San Juan de Ulúa

Save
  • Show map Close map
  • Phone
    938 51 51

Let us know if these details are incorrect

Lonely Planet review

San Juan de Ulúa, the fortress protecting Veracruz harbour, was originally an island, but it's now connected to the mainland by a causeway. Cortés arrived here in 1519 and the island subsequently became the main entry point for Spanish newcomers to Mexico.

The central part of the fortress was a prison, most notoriously inhumane during the Porfirio Díaz regime. Today San Juan de Ulúa is an empty ruin of passageways, battlements, bridges and stairways. Guided tours are available in Spanish and, sometimes, English. To get there, take a lancha (around $25 ) from the malecón or a taxi ( $50 ).