Veracruz’s colonial past is very present in its facades, squares, and alleyways. But the city is very much alive — squares full of music, streets full of cheerful people. It has a warm, upbeat rhythm, thanks to its people who make you feel like you’re part of the place.

Visiting Veracruz isn’t just about ticking off tourist spots. It’s about letting yourself go with its infectious rhythm and festive spirit — the things that make it a destination unlike any other.

A bit of history

In 1519, Hernán Cortés arrived on these shores and founded the Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz. That’s where the conquest began. The port became the entry point for Spanish power: soldiers, goods, orders, enslaved people. Everything passed through here.

During the colonial era, Veracruz was essential to the Empire’s trade. Gold and silver went out through the port; weapons, textiles, enslaved Africans, books, and food came in. That’s why it was so heavily defended — walls, cannons, fortresses. Even so, the city was invaded multiple times by pirates, the French, and the Americans.

The historic center still holds traces of all of that. Colonial buildings split in two. Facades surviving between cables and antennae. Some have been restored, but others keep giving way to time. Between one thing and another, the city breathes as best it can.

One witness to all of this is the fort of San Juan de Ulúa, which also served as a prison and execution site. Political opponents, former presidents, and common criminals were all held here. You can still walk through it today, though it’s a slightly uncomfortable visit.

From the top you can see the Gulf. Ships still come and go, just as they always did. Only the names and cargo have changed.

How to get to Veracruz

Getting to Veracruz on the Gulf Coast of Mexico is fairly straightforward. The city has its own international airport, fairly close to the center. You can fly in from Mexico City, Monterrey, or Cancún.

You can also easily drive in from Puebla or Mexico City. And if you prefer the bus, ADO and AU will get you to the port from many cities around the country.

Getting around within Veracruz is easy. There’s cheap public transport and routes connecting all the key spots. For getting around at night or over longer distances, taxis or ride-hailing apps are the way to go.

Main attractions in Veracruz

Zócalo and the historic center

The heart of Veracruz starts at the Zócalo. The Cathedral on one side, the Municipal Palace on the other, and the arcade filled with people from early morning. It’s one of the liveliest parts of the city — full of cafés, people chatting, street musicians playing, and children running around.

It’s not unusual to find people of all ages dancing while a band plays nearby. The Zócalo functions as a plaza, dance floor, café, and waiting room all at once. It’s one of the most fun and interesting spots in the whole city.

The Malecón

The Pier (Malecón) runs through the city right along the sea. It’s long, warm, and always full of people. On the dock side, ships come and go; on the other side, stalls sell crafts, sweets, and t-shirts. As the afternoon fades and the sun drops a little, the place shifts gear. Ice cream vendors appear, kids with balloons, families sitting out in front of the water. The lights of the ships reflect off the sea. Some people take photos, others just watch. There isn’t much more to do — and that’s kind of the point. The Malecón has nothing spectacular about it, but it’s perfect for spending the day.

Gran Café de la Parroquia

The Gran Café de la Parroquia is old, big, and full of history. You don’t come here just for the coffee — you come for the ritual. The classic move is to order a lechero. You tap your glass with a spoon and the waiter comes over with hot milk, as they’ve been doing for decades.

Sitting there, you see everything: men reading the newspaper, people from the docks, tourists who don’t quite get the ritual yet. It’s a busy café, but also an oddly calm one.

You can have a good breakfast here, but that’s beside the point. It’s one of those places where the city shows itself as it really is, with no mask on.

Fort of San Juan de Ulúa

San Juan de Ulúa is an imposing building full of history. It’s large, grey, worn by the salt air. It served as a prison, a fort, a barracks, and the scene of multiple invasions — each episode leaving its mark on the walls. Inside there’s dampness, darkness, echoes. The tunnels are low, the courtyards open to the sky, and the cells smell of confinement. You don’t need much imagination to feel the weight of the place. What hits you most isn’t any particular fact — it’s the whole thing together. The silence, the stained walls, the sea just a few meters away. From the top you can see the port. The ships, the buildings, the movement. Everything else keeps going. What happened here stayed inside.

Naval Museum of Mexico

The Naval Museum occupies what was the old Naval School. The building has kept its original structure, but the inside is something else entirely. The rooms are well laid out, with historical pieces, scale models, videos, and touchscreens.

