Boca del Río travel guide

Beyond Mocambo, some of the best beaches lie close to Boca del Río, 12 km south of downtown Veracruz. Perched on the left bank of the mouth of Río Jamapa, it offers quiet respite from the frenetic pace of the city. In 1518, the Spaniard Grijalva gave the already existing settlement here the name of Río de Banderas (’River of Flags’), as the inhabitants carried small flags in order to transmit messages. Worthy of a visit is the church of Santa Ana (1716). Modern buildings of interest include the Palacio Municipal, Teatro del Pueblo and the Casa de la Cultura, but most people come to Boca del Río to eat at one of its many fine, economical fish restaurants. Boat trips can also be arranged here, as touts may frequently remind you.

A 10-minute bus ride from Boca del Río to the other side of the river is El Conchal, a small residential development overlooking picturesque lagoons with a number of attractive restaurants. The bus continues along a low sandy spit to Punta Antón Lizardo where there is a small village with a few beach restaurants and good sand and bathing. There are also offshore islands with coral reefs; speak to a city dive shop about visiting them.