Gulf of Mexico Tour: a Journey Across Sierra Madre Oriental Cities (8 Days)

Day 1: Tampico

Start your Gulf of Mexico Tour in Tampico! A historical port city where various architectural styles come together to create a unique and vibrant urban landscape. Arrive at any time and settle into your accommodation before meeting your Tour Leader and fellow travelers in the evening.

The day begins with a welcome meeting to introduce you to the tour and the group. Afterward, enjoy an orientation walk through the charming streets of Tampico, where you’ll discover its rich history and distinctive architecture.

As the evening unfolds, enjoy an optional dinner and get-together with the rest of the group, where you can bond over a delicious meal and share your excitement for the journey ahead.

• Alojamiento: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Tampico
• Activities Included: welcome meeting, orientation walk of Tampico

Day 2: Tampico - Tuxpan Coral Reef /Tuxpan Mangroves - Tuxpan

After a delightful breakfast, we’ll continue our Mexico Coast Cities Tour, heading to Tuxpan. Depending on the season, we’ll either embark on a snorkeling boat tour to explore the vibrant Tuxpan Coral Reef (April to September) or a peaceful mangrove boat tour (October to March) to discover the unique coastal ecosystem.

In the evening, we’ll return to the tranquil beach town of Tuxpan. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and unwind after a day of exploration.

Then, join an orientation walk around the town, taking in its charming atmosphere and local sights. To wrap up the day, enjoy an optional dinner and a get-together with your group, sharing stories from the day in one of the local restaurants.

• Alojamiento: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Tuxpan
• Meals Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: snorkeling in Tuxpan Coral Reef (Apr-Sept) or mangroves boat tour (Oct-Mar); orientation walk of Tuxpan
• Distancias en coche: Tampico – Tuxpan Coral Reef / Tuxpan Mangroves (~231 km ~ 4 h). Tuxpan – Tuxpan City (~12 km ~ 20 min).

Day 3: Tuxpan - Cristo Redentor - El Tajin - Papantla

After a refreshing swim in the sea and breakfast in Tuxpan, we’ll head to El Tajin, a UNESCO-listed archaeological zone known for its impressive pyramids and grand buildings. On the way, we’ll stop to admire the giant Cristo Redentor statue and enjoy breathtaking views from the hilltop.

Next, we’ll continue to Papantla, a “Magic Town” renowned for its lively town square and the historic cathedral. Here, we’ll witness the mesmerizing voladores (flyers) performing their traditional ritual, recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Heritage.

After exploring, we’ll check in at our accommodation and take an orientation walk through Papantla to soak in the local charm. In the evening, join us for an optional dinner and a get-together with the rest of the group at one of the town’s inviting restaurants.

• Alojamiento: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Papantla
• Meals Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: photo stops at Cristo Redentor statues; guided visit to El Tajin Archeological Zone; orientation walk of Papantla
• Distancias en coche: Tuxpan – Cristo Redentor (~43 km ~ 1 h). Cristo Redentor – El Tajín (~16 km ~ 30 min). El Tajín – Papantla (~10 km ~ 20 min).

Day 4: Papantla - Xicotepec - Pahuatlán

On this day we’ll visit two beautiful “Magic Towns”. Firstly, we’ll head to Xicotepec – a picturesque “Magical Town” that lives in the communion of pre-Hispanic and colonial times. There, we’ll visit one of the local family coffee farms where we’ll about the whole process of elaboration of this aromatic drink. Then, we’ll go to Pahuatlán. Situated in the middle of the Puebla mountains, among numerous coffee and pahua (local type of avocado) plantations, this region with a high percentage of the indigenous population breathes an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

Therefore, once there, you’ll be surrounded by Nahuatl and Otomi cultures, which still carefully preserve their traditions. Check-in at our accommodation, orientation walk, optional dinner, and get-together with the rest of the group in Pahuatlán.

• Alojamiento: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Pahuatlán
• Meals Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: tour of a family coffee farm with tastings; orientation walks of Pahuatlán and Xicotepec
• Distancias en coche: Papantla – Xicotepec (~163 km ~ 3 h). Xicotepec – Pahuatlán (~52 km ~ 1.5 h).

Day 5: Pahuatlán - Cascadas Paraiso - Basaltic Prisms of Santa María Regla - Huasca de Ocampo

After breakfast, we’ll continue the tour of Mexico Coast Cities by going to explore Cascadas Paraiso – a complex of 10 breathtaking waterfalls located in a beautiful mountainous area frequently covered with fog. Afterward, continue to Basaltic Prisms of Santa María Regla. This imposing 40-meter geological structure is made of shining rocks formed thousands of years ago and washed by four waterfalls. Finally, we’ll finish the day in Huasca de Ocampo – a charming “Magic Town” at the edge of the mountains where the bonanza of old times still reverberates, times when several ranches were built to make the Count of Regla the richest man of his time.

Check in at our accommodation, orientation walk, optional dinner, and get-together with the rest of the group in Huasca de Ocampo.

• Alojamiento: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Huasca de Ocampo
• Meals Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: guided visit to Cascadas Paraiso and Basaltic Prisms of Santa María Regla; walking tour in Huasca de Ocampo
• Distancias en coche: Pahuatlán – Cascadas Paraíso (~54 km ~ 1.5 h). Cascadas Paraíso – Basaltic Prisms of Santa María Regla (~64 km ~ 1.5 h). Basaltic Prisms of Santa María Regla – Huasca de Ocampo (~10 km ~ 20 min).

Day 6: Huasca de Ocampo - El Chico National Park - Mineral del Chico

Start your day with a hike in El Chico National Park, one of Mexico’s oldest protected areas, established in 1898. Surrounded by lush forests and fresh air, it’s the perfect spot to connect with nature.

Next, head to Mineral del Chico, a “Magical Town” known for its rich mining history and stunning natural beauty. As you walk through its steep, narrow streets, the town’s charm and energy will captivate you, offering a glimpse into its historical significance.

Afterward, check in at your accommodation and enjoy an orientation walk through the town, taking in its quaint ambiance. In the evening, opt for a delicious dinner and join your group for a get-together at a local restaurant.

• Alojamiento: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Mineral del Chico
• Meals Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: hiking in El Chico National Park; orientation walk of Mineral del Chico
• Distancias en coche: Huasca de Ocampo – El Chico National Park (~36 km ~ 1 h). El Chico National Park – Mineral del Chico (~11 km ~ 20 min).

Day 7: Mineral del Chico - Real del Monte - Pachuca

Day 8: Pachuca - Teotihuacan - Mexico City

Start your day by visiting the UNESCO-listed Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque, a remarkable 16th-century structure that stretches over 45 km. Marvel at its engineering and historical significance.

Next, head to Teotihuacan, the ancient city of pyramids. Explore the impressive ruins of what was once Mesoamerica’s greatest city, and learn about its fascinating history as you stand beneath the towering Pyramids of the Sun and Moon.

Finally, after a full day of exploration, you’ll arrive in Mexico City around 3 pm, where you can unwind and reflect on the incredible sights you’ve experienced.

• Meals Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: guided visit of Teotihuacan Archeological Zone and Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque
• Distancias en coche: Pachuca – Teotihuacan (~75 km ~ 1.5 h). Teotihuacan – Mexico City (~50 km ~ 1.5 h).