Tampico is a city of 315,000 people (2015) in Tamaulipas. The city is famous for its architecture, which is often compared to that of Venice and New Orleans.
Understand
It sits on the banks of the Pánuco River and among extensive wetlands adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico. The locals are informally known as Jaibas (crabs), and the crab emblem is seen in many places, from sports logos to the sides of buses to park benches.
Climate
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Tampico's weather, though reasonably pleasant in spring and autumn, is hot in the summer; the average high reaches 32 °C (90 °F) in August. Winters are pleasantly cool; the average January high is 23 °C (73 °F) and the average low in January is 13 °C (58 °F). Rainfall is frequent from May through September.
Tampico is an extremely humid city, with summer heat indices reaching 40 °C (104 °F). During autumn and winter, it is affected by cold fronts that pass through the gulf and bring high winds that can reach 50 km/h (37 mph) with gusts of 70 to 80 km/h (43 to 50 mph).
Get in
The easiest way to enter Tampico is via the international airport. There is one flight per day from Houston via United Airlines, and several others via Monterrey, Reynosa, or Mexico City.
- 1 Tampico International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional General Francisco Javier Mina), Adolfo López Mateos 1001.
Alternately, Tampico is a six-hour drive away from Mexico City. Travelling from the United States, the closest border crossings are either McAllen or Brownsville, Texas. In both cases it's a six to eight hours drive.
Get around
Driving is the easiest way to travel around Tampico. Speed limits and red lights are enforced - other laws tend to be rather lax.
Taxis are relatively safe to take in and around Tampico at any time of day or night, but as always, use caution when traveling alone.
See
- Bullfights - Several times a year, the local cattle ranchers host a matador show, which usually lasts 3-4 days.
- Plaza Centro, the colonial square downtown, with nearby market, beautiful old cathedral, and very good shopping.
- 1 Huasteca Culture Museum (Museo de la Cultura Huasteca), ☏ 52 833 210 2217. Daily 10:00-18:00. Guided tours available. Adults M$33, students free.
- Laguna del Carpintero in downtown.
- Metropolitan Cultural Center. (METRO). Opened in 2004, featuring international ballet and symphony.
- Playa Miramar is a popular beach destination for residents of Monterrey. The beach is safe and relatively clean, though some work needs to be done by the local residents and authorities on this count, especially during the high season.
Do
Buy
Eat
Tampico is known for its food. Seafood is important in the city. There are also typical dishes of the area, mainly the "torta de la barda" which is a sandwich that contains over 12 toppings, and the famous "tampiquena" which is steak with refried beans and "entomatadas" (tortillas with tomato sauce and cheese).
- Restaurante La Troya, on the northwest corner of the main square, is a good place to eat or drink a beer with a great view of the square, but expect to pay more than you might elsewhere.
- Tacos Ana, A few minutes away from the Tampico "Zona Dorada" this fine cuisine restaurant is located, where the customers can eat some of the mexican most famous dishes. With fair prices is certainly a must in your next visit to the city.
Drink
- La Caverna, 405 Heroes del Canonero, is a life-saver. Decent beer, good pool tables and an affable barkeep/owner.
- 1 La Hacienda, 16 de Septiembre #702 PTE Ampliacion de la Unidad Nacional (right outside the back entry of the Soriana Ampliacion under parking lot). Mexican "Antojitos", good variety of Mexican food and delicious deserts! It's open from Thursdays to Tuesdays from 19:00 to almost 00:00. fair.
Sleep
- 1 Hotel Regis, Francisco I Madero Ote 603, ☏ 52 833 212 0290. A great budget option, the rooms have fans and private bathrooms with hot water. No attached or included parking, but if you're traveling by motorcycle they'll let you roll your bike into the lobby for the night.
- 2 Hotel Inglaterra Tampico, Salvador Diaz Miron 116, ☏ 52 833 230 4440. Classic luxury hotel, located next to the main square.
- 3 Hotel Posada de Tampico, Av. Miguel Hidalgo 5300, ☏ 52 833 230 1010.