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| Tampico Travel Guide |
Version Español |
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| Hotels, restaurants, travel services, tourist attractions, videos, maps, climate, etc. |
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| TAMPICO TOURIST INFORMATION / TAMPICO IN COZUMEL |
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Tampico means "place of otters" referring to the Indian root of the words "tam" (place of) and "piko" (water dogs), regarding the large population of these marine mammals that used to live in the Panuco River then. Because of the great abundance of water in the surroundings such as rivers, beaches, cenotes and lagoons, Tampico is rich in flora and fauna.
There is a wide variety of fresh and salt water fish which make these waters suitable for sportfishing and fresh and tasty seafood specialties exemplify the typical cuisine of this region.
The metropolitan area of Tampico is composed of 3 municipalities: Tampico, Altamira and Madero. Due to its geographic location and its intense economic activity and port traffic, Tampico has mainly become a business city with a lot of shopping places and supply centers. The economy of Tampico is based on tourism, trade and the generation of services as well as the manufacture of petrochemicals, metallurgy, fishing and ship building industry.
Due to the oil boom of the beginning of the 20th century, there was a lot of foreign investment in Tampico and it became the first place in Mexico to develop industrially, making way for the establishment of the first drugstore called 'Drogueria y Farmacia El Fenix', as well as the first Mexican airline, 'Mexicana de Aviacion', and the first bottling plant of Coca Cola.
The Native or Indigenous Tampico emerged from the Huastecan tribes that settled on the shores of the Panuco River, charmed by the beauty of the landscape and the richness of its fauna. Later, Fray Andres de Olmos landed here with the hope of catholicizing the Indians, whom where easily converted because it was done in their native tongue. Hence the viceroy decreed the construction of a monastery for the Order of the Franciscans, which marked the beginning of  "Colonial Tampico", also known as Villa de San Luis de Tampico. It was established next to the Huasteca village and it is believed to have remained there until 1556, due to the constant pirate attacks.
The coastline started to develop economically quite quickly, contributing to an increase in maritime trade and on April 12th, 1823, with the intention of re-populating the area and establishing a port of entry with a Customs House, the president Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna moved the city to its current location and renamed it "Santa Anna de Tampico", turning it into one of the main ports in Mexico.
Come to Tampico for business and experience the buoyancy of this fast growing port with a population of more than 300,000 inhabitants, a thriving tourism industry known for its friendliness and hospitality as well as incomparable scenery, it will guarantee an unforgettable vacation.
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- HOTELS
- ATTRACTIONS
- RESTAURANTS
- NIGHTLIFE
- SHOPPING
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Hotel Club Maeva Miramar Tampico 
Address: Blvr Costero s/n, Playa Mirarmar, Ciudad Madero, Tampico
Location: Tampico | Map View |
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Hotel Arenas del Mar
Address: Blvd. Costero #504 Pte., Playa Miramar. Ciudad Madero, Tamaulipas
Location: Tampico | Map View |
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Hotel Best Western Expo-Metro Tampico
Address: Av Ejército Mexicano 1435, Col Loma del Gallo, Tampico
Location: Tampico | Map View |
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Hotel Best Western Lorencillo 
Address: Bulevar Costero 11-3 Col Playa Miramar, Tampico
Location: Tampico | Map View |
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Hotel Camino Real Tampico 
Address: Av Hidalgo 2000, Col Smith, Tampico
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Hotel Comfort Inn Tampico
Address: Av Hidalgo 3408, Col Flores, Tampico
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Hotel Doña Juana Cecilia Miramar
Address: Blvr Costero S/N, Playa Miramar, Tampico
Location: Tampico | Map View |
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Hotel Doña Juana Cecilia Plaza Jalisco
Address: Calle Hidalgo # 100 Col Unidad Nacional, Tampico
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Hotel Fiesta Inn Tampico
Address: Av Hidalgo #6106, Col Laguna de la Herradura, Tampico
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Gran Hotel Sevilla
Address: Heroes del Cañonero N.304 Ote. Zona Centro., Centro. Tampico
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Hotel Grand Royal Tampico
Address: Avenida Hidalgo 6814, Col Arenal, Tampico
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Hotel Hampton Inn Tampico Aeropuerto
Address: Av Hidalgo #6602 Col Arenal, Tampico
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Hotel Holiday Inn Express Tampico
Address: Av Hidalgo #2700 esq Fresno, Col Aqui, Tampico
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| TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN TAMPICO / PLACES TO VISIT IN TAMPICO |
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Historic Center
The historic center of the city is undoubtedly the most interesting attraction in Tampico. When you walk through its streets, you will be able to experience the style of those years, with its many examples of Art Nouveau, influenced by European art movements from the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. Spend a whole day visiting these landmarks, The Cathedral of Tampico, the old Post Office, City Hall, and the Cultural Center.
