Tamaulipas Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, eat, stay, and things to do in Tamaulipas - a northern state in Mexico with a rich culture and natural attractions. Read on for a comprehensive travel guide to Tamaulipas.


Introduction to Tamaulipas

Tamaulipas is a beautiful state located in the northeastern region of Mexico. It is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the east, the states of Nuevo Leon and San Luis Potosi to the west, and the states of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Texas (United States) to the north.

With a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, Tamaulipas has become a popular tourist destination in Mexico. The state offers a diverse range of attractions, including beautiful beaches, historic sites, natural parks, and adventure activities.

In this article, we will take you through a comprehensive tour guide of Tamaulipas, including the best places to visit, where to stay, what to do, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Tamaulipas

Here are the top places to visit in Tamaulipas:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Tampico Cathedral
  • The Museo de la Cultura Huasteca Tamuin
  • The Casa de Cultura de Reynosa
  • The Museo de Historia Natural Tamux

Natural Attractions of Tamaulipas: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • El Cielo Biosphere Reserve
  • Playa Miramar
  • Soto La Marina Beach
  • Sierra de Tamaulipas mountain range
  • La Pesca Beach

Hiking/Biking Routes in Tamaulipas

  • Sierra De Tamaulipas Natural Reserve
  • Valles de Moctezuma National Park
  • El Cielo Biosphere Reserve

Best Things to Do in Tamaulipas: Activities and Tours

  • Snorkeling and scuba diving in Playa Miramar
  • Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico
  • Surfing in La Pesca Beach
  • Zip-lining in Adventure Park Mexico
  • Rock climbing in Valles de Moctezuma National Park

A Week-Long Itinerary for Tamaulipas

Here’s a seven-day itinerary for Tamaulipas:

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore Tampico
Day 2 Visit Altamira and Ciudad Victoria
Day 3 Go on a guided tour of El Cielo Biosphere Reserve
Day 4 Visit the historic Santander Bridge in Ciudad Madero
Day 5 Relax on the beaches of Soto La Marina
Day 6 Take a day trip to Matamoros
Day 7 Explore Reynosa

Food and Drink Scene of Tamaulipas

Tamaulipas cuisine is a blend of Mexican, Spanish, and Native American flavors. Here are some must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Carne asada
  • Tamales
  • Chorreadas
  • Cabrito
  • Camarones a la diabla

Local Beverages

  • Margaritas
  • Micheladas
  • Tequila

Where to Stay in Tamaulipas: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Here are some recommended accommodations options for Tamaulipas:

Tampico

  • Hotel Posada de Tampico
  • Hampton Inn by Hilton Tampico

Ciudad Victoria

  • City Express Ciudad Victoria
  • Hotel Santa Cecilia

Reynosa

  • Holiday Inn Reynosa Zona Dorada
  • Hampton Inn by Hilton Reynosa/Zona Industrial

What to Buy in Tamaulipas: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some popular souvenirs and local products to bring back home from Tamaulipas:

  • Traditional Huasteca clothing
  • Hand-Crafted leather boots
  • Candy from Tamaulipas
  • Tequila or Mezcal

Local Culture and Customs of Tamaulipas

Tamaulipas is known for its vibrant culture, which is a blend of indigenous, Mexican and Spanish traditions. Some local customs and traditions include:

  • Traditional Huasteca music and dance styles
  • Flamenco dance performances
  • Celebrating the Day of the Dead festival in November

Best Time to Visit Tamaulipas

The best time to visit Tamaulipas is during the winter months (December to February), when the weather is cooler and there is less rainfall. However, if you’re a beach-lover, then the summer months (June to August) are the perfect time to visit Tamaulipas.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tamaulipas

When visiting Tamaulipas, it’s important to follow these do’s and don’ts:

Do:

  • Learn some basic Spanish
  • Dress conservatively when visiting religious sites
  • Take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases

Don’t:

  • Drink tap water
  • Leave valuables in an unattended car
  • Wander alone on dark streets at night

Safety and Health

When traveling to Tamaulipas, it’s important to keep these safety and health concerns in mind:

Safety in Tamaulipas

  • Avoid traveling at night
  • Stay in well-lit and populated areas
  • Always carry copies of important documents in case of emergency

Health in Tamaulipas

  • Take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases
  • Avoid street food to prevent food poisoning
  • Stay hydrated

Getting to Tamaulipas: Transportation Options and Logistics

Here are some transportation options to get to Tamaulipas:

Airports Near Tamaulipas

  • Tampico International Airport
  • General Francisco Javier Mina International Airport (in Tamaulipas)

Bus Stations Near Tamaulipas

  • Tampico Bus Station
  • Ciudad Victoria Bus Station

Other Options

  • Rental cars
  • Private taxis

How to Get Around in Tamaulipas

  • Bus services
  • Local taxis

Where to Go Next from Tamaulipas: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some destinations nearby Tamaulipas that you can add to your itinerary:

  • San Luis Potosi: A city in central Mexico known for its natural beauty and historic sites.
  • Monterrey: A modern city in northern Mexico known for its tech scene and nightlife.
  • Brownsville, Texas: A city on the US-Mexico border, known for its beaches and cultural attractions.

Conclusion

Tamaulipas is a beautiful state in Mexico, full of cultural heritage and natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural activities, Tamaulipas has something to offer every traveler. This guide has covered everything you need to know to plan your trip to Tamaulipas, including the best places to visit, where to stay, and what to do. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the wonders of Tamaulipas!

Kemp's Ridley sea turtles lay eggs on Tamaulipas beaches Kemp's Ridley sea turtles lay eggs on Tamaulipas beaches


    La Pesca
    Matamoros
    Reynosa