The Gulf of Mexico and the Isthmus of Tehuantepec were once part of a major shipping route that allowed for a great influx of cultures to make their way through Mexico. Those who stayed in the area helped it thrive and become a region of crisp multi ethnic influence, tangible in everything from the area’s architecture to its famous gastronomic offerings.

VILLAHERMOSA

The capital of the state of Tabasco is abundant in natural resources, with parks and lagoons and plenty of fauna making way for a thriving business district and more than 4,000 hotel rooms. It was once the home of the Olmecs, the first known Mesoamerican civilization, said to have laid the groundwork for future groups and civilizations. For this reason, Villahermosa is perhaps best known for the La Venta Park-Museum, a lakeside park and Olmec archaeological site/ope air museum with four colossal heads of basalt stone that were found in the same area, along with other Olmec altars and relics. La Venta is also home to a regional zoo and holds sound-and-light shows throughout the week. Next to the park is the Natural History Museum, which highlights more of Tabasco’s ecosystems and evolution. The Carlos Pellicer Regional Museum of Anthropology and the Tabasco History Museum are also worthy stops. Visitors will find plenty of accommodations, including the Hyatt Regency Villahermosa.
Good Time to Go: Although it’s very much a tradition, the Feria Tabasco did not take place last year due to massive flooding in several areas. It’s back on this year, although as of press time dates were unavailable.

OAXACA

Oaxaca has it all—ecotourism options (from jungles to beaches), amazing architecture, 16 native tribes, a temperate climate, and a colorful culture. Known as “The Land of the Seven Moles,” its traditions are found along courtyards and churches but seen in plenitude on its Zocalo as locals go about their day. The historic center of Oaxaca, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a delight to explore on foot, with centuries-old buildings lining its streets. A standout here is the altarpiece of the Santo Domingo Church, gilded in thousands of sheets of gold leaf. Right in this historic center is Casa Cid de Leon, a four-suite boutique hotel just two blocks away from the zocalo. Oaxaca is also a place to indulge, whether by dining or shopping. Regional delicacies include local cheese, quesillo; fried crickets, or chapulines; mezcal, the local alternative to tequila, also made from the agave plant; and thick hot chocolate. Mercado Benito Juarez is a great market to visit for any number of local treats. Travelers can even sign up for any number of cooking classes available throughout the city. Art galleries are abundant here and visitors can stock up on brightly colored animal figurines called alebrijes, hand-woven rugs and pottery, even paintings. In the state of Oaxaca, many villages specialize in a particular handicraft. Outside of the city there are a number of archaeological sites worth a visit, including Mitla and Monte Alban.
Good Time to Go: One of Oaxaca’s most famous festivals is Guelaguetza, which dates back to pre-Hispanic times and celebrates community sharing and commitment by honoring Centeotl, the goddess of corn. This year it takes place July 19-26.

VERACRUZ

This irrepressible city has captured the essence of its African, Native American and European heritage to become a Caribbean hotspot of flavorful music and exuberant people. Hernan Cortez founded this seaport almost five hundred years ago, creating a gateway for silver exportation, and it has been the subject of takeovers almost since its
inception. This is the reason for the existence of its most famous attraction, the San Juan de Ulua Fort. It was built atop an islet hundreds of years ago to protect the harbor against raids and housed quite a few prisoners in its heyday. The Santiago Bulwark, the only one of nine left, is another throwback to that era, dating back to 1526. Inside there’s a small museum with pre-Hispanic jewelry. Nearby is the Altar de la Patria (Altar of the Homeland), an obelisk built in 1998 to honor those who have defended Veracruz over the years. The city’s main plaza and its distinguishing colonnades is adjacent to an 18th century cathedral and often comes alive with the sounds of marimba or danzon—dancing couples are not uncommon here or in nearby bars and cafes. Another interesting find is the Naval Museum, which houses ancient weapons and model ships. The waters that provide a lifeline to Veracruz also brings a wealth of culinary options to this port city, especially red snapper in its Veracruzan spin, huachinango a la veracruzana. This and other types of seafood are often best enjoyed in the area of Boca del Rio, also the home of the Agustin Lara Museum and the area’s best beaches. If you have time, arrange for a trip to El Tajin, north of the city. You’ll fi nd the ruins of Mesoamerica’s most important pre-Hispanic city after the fall of Teotihuacan. There are temples and ceremonial buildings with carved reliefs, but its most recognized structure is the Pyramid of the Niches and its many carvings.
Good Time to Go: The annual Veracruz Carnaval is one of Mexico’s liveliest, with celebrity entertainers, parades and plenty of color. Next year’s dates are Feb. 9-17—its 86th version.

TAMPICO

The busy port of Tampico in the southeastern portion of Tamaulipas has undergone a few changes recently to bolster its charm, including a renovation of French-style buildings around Plaza de la Libertad. The city has an Old World-romance feel to it, prevalent in everything from its pink-stone cathedral in front of Plaza de Armas to the Maritime Customs Building on Aduana Street, a brick-and-ironwork structure inaugurated in 1902 that was once the center of commercial activity. One of Tampico’s most popular locales is its cultural center, otherwise known as El Metro. This grand facility welcomes dance, theater and musical performances from around the world, and also features a Huasteca Culture Museum and temporary exhibits gallery. El Metro is part of a larger project called Carpintero Lagoon, which also includes an eco-park and convention center. Visitors should also try some of their local fare, which includes carne asada a la tampiquena (spicy grilled strips of beef often served with enchiladas and guacamole) and jaiba rellena de huitlacoche (crabs stuffed with corn truffles.
Good Time to Go: Tampico also has a carnival of its own which takes place during the month of February.