Taste the delicacies of their typical cuisine such as their famous 'tortas de la barda', a sub made with ham, beans, and cheese; shrimp empanadas, or scrumptious chilpan tamales from the street stands found all along the downtown area.
Plaza de la Libertad (Liberty Square)
The best way to start your day and to enjoy it to the fullest is to visit Plaza de la Libertad, in the heart of Tampico. There are many impressive buildings all around the square such as the Internal Revenue Service, the Best Western Gran Hotel Sevilla, both with a circular design. There is a marvelous wrought iron gazebo in the center of the square, where the local orchestra performs for the people who gather there every weekend.
Plaza de Armas (The Armory)
Take a trip down memory lane and visit the Plaza de Armas, with its majestic arches and beautiful balconies, it's a delightful experience. Facing the plaza are other important buildings such as City Hall, the Social Welfare Ministry and the Inglaterra hotel with its traditional facade and incredible minimalist decoration.
Edificio de la Aduana (Customs building)
North of the Panuco River lies the Maritime Customs house, an English red brick building, an invaluable treasure for Tampico and Mexico. The Customs house was officially opened in 1827 and began to gain relevance in 1850 during the economic boom of the town. The current building was inaugurated on October 16th, 1902 by former president Porfirio Diaz, and bears a strong British influence. It was built with custom made cast iron details from France, with amazing wooden windows and doors brought from Louisiana.
Cathedral of Tampico
The Cathedral of Tampico is also known as the Immaculate Conception Chapel, featuring a neo-classic architecture bearing Corinthian columns in its facade. You will also white marble altar with a delicate figure of Mary, mother of Jesus as the Immaculate Conception, a German monumental organ donated by a wealthy family from the area, and a marvelous granite hall with gammadion crosses.
Metropolitan Park
Lakeside Laguna del Carpintero, you will find a fantastic park with an extension of gardens where you can spend a nice afternoon. Lay back and relax under an umbrella while the little ones run around and play on playground. Go over the bridge and admire the view, or charter a boat to go for a ride in the lake, or get on a trolley and tour the historic center.
Metropolitan Arts and Entertainment Venue or METRO
This is a famous venue is intended to promote culture and it is a meeting place for students, teachers and art and culture fans. It is a modern complex, located on the shores of Laguna del Carpintero, and houses the Metropolitan Theater, an art gallery, an alternative theater venue, and the Huastecan Culture Museum. It also features a cafe and a lounge bar opened at nights.
Huasteca Culture Museum
Located at the METRO, this museum exhibits the most relevant information about a nomad people established in Tamaulipas and San Luis Potosi. On display, they have hundreds of artifacts such as statues, clothing items, pottery, paintings, and an interesting collection of archaeological objects from this Pre-Columbian culture. Learn how the Huastecans would extract crude oil that they used as a dye to paint as well as other interesting facts about this people's way of life.
"Las Flores" Pyramid
This pyramid stands as evidence of the existence of the Huastecan Indians who used to inhabit the Panuco River basin between 600 and 1200 A.D. You can see the main erection of what was once an important settlement of more than 40 buildings in Pre-Hispanic times. This is a circular pyramid built in levels, one platform on top of the other. It was built of soil, clay, pottery pieces, and seashells from the region and plastered with lime and clay mortar.
Laguna del Carpintero (Carpenter's Lagoon)
Laguna del Carpintero, or Carpenter's Lagoon in English, is located 15 minutes from the downtown area. It features fish farms and plant nurseries. You can charter a boat to take you to see the diverse wildlife such as the turtles, iguanas, flocks of seabirds, and the alligators that live there. This lake was visited by the late Steve Irwin, the Australian wildlife expert nicknamed 'The Crocodile Hunter' from the Discovery Channel, who said this lake was a model example of how humans can live harmoniously with the wildlife in their environment.
