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Xico is a small town in the coffee growing region of Veracruz. It is an old town, having been established in 1313 AD. Xico is a Pueblo Mágico, recognizing its cultural and historic value. Cobblestone streets lined with colonial era houses and shops and a delightful town square with a 16th century church and small restaurants with spicy mole, handmade tortillas and fresh, locally grown and roasted coffees make Xico a delight to visit.
Understand
[edit]Get in
[edit]You can take a bus from Puebla to Xalapa, and then take a combi or taxi to Xico. ADO and AU (Autobuses Unidos) run several buses per day to Xalapa. A taxi from Xalapa to Xico will cost about M$200 for the 20-minute ride.
Get around
[edit]Xico is a compact town that's best explored by foot or bike. You'll want to use a taxi to get to some of the waterfalls or to explore nearby villages.
See
[edit]
1 Texolo Waterfall (Cascada de Texolo) (3 km (1.9 mi) south from the city center). Impressive 80 m (260 ft) high waterfall that has appeared in several films, including Romancing the Stone and Clear and Present Danger. Explore the footpaths around the falls and cross the bridge over the gorge to reach two smaller waterfalls. Free but access to the river might be paid. 
2 Monja waterfall (Cascada de la Monja). Smaller but still impressive waterfall. Dangerous waters, please don't bathe here. Free.
3 Parroquia Santa María Magdalena (Church of St Mary Magdalene). 16th century church with two lateral towers and domes reflecting baroque and neoclassical styles. The facade was built by indigenous artisans and includes unusual Marian carvings that reflect indigenous features rather than European. Inside the church are Marian sculptures and paintings that incorporate human hair. The main altar portrays a crucified Christ figure with Mary Magdalene at his feet. The church is decorated with handmade traditional ornaments and flower arches on the feast day (July 22).
4 Museo del Danzante Xiqueño (Xico Folk Dance Museum), Av. Miguel Hidalgo 76, Centro, ☏ +52 228 129 6697. 10:00 - 18:00 (Tu-Su), closed M. Cultural museum showcasing traditional dance from this part of Veracruz. Several colorful costumes are displayed along with exhibits describing the history and techniques.
Do
[edit]
- Fiesta de la Magdalena. Every July, the town's biggest festival is held for one week. On Wednesday, artists create colorful carpets made of sawdust (called tapetes de aserrín). The festival includes parades, music, folk dances, food and lots of festivities. The festival culminates with a running of the bulls Pamplona style!
Buy
[edit]Eat
[edit]- 1 El Mesón Xiqueño, Av. Miguel Hidalgo 148, ☏ +52 228 813 0781. 09:00 - 21:00. Elegantly traditional restaurant with indoor dining rooms or outdoor patio dining. Regional cuisine with several types of mole. Try the Brujitas Xiqueñas. M$200.
- 2 Los Portales, Av. Miguel Hidalgo 107, ☏ +52 228 200 0341. 07:00 - 23:00. Traditional sidewalk restaurant serving homemade regional Mexican cuisine with lots of options for mole and tamales. Large breakfasts and some unusual cocktails like orange juice with mezcal. M$200.
- 3 El Danubio Azul, Av. Miguel Hidalgo 192, Centro, ☏ +52 228 813 0223. 07:00 - 21:30. Popular bakery serving bread, cookies, etc. M$50.
- 4 Casona Don Gonzalo, J.Ma. Morelos 49, Centro, ☏ +52 228 129 8047. 08:00 - 21:00. Cozy restaurant with traditional food, extensive menu that includes burgers and a few international dishes. M$200.
Drink
[edit]Coffee shops
[edit]Xico is in the heart of Veracruz coffee country and several local coffee shops brew fresh roasted, locally grown java.
- 1 Terraza Cafe, Av. Miguel Hidalgo 179, ☏ +52 228 151 7248. 19:30 - 23:30. Local evening coffee house.
- 2 Maharba's, Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez, Centro, ☏ +52 228 340 6414. 16:00 - 22:00 (closed M). Watch the baristas make coffee in a variety of ways, from a press to an espresso, latte, or capuccuno. Cold pressed coffees available.
- 3 Cafe Texolo, Av. Miguel Hidalgo 170, Centro, ☏ +52 228 813 0257. 10:00 - 22:00 (closed Sa-Su). This isn't a new age coffee shop, but rather a local fixture that's been roasting and grinding local fresh coffee for decades. You can grab a fresh cuppa, or pick up a half kilo to take home as a souvenir.
- 4 Real Cafecito, Av. Miguel Hidalgo 189, Centro. 16:00 - 22:30 (F-Su), closed M-Th. Small coffee shop with hot and iced coffee drinks and a small selection of pastries.
Sleep
[edit]- 1 Las Magdalenas Hotel Boutique, Av. Miguel Hidalgo 123, Centro, ☏ +52 228 813 0314. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Charming hotel with rustic decor, clean, comfortable rooms and a first-class restaurant with wine cellar.
- 2 Hotel El Pedregal, Av. Miguel Hidalgo, ☏ +52 228 201 0986. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Modest hotel with clean rooms and cheap rates. On-site restaurant has good food.
- 3 Hotel Coyopolan, Venustiano Carranza Nte. Sur, Centro, ☏ +52 228 813 1266. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Traditional small hotel, clean and cozy with a quiet location next to the river. On-site restaurant with tasty enchiladas de nata and café de olla.