La Antigua is a small village on
the Rio La Antigua (River of the Hummingbird) .
The ruins of the 22-room house used by Hernan Cortes is still
standing as is a huge, healthy Ceiba tree used by Cortes’ men
to tie up their boats.
The first church in continental
America, "The Chapel of the Rosary" was built here in 1523.
The Route of Cortes by
adventureguide.com's Doreen Kerby
"Las Delicias Marinas Restaurant serves shrimp cocktail, fresh
tortillas, rice and Veracruzana fish (red snapper cooked in tomato
sauce) followed by a tray of sweets, baked custard and coffee for 40
pesos ($7.00 CD). Young local couples, in traditional white
costumes, entertain with exuberant, folk dancing. What a treat!"
Only 84 kilometers from Xalapa on the coast highlway. Visitors capital
City should take highway 140 to Cardel then 180 to Cempoala. Highlights
include the Main Temple and the Temple of Chimneys Cempola was the first
important place where the Spanish conqueror Hernán Cortés confronted the
Totonac Indians led by the famous “fat cacique” as he was known because of
his large size. The conquistadors became very excited when first seeing
the city of 30,000 because they thought the seashell plaster coating the
building was silver.
Getting
there, take a bus from either Xalapa or Veracruz to the town
of Cardel. Then ask for the bus which takes you to the ruins of Cempoala.
It takes about 20 minutes from Cardel, and the bus drops you 100 metres
from the entrance to the archaeological zone.
There is a restaurant right at the entrance to the site that Paul says was
"very nice."
Onward to Quihuiztlan archeological site bootsnall.com
"Both
Quiahuiztlan and La Villa Rica de la Veracruz are close to Veracruz. Take
the Federal Highway #180 north (follow the Cardel-Nautla signs). About
five miles or so past the Zempoala - the locals refer to it as
Cempoala (say it like "Sem-pwal-ahh) - archeological site you will see what looks
like a tall cliff to your left (it is tall enough that you won't miss it)
with what appear to be a multitude of "scratches" on the cliff face."
Chachalacas is 14 km. from Cempoala with an attractive
beach, shady groves and good restaurants which all together support over
200 3 star hotel rooms and a growing kayaking center
Discover Mexico in through images by clicking the
pic
There is a small round enclosure in which there is a curious
acoustic effect (like in the dome of St. Paul's, London). If you
stand in the centre and speak, your voice is echoed back to you from
all sides simultaneously.
Cempola by Paul at
Coatepec, in the heart of Mexico's most
lucrative coffee-growing region has a distinguished 19th-century feel. Famous for its coffee, greenhouses (which contain
several kinds of orchids), aromatic liquors and excellent cuisine. This is
the big center for local coffee growing but best
beans are exported. Hip cafes and coffee roasters can be found on
every corner, and the heavy smell of coffee permeates the town.
Attractions
Maria Cristina orchid garden on the main
square.
Clavijero Botanical Gardens
These 76 hectares gardens were
inaugurated in 1975 and are the headquarters of the Ecology Institute.
On the old highway between Xalapa and Coatepec, Km 2.5, Monday through
Sunday 9:00 to 17:00 hours
Posada Coatepec
Hidalgo No. 9
Corner of Almada Coatepec,
Veracruz
Phone: (28) 16-0670,
16-0544, 16-0040, 16-0520
Rate: Sgl/Dbl $950.00 pesos tax inc.
Junior Suite $1,450.00 pesos tax inC.
Places to Eat
"Casa Bonilla restaurant,
the home of what may be Veracruz's best tapaditas (small fried masa
cakes around a filling"
Zarela
Stuffed jalapeños or chiles xalapeños
rellenos are a highland specialty.
Festivals
San Jeronimo Saints Day (30SEP)
a very solemn procession in which the faithful carry floral offerings,
typical dances of the region are executed
Coatepec Fair by tierraricaplanet.com "Long rows of small stalls or tianquis offering local produce and
specialty foods, fruit liqueurs, honey, herbs and medicinal plants,
coffee, a wide and tasty variety of food stalls, a tequila garden and a
band stage."
Jalcomulco is Mexico's #1 rafting destination.
More than 40 rivers traverse the rugged
topography of Veracruz and many are excellent for white water
kayaking and rafting. Two of the most well known rivers are the Rio
Filobobos and Rio Actopan. Several archeological ruins can be
visited from the banks of the Rio Filobobos.
