Recently, I explored a part of Mexico that isn't usually visited as much compared to the central part and the Yucatan Peninsula. I'm referring to the state of Veracruz. I want to share my one-week itinerary, where I visited the state's two WHSs: El Tajín and Tlacotalpan, a TWHS worth inscribing: San Juan de Ulúa, and a declared intangible heritage site: the Ritual ceremony of the Voladores in Papantla.
Transfers were made using public transportation, which is reasonably priced for those of us who aren't privileged and can't afford a rental car. I hope this itinerary will be useful to someone if they have enough time in the country.
Day 1: Mexico City – Papantla (ADO Bus, 6 hours) Arrival in Papantla, a small city declared a Pueblo Mágico by the Mexican government. It's not very beautiful compared to others, but it's peaceful and a good base for El Tajín.
Day 2: Papantla – El Tajín. (Taxi, 15 minutes). The archaeological site (WHS) is a few minutes from Papantla. At the entrance to the site, the 'voladores' ritual takes place every hour. You can tour El Tajín in 3-4 hours at leisure to take photos and learn about the site. The museum is still closed. For the rest of the afternoon, I returned to Papantla, where you can try typical dishes from northern Veracruz.
Day 3: Papantla – Xalapa (ADO Bus, 5-6 hours). Xalapa is the state capital, cold and humid, and has a small historic centre. The most interesting part of the city is its archaeological museum, the second most important in the country, where you can learn about the different cultures and civilizations of the Gulf of Mexico. It houses valuable pieces, such as the largest collection of Olmec heads (7), which were the first civilization in Mesoamerica, as well as very beautiful pieces found at El Tajín.
Day 4: Xalapa – Xico – Coatepec. (Local bus, 30-45 min) Xico and Coatepec are very beautiful towns in the center of the state, well worth a visit if you have enough time. They were also declared a "Pueblo Mágico" and in my opinion, they deserve this designation. You can try coffee sweets and excellent coffee with the best quality.
Day 5: Xalapa – Alvarado (ADO bus, 3 hours), Alvarado – Tlacotalpan (Local bus, 1 hour) There is no direct transportation from the capital; you have to make a short stop in Alvarado, where the bus leaves every hour. Tlacotalpan (WHS) is one of the most beautiful towns I've seen in Mexico. Take your time to explore its streets and colourful houses; due to its geographical isolation, there are almost no tourists. Mornings and sunsets offer beautiful photographs.
Day 6: Tlacotalpan. I recommend spending two nights in Tlacotalpan to enjoy the tranquility of this place. Local Veracruz bands play on the riverbank on weekend evenings. The seafood is very good and reasonably priced.
Day 7: Tlacotalpan - Veracruz (Local bus, 2.5 hours). Veracruz is a very important city in Mexican history. It has witnessed several invasions by European powers and their imperialist ambitions (Spain, France, UK) and the United States (twice). It has a beautiful historic centre, but nothing particularly impressive compared to other cities. I visited its enormous aquarium.
Days 8 and 9: Veracruz - Mexico City (ADO bus). On the second day, I visited the fortress of San Juan de Ulúa. It had been on the tentative list for years, and the government recently decided to re-nominate it. An impressive place for its history. I recommend a guide to explain the site's history, as there are almost no information panels. I recommend spending the afternoon on the city's seafront (malecón) and trying the traditional coffee at La Parroquia, an iconic spot in the city, which also offers marimba music and folkloric dancers from the state of Veracruz, it is not expensive at all, since many local families visit it every day. | 
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