Xalapa is one of the older settlements in mexico. As the capital of the state of Veracruz, it can boast of some three hundred thousand souls,

The name Xalapa is dervied from the Aztec word for “spring in the sand”. The town was established in early 14th century by a number of peoples settling in the environment of modern day Xalapa. Xalapa was conquered by the Aztecs in the second hal;f of the 15th century.

Between the Spanish conquest and around 1720, Xalapa stagnated. Population shrank, and economic activity was reduced. However, since then the twon has been gaining importance and increasing in size.

Xalapa is known as the Flower Garden of Mexico. Flowers play an important role in the local economy, as well as coffee, of which Xalapa is one of the leading producers in Mexico.

Photos via Wikipedia.

Jalapa is a couple of hours easy drive from the state of Veracruz. The population is around 400,000. The city is was built on the slopes of a large tiered hill half way between the ocean and the mountains. Jalapa is the state capital, a well known University town and the business center for the region’s coffee and fruit growers. Jalapa is the second-largest city in the state after, the city of Veracruz.

Xalapa is “The Flower City”, the state capital, and a cultural center which conserves the traditional colonial structure, but it also is a City with an intense social and economic life.

Jalapa or Xalapa is also known as “The Athens of Veracruz” because of it’s strong cultural influences of the Mayor Universities, a Multitude of high schools and Technical Sschools, Art Galleries, Folklore groups, Outstanding Anthropology and Science Museums, and The World Renowned Xalapa Symphony Orchestra. Among the must see tourist attractions is the Museum of Anthropology located in the downtown area. The Museum is dedicated to the archaeology of Veracruz state. The main pieces in The Museum are seven massive Olmec heads, the largest being over eight feet high.

So, whether you are looking for an authentic mexican vacation, or are planning to expatriate to mexico, Xalapa is a must see destination for your travel. Come and enjoy the beauty of Mexico in Xalapa Veracruz.

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