Overview
Poza Rica de Hidalgo is an industrial oil city of 200,000 people in Veracruz, known as a gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of El Tajín, located just 15 km away. The city serves as a transportation hub and base for exploring the Costa Esmeralda northern beaches including Tecolutla, Tuxpan, and Cazones, all within an hour's drive.
Beach · Budget Travel · Day Trips · History · Nature
Before you go
Day trips
El Tajín UNESCO site is 15 km away; beaches at Cazones (40 min), Tuxpan, and Tecolutla (1 hour). Castillo de Teayo is 37 km northwest.
Food
Regional Totonac and Huastec cuisine features Zacahuil as the signature dish, with Mercado Municipal offering cheap eats and local snacks like sopes, bocoles, and molotes.
Money
Prices in listings show Mexican Peso amounts prefixed with M$ (e.g., M$450 for hotels, M$100-300 for restaurants).
Transport
Central de Autobuses Poza Rica is the main bus terminal in the northwest of the city near MEX-180. Taxis are plentiful and Uber is available.