Coatepec is in the central region of the Mexican state of Veracruz. It is recognized for its coffee production and for having a good climate for the cultivation of orchids.
Understand
[edit]
Often called the capital of Coffee in Mexico, the name Coatepec comes from the Nahuatl coatl, serpent and tepetl, hill (The Hill where the Snakes are). This municipality has four small rivers: the Pixquiac, "Pintores", "Sordo" and Hueyapan; all going to "Pescados" ("La Antigua") river.
Get in
[edit]Coatepec is 13 km from the city of Xalapa, which is served by frequent bus service from Veracruz, Puebla (CAPU), and Mexico City (TAPO). The easiest way to reach Coatepec is by bus, but if you choose to rent a car in Mexico City, the 4-hour drive to Coatepec is via modern toll highways.
Get around
[edit]Coatepec is compact and enjoyable to walk around the historic Centro. Uber and Didi offer ride-hailing service in town, which is also served by an ample supply of local taxis.
See
[edit]
- 1 Cascada Bola de Oro. The nearest waterfall to town is in the environs of a well-known Coatepec coffee finca (estate), which also has various trails and a natural swimming pool. To get there follow Calle 5 de Mayo north to a bridge, continue north on Calle Prieto and then turn left into Calle Altamirano. After passing the last shop, hang a right, cross a bridge and turn left onto a path.
- 2 Museo y Jardin de Orquideas, Jiménez del Campillo 15, Centro, ☏ +52 228 304 0853. Daily 10:00 - 19:00. Coatepec’s humid cloud forests support numerous species of orchid and an amiable local señora has collected many of them for this museum/garden a few blocks from the main square. Displays highlight both cultivation and conservation techniques. Reserve 30 minutes to see the full gamut.
- 3 Parque Miguel Hidalgo, Melchor Ocampo 20, Centro. Coatepec’s main square is green and bereft of the worst of the town’s traffic. In its center stands a glorious glorieta (bandstand kiosk) that doubles up as a cafe. The park is full of statues, fountains, gardens, and paved walkways. Set back from the road on the eastern side is the unashamedly baroque Parroquia de San Jerónimo, named after the city’s patron saint. The square is particularly lively on Sundays when families bring their children to the park and to enjoy the sights and sounds of the city.
- 4 Casa Museo Maria Enriqueta, Calle Zaragoza 3, Centro, ☏ +52 228 816 3452. Tu-Su 11:00 - 14:00, also Tu-F 17:00 - 19:00, closed M. Local history and literary arts museum dedicated to Maria Enriqueta, a local poet born in Coatepec in 1872 who lived an interesting life in Mexico City, Cuba, Washington DC and Switzerland. The house is filled with period decorative arts pieces and has galleries devoted to poetry and the history of Coatepec.
Do
[edit]- 5 Cerro de las Culebras. Cerro de las Culebras (Snake Hill; Coatepec in the Náhuatl language), is easily accessible from the town center. The walk takes you up cobbled steps to a lookout tower with a white statue of Christ on top. From here there are magnificent city and mountain views. To get there, walk three blocks west from the main plaza on Lerdo, then north all the way up Independencia.
Buy
[edit]- 1 Mercado Bioregional Coatl, Calle Jose Ma. Morelos 50, Centro ((in the Casa de Cultura)). Sa 10:00 - 16:00, closed Su-F. offers organic and ecological products from the region.
Eat
[edit]- 1 Pizzeria Trattoria Roma, Hidalgo 3, Centro, ☏ + 52-228-816-8899. W-M 13:30-22:30. Italian-style pizzeria, offers opera concerts on weekends inside the pizzeria. M$150.
- 2 Restaurante El Tio Yeyo, Santos Degollado 4, C. Juan Soto 48, Centro, ☏ +52 228 816 3645. Daily 11:00 - 20:00. Traditional restaurant serving Mexican and regional seafood dishes. Housed in a re-purposed old house, it has rustic decor with Saltillo tile floors and lots of old tools and bric-a-brac on the walls. Start the meal with some Chilpachole and then order one of the various styles of trout (the house specialty, which you can get with garlic, red salsa, green salsa, melted cheese, or for a real treat, get the smoked trout). Fun atmosphere with some unusual but tasty dishes. M$250.
- 3 Quelite Coatepec, A El Mirador 22, Col. Anáhuac. F-Su 10:00 - 17:00, closed M-Th. Socially conscious cozy restaurant serving locally sourced ingredients (including vegetables from their own garden). Menu changes frequently but usually includes birria and regional specialties. Delicious locally grown coffee. M$200.
- 4 Chejere, Jiménez del Campillo 37, Centro, ☏ +52 228 202 6605. Daily 07:00 - 23:00. One of the best restaurants in Coatepec serving traditional Mexican and regional Veracruzano dishes in an elegantly rustic dining room. Full bar serves creative cocktails and a good selection of aguas frescas for those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages. M$250.
- 5 Finca Andrade, 2a Calle Miguel Lerdo 5, Centro, ☏ +52 228 816 4887. Daily 07:00 - 23:00. Popular traditional Mexican restaurant in the middle of Coatepec. Classy ambience in a colonial building. Serves omelettes, chilaquiles, hot cakes and delicious coffee for breakfast. M$250.
Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]- 1 Hotel Boutique Casabella, Calle 16 de Septiembre 33, ☏ +52 228 186 0964.
- 2 Hotel Posada Coatepec, Hidalgo 9, ☏ +52 228 816 0544.
- 3 Hotel San Jose Plaza Coatepec, Calle 2a.Zamora 65, Rincón Coatepec, Coatepec,Veracruz 91500, ☏ +52-228-186-21-42, [email protected]. Modern style hotel near the center of Coatepec. Rooms with king size or two double beds. The space is suitable for two adults and up to two children. No pets allowed. The hotel offers a cafeteria-bakery "La Toga" and children playground "Enfiestados" M$1062.
Connect
[edit]Go next
[edit] |