About Xalapa

Xalapa a picturesque city set in the coffee-growing country of the Mexican state of Veracruz, is a favorite with both Mexican and international visitors.

From most parts of the city you can view the nearby snow capped Pico the Orizaba. If you like to practice rafting there are some rivers near Xalapa where you can enjoy a nice view and have a good time. It's easy to contact the companies that have the experience organizing these activities that have become more and more popular.

Xalapa, seat of the State Government, is nestled in the hills a thousand feet above the Gulf of Mexico and an hour and a half away from the historic port city of Veracruz. Xalapa has a temperate climate, with an average temperature of 64.4º F.  And you´ll love the romantic atmosphere on the city´s narrow streets on misty nigths.

Xalapa , a word which comes from xallapam, a nahuatl compound word meaning "spring in the sand", was originally a market town along the Spanish route to Mexico City. While you will still find traditional outdoor markets - which are particularly colorful in connection with the preparations for the Day of the Dead, at the beginning of November - the main businesses in Xalapa today are government and education.

The city also has several important research centers where Mexican students - in addition to the traditional humanities degrees - can qualify for degrees in computer science, business administration, medicine, engineering, and so on. Many of these courses can be taken by foreign students for credits.

If you enjoy music, you´ll have the opportunity to enjoy all types in Xalapa:  from salsa bands and jazz, to classical music played by the Xalapa Symphony Orchestra, the country´s oldest. Disco dancing is part of the night life, starting around 10 PM and continuing into the small hours of the morning.

And if you are interested in Archaeology and History, you won´t want to miss the Museum, considered one of the finest in the world both for its stunning contemporary architecture and its remarkable collection of artifacts representative of the Olmec, Totonac and Huastec cultures. Also, be sure to visit the gracious Lencero Mansion, once home of General Santa Ana. But if you are interested in Science do not forget to visit The Museum of Technology, also world-class.

Day-trips to local points of interest include the town of Xico and the nearby Texolo waterfall where the movie Romancing the Stone was filmed.

It is well worth your time to take a day to visit the port city of Veracruz. You can go for a stroll along the docks and enjoy the steamy, dark coffee served from the ancient and  famous Parroquia´s sidewalk café. You may want to visit the Aquarium, but above all, don´t miss the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress, with its mysterious, medieval atmosphere.

EEE housing is tailored to meet yours needs. Apartments and homes are available for couples and families. Or, you may prefer a single or double placement with a carefully selected host family. If you are expecting visitors during your stay, Xalapa has many fine hotels, ranging from quaint colonial inns to modern, multi-tiered buildings. The EEE will provide you with a list.

If you are still hungry for knowledge and adventure after your stay at EEE Xalapa, there are many other beautiful and interesting sights to be seen in Veracruz. And the largest city in the world is only five hours away. Travel south, and you can visit Los Tuxtlas, a region famous for its beautiful lagoons. Or visit Tlacotalpan, a picturesque coastal town famous for its annual festival where the clock is turned back - if only for a day - and dark-eyed ladies wear long  lacy dresses and execute intricate arabesques with their elaborated fans.

Mexicans are known for their hospitality, and whether you stick to the established tourist routes or explore on your own, you´ll make many friends along the way.

For more information see the next Web Sites:
http://www.xalapa.net
http://www.xalapa.gob.mx/turismo/diversos.htm