XALAPA TRAVEL GUIDE

Where to Eat

La Sopa ($, Callejón del Diamante, centro) has inexpensive, fixed-price menus. It’s a Xalapa tradition, and its location in “Diamond Alley” makes it especially fun to visit.

Trattoria Tavola ($$--$$$, Guadalupe Vicoria 66 at Azueta, centro, Tel. 228/817-8990, open Tuesday through Friday 2 to 11; Saturday 2 to midnight, Sunday 2 to 6PM) serves pizzas, salads, soups and pasta. There’s a 35 peso cover for great live music most evenings, including trova, jazz, blues, reggae, and fusion.

Where to Stay

HB ($$, Av. Lazaro Cardenas 9, Fracc. Las Animas, 228/141-1200 or 141-1209) is a comfortable four-star hotel on the outskirts of town.

Crowne Plaza ($$$$, Av. Ruiz Cortines 912, Col. Unidad del Bosque, 228/842-3400, www.crowneplaza.com) is Xalapa’s only five-star hotel. A short cab ride from downtown, it’s situated next to a large grocery store. Views from rooms on the pool side overlook a small pine forest.

Stuff to Do

Museo de Antropología Av. Jalapa s/n at Calle 1 de Mayo, open Tuesday through Sunday 9 to 5; general admission 40 pesos, kids under 12 free.

Museo de la Ciudad J.J. Herrera 7, Centro, Tel. 228/841-9802, open Tuesday through Sunday 9 to 5; free.

El Agora (Bajos de Parque Juárez, Tel. 228/818-5730, www.agora.xalapa.net, open Tuesday through Sunday 10 to 8) is an art gallery with spaces for cultural events and art cinema. See their website for current events.

Pinacoteca Diego Rivera (J.J. Herrera 5, Bajos de Parque Juárez, Tel. 228/818-1819, open Tuesday through Sunday 10 to 6) has rotating fine arts exhibits.

Parks and Nature

Jardín Botánico Km 2.5 Carretera Antigua a Coatepec 351, Congregación El Haya, Tel. 228/842-1827, open Tuesday through Sunday 9 to 5; cost 40 pesos adults, kids under 12 free.

Parque Los Berros Calle Miguel Hidalgo at Diaz Mirón

Parque Los Tecajetes Av. Avila Camacho at Calle Victoria