Tampico & Playa Miramar

Introducing Tampico & Playa Miramar

At the southern tip of Tamaulipas state, a few kilometers upstream from the Río Pánuco’s mouth, Tampico (population 316, 000) is Mexico’s busiest port. The strengthening presence of US fast food, hotel and commercial chains here is disconcerting in that oh-crap-the-world-is-homogenizing kind of way.

However, the Plaza de la Libertad’s newly renovated 19th-century, French-style buildings and the Plaza de Armas’ daunting rose-colored kiosk are impressive, even if built recently to bolster tourism. A true jewel of the city is the Metro cultural center. Additionally, you can join the fiesta at Playa Miramar (officially part of Ciudad Madero) over vacations and holidays, but other times you’ll have it all to yourself.

Last updated: Jul 22, 2009