Miramar Beach
This is without a doubt, one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Tampico. This beach has golden powdery sand and beautiful scenery and you can do several water sports. Delight yourself watching dolphin pods swimming in these waters and the many international ships which anchor at the mouth of the river. Try the catch of the day as well as other typical dishes at any of the stands along the beach.
Ocean Promenade
El Malecon or Las Escolleras is located south of Miramar Beach. It features a large monument a memorial to the sailors who died in the Mexican battle ships during World War II.
As you walk along the promenade, you can see playful dolphins approaching the shore or many street vendors selling coconut tortillas called duquesas, or handicrafts from the region.
Eco-Tourism
Among the many attractions found in Tampico, there is also eco- tourism. Experience alternative ways to travel, such as agritourism, horseback riding, or mountaineering, or explore the cave systems, go whitewater rafting, or simply enjoy the wildlife.
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| RESTAURANTS IN TAMPICO / PLACES TO EAT IN TAMPICO |
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Applebee's
Enjoy Tampico's freshest salads, the tastiest beef and chicken fajitas and the largest grilled hamburgers, in this cozy family restaurant. Although recently opened, Applebee's has quickly become everyone's favorite. They feature a kids menu, and for those who want to keep fit, low carb dishes as well..
Barake
Immerse yourself in an atmosphere of class, style and ambient music. This popular restaurant is famous for its truly authentic Lebanese cuisine, featuring such delicacies as Lebanese yogurt, hummus, Lebanese rice, tabbouleh, kibbeh, and stuffed grape leaves, as well as traditional beverages like Arak. Customers can also sample their wide range of flavorful tobaccos, which can be smoked at your table using one of their many Hookah pipes. Barake is the perfect blend of sophisticated decor and exotic Middle Eastern flavors.
Batutas
Located on the upper level of the Metropolitan Cultural Complex, this elegant restaurant not only has the most remarkable and delicious Italian specialties, but also provides an outstanding view of Tampico's Carpintero Lagoon. We recommend the shrimp, squid or clam salads with zesty dressings, as well as the fish and pasta specialties, accompanied with a glass of fine wine.
Don Porfirio
Located on one of Tampico's main streets, Hidalgo Avenue, just a few steps from the Holiday Inn Express and Camino Real, is this unique restaurant serving typical Mexican dishes, such as green enchiladas and juicy Tampiquena steaks.
El Asador
El Asador serves the juiciest steaks in Tampico and you simply must try their signature dish the "Tampiquena steak". Other favorites include beef tacos smothered in a spicy Northern salsa, one bite and you'll understand why people keep coming back to this busy restaurant time and again!
El Papalote
El Papalote is in Tampico's Zona Dorada, and offers prime steaks, gourmet salads and flame grilled hamburgers, in a homely atmosphere. Let El Papalote's friendly efficient staff pamper you, as you enjoy an ice-cold beer and a delicious meal. The restaurant has rustic décor and hardwood furnishings.
JardÃn Corona
Excite your palate with the tastiest Argentinean cuisine in Tampico. Their juicy steaks, fresh seafood, and unique seasoning are sure to please. Jardin Carona is on Hidalgo Avenue, directly across from the Holiday Inn Express Tampico, in the "Zona Dorada".
Marchica
Imagine a restaurant where fishing boats dock just a few meters away from your table, to deliver their catch; well at Marchica, where the slogan is "from the boat to your table", this is reality. This popular restaurant has been serving the freshest fish and seafood dishes for years and has become renowned around town not only for the excellent food but also for the quality of the service.
Oriental Grill
Let us recommend the Lee Chat chicken shish kebabs glazed with delicious peanut sauce, or the Huan Jaa shrimp with nuts and green scallions. These are only two of the many options at the Oriental Grill, located in Zona Dorada. The minimalist decor and pleasant background music creates a classy atmosphere, and as an added attraction you can see the chefs at work through a large window. |
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| NIGHTLIFE IN TAMPICO / BARS & CLUBS |
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Byblos
Since 1988, Byblos has been ranked one of the 8 best clubs in the whole country. Byblos is, for sure, the most famous and frequented nightclub in Tampico, often visited by artists and foreign tourists. Byblos has 3 levels, 3 bars, a huge dance floor, large plasma screens, and a laser light show. Come to Byblos, listen to the latest pop hits, be served by the professional staff, and experience the best disco in Tampico.
Gaelic Irish Pub
Listen to the latest European and American rock music at this Irish theme bar. Gaelic Irish Pub is the new meeting point in Zona Dorada, the most exclusive neighborhood in Tampico, and it is now famous as one of the top bars for a night out with friends. Don't miss out on the chance of trying the best beer in town!
