Discover Xalapa

Xalapa lies on the eastern foothills of Cofre de Perote. Historic architecture, archaeological objects and places with water features give the city varied cultural and landscape accents. If you are looking for a hotel, you can first consider whether architectural history, exhibitions or walks are the main focus of your trip. These specific differences can help you decide what to focus on in Xalapa.

Historic architecture and urban structure

The Historic Monuments Zone of Xalapa de Enríquez covers 0.33 km² and 28 city blocks, with buildings of historic and architectural value dating from the 17th to the 19th century. The historic center includes more than 350 buildings of historic and architectural value. Both figures point to the importance of architectural history in Xalapa, but refer to areas with different names.

The street layout is also part of the historic character: the network of streets in the monuments zone is partly regular and adapted to the topography and water drainage. So if you are interested in the city’s historic structure, the focus is not just on individual buildings but also on how the streets are laid out.

Archaeological objects at the Museo de Antropología

Archaeological objects are displayed at the Museo de Antropología de Xalapa in six halls, nine galleries and three pergolas. This gives the museum a different cultural emphasis from the historic buildings and streets: here, archaeological objects are the main focus. The figures for the halls, galleries and pergolas make the exhibition’s layout concrete and offer another point of reference for your travel interests.

Water features and walking paths

Parque Los Tecajetes was created over a natural depression. An underground freshwater spring feeds its aqueducts, artificial pools and channels. Water is therefore not just part of the park’s design: the spring is also the source that supplies the features described here. This offers a different perspective on Xalapa’s landscape from its historic architecture or archaeological objects.

Paseo de los Lagos offers another connection between urban space and water. Opened in 1973, the Paseo has a theater and concert stage as well as a hall for temporary exhibitions; the events program may vary. A shaded walking path also winds beneath densely leafed trees to three bodies of water known as El Dique. The Paseo therefore offers both a walking route and the cultural facilities mentioned above.

Barrio de Xallitic and choosing a focus

The traditional Barrio de Xallitic is located in the historic center of Xalapa. Its cobbled streets and constantly flowing water invite you to stroll and reflect on the city’s history. The neighborhood adds a specific traditional barrio to the perspective on historic buildings and streets. When weighing up the different themes, the museum focuses on archaeological objects, the monuments zone on architectural history and urban structure, and Los Tecajetes and Paseo de los Lagos on different water landscapes. In this comparison, Xallitic brings together streetscapes and urban history.

Discover more destinations: Paraíso, Ocuiltzapotlan, Cárdenas, Tacotalpa, La Venta, Villahermosa, Tapijulapa, Buenavista

For the main travel overview: Tabasco.