This region, located in the north of the state of Veracruz, comprises the municipalities of Papantla, Coyutla, Zozocolco, Espinal, Coatzintla, and Cazones. It is the ancestral territory of the Totonac people. It was home to the Totonac civilization, one of the most important in Mesoamerica, whose highest expression was the sacred city of El Tajín, renowned for its monumental architecture, such as the Pyramid of the Niches.

The Totonacapan is world-famous for the danza de los Voladores de Papantla, recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Other traditional expressions include the danza de las guaguas or santiagueros and the danza de los negritos.

Celebrations such as Xantolo (Totonac Día de Muertos), Feria de Corpus Christi in Papantla, and Festival Cumbre Tajín promote intercultural dialogue and sustainable tourism, strengthening pride and visibility of Totonac culture.

The region is also known as the cradle of vanilla, an aromatic orchid domesticated since pre-Hispanic times, which remains a symbol of regional identity and biocultural wealth.