La Antigua Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

La Antigua which includes flowers, a garden and a church or cathedral
La Antigua featuring a church or cathedral
La Antigua showing a park and building ruins
La Antigua featuring a garden
La Antigua which includes forests and a ruin

Walk the ancient cobblestone streets of this unassuming town, one of the earliest settlements established by Spanish colonists in Mexico.

La Antigua is a sleepy backwater that shelters almost 500 years of colonial history. Founded in the 1520s, this riverside town was once the centre of trade deals for the viceroyalty of New Spain. Control of trading moved to the port city of Veracruz following major smuggling activity. Today La Antigua has some of Mexico’s oldest-surviving colonial landmarks. Take boat tours along the Río Antigua from this pleasant village.

In the town centre, find centuries-old monuments and ruins, many overgrown with parasite trees. Overlooking the main square is the Parish Church of Santo Cristo del Buen Viaje. Wander the remains of the House of Hernán Cortés, once a customs house. See the 19th-century Stables of Antonio López de Santa Anna on the site of a 16th-century hospital. Marvel at the impressive size of stone cannons, previously used to prevent invasion.

Stand in front of the huge Sacred Ceiba Tree. Legend states that Hernán Cortés, a Spanish explorer and conqueror of the Aztecs, anchored his boats here when he invaded Mexico in 1519. Nearby are busts of the independence leader Miguel Hidalgo and politician Benito Juarez. Shop for handicrafts and religious curios at tianguis (open-air markets).

A 5-minute walk from the historic centre is the Chapel of the RosaryOpens in a new window. Franciscan missionaries erected this quaint hermitage in 1523 on the orders of Hernán Cortés. Look for detailed mosaic interpretations of the Way of the Cross decorating the wall that surrounds the chapel. Inside is a 12-petal flower sculpture dedicated to the missionaries.

Stroll to the riverbank and cross the wooden suspension bridge, the Puente Colgante La Antigua. Enjoy uninterrupted views along the Río Antigua. Join a boat trip from the opposite side of the river and stop at swimming spots. Dine on delicious seafood dishes, such as pulpo asado (chargrilled octopus), at waterfront restaurants.

Located about 18 miles (29 kilometres) northwest of Veracruz, La Antigua is a popular daytrip destination. Get here by public bus or arrange a guided tour from Veracruz.

Hotel Gran Via

Hotel Gran Via

3 out of 5
Salvador Diaz Miron 1572, Entre Collado y Tuero Molina, Veracruz, VER
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Veracruz. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Veracruz Aquarium and Veracruz Harbour ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"N/A"

Reviewed on 3 May 2025

Hotel Gran Via
Galería Plaza Veracruz by Brisas

Galería Plaza Veracruz by Brisas

4 out of 5
Blvd Adolfo Ruiz Cortines 3495, Boca del Río, VER
The price is ₹7,225 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹7,225
₹8,526 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury resort in Boca del Río. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,406 reviews)
"Great Service"

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

Galería Plaza Veracruz by Brisas
Emporio Veracruz Hotel

Emporio Veracruz Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Paseo Del Malecon No 244, Veracruz, VER
The price is ₹6,625 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹6,625
₹8,078 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Veracruz. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,352 reviews)
"The location is excellent. The hotel is aesthetically pleasing; however, the rooms contain a damaged mirror, malfunctioning water taps, an impaired bathroom door, among other issues. The condition of the facilities is gradually deteriorating."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Emporio Veracruz Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Topacio7 Residencial by Vecino Stays

Topacio7 Residencial by Vecino Stays

3 out of 5
C. Topacio - Calle 1 7, Boca del Río, VER
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Boca del Río. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Plaza Las Americas Shopping Mall ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (64 reviews)
"Everything was nice and clean, we stayed in room 404 the only thing was the dryer stopped working and I was trying to get my clothes done before I left. Safe place and close to the ocean and places to eat!"

Reviewed on 13 Jan 2025

Topacio7 Residencial by Vecino Stays
Casabella Art/Boutique Hotel

Casabella Art/Boutique Hotel

3 out of 5
Blvd. Avila Camacho #630, Col. Costa Verde, Boca del Río, VER
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Boca del Río. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and room service. Popular attractions Veracruz Aquarium and Plaza Las ...
4.8/10 (36 reviews)
"Excelente servicio"

Reviewed on 26 Feb 2025

Casabella Art/Boutique Hotel
Torre Punta Río Departamentos

Torre Punta Río Departamentos

2 out of 5
1943 Via Muerta Los Delfines, Boca del Río, VER
Stay at this apartment in Boca del Río. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Mocambo Beach and Plaza Las Americas Shopping Mall are located ...
7.6/10 Good! (4 reviews)
"Excelente el departamento le hace falta algunas cosas como Cubeta, trapos de limpieza algunas cosas básicas pero en si todo estuvo excelente 10 de 10"

Reviewed on 22 Apr 2025

Torre Punta Río Departamentos
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near La Antigua