NATURAL WORLD
Xalapa has a pleasant climate year-round and receives
rain, the light chipi-chipi mist, most of the year. Vegetation includes
a mix of sub-tropical species. You'll easily spot the banana trees
and coffee plants en route to town.
The name 'Xalapa' comes from the Nahuatl (Aztec) language
and means 'springs (of water) in the sand.' It is spelled as Xalapa
and Jalapa.
Two peaks dominate the town: Mexico's highest peak, Pico de Orizaba,
in the south, and closer to town, Cofre de Perote, a volcanic mountain
whose summit is covered with radio antennae. Cofre de Perote is
Mexico's eighth highest peak (4,200 meters) and is at the southern
end of the Sierra Madre Oriental.
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS
Xalapa is sometimes called the "Athens
of Veracruz" because of the strong cultural tradition -- a
symphony orchestra, three major universities and a number of museums.
The city has been home to the University
of Veracruz since 1944.
The city's stand-out attraction is the striking, terraced
Museo de Antropología (Museum of Anthropology). The L-shaped
building displays seven of the Olmec
heads, as well as Totanac and Huasteca art. If you've come to Veracruz
to see the Filobobos ruins, this museum is a great place to start.
It is located off of Avenida Xalapa, about 4 kilometers (2.4 miles)
from downtown. Closed Mondays.
CITY PARKS
Parque Juárez is located at the cenetr of the city. Terraced
gardens feature views of Pico de Orizaba.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ECOLOGY
A 10-minute taxi ride southwest of the city on the old road to
Coatepec takes you to the National Institute of Ecology, a regional
research center, and its famous Clavijero Botanical Gardens, which
boast an amazing display of plants native to or grown in Veracruz.
A section of the gardens explains coffee cultivation.
CHILE TRIVIA
Jalapeño peppers are pickled serrano chiles that were first
commercialized here.
NEARBY
A few miles away the town of Coatepec has been the center of the
rich, shade grown coffee since the early 1800s. Other places to
visit include the waterfall at Naolinco, the pine-covered forests
of Las Vigas and thermal baths of Carrizal.
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