Northern Mexico
State: Tamaulipas

Population: 2,800,000
Size: 30,766 square miles
Location: Northeast Mexico
Borders: U.S., Gulf of Mexico, and states of Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí and Veracruz
Important cities/sites within the state: Playas de Miramar, Ciudad Victoria (capital), Vicente Guerrero and Tampico
Major airports: Ciudad Victoria Airport (CVM), Servando Canales Intl aka Matamoros International Airport (MAM), General Lucio Blanco Intl. aka Reynosa Intl. (REX)
Time Zone: Central Standard Time
Web site: www.tamaulipas.gob.mx

Photo by Guillermo Aldana Click on the image for larger version

Tamaulipas is located in the northeastern part of Mexico, bordered by Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, Veracruz, Texas and the Gulf of Mexico. The state is nestled between the tropics and cool prairies, which give way to stunning landscapes of majestic mountains, fertile plains and miles of virgin beaches. As a cattle raising state, artisans in the area are renowned for their superior leather goods. Its fiestas and dances are also a major attraction.

As a result of its location, Tamaulipas offers one of the most diverse natural surroundings, ideal for all types of ecotourism and adventure activities. From impressive biosphere reserves, springs and caverns to limestone sinkholes and desert areas, the state has it all. Shopping wise, Tamaulipas also offers a variety of traditional markets and typical shops throughout the state that carry locally produced and imported articles, as well as regional handicrafts. It is also a place of many culinary delights and unique dishes. Some of the local specialties include crayfish a la Frank with its huitlacoche (corn smut) and squash flower stuffing, sea bass wrapped in paper with chimichurri sauce, black mole (spicy Mexican sauce) with tamarind and lorencillo sea bass, all worth a try for a taste of local tradition.

The capital of Tamaulipas, Ciudad Victoria, is a modern city with a beautiful historical center, a luxurious hotel zone and an active commercial center, all set in an impressive rural setting. The city is accessible from almost any city in Mexico via domestic airlines and offers a variety of parks, lakes, archeological sites and modern bridges characteristic of the state and perfect for outdoor activities.

Another major city in Tamapulipas is Tampico, founded on April 12, 1823, as Santa Anna de Tampico, a silver mining town located on the left-hand side of the Panuco River. Today, Tampico is linked with two other towns to from the metropolitan area –Almira to the north and Ciudad Madero to the south – and is currently the second most important port in Mexico. It is a warm and friendly city with an unusual urban landscape that consists of classic wooden houses combined with elegant buildings.

Tamaulipas is a charming state with a wealth of natural beauty and local traditions. Travelers can enjoy from the many outdoor and recreational activities available in the area, while shopping for leather goods, sampling local culinary delights and admiring spectacular views.