La Inspiracion
The inspiration for this bar's name comes from the building it's located in, on the upper level of METRO (Metropolitan Cultural Space). And La Inspiracion is a source of inspiration for artists wanting to have some fun, a few drinks and good music to let their creativity flow. This lively bar offers a long list of wines and liqueurs for you to enjoy in a sophisticated yet friendly atmosphere. La Inspiracion also offers a magnificent view of Carpintero Lagoon and the Tampico Bridge at night.
Life
Are you ready to dance 'til dawn? At Life you'll find the hippest people dancing to the rhythm of electro, pop and rock music, mixed by the best DJ's in Mexico, and sexy images are projected on large screens. Have a drink at Life's bar, how about a Pina Colada, a Screwdriver, or a Rum and Coke?
Mandala
This nightclub is frequented by the elite of Tampico's society and offers excellent live music. Order a bottle of whisky, rum or tequila, and our waiters will prepare your favorite cocktail right at you table. You are guaranteed a great night here, while listening to the best English and Spanish hits.
MÃa
Mia is a new nightclub that has quickly gained popularity with the young people of Tampico. This club features an interesting mix of electronic music with a great light show to make you dance all night long. Mia also has a great list of refreshing cocktails on offer. Don't miss out on this club while you are visiting Tampico!
Rengue
The creme de la creme of Tampico frequent Rengue. This pub-lounge is spacious, comfortable and has an excellent atmosphere. From the first day it opened, Rengue has provided excellent service to local customers and tourists. Relax and enjoy the chic atmosphere, the innovative architectural design and the modern decor. Ask for the specialty Martini and be ready to be pampered by the experts.
Winebar
Those in Tampico who used to complain about the lack of nightlife for people in their thirties are now having a great time in the casual atmosphere of this cozy bar. Winebar is on the upper level of a two story building in the La Herradura shopping plaza. Enjoy the open-air terrace while having a few drinks and a chat with friends (or making new ones), and listening to the hits of the 70's, 80's and 90's. |
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| SHOPPING IN TAMPICO / WHERE TO BUY IN TAMPICO |
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Zona Dorada
Located near the International Airport of Tampico is "Zona Dorada" (the Golden Zone), an upscale residential area. It features excellent shopping malls such as Plaza Crystal, Plaza Agua Dulce, Tres Arcos, and huge department stores such as Las Novedades and Liverpool which carry a variety of items for all the family, from casual wear to elegant clothing, and household appliances to motorcycles and professional tools. In this modern stylish mall there are also banks, travel agencies and reputable supermarkets.
Plaza Tres Arcos
"Tres Arcos" (Three Archways) is one of the most popular shopping malls in Tampico, due to the assortment of boutiques and shops that offer high quality goods and services provided here. You will always find something for everyone, from sports shops to shoe stores, perfumeries to clothing stores as well as an array of fast food restaurants. Try a delicious pie at Blue Berry, or a tasty "Tampico" or "Tres Marias" ice cream at Minerva.
Plaza Crystal
This shopping mall has a good movie theater which shows the latest Hollywood blockbusters, perfect for an afternoon of popcorn and movie watching. Walk around the mall and buy a sherbet or try on a fine pair of shoes at Plaza Crystal and take home a wonderful souvenir of your vacation to Tampico.
Plaza Herradura
This shopping mall is located in Zona Dorada (the Golden Zone). It features a variety of boutiques and exclusive beauty parlors, but its main attractions are the City Express hotel, the popular Winebar and the Applebee's restaurant.
Downtown
Located downtown Tampico there are several street stands selling handicrafts, souvenirs, and imported goods. As you walk through the streets of the Historic Center, you will find street vendors selling delicious tacos and all kinds of goodies.
Los Morales
Los Morales is probably the best place for handicrafts in Tampico. Whether in the store at the airport or in downtown, you will find the largest stock of arts and crafts from the Huasteca region. Gorgeous figurines made with shells and starfish, are very popular items, along with sand and shell-filled bottles, which are the most sought after souvenirs in the store.
Other malls and supermarkets
Due to Tampico's constant growth and economic development, new supermarkets are built every year. The most popular in the area are HEB and Soriana. In the outside, these supermarket chains also attract other stands, like laundries, gift shops and even some restaurants. |
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