Introduction to Xalapa

102km (63 miles) NW of Veracruz; 203km (126 miles) NE of Puebla

Xalapa (pronounced "hah-lah-pa" and sometimes spelled "Jalapa") is a highland city in the middle of Mexico's prime coffee-growing area and the capital of the state of Veracruz. Less than 2 hours from the port of Veracruz, it offers an easy escape from the high temperatures there. It's a hilly city, crisscrossed by narrow, winding streets and alleys. A fine, misty rain known as chipi chipi often floats in the air, cloaking the views in a vaporous shroud. When the sky is clear, you can sometimes make out in the distance the snow-capped peak of Pico de Orizaba (also known as Citlaltépetl), an extinct volcano that is Mexico's tallest peak, at 5,747m (18,850 ft.).

Xalapa is a university town and has the best music school in the country, which is part of the University of Veracruz. Xalapa is also known for its symphony orchestra. If your interests are more archaeological, you've come to the right place; Xalapa's anthropology museum is second only to Mexico City's monster of a museum. And for active types, there's excellent white-water rafting nearby.