Mexico’s maritime history is explained clearly. Veracruz comes across as central to it all: this is where invasions arrived, warships departed, and defenses were organized. There are also sections on navigation, naval tools, and life on board. All presented in an educational and engaging way.

What to do in Veracruz

Boat trip to Cancuncito

One of the most popular excursions in Veracruz is hopping on a boat out to Cancuncito. It’s a sandbar in the middle of the sea, surrounded by clear, shallow water. It looks made for photos — and partly, it is.

The place went viral on social media, so it can get crowded. Even so, if you pick the right operator, the trip is worth it.

It’s a short visit, but the place makes an impression. Not because it’s perfect, but because there’s something genuinely strange about standing in the sea, water up to your knees, with no land in sight.

Day trip to Sacrifice Island

Isla de los Sacrificios (Sacrifice Island) can’t be visited independently — only through authorized tours. Some say that in pre-Hispanic times rituals and sacrifices were performed there. There’s not much evidence of it, but the name stuck.

The sea there is clear, the island is nearly empty, and everything is quiet. No vendors, no music, no engines nearby. Just water, a breeze, and silence. A visit that’s very much worth it.

A beach day at Mocambo

Mocambo is Veracruz’s urban beach. There’s no white sand or turquoise water, but people go because it’s practical. Families, groups of friends, vendors — it’s a beach with a lot of energy.

You’ll commonly see kids playing at the water’s edge, people eating fried fish, music drifting in from somewhere. Nobody’s there for the photo — they’re there because it’s close and it does the job.

What Mocambo has is that: routine. It’s not trying to impress anyone. You can sit under an umbrella, order a shrimp cocktail, watch the sun go down, and that’s enough. Nothing spectacular, but sufficient.

Adventure in the dunes of Chachalacas

Chachalacas is less than an hour from the port. The beaches are wider, there are fewer people, and the noise drops considerably. But what really draws attention isn’t the beach — it’s the dunes. A mass of sand piled up inland. You can climb them on foot or rent an ATV and go all in. From the top you can see the sea on one side and the desert on the other. That contrast is something else. It works well for anyone looking for open air, space, and something different. There’s no luxury or heavy infrastructure. You arrive, walk, look, and stay for a while.

Boat tour through the Mandinga lagoon

One of the best-kept secrets in the region is Mandinga, a small community with a big reputation for its lagoon and local food. On the lagoon you can get on a boat with a guide who takes you through mangroves, small islands, and natural channels full of life.

After the tour, the best move is to find a table by the water and order something fresh from the sea. Along with the classic fresh fish, they usually have seafood rice and garlic shrimp that smell incredible.

The atmosphere is relaxed and prices stay reasonable. It’s one of the most authentic experiences you can have in Veracruz.

Eating well without spending much

One of the great pleasures of Veracruz is the food. Port cooking mixes sea, spices, and tradition with ingenuity and a lot of history behind every dish. If you’re traveling to Veracruz, you have to try a proper arroz a la tumbada — good and brothy — some golden mojarras, or stuffed jaibas.

The good news is you don’t need to spend much to eat well. The streets have everything: modest fondas, seafood spots, ceviche carts. You just need to look a little to find what you like.

Try to avoid the restaurants clustered near the aquarium or the heavily touristy areas, and look for more local options instead.

Is Veracruz safe to visit?

Safety is one of those questions that always comes up when planning a visit to a big city, and Veracruz is no exception. The port area feels calm to walk around during the day, especially in spots like the historic center, the Malecón, Boca del Río, and the beaches.

That said, as in any city, common sense is key. Avoid unfamiliar neighborhoods, especially at night. If you’re heading out late, the safest way to move around is by a trusted taxi or a ride-hailing app. The latter are still being regulated in the state, so it’s a good idea to check which service works best when you arrive, or ask at your hotel.

Ask locals which areas to avoid and where it’s worth going — they’ll help you out without any problem.

Best time to visit Veracruz

The climate in Veracruz is warm, humid, and consistent year-round. But there are seasons when you enjoy it much more without feeling sticky or constantly chasing shade. The best time is between March and June: the sun feels great, there’s little rain, and prices haven’t gone up too much. Perfect for walking, eating, and exploring without fighting the weather.

In July and August, the heat and humidity get heavier. It’s also peak season with school holidays, so everything fills up and prices go up.

