Native Trails MyTrails 2026 301 Veracruz 6 Visit of the Xanath eco-park Duration: 01:30 h · Level: Medium Discover the Xanath eco-park. Since 1872, the estate has been owned by the family of José Luis Hernández, who, over the past 22 years, has transformed the hacienda into a lemon orchard with a small vanilla plantation. Observe how the vanilla orchid is artificially pollinated, and get a first impression of the Totonacs’ history while walking along the fields and authentically built huts of this civilization. 7 Visit of the Laguna Verde nuclear power plant Duration: 03:00 h · Level: Easy Mexico’s only nuclear power plant (built in 1976 - 1977, start-up in 1989 and 1995) is located in the state of Veracruz on the Gulf of Mexico and belongs to CFE (Comisión Federal de Electricidad), a stateowned company. The two boiling water reactors with Mark II containment produce 805 MW each, which is equivalent to about 4 % of Mexico’s total energy demand. Power transmission lines to Veracruz, Puebla and Poza Rica transport the energy to the metropolises, especially to the region of Mexico City. During a visit of the power plant, you will learn noteworthy facts and details about the construction and safety precautions of the plant. 8 Beach trip to Villa Rica de la Veracruz Duration: 01:00 h · Level: Easy After Hernán Cortés arrived in Mexico for the first time at the shores of Cozumel, he circumnavigated the Yucatán Peninsula and, by the end of April 1519, formally founded the city of Villa Rica de la Veracruz at today's Veracruz. In the course of time, the prehistoric natural harbor near Quiahuiztlán, that would later become a part of the federation, took shape as a fortified settlement a few weeks after the Spaniards arrival and became the starting point of Cortés' procession to Tenochtitlán. In 1523 this place was the first settlement on Mexican soil, which was recognized by the Spanish motherland according to European law. 9 Visit to the archaeological area of Quiahuiztlán Duration: 02:00 h · Level: Medium The archaeological zone of Quiahuiztlán is situated at the feet of a prominent needle of volcanic rock, which overlooks the Gulf of Mexico. Only few monuments of the large Totonac temples, real architectural jewels, have withstood time. Particularly interesting are the ball court and the remains of old stucco decorations. A fascinating feature, which is unique in all of Mexico, is the burial places dispersed all over the site, well-preserved, temple-like tombs about 50 cm (20 in.) high on similarly small pyramids. 10 City tour Naolinco Duration: 02:00 h · Level: Easy Naolinco is a pretty town with paved roads and many houses from colonial times, whose bright colors add to the charm of this pueblo mágico. Strolling through the streets and paths, you absorb the friendly atmosphere, and taking a look at the cemetery, you will find that the unusual colorfulness does not stop at its gate. A striking feature of the town is the great number of leather shops, where you can buy shoes, bags, and other leather articles – or have them made to measure. 11 Boat trip in the Laguna La Mancha Duration: 02:00 h · Level: Easy During a boat tour on Laguna La Mancha, you will learn much about its specific ecological importance. Fed by a rivulet and a shallow opening towards the Gulf of Mexico – and thus participating to some degree in the weak tides of the latter – the lagoon, whose surface area is slightly more than one hectare (2½-acres), is a habitat of its own. Most of the banks are densely grown with mangroves. Except for Morelet's crocodile or the blue land crab (Cardisoma guanhumi), the waters are home to many bird species or their resting place during migration; just a bit of chance, and you will see, for instance, reddish egrets, Kentish plovers or wood storks. The Mexican subspecies of the Northern potoo (Nyctibius jamaicensis mexicanus) can also be observed here.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzIxMzY3Mw==