Xalapa

Veracruz State - Other Cities and Attractions

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.

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.

This is one of Mexico's most pleasant Cities ready to be explored by the fine arts lover, the historian and the artist at heart.

Government Palace

It was built on the remains of the Parish of the Immaculate Conception in 1885, thanks to the donations of Antonio Maria de Rivera, the founder of the National School of Xalapa.

The governmental edifice is of neoclassical style and presents a portal with midpoint arches, flanked by columns with Toscana capitals, on the ground floor, whilst its rectangular window-balconies call the attention on the second floor. Restored between 1936 and 1940, the palatial seat has walls of quarry pink stones.
Once inside its two patios with midpoint archways and columns dazzle, as well as a fountain pierced with estípite pillars (this detail appears on one of the columns alone). It is located between Zaragoza and Leandro Valle Streets.

Cofre de Perote National Park

This is one of the most visited nature areas in the state of Veracruz. It covers an area of 11,700 hectares (28,899 acres), which consists mostly of forested mountains. In the park's surrounding areas you can go mountain biking through the nearby towns of Conejo and Tembladeras. Also close is Valle de Aragon Ecological Park, which offers biking routes of varying difficulty grades.