If you’re after a quieter, more local experience, the best time is between September and November. The weather gets cooler, the sky is usually clear, and the city has fewer tourists. It’s also when cultural life and traditions feel most alive.

Practical tips for visiting Veracruz

Pack light, breathable clothing, comfortable shoes, and sunscreen. The heat and humidity kick in early and you’ll be doing a lot of walking — dress accordingly. Don’t be fooled by the Gulf sun: it seems harmless but burns hard. Bring water and stay hydrated.

Mix with the locals. Seriously. They’re warm, straightforward, and happy to talk to visitors. That’s how you’ll find places well outside the tourist circuit.

If you have time left over, head beyond the port. Visiting Xalapa, Orizaba, or Córdoba is like changing scenery without leaving the same state. The climate is cooler there, the coffee tastes different (and excellent), the architecture has a viceregal feel, and the pace drops noticeably. They’re side trips that show you a different Veracruz — greener, calmer, but just as captivating.

Take Veracruz at a slow pace. Let yourself drift: walk without a destination, stop to listen to what’s happening around you, try whatever looks good, and look at things carefully. Because every street has its scars, every voice carries a piece of history, and the food — well, there are flavors that stick to your memory long after you leave.

This isn’t just another tourist destination. Veracruz is a port with character and a strong Mexican identity. Try to soak up the essence of the place and the spirit of its people — they’re some of the best things you’ll find there.

The post A guide to visiting Veracruz: the best things to do there first appeared on Explore Mexico.

Set in the mountains of the Sierra Madre Oriental, Xalapa is surrounded by unique tropical vegetation. The first thing that strikes you when you arrive is the freshness in the air, the humidity that wraps around you, and the green landscapes that look like something out of a postcard. It’s no wonder many people also call it the Garden of Mexico.

Wandering Xalapa between culture and charm

Xalapa is defined by its cobblestone streets, colonial houses with flower-filled balconies, and a slow, almost nostalgic rhythm that seems to float in the air. There’s something very special about its architecture: this is a city that has held on to its soul. Just walking through the historic center, passing by Juárez Park, looking out from the viewpoint toward the volcanoes, or visiting the Metropolitan Cathedral is enough to feel that every stone has a story. That old character, far from feeling outdated, gives the city identity and depth. Wandering its streets without a plan is an experience in itself.

Xalapa has something that makes it truly one of a kind: its university atmosphere. The Veracruzana University leaves a deep mark on cultural life here. There are classical music and jazz concerts, film festivals, book launches, dance, theater — something is always happening.

It’s a city where culture doesn’t hide inside museums: it lives in the streets, in the plazas, in the cafés packed with students and artists. That young, creative energy is felt at every turn.

The Anthropology Museum: a must-see

Among all the cultural spaces in the city, one stands out above the rest: the Xalapa Museum of Anthropology (MAX). It’s one of the most important in Mexico, both for the scale of its collection and the beauty of the space itself. The Olmec heads it houses are impressive not just for their size, but for the way they’re displayed — surrounded by gardens, in an open architectural setting that makes you feel like you’re walking among giants from the past.

This isn’t a museum to rush through. Every room has details that pull you in, and the way the indoor and outdoor spaces connect makes it something special. If you’re going to Xalapa, set aside at least a full morning or afternoon for it.

Urban nature: a forest inside the city

One of the things that makes Xalapa unique is how tightly city and nature are woven together. You don’t need to leave town to feel like you’re in the middle of a forest. The Francisco Javier Clavijero Botanical Garden is a perfect example: paths lined with trees, flowers, butterflies, and that constant humidity in the air.

It’s a place that invites you to slow down, sit on a bench, and take a deep breath. Ideal for unwinding after a day of museums, or simply for switching off for a while.

Magical Villages and adventure

Xalapa also has the advantage of being close to equally charming places. Just a few kilometers away are Coatepec and Xico, two Magical Villages that shine for their history, architecture, and above all, their coffee.

In both towns you can tour old coffee haciendas, visit waterfalls, pick up handcrafted goods, or simply sit in a small square drinking a coffee that tastes like tradition.

And if you’re into adrenaline, you have to check out Jalcomulco, a small town famous for its river and outdoor activities. Here you can go whitewater rafting, kayaking, zip-lining, or canyoning, all in the middle of a jungle landscape that takes your breath away.

