Now that we have thoroughly exhausted ourselves from the exuberant city of Veracruz I believe it’s time to get on the road and head up to the vibrant city of XALAPA! I believe that a little background information can be interesting and even sometimes helpful as an introduction to a new place. So with that in mind, did you know that XALAPA (AKA JALAPA) is the home of the well-known hot and spicy Mexican Jalapeno chili pepper? And it was here that the Jalapeno pepper was first commercialized? And that the residents of Xalapa also refer to themselves as Jalapenos? Maybe that is because they are also hot and spicy! So here we go....
Hot and spicy Jalapenos chilies from the city of Xalapa.
The City of Xalapa (pronounced ha-La-pa and which is also spelled in the Spanish manner of Jalapa) is the capital of the state of Veracruz. Xalapa lies near the geographic center of the state about 60 miles from Veracruz and is the second largest city in the state after the city of Veracruz.
The name Xalapa comes from the Nahuatl (Aztec) language which approximately translates to “spring in the sand.” The spelling Xalapa (like the name Mexico) reflects the archaic pronunciation. Xalapa is referred to as the “Athens of Veracruz” because of its many cultural offerings and because of the strong cultural influence of its major university, Universidad Veracruzana. Xalapa is also called the “City of the Flowers” which will become obviously evident when you visit.
Xalapa, the capital of the state, is colorful and lively! Xalapa is a hilly city with many parks, gardens, and charming streets to explore
The climate in Xalapa is classified as semi-humid subtropical, but the city is relatively cool being located in the mountains over 1400 meters (3500 feet) above sea level. A real difference from the hot tropical climate of Veracruz city on the Gulf of Mexico! Very early in the morning, Xalapa often has a mist which gives it a characteristic mountain atmosphere. The greatest rainfall occurs during the summer months. The city of Xalapa is located beneath the volcanic peaks of the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range and is surrounded in lush tropical vegetation. Xalapa is one of the most important places for the production of coffee in Mexico due to its ideal climate.
The area surrounding Xalapa offers great outdoor activities from hiking to river rafting.
Xalapa/Jalapa is an exciting city with a vibrant urban center and a lot of high energy! The capital of the state of Veracruz is well-known for its cultural heritage and cosmopolitan atmosphere. The city center is home to countless historical, natural and cultural sites such as parks, public squares, colonial buildings, churches, universities and other institutions of learning. Xalapa has a young and happening vibe since it is home to not only the University of Veracruz, but to other universities and colleges also. This city, located in the land of mountains, has a country air to it and is definitely one of the most charming Mexican capitals in Mexico.
Callejon Diamante (Diamond Alley) with a cool Bohemian vibe with lots of cafes, galleries, music, and entertainment day and night!
Xalapa has many art galleries to satisfy every taste and budget.
Xalapa has made the most of its hilly streets and abundant lush vegetation which provide a perfect landscape for the creation of a large number of green areas in the city. This is the case of Parque Juarez (Juarez Park) which is the city’s main square and center of the city’s social life. Parque Juarez is a park in central Xalapa with a terrace-like appearance. The southern side of the park looks over the valley below, offering scenic views of the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains in the distance. The square’s central garden boasts many trees, art galleries, workshops and cafes. Under the Juarez Park, the Paseo de los Lagos (walkway of the lakes) has winding paths along the lakeshore attracting cyclists, joggers, families and romantic spirits.
Xalapa a city of parks and nature - lovely!
On the other side of the Parque Juarez, the visitor finds City Hall, a building constructed in 1885 in the neoclassic style. The Government Palace, seat of the state government, is home to a set of murals painted by the Mexican muralist Mario Orozco Rivera. Opposite City Hall is the Cathedral of Xalapa which was built in 1773 and is highlighted by its yellow facade and white detailing. The Cathedral, consecrated to the Immaculate Conception, patroness of Xalapa, presents an eclectic mix of architectural styles, including Gothic. Built in the 18th century, it was consecrated as a cathedral in 1864. Highlights are its Gothic altar, its pipe organ and choir stalls.
The construction of the Cathedral of Xalapa dates back to the 1700's.
City Hall in Xalapa was built in the Spanish colonial tradition with Mexican color.
With its natural beauty, gardens, and a large variety of cultural venues, the city of Xalapa reminds me in many ways of the beautiful city of San Francisco in my home state of California!
The most impressive attraction to me in Xalapa, however, is their stunning
Museum of Anthropology! This fantastic museum was designed by Edward Durrell Stone, a New York architect, and was reopened after a complete remodel in 1986. The Museo de Anthropology de Xalapa is home to the largest collection of artifacts from Mexican Gulf Coast cultures such as the Olmec, the Huastec, and the Totonac with more than 25,000 pieces. The most notable pieces in the museum are the giant Olmec heads and the smaller Totonac heads. Some of the pieces in the museum date back to the Early Preclassic Period from 1300 BC −900 BC.
