Xalapa (capital city)

Location: Veracruz State, eastern Mexico
Distance from Mexico City: 465 miles east
Population: 400,000
Closest major airport: General Heriberto Jara Intl aka Veracruz Intl (VER),
Time Zone: Central Standard

Capital of Veracruz State, Xalapa is often referred to as the "Athens of Veracruz," a city rich in history and a renowned cultural center dating back to the 19th century. Through time several fine arts schools have been headquartered in Xalapa, including the Preparatory College - El Colegio Nacional de Xalapa established in 1843, and the Escuela Normal Veracruzana opened in 1886. Today, the city headquarters the University of Veracruz, the prestigious Veracruz Cultural Institute, as well as one of the best symphony orchestras in the country.

Xalapa´s historic center is covered by straw roofs and gardens that stretch from the city’s historic parts to its more contemporary neighborhoods. The Jardín Juaréz is home to the Xalapa Symphony Orchestra performances as well as an array of other performing arts. In addition to orchestras and theater productions, the museums in Xalapa are also renowned. Some of the most important museums include the Museo de Antropología de Xalapa, Museo El Lencero and the Museo de Ciencia y Tecnología. Xalapa´s many museums, performing arts and orchestras are only some of the reasons the city is considered an established and reputable cultural center.

Outdoor enthusiasts can also participate in a variety of activities. Popular nearby attractions include the waterfalls at Xico, the traditional coffee town of Coatepec, the Cofre de Perote and the town of Jalcomulco, where travelers can practice numerous adventurous sports including whitewater rafting and mountaineering.

Several archaeological zones surround Xalapa. Just 60 miles away from Xalapa is Cantona, one of the most important archaeological zones and considered one of the largest cities in Mesoamerica with an area of 4,633 square miles. This prehispanic city features a series of raised avenues, staircases and alleys surrounded by pyramids and twenty-four ball courts. Additional nearby archeological sites include Quiahuitztlán and Filalobos.

Shopping in Xalapa is available at the Casa de Artesanías, which carries a variety of souvenirs and handicraft gifts. Delightful cuisine is also offered in Xalapa. Although it is not a coastal city, it specializes in seafood like the rest of the state of Veracruz.. The villages nestled in the sierra near Xalapa – Naolinco and Xico – specialize in acamayas, a dish made from river shrimp prepared with chipotle chili, garlic and chile de árbol, and traditional mole.

Xalapa is a splendid cultural center ready to be explored by the fine arts lover, the historian and the artist at heart.