Eating in Xalapa: a Veracruz feast

Food is another one of Xalapa’s strong points. You’ll find something for every moment and every palate, from street snacks at the markets to more elaborate sit-down cooking. But if there’s one thing you can’t skip, it’s mole xiqueño.

This dish, originally from Xico, is a sweet and spiced mole served over pork or chicken, with rice and warm tortillas on the side. It’s deep, warming, full of layers.

You also can’t leave without trying the chiles rellenos de picadillo, the plantain atole, and of course, freshly ground Coatepec coffee.

Is Xalapa safe to visit?

Absolutely. Xalapa is a very calm city where you can move around the center at ease, visit museums, enjoy the cafés, and even walk around at night without feeling unsafe.

What makes it even better is that the people there aren’t just friendly — they’re genuine. There’s always someone ready to give you a recommendation, share a story, or point you toward something worth seeing.

Visiting Xalapa isn’t just another stop on a trip: it’s a deeply Mexican experience, full of identity, history, flavor, and natural beauty. It’s a destination that surprises you with everything it offers, but wins you over with how it offers it — calmly, authentically, and on its own terms.

The post Xalapa: nature, culture, and flavor in the heart of Veracruz first appeared on Explore Mexico.

Mexico is a country you experience through its flavors. Every region offers a unique culinary identity rooted in its history, culture, and traditions. In 2010, Mexican gastronomy was recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO — a distinction that gave way to the creation of 18 food routes spanning all 32 states of the country, covering a total distance of 11,443 kilometers. These routes were designed to preserve and promote Mexico’s culinary wealth while encouraging cultural tourism and showcasing the incredible diversity of ingredients, dishes, and traditions that make up the country’s gastronomic identity.

In this flavor-driven journey, I’ll take you through some of the most representative routes, sharing my own experience and the dishes you absolutely can’t miss:

Fires between vines and sea breezes (Baja California and Baja California Sur)

If there’s one thing Baja California does right, it’s combining the sea with the land. Picture an afternoon in Ensenada: a crispy fish taco, a glass of wine from Guadalupe Valley, and the Pacific breeze in the background. Gastronomy here revolves around fresh seafood, quality meat, and garden produce that comes together in dishes like the famous Puerto Nuevo lobster, served with rice, beans, and flour tortillas.

You also can’t talk about this route without mentioning the booming craft beer scene, which pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the northwest. What I love most about this region is the freshness of the ingredients and the international influence that has shaped an innovative cuisine — one that still feels deeply Mexican at its core.

Within this area, the Guadalupe Valley wine route is also worth highlighting — a wine trail closely tied to this food route and one we’ve already covered in this post.

The taste of today (Mexico City)

Mexico City is a food lover’s paradise. You can start the day with a tamal and atole, head out for tacos al pastor at lunch, and end the night at a fine dining restaurant. The capital has it all: street stands with the best quesadillas and tlacoyos alongside gourmet proposals that reinvent the classics.

One of my favorite things is wandering through markets like Coyoacan or San Juan, where you can sample everything from a simple glass of pulque to some pretty exotic cuts of meat. The best part of this route is the variety — every corner has something delicious to offer, and every neighborhood has its own distinct flavor.

A cuisine of two worlds (Chihuahua)

Chihuahua’s food is defined by bold flavors and a serious love of meat. A proper meal here starts with a plate of discada — a slow-cooked stew of mixed meats with chorizo, bacon, and spices. And if we’re talking specialties, roast meat is king, served with freshly made flour tortillas.

You can also try unique drinks like sotol, a spirit similar to mezcal but with a drier, earthier character. Eating in Chihuahua is a rustic experience, but one full of authenticity — northern Mexican cooking at its most honest, no pretense, just real flavor.

The cacao route (Chiapas and Tabasco)

If you love chocolate, this route is for you. In Chiapas and Tabasco, cacao isn’t just an ingredient — it’s part of the cultural identity. You can visit ranchs where cacao is grown and learn the artisan process of turning it into a thick, aromatic chocolate. Nothing compares to trying chorote, a traditional drink made from cacao and corn with an intense, comforting flavor.

