The best of Tampico
Located in the northeast of México, Tampico is for many a port-city, despite the fact that the sea isn’t in the municipality, but in its neighbor, Madero. Tampico municipality does have an important river—Pánuco. The Antigua Aduana Marítima (Old Maritime Customs) is on its shores, a place inaugurated by President Porfirio Díaz, we will tell you more about it later.
Tampico is also surrounded by large cities, as it borders Altamira, Madero, Tampico Alto in the state of Veracruz, and Ébano in San Luis Potosí. From Mexico city and San Luis Potosí it’s a 5 hours 30 minutes drive (450 km/279 miles), from Poza Rica Veracruz it is 2 hours 50 minutes (220 km/136 miles). Its warm and coastal climate makes it ideal to visit all year round.
Once in Tampico, you must be ready to dance or let yourself be influenced by the rhythm of their huasteco and huapango sounds, as they won’t stop sounding wherever you walk by. The party that takes place in its streets is permanent and the Tampiqueños (people from Tampico) don’t limit themselves when it comes to radiating joy.
Their hospitality and energy are other characteristics that define them; you will see this in each of their restaurants and consumption centers, where the word abundance is something that they have taken very seriously. If you have a discreet appetite, take into consideration sharing when ordering, as their dishes are abundant.
A fusion of gastronomy and tradition
Try their delicious crabs in different presentations; butter, diabla (spicy), cream, grilled, over the coals and whatever more fusions come to mind. This “puerto jaibo” (crab port) –known both for the size and abundance of this crustacean in its waters– has a dish for all tastes.
If you are looking to quench your thirst and enjoy the warm climate of Tampico and its neighboring Ciudad Madero, it's time to go around the port to cool off at Las Glorias de Baco (Bacchus’ Glories), where the heirs of “Don Cheto’s” will be able to prepare you a liter (2 pint) mojito, or its flagship drink and secret recipe, the Tampico-Madero drink.
