Papantla (227km from Veracruz) is one of the most attractive communities in the state of Veracruz. Visitors find a place in Papantla irresistible gastronomic traditions, traditional celebrations varied and enigmatic archeological sites like El Tajin and Cuyuxquihui. In addition, Papantla is the ideal place to learn the secrets of the Totonac culture site. Papantla still preserves the particular charm of the province of our country. Located 198 meters above sea level, between the basins of the rivers Tecolutla and Cazones, Papantla appears in the center of the state, on a mountainous area of the Sierra Madre Oriental. The topography of this area are irregular, with mountains of moderate height and abundant valleys. The average Papantla throughout the year, temperatures range between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius. The name of Papantla, which in Nahuatl means "place of very noisy "birds.

Papantla, its famous Flying. It is a ritual of the Totonac ethnic group, which includes colorful dances and dangerous stunts on top of a high mast. It is full of symbolism and colorful ceremonial, highly valued by foreign tourists.

The activities in Papantla: A nice addition to a recreational trip to Papantla, is to know the prehispanic sites mentioned: El Tajin and Cuyuxquihui. The first is recognized as a key to understanding pre-Hispanic past of the region places. In the second case, it includes the remains of an ancient fortress and Totonac ritual center, lifting in an area of 30 hectares between forests and groves, terraces, stairways, ball games and large foundations. Also relevant are the Museum of Masks, the Teodoro Cano and dedicated to Volador.

Also is one of the most important centres of the Mexican vanilla industry the sweet, sticky odour frequently hangs over the place, and vanilla products are on sale everywhere Papantla is also one of the last surviving strongholds of Totonac culture.

On the edge of the zócalo, the huge Mural Cultural Totonaca depicts the clash between modern and traditional life, with sculpted images of Totonac gods, myths and the pyramids of El Tajín alongside oil rigs and farm machinery. You’ll also see Totonacs wandering around barefooted in loose white robes, especially in the Hidalgo market, and can regularly witness the amazing dance-spectacle of the Voladores de Papantla in front of the cathedral and at El Tajín. On the terrace above the murals and zócalo stands the solid Catedral de la Asunción, above which you can climb to the Volador monument, a giant statue affording tremendous views of the town.

In Papantla visit in the Church of Christ the King, which was built in 1950 on behalf of the priest Pedro Onórico and remarkably reminiscent of the Cathedral of Notre Dame in France. The Church of Christ the King has a ribbed design, arches and rosettes, which outline a Gothic style comparable to that of the great cathedrals of Europe. Equally valuable is the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, which itself is located in the center of Papantla and whose construction began in the sixteenth century by the Franciscans account. The completion of this temple did not happen until 1590. The cathedral has a cross-shaped craft, particularly the Franciscans and a facade with four pilasters of Romanesque type with a large arched entrance and a door of carved cedar. The tower of this sacred building is 30 meters high and the clock built in 1895 is still functional.

Two other Papantla attractions are the Municipal Palace and Park C. Tellez Israel. In the first case, although it was built in 1910, Villa's army threw it down in 1915. It was not until 1929 when it could be rebuilt. Currently the Municipal Palace exhibits a neoclassical facade with a classical pediment type. With respect to Israel Park C. Tellez, this has become long as the center of social dynamics papantecos who go there for fresh air or to rest.

Every weekend in this wonderful city garden, traditional Friday Danzon, the Musical Cultural Saturdays and Sundays, events that are projected as effective showcases for local artists and creative take place

Papantla Flyers Under Totonac legend, the gods told the men: "Bailen, we will see". The bird-men or "flying" are consistent in a spectacular Mexican tradition to please the gods dance. The flute represents the birdsong and the drum represents the voice of God. This dance is also a symbol of the four cardinal points (four-sided platform and four flying). The main flying, musician, dances on top of the pole and turns to the four cardinal points, beginning with the East because that is where life, where the sun rises originates. Each flying spins 13 times, this figure multiplied by 4 flying results in 52 circles in total, since according to the Mayan calendar, each 52 years form a solar cycle, and each year consists of 52 weeks, after which a new sun rises and life goes on.

Carriers an ancient tradition which at times seems to become more spectacle than in ceremony, the Papantla Flyers still share their faith carried through the air in search of collective prosperity, encouraged by one conviction:. the so-called blood Archaeological Zone El Tajin. It belongs to the Totonac culture is "City of the Dead and the thunder storm", it is one of the most important religious centers in Mesoamerica. It emerged in a period between 800 to 1150 AD. On its surface 165 buildings and 17 ball games.

Rise Parish of Our Lady of Assumption. Built in the year 1700 with Franciscan type architecture.

Sculpture to the Totonac culture Mural by Master Teodoro Cano Garcia, in which the evolution of the Totonac culture framed by the body of Quetzalcoatl and located in the center of the city opposite the central park is represented.

Monument to flying.Nestled on top of a hill in the center of Papantla, it is a viewpoint where you can appreciate the most beautiful view of the city. Once murals scattered throughout the city, made in public buildings and private homes.

To get to Papantla from Mexico City, the federal highway 130 is taken in the direction of Pachuca and Tulancingo-Pyramids deviation. Attending the signs to Tuxpan Poza Rica, it is up to the latter city. From there, it continues on the Federal Highway 180, which leads to the town of Papantla.

First-class buses use the ADO terminal on Juárez, just off the main road through town; walk uphill and you’ll soon be able to see the cathedral above you, about ten minutes’ walk (if you have heavy luggage you might consider a taxi). Moving on, there are ten daily first-class buses to Veracruz (4hr) and Tuxpán (1hr 30min) and half a dozen daily to Xalapa (4hr), Mexico City (6hr) and Tecolutla (1hr); most are de paso though, so book ahead. The second-class terminal is much closer to the centre on 20 de Noviembre – walk steeply uphill past the Mercado Hidalgo to reach the zócalo.