One of the most interesting aspects of this route is its history: cacao was considered a sacred food by the Maya and the Aztecs, and it remains a cornerstone of Mexican cooking to this day. The tours tend to be short, but the chance to taste high-quality artisan chocolates makes it completely worth it.

A thousand flavors of mole (Oaxaca, Puebla, and Tlaxcala)

Mole isn’t a single dish — it’s a whole family of complex, history-laden sauces. On this route you can try everything from Oaxacan black mole, deep with the flavor of chiles and chocolate, to the more spiced and slightly sweet mole poblano. Every state has its own version, and all of them are worth tasting.

What fascinates me most about this route is the care that goes into making mole. Some recipes call for over 30 ingredients and hours of preparation. It’s a dish that embodies patience and a deep love for traditional cooking. Pair it with handmade tortillas and a good Oaxacan mezcal and the experience is complete.

From the garden to the sea (Sinaloa)

When I think of Sinaloa, the first thing that comes to mind is aguachile. Raw shrimp marinated in lime, chile, and cilantro — it’s a burst of freshness and flavor. Sinaloan cuisine is one of the most balanced in the country, combining seafood with garden produce to create dishes full of color and texture.

Another classic is zarandeado fish, cooked over coals with a blend of chiles and spices that brings out the best in the fish. What I enjoy most about this route is that combination of tradition and freshness. Eating seafood in Sinaloa is genuinely in a league of its own.

The Day of the Dead altar (Michoacan)

In Michoacan, food is a fundamental part of the Día de Muertos celebrations. During this holiday, families prepare offerings that include dishes like corundas — triangular tamales wrapped in corn plant leaves — and atole de grano, a thick, comforting drink.

Visiting this route in November is something special. The streets fill with colors, smells, and flavors that bring back memories of loved ones. The most striking thing is seeing how devotedly people prepare their altars and share their food. It’s a reminder that in Mexico, gastronomy is far more than sustenance — it’s a living connection to history and tradition.

The mezcal route (Oaxaca)

A mezcal route was never going to be left off this list — if there’s one drink that defines Mexican identity, it’s this one. In Oaxaca, mezcal isn’t just something you drink; it’s something you experience. Touring the palenques where it’s produced, watching the artisan process, and sampling different varieties is a journey in itself.

Paired with a crispy tlayuda or some chapulines with worm salt, mezcal tastes even better. What I like most about this route is that every mezcal has its own personality, depending on the type of agave and the distillation process. Drink it with respect and good company, and the experience becomes something else entirely.

Yucatecan cuisine (Yucatan)

If anything defines Yucatan, it’s its cuisine — vivid colors, intense aromas, and flavors unlike anywhere else. Here, cochinita pibil is the star: slow-cooked underground, wrapped in banana leaves so the meat absorbs all the flavor of the achiote and citrus. Eating it with freshly made tortillas and a habanero sauce is non-negotiable.

Another dish I love from this region are panuchos and salbutes — corn tortillas filled with beans or topped with traditional stews, served alongside pickled red onion. On the drinks side, nothing is more refreshing than an chaya water or a glass of xtabentún, a sweet liqueur with a hint of anise.

The best thing about Yucatecan cooking is how it blends pre-Hispanic ingredients with techniques brought over by the Spanish, creating a fusion you can taste in every bite. Eating at a market in Merida or at an old ranch transports you to another era, where food is still the heart of Mayan culture.

The wine route (Coahuila)

Most people think Mexican wine only comes from Baja California, but Coahuila has a winemaking tradition that dates back to the 16th century. In the Parras Valley, home of Casa Madero, high-quality wines are produced that have earned international recognition.

This isn’t just about drinking wine — it’s about the full experience: walking through the vineyards, seeing how it’s made, and then sitting down with a glass alongside a good cabrito al pastor or some enchiladas potosinas.

For me, the best part of this route is the contrast between arid landscapes and the lushness of the vineyards. Having a glass of wine while watching the sun set over the desert is a luxury few people know about — and one I’d recommend to anyone.

Veracruz cuisine (Veracruz)

Veracruz is an explosion of flavors — the result of mixing indigenous, African, and Spanish influences. The food here is intense, spiced, and loaded with fresh seafood. One of my favorites is huachinango a la veracruzana, cooked with tomato, olives, and capers for a Mediterranean twist that works remarkably well.

