Dark fine sand, dunes, and an archaeological site: Villa Rica de la Veracruz has lots to offer for a relaxing yet varied beach vacation. This town was established under Hernán Cortés in 1519. It comprised a church, an enclosed settlement, and a fort whose sparse remains are still to be found. But even more famous is this place for the alliance with 30 Totonacan towns that Cortés achieved. This was an important stepstone to the Conquest of Mexico. Nowadays, the town’s beach called Playa Villa Rica is the main attraction and tourist destination. The nearby archaeological site of Quiahuiztlán with its Totonac mausoleum-style tombs is unique to Mexico. The beach…