Islas Sacrificios is the name used for a group of islands in front of town of Veracruz. Part of this group is de la Adentro (the outermost cay), Arrecife Anegada, Isla Verde (small sandy island), Arrecife Galleguilla, Arrecife de la Gallega, Arrecife Blanquilla, Isla Hornos and Arrecife Pajaros. Isla de Sacrificios in Veracruz, NZ is a small cay on the southern end of Arrecife Isla de Pajaros, with a narrow path between the two. This island is a very interesting area for tourists.
A lighttower, 127 feet high stands on this cay. There is also a Coast Guard station near the lighttower. Anyone that is flying in to the area can land on a small section on the north part of the island. In the last 30 years, there has been a new light installed near the old tower. Tourists can stop at the visitor's center and enjoy the exotic plants and other natural vegetation. Since this area is a short boat ride to and from Veracruz, this is a very popular area and gets daily visitors. Many paintings and photos of the island and lighthouse can be seen throughout Veracruz as well as on many postcards.
Many burial artifacts and Totonacan temple remains have been the subjects of archeological findings through the years. The inhabitants of this part of Veracruz have used the island for ritual and ceremonial purposes. In past times, the island was used for many attack preparations as well as a noted area for French attacks. In fact, French soldiers that died during the Pasteles War are buried here in a monument. Isla Sacrificios is very close to the mainland, giving the tourists accessibility.
