Your day trip from Veracruz begins with hotel pickup by an air-conditioned minivan for the approximate 30-mile (50-km) drive northwest to Cempoala.

With your guide, tour the archaeological site to see its many structures, including the Templo Mayor (Major Temple), Templo de las Chimeneas (Temple of the Chimneys), Templo del Dios del Viento y la Cruz (God of Winds Temple and the Cross) and Circulo de los Gladiadores (Circle of the Gladiators).

Learn about Cempoala's Mesoamerican history ─ from its days as the capital of the Totanac Empire to its defeat by the Aztecs ─ and hear about the origin of its name, which means ‘twenty waters.’ Then re-board your minivan for the drive to La Antigua, about 20 minutes south, back toward Veracruz.

When you arrive in La Antigua, have lunch (own expense) at a local eatery called Las Delicias del Mar. Then explore the small, tree-lined town with your guide, checking out its main attractions like La Casa del Cabildo (one of the oldest Spanish structures still standing in Mexico), Ermita del Rosario (the first Catholic church in the Americas) and the house built in 1523 that belonged to Hern□n Cort□s, the 16th-century conquistador (conqueror) who led the Spanish invasion of the Aztec Empire.

Your tour ends when you are returned to your Veracruz hotel.