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Tourism

Xalapa and Veracruz in general are places rich in culture and history, we have some tips for you about some places you may like to visit.

Because of its geographic situation and rich nature, Veracruz is the ideal destination for adventure tourism, in our region you can enjoy many outdoor activities:

Mountain climbing. In Veracruz you will find "El Pico de Orizaba" the highest mountain in Mexico and the very popular "Cofre de Perote" another favorite for hikers.
Rafting. Rivers such as "Rio Los Pescados", "Actopan", "Filobobos" or "La Antigua" are great places for this activity, which is very popular with international tourists.
Mountain Biking. Jalcomulco, Perote & Huatusco are nearby places with great areas to practice mountain biking, in a fun and safe way.
Hiking. A lot of our region is great for this activity, some of the best places are: "Cerro Macuiltépetl", Coatepec, Xico and the "Jardín Botánico F. J. Clavijero".
Xalapa. Xalapa is “The flower city”, state capital, is a cultural center where it’s conserves the traditional colonial structure, but also is a city with a intense social and economic life, where is express the wealth of this Mexican region, that “has everything”. Rich in artistic expressions like sculpture, theater, literature, music and dance; city museums are the contact spots with the native cultures that lived in the zone: Totonaca, Olmeca and Huasteca, also the buildings and monuments of colonial origin. Anthropologic Museum, is one of most important in Latin America, conceived inside the Veracruz University, reunite archeological pieces recollected over 50 years of research and investigation, making one of the most complete collections about prehispanic cultures in the continent. For more information about Xalapa you may want to see these sites. www.xalapa.gob.mx www.pradodelrio.com http://www.uv.mx/max/ www.mix.org.mx   Other popular activities: Rappel, camping, horse back riding, diving, bird watching and many more. Just in the Xalapa area we have a great amount of rivers, lakes, forests, waterfalls, beaches, mountains and so much more.
Xalapa´s  Surrounding areas. Actopan>  Coatepec>  Jalcomulco>  Naolinco>  Xico>

Actopan.

This beautiful little town whose name means "firm ground" in Náhuatl is the site of the Mango Fair, a fun event which includes the selection of a queen, cock fights, horse races, dances, among other activities.

This takes place at the end of May through the beginning of June every year. While this is the biggest, it is not the only party Actopan has to offer. This town prides itself on its party atmosphere. August 22nd celebrates the "Inmaculado Corazón de María", October 4th holds a celebration in honor of "San Francisco de Asis", and of course, December 12th is the festival of the Virgen of Guadalupe.

Other special features of this town include the beginning of the Actopan River, famous as the perfect start of an exiting rafting trip.

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Coatepec

"The forest of snakes" is the translation of this towns name in Náhuatl. Coatepec is a beautiful colonial city rich in culture & declared a National Historical Site. Founded in 1702, it became a city in 1886. There are many beautiful places to see such as the Municipal Palace, the market, the main parish, the Hacienda of La Orduña, the Hacienda of "San Juan Bautista" of Tuzamapan & the church of Guadalupe, to name a few.

Coatepec is known internationally as "The City of coffee" because of its magnificent and abundant coffee production. Be sure to buy some to enjoy at home as well as some unusual hand crafts made with coffee beans and branches. May 1st through 18th is the annual coffee fair & September 29th & 30th is the feast of "San Jerónimo", Coatepec´s Patron Saint.

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Jalcomulco

Bordering the left side of "Rio de Los Pescados" (fish river), 39Km from Xalapa, you will find Jalcomulco, which means "Sand Corner" in Náhuatl.

If you have a thrust for adventure, this is the ideal place. You will find rafting, rappelling, horse back riding, hiking and even bird watching. May 11th through 13th celebrates the feast of San Juan Bautista, Jalcomulco´s Patron Saint, with traditional music, dance & cultural events.

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Naolinco

Located in the heart of the mountainous zone of the state, in the Chiconquiaco forest, which is rich in lumber as well as agricultural products. Naolinco is most famous for its production of shoes & leather goods, which no visitor can resist.

Its traditional food is another excellent reason to visit. All saints day, November 1st is when the towns people open their doors to visitors and offer the traditional foods of the season.

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Xico

Its complete name is Xicochimalco which means "where the wasp nest is used as its crest". The architecture is predominantly simple baroque, with houses featuring beams & clay tile roofs, which gives a picturesque panorama to this city.

July 18th through the 23rd is when the party honoring St. Maria Magdalena is held, featuring parades, fireworks, horse rides, running with bulls & cock fights. Also the main street leading to the church is covered with a carpet of flowers. The city also features a museum with over 300 dresses that the community has "given" to the saint over the years. The Waterfall of Texolo lays near the town of Xico, Veracruz. It's a picturesque waterfall surrounded by a tropical jungle-like scenery.

 The Waterfall of Texolo lays near Xico. It's a picturesque waterfall surrounded by a tropical jungle-like scenery.
You might recognize this waterfall  from the scenes in 'Romancing the Stones' and 'Clear and Present Danger'. In addition, the Waterfalls at Texolo have been used in countless of other movies, tv shows, and ads. It’s definitely worth the visit!.