Xalapa is a vibrant city surrounded by lush cloud forests and towering volcanoes. It’s perched in the Veracruz highlands and combines a cool climate with a flourishing arts and cultural scene. Stroll around the historic district filled with handsome colonial architecture, visit engaging museums and enjoy the fantastic culinary scene. Dozens of parks and green spaces have earned Xalapa the nickname “Flower Garden of Mexico”.
Things to do in Xalapa
Rub shoulders with locals in Parque Juárez, the city’s bustling main plaza. Relax under the shade of an enormous monkey puzzle tree and watch street performers entertain the crowds. Street stalls pop up on the plaza in the afternoon and serve favourites like tacos, churros and shaved ice drizzled with rainbow-coloured syrup.
Learn about ancient Mexican civilisations at Museo de Antropologia. The archaeological collection is one of the most impressive in Latin America and features enormous Olmec heads carved from basalt boulders, gleaming jade sculptures and pre-Hispanic artefacts. Wind up your visit with a stroll around the flower-filled gardens.
From centuries-old churches to grand colonial buildings, Xalapa boasts an eclectic mix of architecture. Catedral Metropolitana soars over the city and features a grand façade inspired by the Gothic and Baroque styles. The cathedral is set on a hillside and features an enormous altar and crucifix.
Coffee estates blanket the hills and mountains surrounding Xalapa. Spend the day in the nearby town of Coatepec, nicknamed the “Coffee Capital of Mexico”. It’s an official “Pueblo Magico” and charms visitors with its colonial architecture and a leafy main plaza. The town is dotted with cafes where you can enjoy the rich, cool-climate coffee Coatepec is famous for.
Getting around Xalapa
Parts of Xalapa, including the pedestrian-friendly historic district, are easy to get around on foot. Taxis are a fast and affordable way to cover longer distances and travel after dark. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Xalapa and explore the highlands at your own pace, or you can hire a private driver. Veracruz International Airport is a two-hour drive away.