To get to Xalapa from the
Distrito Federal, take a flight to "El Lencero" NationalAirport located 12 km (7 mi) east of the capital of Veracruz. Once in Xalapa, choose among a dozen hotels ? some of which are
across from the city zoo ? and then go out to walk along the stone streets
where you will find constructions in Neoclassic, Neogothic
andmudéjar styles built in the 18th
and 19th centuries. Go to the Palacio de Gobierno
(GovernmentPalace), a Neoclassic building made
of red quarry stone, and admire the beautiful mural inside done by artist Mario
Orozco Rivera and which represents the history of justice. Continue on to the
Palacio Municipal (City Hall) with its grand entrance with half-point arches
and Tuscan columns. Round up your tour with a visit to the Cathedral, a
magnificent construction built between the 17th to 19th
centuries.It is an eclectic mix of
styles, predominated by Neogothic, will interior
details such as a Gothic alter, choir loft and tube organ. Around noon, make your way to the archeological site of El Tajín, located
250 km (155 mi) north of Xalapa,
where you can observe the superb use of niches in different forms that decorate
its temples and most important buildings. Then prepare for your river descent
on the Río Filobobos,
100
km (62 mi) northeast of Xalapa in the
municipality of Tlapacoyan, which is ideal for trips of 25 km (16 mi) on Level II and III rapids. When you get back to your hotel, treat
yourself to a plate of chileatole de pollo (a warm
soup of peppers, the herb epazote, and corn) or some chiles jalapeños rellenos de marisco
(jalapeño peppers stuffed with seafood).
