Xalapa

Xalapa is the capital of Veracruz in Mexico. Xalapa is a college town that enjoys some fine colonial architecture as well as a nice climate in the highlands above the hot and humid Veracruz coast.

Understand
Xalapa is known as the "Athens of Veracruz" because of the strong cultural influence of its major university, Universidad Veracruzana (the main public university in the State of Veracruz). General Enriquez is known for policies encouraging the educational system in Xalapa.

Culturally, Xalapa has a wide variety of events associated with its theatres, museums, and street art. Many musicians and dancers frequently perform in the center in the nights, especially on special occasions and events of celebration or commemoration; they often dance the fandango.

Art has a keen following in Xalapa. The Pinacoteca Diego Rivera is a large art museum, located near the City Hall and Parque Juárez in downtown, it has the largest collection of Diego Rivera's paintings in all of Mexico.

In 2010, Xalapa was home to 425,000 people.

By plane
The Lencero Airport is a very small airport. It is situated outside the city but it is used only for helicopters and very small planes. The closest airport is the Veracruz international airport. It's about 2 hours from Xalapa.

By car
Xalapa lies about midway between Puebla and Veracruz on federal highway MEX 140D (toll road). It is just under 2 hours to Veracruz and about 2-1/2 hours to Puebla.

By bus
Almost-hourly buses go from Mexico City to Xalapa in several bus lines (ADO, AU), departing from TAPO station. The trip takes 4 hours approximately.



Get around
Hilly, densely constructed Xalapa is one of the world's great scooter cities. Rent one and the back areas of the city really open up for exploration.

See




Eat
Xalapa is the place of origin of the famous Jalapeño peppers. Dishes made with maize: gorditas, tostadas, pasties, enfrijoladas, and chicken are common. The desserts that are consumed in the region are typically sweet such as cake and cocadas and craft candies like candied fruit, dulce de leche and jamoncillo.

Budget
Xalapa has a wide choice of budget hotels. The city should really be a lot more popular with backpackers than it is. The fact most stay on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts is their loss and can be your gain.


 * Los Lagos +52 228 818-2000. 13 de Septiembre No.23. 22 rooms.
 * Mision de las Americas +52 228 814-1145. Av. Xalapa No. 172. 15 rooms.
 * La Moderna +52 228 817-3586. Leona Vicario No. 21. 39 rooms.
 * El Arebe +52 228 817-1777. Av. 20 de Noviembre No. 535. 13 rooms.
 * Limon 817-2204. Revolución No. 8. 49 rooms.
 * Yalta +52 228 815-0833. Av. Lazaro Cárdenas No. 696. 60 rooms
 * Araucarias +52 228 818-9038. Av. Avila Camacho No. 60. 16 rooms.
 * Oasis +52 228 815-0360. Av. Xalapa No. 1120. 25 rooms.
 * Bugambilias +52 228 814-5863. Av. Miguel Aleman No. 277. 20 rooms.
 * Atenas +52 228 812-8944. Av. Lazero Cárdenas No. 1181. 49 rooms.
 * El Mirador +52 228 815-1655. Av. Xalapa No. 1106. 44 rooms.
 * Tecajetes +52 228 812-4973. Bustamante No. 24. 43 rooms.

Go next
Naolinco - Traditional village famous for leather goods and for Día de los Muertos

Xico - Village known for having huge bullfight every Summer and near impressive waterfalls

Veracruz - The largest city in the state