Tampico is a city not like any other, and this is no mere flattery.  It is a place known for pioneering, having something unique and distinctive in its historical accounts.

It was the first to have a soft drink industry by one of the world’s largest bottlers. This city has been a Mexican aviation pioneer, as the first commercial airline in the country made its inaugural flight via Tampico - Mexico City. It is the headquarters of the First Naval District of Mexico. It is the only metropolitan area with 2 ports of importance within close range, Tampico and Altamira.

And it is unique because no other could be called the New Orleans of Mexico, due to the exquisite neoclassical architecture concentrated in the attractive old town,  the main square, the Jardín Libertad, and the Old Customs Building. Many people who come to the port come to stay.  There is something that attracts, something that captivates, and something that invites you to visit. Tampico is a city of a simple past, with a strong present, and a promising future.

Like most Mexican cities, it has a pre-Hispanic legacy with the Huasteca civilizations, which christened the place with the words Tam  "place of"  and Piko "water dogs" that can be translated as "place of water dogs"  or  "place of otters.” This is because the ecosystem that makes up the region hosted countless species of otters in the shores of its lakes.
Like many other places, this area fell to the Spanish conquest, and the difficult times that followed; evangelization, slavery and the struggle for independence. But, it was surely to find its identity in the early 20th century with the discovery of oil. This economic history forever changed the course of the town. The prospect of a better life under the influence of the oil industry brought thousands of migrants of all nationalities, who continue to be reflected today in the multicolored descendants. And although the exploitation of oil did not last forever, Tampico remains an important point for the industry with the Francis I. Madero refinery that has its own docks.

Today’s horizons are further exploring this metropolis that is in constant motion. It has become established as the most important city in the state of Tamaulipas. Its port services benefit states like Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi, Aguascalientes and Jalisco. It is the most important commercial hub of the northern Gulf, and has many chain stores, self-service shops, entertainment and well known brands. It has distinguished itself as a prominent center for education for those who strive to high levels, thanks to the quality of universities and vocational programs offered at different schools. And this is an area that has large facilities for investors in different sectors, since in recent years, one of the main objectives of the state government has been to attract more businesses that reflect the economic growth, with more modern buildings, and at the same time enhance the image of the city .

Tampico has much to offer for tourism, with over 3,500 hotel rooms, domestic and international flights 365 days a year, and modern land connections that facilitate the arrival of visitors from anywhere. And if it’s sun that you’re looking for in Tamaulipas, the city of Madero offers the beautiful Playa Miramar, with 10 kilometers (6 mi) of golden sands and calm warm waters.
This is a port that has managed to create the foundation for achieving desired growth.  It is based on these ideals that the cities of Altamira, Tampico and Ciudad Madero, come together to form this metropolitan area that unites as one. In fact, for those visiting the region, going to the Port of Altamira in Altamir, the Laguna del Carpintero in Tampico, or the Playa Miramar in Ciudad Madero,  means only one thing:  "The South of Tamaulipas.”