Ecotourism in Jalapa (Xalapa)

Jalapa (also spelled Xalapa), the state capital of Veracruz, is 5 miles away from El Retoño Ecolodge. This well-known university town is often called the “Athens of Veracruz”, for its thriving arts scene and rich cultural heritage - a symphony orchestra, three major universities and three different museums. Go in for an evening of concerts, live theater, live jazz, people-watching and enjoyable dining. Xalapa’s pride and joy is the Museum of Anthropology, second only to the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. Here you can find a treasure trove of artifacts covering the pre-Hispanic cultures of the Huasteca, Totonac and Olmec.

Jalapa is a city that takes pride in its flower gardens and city plantings. Here, more than elsewhere in Mexico, you will enjoy the pruned hedges and well-tended flower beds spread through out the city. The climate in Jalapa, with its chipichipi (light persistent rain) and evening fogs, has a green house effect which results in the lush vegetation and showy roses, bougainvilleas and pine trees which fill the city. Although the city is growing its natural setting still provides breathtaking views of the black volcanic peaks of the Sierra Madre mountains towered over by the Pico de Orizaba, Mexico's highest mountain.

Near Jalapa it is also worthwhile to visit the Clavijero Botanic Gardens at the National Institute of Ecology, or the beautifully restored Hacienda El Lencero with its lakes and period furnishings which belonged to General Santa Anna who was President of Mexico 11 times.

Also close to Jalapa is the Cofre de Perote National Park. Located 50 km (31 mi) west of Xalapa, off Highway 140. 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. At the foothills of the Cofre de Perote volcano you'll find various routes where you can set out on a climb that takes about 6 to 10 hours in total.