sports Fishing

Local sports fishing is a popular activity here and is becoming more popular with each passing year.

Getting There & Around

By Air – You can fly to Veracruz from the US and and other points in Mexico including Mexico City and Oaxaca. The international airport is about 5 miles (8 km) south of the city center. Ground transportation is available from the airport into town; buy your tickets from the booth inside the terminal building. For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel in Mexico.

By Bus – You can travel to Veracruz on a luxury bus from Mexico City – the trip takes around 5.5 hours. Veracruz is a major bus hub for the eastern Gulf coast of Mexico and you’ll be able to travel efficiently by bus around Mexico’s entire Gulf region from here if you want to. For detailed information about bus transportation read the Mexperience guide to Bus Travel in Mexico.

By Car – Driving to Veracruz is very fast and efficient using the many high-speed toll roads which connect this region. See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico’s Toll Roads on Mexperience for more details.

Car Rental – To explore Mexico’s colonial towns and cities, consider renting a car for your visit. Having your own car will give you more flexibility than using public transport options and, in some cases, offer you access to places which are otherwise difficult to visit without the use of a car. Read our guide to Car Rental in Mexico to learn what you need to know about car rental in Mexico and connect to the Mexperience Travel Center to reserve your Rental Car.

Taxis – Taxis in most of Mexico’s colonial towns and cities are not metered, so agree your price before you get in. Taxi travel is very affordable in Mexico, in comparison to the USA, Canada and Europe, and so provides a viable means of public transportation in Mexico. Your hotel can arrange taxis for you; some post their rates on a board in the lobby; taxi hotel rates are usually higher than cabs you hail off the street. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a price with the driver. For detailed information, read the Mexperience guide to Taxi Travel in Mexico.

Local Buses – City buses run regularly and are a reliable means to see the city. There are also touristic buses (Tranvia La Bamba y La Marimba and Turibus) that hit all the city highlights and also allow you to hop-on and off as you wish.

Veracruz Essentials

Telephone: Connect to the guide about Communications in Mexico on Mexperience for detailed information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines are found throughout the downtown area of Veracruz; some hotels also have ATMs (additional fees may apply), and you can also find them at the shopping center next door to the World Trade Center in Veracruz. During business hours, they and the local Casas de Cambio will buy traveler’s checks and cash from you as well. For detailed information about exchanging and managing your money, read the Mexperience guide to Money in Mexico.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical insurance and/or travel assistance insurance when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Internet Access: Internet cafes can be easily found in towns and cities across Mexico and WiFi is increasingly commonplace–from cafes, shops, hotels, and some cities even offer free WiFi in some defined public spaces.

Holiday Periods in Veracruz: A lot Mexican people holiday in Veracruz; you are likely to see very few foreigners here! This means that during the school holidays (December-New Year, Easter, Summer between end of June and September) Veracruz is very busy indeed. It’s quite possible that your travel plans may coincide with some of these dates, especially if you have a family and take your holidays during school breaks, so be sure to book well ahead of time during these peak periods.

Local Climate

As a city on Mexico’s Gulf Coast, Veracruz enjoys mostly, hot, sultry and humid weather. In the winter months, ice-cold winds blowing down from the north (popularly referred to as “nortes“) can cool the temperatures right down and make the city quite cold. It’s especially hot in May and June. Humidity drops a little further inland. The climate is ideal for taking part in a variety of outdoor activities and for taking in the local culture, architecture and scenery; be sure to keep yourself hydrated. The rainy season is April thru November, but as with most monsoon areas, rains tend to be fierce and brief in the late afternoon, leaving the evenings dry and cooler.

Weather & Climates in Mexico

Learn more about the weather and climates through the seasons and regions by connecting to the Mexperience guide about Weather and Climates in Mexico

Veracruz is a very prosperous state in Mexico, with its wealth stemming mainly from the continuous docking of trade and cargo ships at its strategically-located ports, and its rich, fertile lands growing coffee, fruits and tobacco.

The people of Veracruz – Jarochos – are known for their easy going and cheerful disposition. With their Afro-Caribbean roots and exuberant nature, Jarochos love to party and all-year round, and the atmosphere in the port city is one of leisure, music and laughter.

It’s therefore no surprise that Veracruz hosts one of the best carnivals in the world – competing with Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans. It is considered the “Happiest Carnival in the World”.

The Carnaval de Veracruz was first held in 1866, during colonial times when the country was ruled by Emperor Maximiliano. The ever-cheerful Jarochos requested permission from the Head Prefect, Domingo Bureau, to celebrate the “Fiesta de Mascaras” – mask and disguise parties that were held in the main social centers of the time, such as theaters and ballrooms, wherein locals gave free rein to their high-spirited nature.

Although the parties were held exclusively in the ball rooms, on the way there people would parade in the streets and would be cheered on by those standing on the sidewalks. Domingo Bureau obtained permission to celebrate the street carnivals and the tradition of the Carnival Parades was born. Since the beginning of 20th Century the Carnaval de Veracruz has grown in nature and size, and is now organized by a formal Committee.

The annual carnival is scheduled to begin nine days before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent, so the exact dates change each year.

For nine days the port city of Veracruz and its visitors enjoy a true public fiesta – with colorful parades, music and festivities. The Carnaval starts with the burning of “Bad Moods” and ends with the burial of Juan Carnaval. During the carnival, locals and visitors enjoy magnificent dances, disguise parties, fireworks, great food, arts and crafts, and listening to the traditional music of harps, marimbas and guitars.

This is a great time to visit the port of Veracruz – rich in history, tradition and, of course, good humor and parties. As with all major events in Mexico – it is a good idea to book your hotel in advance as they fill up during the Carnaval season.