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| Pictures of Xalapa, Mexico |
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| Xalapa, being the capital of the state of Veracruz, has its share of activity in the city center and market area a few blocks north. It has a long history since it was a city before Cortez came through here on his way to Mexico City. The hillside site sloping down from north to south is well chosen for its climate, since at well above 4000 feet it is comfortable here relative to most of this low lying humid state. There is special evidence here of the current Mexican drive to beautify their cities since state capitals have access to more resources. On the bus ride into town I spotted my first Home Depot in Mexico east of the city center near a modern mall. Xalapa has gone suburban a la USA cities, keeping the inexpensive accomodations in the city center.
Parque Juarez anchors the center of Xalapa just to the west of the state capitol building. From there you get a good look to the south and west giving a little rural feel in the middle of town. A good rest spot for everyone, it is especially popular with the teenage crowd. |
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| As you move south the rest of the city drops away down hill but Parque Juarez has been built up like a platform. So here on the south side you get an excellent overlook of part of the city and the countryside. On a clear day you can see the dominating mountain Cofre de Perote (14,049 feet) to the west. | From the cathedral steps looking southwest at Parque Juarez and the Cinco de Mayo parade. The corner of the state capitol is left. |
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| From the cathedral steps looking southeast at the state capitol on Cinco de Mayo. | From Avenida Revolution looking across the cathedral steps at the capitol. | From Calle Enriquez looking north up Avenida Revolution with the cathedral on the right. Budget (all the hotels seem to be budget downtown) Hotel Limon is just ahead on the right. Being in the center of things this surprisingly narrow street gets a lot of traffic. |