Top Reasons to Go

Taking the road less traveled: Mexicans love to vacation in this state, but it's off the radar for most foreigners.

Dining on amazing seafood: Try it a la veracruzana, sautéed with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and usually green olives.

Experiencing little-known ruins: The ruins of El Tajín, which flourished from the early 9th to the early 13th centuries, are some of the most magnificent in Mexico.

Watching men fly: Paplanta's voladores spin from the top of an 82-foot pole in a breathtaking Totonac ceremony that makes bungee jumping look tame.

Joining in the danzón: This stately dance from Cuba is a cornerstone of Veracruz's eclectic culture.