La Antigua Cempoala Quiahuiztlan Tour: Totonac Tombs

Three pre-Hispanic sites in one day: Totonac tombs, temple ruins, and the chapel where Spanish conquest began

A full-day guided tour from Veracruz visiting Quiahuiztlan, Cempoala and La Antigua: three archaeological zones that trace the region's Totonac heritage and early colonial history. The tour includes hotel pickup at 8am, a Spanish-speaking guide at each site, entry to the Cempoala museum, and free time in La Antigua to eat. You'll walk through a Totonac cemetery, tour temple structures and see the house and chapel Hernán Cortés built in 1519.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Quiahuiztlan1h 30m · entry included
2. Cempoala2h · entry included

Visit archaeological sites and La Antigua

• Guided tour at Quiahuiztlan tombs
• Guided tour and museum visit at Cempoala
• Tour La Antigua and free time to eat

The experience

The tour starts with a pickup at your hotel at 8am and heads first to Quiahuiztlan, a clifftop Totonac cemetery where the guide walks you through the tombs and explains the burial practices of the people who lived here before the Spanish arrived. The site sits on a ridge overlooking the coast, and the guide covers the layout and what the structures tell about Totonac life.

From there you move to Cempoala, the largest pre-Hispanic settlement in the region. A guide leads you through the archaeological zone to see the temple structures, and you'll visit the on-site museum to understand what the ruins represent. The scale of Cempoala is what makes it stand out. It was a major Totonac city before conquest, and the ruins show the sophistication of the civilization that built it.

The final stop is La Antigua, the first Spanish settlement on the Mexican mainland. Here you'll see the house where Hernán Cortés lived and the chapel he ordered built: the first Christian structure in Mexico. You get free time to walk the area, eat lunch if you want, and take photos. The tour wraps up by 5pm and returns you to your hotel.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup at 8am and return by 5pm.
• guided tour at Quiahuiztlan with access to the Totonac cemetery.
• guided tour at Cempoala with entry to the archaeological zone and the site museum.
• guided tour of La Antigua including Hernán Cortés's house and the first chapel built in Mexico.
• Spanish-speaking guide throughout.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 12

Live guideSpanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 25 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Tranvias Veracruz

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup at 8am means you don't need to arrange your own transport to the archaeological sites, which makes the tour work whether you're staying in Veracruz or Boca del Río and don't have a rental car. The full-day format fits all three sites into one outing, so you see the Totonac heritage and colonial history without splitting the experience across multiple days.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What exactly is Quiahuiztlan and why does the tour start there?

Quiahuiztlan is a Totonac cemetery built on a hilltop, with tombs arranged in rows. The guide explains the burial customs and the layout of the site, which gives context for understanding how the Totonac people organized their sacred spaces before Spanish contact.

Does the Cempoala museum visit add much to the archaeological zone?

Yes. The museum at Cempoala holds artifacts and explanations of what the temple structures were used for and how the city functioned. It's included in the tour and helps you understand the scale and importance of what you're seeing in the ruins.

How much free time do you get in La Antigua to eat?

The itinerary includes free time in La Antigua for meals, but the exact length isn't specified. You'll have the chance to find food in the area and explore the colonial streets around Cortés's house and the chapel on your own.

Is the guide Spanish-speaking only, or do they speak English?

The guide speaks Spanish. If you need English interpretation, confirm language options with the operator before booking.

What should I bring for a 9-hour tour in Veracruz?

Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes, bring sunblock and a hat or cap. You'll be outside at all three sites. Bring extra cash if you want to buy souvenirs or food in La Antigua, since meals aren't included.