Another highlight is tumbada rice, basically a Mexican paella but with a more homey, comforting feel. And to drink, the famous torito — made with sugarcane liquor and fruit — is the perfect companion for any meal.

What I enjoy most about Veracruz food is its freshness. There’s nothing like eating great fish right by the water with the sound of the waves in the background.

The vanilla route (Veracruz)

Not many people know this, but Mexico is the birthplace of vanilla — and Papantla, Veracruz, produces some of the best in the world. This route is perfect for anyone who loves sweet flavors and wants to understand how this aromatic orchid goes from plant to product.

Here you can try drinks like atole of vainilla and desserts where vanilla takes center stage. One of the best is natural vanilla flan, with a deep, authentic flavor that has nothing to do with the artificial vanilla found in most commercial products.

Visiting Papantla and breathing in the scent of vanilla in the air is a sensory experience unlike any other. Seeing how carefully local producers work to get an exceptional product is genuinely impressive.

Jalisco cuisine (Jalisco)

Jalisco means tequila, mariachi, and food packed with flavor. The star here is birria — meat slow-cooked in adobo, served with tortillas and hot consomé on the side. Eating it in a market in Guadalajara is an experience in itself.

Another must is the drowned torta, which is not for the faint of heart when it comes to spice. It’s a birote roll filled with carnitas and drowned in chile sauce — ideal for curing a late night. Wash it down with a tejuino or a flying casserole, a tequila and citrus drink.

What I love most about this route is that the food is always enjoyed with mariachi playing in the background, making every meal feel like a celebration.

The avocado route (Michoacan)

If there’s something Michoacan is genuinely great at, it’s growing avocados. This route is perfect for learning everything about this creamy green fruit that has taken over the world — you can visit orchards, learn about how it’s grown, and, best of all, try fresh avocados in different preparations.

From a simple but great guacamole to more elaborate dishes like enchiladas placeras or sopes topped with avocado, this route is a feast for anyone who loves the ingredient.

The best part is that food here comes with stunning natural scenery. There’s something special about eating a great avocado-based dish surrounded by Michoacan’s fields.

Nayarit cuisine (Nayarit)

The Nayarit coast is known for its fresh seafood. Zarandeado fish is the local king — marinated with spices and slowly grilled over coals for a smoky, deeply satisfying flavor. Then there’s aguachile, similar to ceviche but with a sharper, fresher kick.

What I like most about this route is how uncomplicated the food is. Everything is built around fresh ingredients and letting their natural flavors speak. Eating seafood on the beach with a cold beer is one of those memories that sticks with you.

The coffee route (Chiapas)

Chiapas coffee is among the best in the world, and this route lets you follow the whole process from plant to cup. Visiting coffee farms up in the mountains is a unique experience, especially when you get to drink a freshly brewed cup made from just-roasted beans.

Beyond coffee, you can enjoy local specialties like tamales de chipilín or tascalate, a pre-Hispanic drink made from corn and cacao.

What I enjoy most about this route is the connection to nature. Waking up on a coffee farm and breathing in the smell of fresh coffee in the air is hard to beat.

Durango cuisine (Durango)

Durango is a place of bold flavors and recipes with history. Caldillo durangueño — a stew of dried meat with chile and spices — is a dish that captures the state’s identity. Then there are peanut enchiladas, with a creamy, distinctive sauce that doesn’t taste like anything else.

What I like most about Durango’s food is its authenticity. Intense, well-defined flavors with real character.

The corn route (Puebla)

Corn is the heart of Mexican gastronomy, and Puebla pays tribute to it with dishes like chalupas, tlacoyos, and of course, mole poblano.

The best thing about this route is that it makes you genuinely appreciate what corn means to Mexican culture. Eating at a market in Puebla is an experience I’d recommend to anyone who loves real Mexican food.

Mexico’s food routes are a reflection of its cultural and natural diversity. Each region has its own identity, its own way of preparing food, and a story to tell through its dishes.

Traveling through Mexico through its gastronomy is the best way to understand the country. Whether it’s a mole prepared with care in Oaxaca, a street taco in Mexico City, or a sip of mezcal in a highland palenque — every bite is a story, every dish is a living tradition.

Ready to hit the road and discover the most authentic side of Mexico?

The post Mexico’s food routes: a journey through the flavors and traditions of the Aztec country first appeared on Explore Mexico.