Our most recommended things to do in La Antigua

Antigua and Zempoala Tour from Veracruz

1. Antigua and Zempoala Tour from Veracruz

Zempoala, which means the Place of 20 Waters in Nahuatl, is a Mesoamerican archeological site located in Mexico’s state of Veracruz. On this 5-hour tour you’ll explore this site that dates from the 14th-16th centuries, and visit La Antigua, the first real Spanish town in Mexico. See Zempoala’s main temple, the temple of the chimneys, the gladiator circle, the chimneys of the eternal flame, and the last standing remains of the ramparts. Next you’ll head to La Antigua with a stop to see what used to be Lopez de Santa Anna’s horse stables. Farther along you’ll come to the Rosario Church, built by the Franciscans in the 16th century, and the Hernan Cortes house, built from raw materials found in the region. In addition to visiting other interesting historical sites you’ll take a tour of the city and see the hanging bridge. You’ll also stop at a handicraft shop to watch craftsmen making unique items out of coconut husks.

Chachalacas: ATV & Dunes With La Antigua

2. Chachalacas: ATV & Dunes With La Antigua

Join this journey to Chachalacas Beach, where 550 acres of sand dunes offer excitement to visitors. Enjoy spectacular views of the ocean that will make you want to stay and relax for the whole day. Have fun on a quad bike as you drive through the sand dunes and feel the adrenaline running throughout your body. Your journey continues with a visit to the small town of La Antigua. Learn about the history of the first city council and church in all of Mexico and see the house of Spanish Conquistador, Hernan Cortes.

From Veracruz: Quiahuiztlan, Cempoala & La Antigua Tour

3. From Veracruz: Quiahuiztlan, Cempoala & La Antigua Tour

Learn about the history of Mexico on a guided day tour. Your tour includes three major sites. Quiahuiztlán, which means “place of the rain,” is named due to the natural runoff in the hilltop of Metates, resembling petrified rain in basaltic rock. It was simultaneously a city, cemetery, and fort. In addition, you will get to explore the site considered the capital of the Totonac Empire, Cempoala. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in the center of the state. The town of Antigua is historically important as it was the site of the first encounter between Spanish and Indians. Here you will visit the ruins of the Cortes house and the Rosary chapel, the first Catholic chapel in Mexico.

From Veracruz: Guided Tour of Region's Landmarks and Relics

4. From Veracruz: Guided Tour of Region's Landmarks and Relics

Start the tour at 8:00 AM with a convenient pickup from your hotel. Drive 1.5 hours to Quiahuiztlan, a city famed for its deep history of Totonac culture. Take time to admire the city’s unique landscape, structures, and cemeteries. See the city’s mall before moving onto the next destination. Visit Cempoala, a Mesoamerican archeological site in Úrsulo Galván for an informative guided tour. With its many outstanding gardens, lush vegetation, and relics, the history of the site will truly be all around you. Next, go back in time in La Antigua, where Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés founded the first city hall in the New World. See Mexico's first chapel and visit the grounds of Cortés's house, originally built in the 16th century. Made with river stone and coral, the building is now covered by centuries-old trees making for a fascinating sight. Enjoy the spectacular landscape and phenomenal views on offer before ending the tour with a drop-off at your hotel at 5:00 PM.

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