The
difficulty of the Filibobos, Pescados, and Antigua rivers will accommodate
rafters of the different levels from beginners to advanced.
The Rio Antigua from Puente Pescados to Jalcomulco is one of the
classic whitewater runs in North America.
The total attention needed makes
it is easy to overlook the impressive scenery of the river
canyon: vertical walls festooned with bromeliads
interspersed with lush forested slopes
"For shear excitement the Rio Actopan
is hard to beat. More a creek than a river, the crystal clear water
of the Rio Actopan runs narrow and swift through a combination of
mango plantations and semitropical forests. From the river source of
Descabezadero where springs gush out of a fern covered
natural limestone amphitheatre to the take out, 20 km downstream,
the river offers almost non-stop Class II and III whitewater. The
rapids are perfect for first timers as well as technical and
challenging enough for experienced river runners to enjoy. This is a
great trip if you just have one day in the area."
Rafting in Veracruz
Highlights: rafting the Filo-Bobos (steady Class III with
Class IV Aug-Nov); raft the Rio Antigua (class
III-IV); warm water in winter.
Swing through 100 year old mango tree
tour in a harness;
explore the recently discovered Totonaca-Huasteca
site of El Cuajilote, a fertility ceremonial site;
the hidden
waterfall El Salto del Encanto;
Places To STAY
As of 2001 the City site reported 120 rooms in 11
locations
24 Cabañas out in the jungle next
to the Rio Antigua River rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking
or a tree-top tour. After a full day of fun, relax with swim
in the lodge pool, a traditional temascal steam bath or
massage before dining alongside the river
tel. (011 52 228) 520-2041 540-7870 520-5018
LA VILLA
Independencia esq. 5 de Mayo, Jalcomulco, Veracruz
15 Habitaciones y 1 Suite tel. (011 52 228) 575-9428
559-3184
WEATHER
The biggest whitewater for rafting in Veracruz is in October, but you can
raft all year round!
Adventure Companies
Zaragoza No. 54
Jalcomulco
Tel: 01-279-832-35-80
.aventurassinlimite.com.mx
E-mail:
info@aventurassinlimite.com.mx
Experience whitewater
rafting (rio Pescados, rio Antigua, rio
Actopan), rappel, trekking, paintball, and
horse rides in beautiful Jalcomulco, Veracruz.
We are the only company owned and operated by
Jalcomulco natives -- come visit us! Only 40
minutes from Xalapa.
base camp, whose 8 rooms can accommodate up to
30 people, each of which can be arranged with
either 2 single or 1 double beds or 2 bunk
beds according to your needs
Centro de Kayak K360° .kayak360mexico.com
Cursos, clínicas, expediciones
a diferentes ríos del país, fotos y
localización.
What
to bring.
Change of clothing for 3 days
Towel
Shorts
T-shirts
bathing suit or shorts
change of clothing
towel
t-shirt
sunscreen (block)
insect repellent
tennis shoes preferably with laces, which
you can get wet
Naolinco is a beautiful and small town located in the mountain range of
Chiconquiaco. It was a Totonac settlement. The shoe manufacturing industry
(of excellent quality) continues to be an important activity of distinction.
GETTING THERE FROM XALAPA, (32 km) Take the Perote highway
until Banderilla where you head towards Misantla. The spectacular
mountainous terrain is punctuated by abrupt cliffs and deep depressions. A
public bus is your best bet but taxis are an option.
FOODS
Locals will tell you the secret behind their famous food is based in old
recipes carefully kept by ancestors and now jealously guarded. Among the specialties you will find
are mole, chiles rellenos, tamales. The town is also well known as a confectionery that offers jamoncillos made
from milk and fruits and presented in many interesting shapes.
ATTRACTIONS
"standing rivers" or waterfalls
highlight dramatic sweeping view
shoe (zapata) shopping
for your handcrafted pair(s)
Birding"Around 236 migratory bird
species use Veracruz to nest or travel through towards their wintering
grounds. There are 12 endemic or geographic restricted bird species,
four bird species registered in the red data book, and 34% of the
Mexican bird species considered as endangered. You can see, in the
ravine of Naolinco, the northeast population of the Mexican
Sheartail Hummingbird (this population is considered to be endangered,
and some researchers say that it population represents a different
species to that of Yucatan)"
fatbirder.com
Candy sample: Honeybee center
producing all manner of clever sweets
Perote the nearby wheat growing
capital famous for its breads and sausages
Mole first appears in
Puebla in March 1681
elaborated by the nuns of Santa Rosa, specifically Sister Andrea.