I would sincerely revisit Xalapa if for no other reason than to spend more time in this wonderful building with its amazing collection. It’s a MUST!
One of the stunning giant Olmec heads in the stunning setting of the Museum of Anthropology in Xalapa.
Wow! Words cannot express how amazing the architecture and the displays are at the Xalapa Anthropology Museum.
Now this is one giant Olmec head!
The outdoor gardens are also fantastic at the Xalapa Anthropology Museum.
Xalapa Museum of Anthropology entrance hall: light, space, simplicity, and lovely!
Well I don’t know about you, but after visiting the fantastic Xalapa Museum of Anthropology, I am feeling like an excursion outside of town to visit a small and enchanting town in the lush coffee-producing countryside outside of Xalapa. The name of this special pueblo is
XICO and it is only a thirty minute scenic ride away on a local “chicken bus" so let's go!
A stop in Coatepec on the way to Xico is a nice and worthwhile stop.
Time to get back on the bus for Xico. We are almost there.
Hello and welcome to Xico! Founded in the year 1313, Xico’s original name was Xico-Chimalco in the Náhuatl (Aztec) language meaning "where there are beehives of yellow wax." Xico is a small town of pre Hispanic origin related to the Totonaca, Olmeca, Toltec,Ttlaxcalteca and Aztec cultures. What a pedigree! With it’s eighteenth century colonial architecture set off with white high walls on cobblestone streets, Xico exudes an enchanting charm.
Xico’s main street ends at a mosaic-tiled cathedral which glitters in the sunshine. The high mountain of El Cofre de Perote (Naucamapantéptl in Náuhatl) serves as a spectacular background, Xico’s residents are fun loving and friendly with every reason to be since they live in a lovely town with colonial charm, a mild climate with year-round flowers, beautiful mountains, and coffee farms producing rich Veracruzano coffee!
The lovely church on the plaza in Xico.
A great mural for the local carniceria (butcher shop) in Xico.
Terrific woven palm baskets in Xico to carry home your purchases and they sell MOLE here!
Slow down, amigo! What do you have for sale?
The surrounding area of Xico produces coffee, tropical fruits, wines, and handicrafts. Many locally owned tiendas (small stores) proudly sell their homemade products including their famous moles (spicy and rich sauces), jellies and marmalade, and fruit liquors. Also sold is their locally grown coffee and crafts made of wood from the coffee plants which are hand painted with scenes of the area. There are many small and charming family-run restaurants in Xico where you can enjoy the local specialties and meet the friendly and hospital residents.
Wow! This tienda has it all including moles, licores, jellies, marmalades, and family memorabilia.
This is the "host" of a local restaurant where we have chosen to re-energize ourselves with lunch.
Having had a good and filling comida (lunch) I have the perfect idea of what next to do in Xico. And that is to take a lovely walk through the lush countryside to the nearby
CASCADAS DE TEXOLO (Texolo Waterfalls). These beautiful waterfalls are less than two miles outside of town and are reached by an easy and leisurely walk. So follow me!
A nice stroll to the waterfalls of Texolo just outside of Xico.
Looking down on the gorge at beautiful Texolo Falls.
One of the ponds formed from the Cascada de Texolo makes you want to just dive in!
Here we are. The gorgeous main waterfall at Texolo.
The main Cascada de Texolo (Texolo Waterfall) is a 264 foot (80 meter) waterfall that drops into a lush canyon which is home to numerous animal species. There is a bridge over the gorge connecting the dense woodland together. On the other side of the gorge are two smaller waterfalls that can be seen from some of the footpaths in the area. A mere 365 steps below the falls is located the local power generating plant. What a gorgeous set for creating electricity! When we visited, we had the entire area to ourselves and it was magic.
Crossing the gorge at the Texolo waterfall reserve.
Because of the beauty of this area, the falls and the surrounding area have been used in several movies, including Romancing the Stone and Clear and Present Danger.
For all of you movie buffs here is a bit of trivia: in “Romancing the Stone” the jewel was hidden in a cave behind the Texolo Waterfall. There are also a number of nearby cabanas and posadas (cabins and inns) where you can stay if you wish to spend a night in this enchanting paradise. What a perfect way to really absorb the enchantment of XICO!
The mist and the sound of the Texolo Fall is magic.
I hope you have enjoyed your trip! And thank you for joining me and visiting these special places in the state of Veracruz. I have really enjoyed re-visiting Veracruz with you and I think it just might be time to return and explore more of this great Mexican state. I hope I have also sparked an interest in your visiting the state of Veracruz on the Gulf of Mexico where there is so much more to see and experience.
I remember many, many years ago hearing that a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, I am a believer so following is a link to my
WEB ALBUM which has additional photos for this posting.
I sincerely appreciate hearing from my blog visitors. Please don't be shy or hesitate to contact me with your comments, suggestions, or questions. Until next time, many thanks. Laura
Memories are just a click away!
