Native Trails MyTrails 2026 302 Veracruz 12 Visit of the Fortress of San Carlos de Perote Duration: 01:30 h · Level: Easy Under Viceroy Joaquín de Montserrat, the fortress Fortaleza de San Carlos de Perote was erected between 1770 and 1776 to defend the Mexican plateau. In 1823, after the Mexican war of independence, Guadalupe Victoria, Mexico’s first president, founded the first military academy of Mexico in the mighty complex. In the MexicanAmerican War, during WWII and up to 2007, Fortaleza de San Carlos was used as a prison. Only in the summer of 2014 were the premises solemnly opened to the general public. 13 Visit of the anthropological museum of Xalapa Duration: 02:30 h · Level: Easy The anthropological museum of Xalapa has a significant collection of archaeological finds from three millennia. The focus on the Olmec culture is especially featured by huge heads of their rulers or gods made of basalt and weighing up to 20 tons each. Particularly noteworthy are the smaller sculptures of jade and obsidian. 14 City tour of Xalapa Duration: 03:00 h · Level: Easy Xalapa is the capital of the State of Veracruz and a cultural center with a dazzling range of exhibitions, picture galleries, and concerts. With three universities, inter alia seat of the famous Universidad Veracruzana, students mark the life of the city. The historic old town charms the visitor with narrow streets, squares, and houses in many colors and with bright red roofs. 15 Hike to the summit of the Cerro Cofre de Perote Duration: 07:00 h · Level: Medium During the several hours’ hike to the extinct shield volcano Cofre de Perote, you walk through open pine forests, continue beyond the timber-line, and finally reach the exposed summit massif. The views to the wide plain are breath-taking. The peak of the mountain has the distinctive form of a chest: that is why it is called “cofre,” which is certainly easier than Nauhcampatépetl, its name in Náhuatl. 16 Visit of the El Lencero Hacienda Duration: 02:00 h · Level: Easy The hacienda in colonial style takes its name from Juan Lencero, one of Hernán Cortés’ soldiers. It was the residence of Antonio López de Santa Ana, the 11th president of Mexico, from 1842 to 1856. Sitting in the shade of the old trees of the hacienda, you have a wonderful view of a spring-fed pond. The remarkable furniture inside the building comes from Mexico, Europe and Asia. 17 City walk through Coatepec Duration: 01:30 h · Level: Easy The colonial town of Coatepec was founded in 1684 and lies in a fertile valley at the foot of Cofre de Perote. It really deserves its distinction as a pueblo mágico. Surrounded by coffee plantations and the forests of the Sierra Madre Oriental, there are lots of old farms and colonial manors – a scenery like a movie set. Take a walk through the historic center with its numerous small cafés and restaurants and do not neglect to see Parque Hidalgo and the church of San Jéronimo. A break gives you the opportunity to try the aromatic highland coffee of the region, which is truly delicious.
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