They are said to have dedicated that famous dish to bishop Don
Manuel Fernandez de Santa Cruz y Sahagun, thanking him for building
their own convent. Among the mentioned ingredients in its first
preparation are: chilies mulato, ancho, pasilla and a little
bit of chipotle; lard, chocolate, almonds and peanuts; green
tomatoes, red tomatoes, garlic and onions; white bread,
tortilla, raisins, chili and pumpkin seeds; pepper, clove,
cinnamon, anise, cumin and sesame seeds. All mixed make a sauce used
for the Mexican huexolotl (turkey).
The 180
coastal highway heading North from Veracruz City offers not only a
splendid sea view but also many turnoffs leading to the surf and
beachside restaurants. About 80 kilometers to the north of the
modern-day city of Veracruz, in front of the Totonac community of
Quiahuiztlán is an important archeological site.
The history
of the name Veracruz dates back to April 22, 1519, when Spanish captain
Hernán Cortés landed at the beach of Chalchihuecan. It was
Good Friday, which was also known as the day of the Vera Cruz,
which means True Cross.
Hernán
Cortés decided to found a settlement on this spot, and with the Totonacs
he made his first alliance and first Town Council in Mexico. The
settlement was called Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz, in honor of the
day of his landing.
The main
characteristic of the ruins are the number of tombs. There are also the
remains of a ball court and two pyramids
12.5 miles (20
km from) Xalapa is Xico, a charming place surrounded by fertile land,
right next to the Cofre de Perote. it is a combination between natural
landscapes and ancient city. The beautiful parochial church with lovely
surrounding grounds is located at the end or beginning of the main
street which is a wonderful stroll. The colonial town atmosphere is an
excellent format to present you with Xico's famous foods, bread and
cookies Mole Xiqueño, Xonequi and liquor made of fruits.
Getting ThereXico: Go to the
park at Los Sauces, located where Allende, Venustiano Carranza and Bolivia
meet. Take the bus which says Xico on it
FOOD & DRINK
Xico is famous for its mole and the quant town features many restaurants
who will tell you their mole is the best.
Try thel mora and torito, alcoholic drinks
made with blackberry and peanuts.
El Acamalín - Hidalgo#162 Tel. 13-04-01 delicious homemade
dishes like xonequi and chiles en nogada. This place is a
must!
El Mesón Xiqueño - Hidalgo #152
a lovely invernadero (greenhouse) in it's patio with squawking
guacamayas and parrots.
El Paraje Coyopolan - 2 blocks off the main street and on a lovely
stream, There are also 14 rooms available in the family hotel next
door
For the hungry souls or those with a fancy for Mexican food, then try
the tasty "Restaurante Mirador." Their comida corrida is inexpensive and
good
virtualtourist.com
Attractions
Texolo waterfall and pool is a wonderful spot for a
swim and pleasant
1.8 miles (3
km) walk from town through coffee & banana fields.
Surrounded by the mountain’s vegetation that offers a wonderful spectacle.
Scenes from
the movie "Romancing the Stone" were shot here
Hotel Coyopolan
Prolongacion de Venustiano Carranza
A good value
and a good place to relax is this hotel that is located in front a
beautiful running brook.(Reservation telephone number in Xalapa is 28?
12002
Festivals
July: Week long Mary Magdalene celebration , Xixo's patron
saint is held in July. Bulls run through streets on one day. Incredible colored
sawdust designs for six blocks leading to the church which will be wiped
out by the saint's procession
Zarela speaks
"The mole of Xico is the fruitest of the great
Mexican moles, almost like a super-rich mixed-fruit jam." Zarela.com
Mary Magdalene celebration
"What I expect to see at a fiesta is an
explosive release of pressure__ a delirious, almost shocking
contract to the highly structured everyday world of Mexico, where
even simple shop transactions call for displays of formal respect.
but from my first glimpse of Xico's preparations for the week-long
celebration, I beheld a combination of joint purpose and grace, a
whole community coming together to choreograph something joyous but
ordered.
