Poza Rica de Hidalgo

Understand

Poza Rica means "rich pool" because it is known for its abundance of fish. Poza Rica in modern times is known for being an oil town, like the equivalent of Odessa, Texas, although maybe not as ugly. It is a new city founded in 1951: it has contemporary architecture with well-lined and designed streets with a modern look. Poza Rica is an important industrial and commercial center, and a central hub for several road transportation lines.

Getting there

Mexico City is about 220 km (140 mi) from Poza Rica.

By plane El Tajín National Airport (PAZ IATA) in Tihuatlán serves Poza Rica. It has a single runway and a small commercial passenger terminal but does not have any scheduled commercial service as of 2024. The airport is used for business jets and private aircraft.

By car

By bus Poza Rica has one main bus terminal and two auxiliary terminals:

The Central de Autobuses is the main bus station, where more than 30 lines come from across the country (Estrella Blanca, ADO, Axis Gulf, First Plus, Chihuahuan, AU, Platinum ADO, ADO GL, Premium Green, Futura, Omnibus de Mexico) A second terminal, operated by ADO, has access only to passengers going to the neighboring city of Tuxpan. (ADO Bus) The third terminal is in the Petromex (Alternate Petroleum), which exits south of the country (Xalapa, Veracruz, Coatzacoalcos, Villahermosa, Ciudad del Carmen, Chiapas, etc.) 1 Central de Autobuses Poza Rica, Av. Puebla, Palma Sola, ☏ +52 782 521 9156. Busy terminal with many lines using the terminal. The station is in northwest Poza Rica, near federal highway MEX-180. Spacious modern waiting area. Restrooms and food services available in the terminal. (updated Oct 2024)

Getting around

Taxis are plentiful, and the most common way for travelers to get around the city. Locals will more often use the peseros (also called colectivos), which run fixed routes throughout the city and to neighboring towns. Uber works in Poza Rica and can be a safe, reliable way to get around without having to carry cash.

See

Castillo de Teayo, Huachinango, Castillo Teayo (37 km northwest of Poza Rica, in Municipio Castillo Teayo). Small archaeological site featuring a large pyramid temple from the pre-Colombian Huastec civilization, a Mayan splinter group that is one of the least studied and understood of the Mesoamerican cultures. The site was built between the 10th and 12th centuries AD, and was once part of a good size settlement, though the site does not include structures other than the temple. A small site museum is operated by INAH, it exhibits a number of sculptures and other relics from the site. Sculptures representing gods, animals, and humans were found with several exhibiting a phallic fixation. (updated Aug 2023) 1 Pablo O'Higgins mural on the façade of city hall (Ayuntamiento de Poza Rica), Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez S/N, Cedro 100, Obrera. It is the most important artistic work abroad in the entire northern area of Veracruz. It is on the facade of the municipal palace of Poza Rica and is called "From the primitive pre-Hispanic agricultural work to the current development of the oil industry." An innovative technique enabled the first outdoor mural that has the tonalities and nuances of the fresco. (updated Apr 2026) The archaeological zone of El Tajín is about 15 km (9.3 mi) from Poza Rica.

Do

1 Parque de las Americas. Panoramic vistas of Poza Rica and a great place to get out and enjoy nature (updated Apr 2026) Beaches: The area is tropical, with several beaches within one hour of the city. Cazones is about 40 minutes east. Tuxpan and Tecolutla are about an hour away, but are the better beaches Los Huehues y Matarachín Dances - traditional dances with masked performers reflect the traditions of Totonac culture, the dances can be seen during various cultural heritage events

Festivals Fiestas del Petroleo (Petroleum festival) - held each year in March, it is major event for the city with concerts, regional dances, a midway with rides and mechanical games, food and drink, a parade and even a technical conference for people working in the petroleum industry

Buy

1 Plaza Gran Patio Poza Rica. Mall with cinema, playground, casino. (updated Oct 2020) 2 Plaza Crystal Poza Rica. Another mall. (updated Oct 2020) 3 Mercado Municipal, Calle Colegio Militar SN, Obrera. Daily 08:00 - 19:00. Fresh fruits and vegetables are brought in each morning by farmers in the region, lots of seafood vendors as well. Prepared food kitchens specialize in regional cuisine of the Gulf coast. Outside are roving vendors selling anything imaginable. Great spot for cheap eats. (updated Apr 2026)

Eat

The local cuisine is distinguished by typical regional dishes Totonac and Huastec, of which the best known is the Zacahuil, plus a variety of typical Mexican snacks, among which are sopes, bocoles, molotes, tlacoyos, enchiladas, and blanditas.

Budget 1 Cafe Manolo, Calle 10 Ote 60, Obrera. M-Sa 07:00 - 21:30, Su 09:00 - 17:00. Established diner serving traditional Mexican cuisine. Service is slow and atmosphere uninviting, but the food is good and cheap. M$100. (updated Apr 2026)

Mid-range 2 El Mesón Huasteco, Calle 2 de Enero 20, Cazones. 07ː00-17ː30 daily. Try some Huastecan/Totonacan food. (updated Oct 2020) 3 El Pescador Veracruzano, Av. Puebla S/N, Palma Sola, ☏ +52 782 824 1898. Daily 08:00 - 21:00. Seafood is the house specialty and some of the best dishes are coconut shrimp or oysters. They also serve soups, meat dishes, and tortas. Carryout available. M$200. (updated Apr 2026)

Splurge 4 La Tradicional Brasa y Fuego, Av Uno 401, Cazones, ☏ +52 782 103 8383. Tu-Sa 14:00 - 23:00, Su 14:00 - 17:00, closed M. Upscale restaurant serving prime cuts of beef (as well as other dishes). They offer two menus, the traditional menu which features grilled meats, and the Cielito Lindo menu which offers an international selection of dishes, including Asian cuisines. Full bar available. Off-street parking is available, but space is tight. Occasional live music. M$300. (updated Apr 2026)

Sleep

Budget 1 Hotel Florencia, Avaló 128, Col, Benito Juárez, ☏ +52 782 145 6750. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Clean, comfortable rooms at affordable prices. Off-street parking available. On-site restaurant and bar. M$450. (updated Aug 2023)

Mid-range 2 Hotel Cristal, Constitución #100, ☏ +52 782 822 3151. Nice breakfast spread and a restaurant on site for lunch and dinner. Spacious rooms and beds. M$377. (updated Oct 2020) 3 Hotel Poza Rica, 2 Norte y, Calle 10 Ote S/N, ☏ +52 782 826 0400. Breakfast, gym, restaurant. In the center of the action with many stores and restaurants around. M$692. (updated Oct 2020) 4 Paris Hotel, Blvd. Adolfo Ruíz Cortines 1328, Cazones, ☏ +52 782 160 6000. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Moderate hotel with spacious, comfortable rooms. On-site restaurant with buffet. Gym available. M$1600. (updated Aug 2023)