Located in the Gulf of Mexico, Veracruz is a beautiful and lively port city that abounds in wonderful attractions and offers a wide array of cultural activities to travelers and visitors. Getting a lowdown of these monuments, museums and squares prior to boarding your cheap flight to Mexico ensure that you do not miss out on any of the city`s must-visit landmarks.

Fuerte de San Juan de Ulúa:Built in the 16th century, this former fortress was built as a defense against the pirates and housed many prisoners of Veracruz. It protected Mexico from the invasions of the French and United States, and is also famous for its brutal dungeons. Today, it`s a museum that tells an interesting tale about this fortress and the interesting history surrounding it.

Museo de la Ciudad:Museo de la Ciudad or the City Museum showcases the rich history of Veracruz, especially from the times of Hernan Cortes. The museum also devotes a large section of its area to the Carnaval, a festive celebration that begins right before the Lent. Do not miss out on the Carnaval in case you happen to be in the city during the festival dates.

Veracruz Aquarium:The Acuario Veracruz is a perfect place to admire the marine life of Veracruz. The spectacular marine life of this port city is displayed here in a series of galleries. An exact replica of a tropical forest is also worth a watch. Do bring along your children here to catch a glimpse of an array of sea animals, including seals and seahorses to sea stars and octopuses.

Plaza de Armas:The Plaza de Armas is the main square of Veracruz which is thronged by travelers and locals alike to engage in and varied witness social activities and cultural spectacles. Learning and witnessing danzon, a highly disciplined art form that originated in Cuba, is an enlightening experience that no traveler should miss.

Veracruz, the lively port city of Mexico, is a holidaymaker`s delight. The city boasts of excellent accommodation options in varied categories that fit in the need and budgets of most travelers. From luxury hotels and resorts to cheap and affordable inns and guest houses, there will never be a dearth of lodging to suit your taste and preference.

Port:Great hotels with all modern facilities and services, the port area in the city is full of excellent lodging options. Fiesta Americana, Hotel Lois Calzada Ruiz Cortines, Hotel Emporio, Fortín de las Flores, Fiesta Inn and Hotel Posada Loma are some of the prettiest and most comfortable hotels in the area.

Xalapa:From the modern and chic to traditional and charming, the hotel options in Xalapa are far and varied. Take your pick from some of the most notable lodging options in the area, such as the Hotel Xalapa Finca Real, Hosteria La Candela Sebastian and Coatepec.

Tlacotalpan:Not much away from the center of the town, this area is a favorite of many leisure travelers to Veracruz. Posada Dona Lala has been serving the most discerning of travelers since the last 20 years, whereas Hotel Tlacotalpan has just been recently opened.

PáNUCO:Located in northern Veracruz, PáNUCO is a beautiful city located on a river that boasts of a large range pf accommodation options from expensive and luxurious to modest and cheap. This area along with the nearby is home to several great lodging options like Hotel Plaza, Hotel Misión TajÍn, Hotel Río Paraíso, Hotel Reforma, Costa Esmeralda and Hotel El Palmar.

A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry is required by all national intending to visit Mexico. A ticket for return journey or onward journey is also required by the immigration authorities along with the proof of financial means to fund your stay in the city.

Nationals of countries like Australia, Canada, Britain, USA and other EU nations do not require a visa to enter into Mexico. Travelers from these nations can obtain a Blue Tourist Card at the port of entry, from their airlines or from the Mexican consulate before leaving.

A return air ticket or ticket for onward journey along with sufficient proof of funds is also required by the immigration authorities.

Veracruz is an all-year destination with very comfortable annual average temperatures. The city`s annual average temperature hovers around 20-30 degree Celsius. The temperature in Veracruz is never too hot and is ideal for all sorts of indoor and outdoor activities. January, with an average temperature of 21.5 degree Celsius is the coldest month of the year when the temperature can get to the minimum of 18 degree Celsius.

Owing to a large variation of altitudes, Veracruz enjoys a large mixture of climates. The average annual temperature in the city ranges between 22 to 26 degree Celsius and the average precipitation varies from 2,000 mm to 3,500 mm per year. The highest average rainfall is experienced in the months of August and September. Areas of highest elevation like the Cofre de Perote and the Pico de Orizaba experience cold climatic conditions. In general, owing to the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the city`s climate is warm and humid.

Currency:Mexican Peso is the official currency of Veracruz, Mexico. ATMs are easily available all through the city, especially north of the Zocalo. Banks and exchange offices in the city are ideal places to get foreign exchange. It is advisable to not exchange money in the black market as rates are likely to be much higher and there are also chances of getting counterfeits. Most credit cards are widely used and accepted in Veracruz.

Language:There are close to 60 indigenous languages in Mexico that are spoken by the majority of population. Spanish is the official language and the main language of communication of the people of Mexico. Nahuatl is the most widespread indigenous language of the country that is spoken by close to a million Mexicans.