Culture and Traditions
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Adventure and Nature
Magical Towns
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MICE tourism
Beaches
Adventure
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Culture and Traditions
Destinations
Adventure and Nature
Magical Towns
Beaches
Information
MICE tourism
HOLDER OF THE ANCESTRAL HERITAGE OF THE FLYERS
Known as the "City that Perfumes the World," it was founded in the early 12th century by Totonac groups. Today, it enjoys architectural homogeneity and harmony. It is famous for the Voladores de Papantla (Papantla Flyers) and its vanilla production.
The irregular layout of its streets, lined with traditional houses with tile roofs, projects a tranquil atmosphere that complements the beautiful landscapes of intense greenery, with flowing rivers such as Cazones and Tecolutla.
Right in front of the Municipal Palace stands a large pole where one of the country's most emblematic rituals takes place—the Voladores de Papantla. This ritual involves five men performing a dance related to fertility while wearing specific attire. Four of the men climb the pole, which can be 18 to 40 meters high, while the fifth sits on the platform atop the mast and plays the flute or drum in honor of the sun and the four cardinal points. Later, the flyers launch themselves into the air from the platform, tied with long ropes, and spin, imitating the flight of birds as they descend gradually to the ground. The goal of the ritual is to communicate with the gods and promote prosperity.
The main crop in the area is vanilla, so you can acquire sweets and crafts made from its pod.
Papantla is located to the north of Veracruz, in the region of Totonacapan, 219 km (2 hours and 45 minutes) from the city of Veracruz, 246 km (3 hours) from Xalapa, 301 km (4 hours and 30 minutes) from Puebla, and 302 km (4 hours and 15 minutes) from Mexico City.
Papantla
What to See in Papantla
Papantla Tourist Attractions
Parque Israel C. Téllez (Park)
To explore the city center, it is recommended to start with Israel C. Téllez Park, named after the mural painting found on the gazebo.
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción (Church)
The history of this place dates back to the 16th century when a small chapel was built. The image of Our Lady of the Assumption also has its story, as it was built in the year 1700 with beautiful altars in its interior.
On one side, covering the side walls of the platform on which it stands, there is a mural representing the history of the Totonac people, framed by an enormous feathered serpent created by the artist Teodoro Cano.
Behind the park, offering a panoramic view of downtown Papantla, is Cerro del Campanario, where the Monument to the Volador stands, representing the leader of the group playing the flute and drum.
Capilla de Cristo Rey (Chapel)
This peculiar chapel is a small replica of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
Teodoro Cano Museum
Named after the famous muralist who was a disciple of Diego Rivera, this museum has rooms dedicated to archaeology, history, and ethnography, as well as an exhibition of traditional costumes. In its exhibition, you can admire pre-Hispanic artifacts and several oil paintings created by students who graduated from the museum's workshop.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Masks Museum
The museum exhibits a collection of over 300 masks used in rituals, dances, and ceremonies from all over the country.
It is located 16 km from Papantla in the community of Olarte.
El Tajín Archeological Zone
Called the City of the God of Thunder, it is one of the most important political-religious centers in Mesoamerica, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Highlights include the Pyramid of the Niches, its 17 ball game courts, and the murals that are still visible in some constructions.
What to Do in Papantla
Choose your Adventure in Veracruz
UNMISSABLE EXPERIENCES IN PAPANTLA
Visit El Tajín Archaeological Zone
Explore the Filobobos River
Visit the Xanath Ecopark - Papantla
Enjoy a Unique Theme Park
If you want to learn more about the traditions and customs of the indigenous community in the region, you can visit the Takilhsukut Theme Park, located approximately 17 km from Papantla and just two kilometers from the archaeological site.
It features the Center of Indigenous Arts, which was created to support the craft activity of the surrounding villages. It is a place to learn Totonac and discover the process of cotton spinning.
It is a whole experience to witness the rituals, dances, and much more of an ancestral culture up close.
Experience an Ecological Reserve
The Talhpan Ecological Reserve is located 18 km from Papantla and boasts abundant vegetation, waterfalls, rivers, and springs, making it an ideal destination for adventurers and nature lovers. You can explore the reserve on foot or by bike, and there are also routes for rafting and kayaking. Within the reserve, there are accommodations, restaurants, and specialized guides who can take you on special routes for bird watching.
Discover an Eco Park
You can also visit the Xanath - Papantla Eco Park, which aims to showcase the region's ecosystem, especially the orchid that produces vanilla. There is an adventure area that offers a tour with ropes and several rappels, although there are also tours where you can simply appreciate the region's diverse flora. It also features a temazcal (sweat lodge).
Be Amazed by Stunning Waterfalls
In the vicinity, just 69 km away, you can visit the Insurgentes Socialistas Waterfalls, a place surrounded by lush vegetation with a unique landscape. They are named after the community where they are located, and activities such as canyoneering, rappelling, and cave exploration can be enjoyed there.
Must visit destinations in Veracruz
Veracruz
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Tlacotalpan
Xalapa
Orizaba
Costa Esmeralda
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