A bean as a lot: In 1842, during the Texan invasion, the fate of prisoners was decided by drawing pinto and black beans. In Mier, the Casa de los Frijoles Pintos preserves the memory of this event. The house was converted into a museum and is also known as the Casa de los Tejanos. This unusual story provides a striking historical starting point for a visit.

Discover archaeology and history

Another trace of the past can be seen at the Parroquia de la Purísima Concepción in Mier: its façade dates back to the 18th century. At Presa Las Blancas near Mier, you can stroll along the shores; catfish and mojarra sport fishing and boat trips are also available there.

The archaeological site of Balcón de Montezuma lies in an oak forest on a rise in the Sierra Madre Oriental. Large ravines bound it to the north and south. Around 100 structures are arranged around two central plazas, aligned along a west–east axis. Balcón de Montezuma is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; last entry is at 5:30 p.m. Check visiting hours in advance, as operating information may change.

An archaeological landmark has also been preserved within the present-day city limits of Tampico: the Pyramid of Las Flores. Las Flores is an ancient Huastec city dating from 1000 to 1250 and is considered a significant site for the Huasteca region in the lagoon complex between the Pánuco and Tamesí rivers.

The Museo de la Cultura Huasteca at Tampico’s Espacio Cultural Metropolitano looks at a broader span of time and region. It showcases the development of Huastec groups from the distant past to the present. The collection comprises nearly 2,000 exhibits from six Mexican states and is presented in twelve themed galleries.

The monumental Parroquia de San Antonio de Padua is located in Tula. The Cuera tulteca originated in Tula and is a garment typical of Tamaulipas. Another date to note is the Fiesta de San Antonio Padua, held every year on June 13. If you want to include a festival in your travel plans, you can take this recurring date into account well in advance.

Landscapes and nature experiences

The Reserva de la Biósfera El Cielo encompasses a mosaic of North American ecosystems, ranging from temperate-cold to subtropical zones. The reserve also promotes sustainable development through ecotourism, offering guided tours, cabin rentals, and recreational activities.

The Área de Protección de Flora y Fauna Laguna Madre y Delta del Río Bravo has a different focus: the protected area provides habitats that attract numerous species of migratory waterbirds in very high densities. The area is accessible via the Soto la Marina–La Pesca road. As road conditions may change, check the route before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Reynosa, Victoria, Nuevo Laredo, Tampico, Miramar, Heroica Matamoros, Ciudad Madero, Altamira, Gómez Farías Municipality, Burras, Barbosa, Aldama.

For the overarching travel overview: Mexico.