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Place in Veracruz, Mexico
Photo: Héctor Peredo Nicolás, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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.
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Cascada de Texolo
Impressive 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.
Cascada de la Monja
Smaller but still impressive waterfall. Dangerous waters, please don't bathe here.
St Mary Magdelaine Church
Historic colonial era church established in 1670, it is the oldest church in Xico. The church features neo-classical and baroque architecture with relatively restrained exterior ornamentation but an opulent interior featuring vaulted ceilings and domes with intricate tilework and gilded trim. The church is noted for its sculptures including several of the Virgin Mary and a centerpiece figure of Christ behind the main altar with a reposed figure of Mary Magdalene by his side. The Museo de Vestidos is in the church courtyard and should not be missed.
Museum of the Dancers of Xico
Xico has a long history of indigenous dance and these dances adapted to Spanish repression in the colonial era, morphing into a unique local cultural tradition. The museum celebrates the tradition of folkloric dance with displays of hand-carved ceremonial masks and elaborate costumes worn by the dancers.
The museum showcases the unusual figurines made by artist Socorro Pozos Soto. The figurines are made of corn husks and are called Totomoxtle and they tell the story (make that plural because Xico's much-storied past comes to life through the figures and the scenes they are set in). One-of-a-kind!
Fiesta de la Magdalena
Every year in July or early August, 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!
Elegantly traditional restaurant with indoor dining rooms or outdoor patio dining. Regional cuisine with several types of mole. Try the Brujitas Xiqueñas.
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.
Popular bakery serving bread, cookies, etc.
Cozy restaurant with traditional food, extensive menu that includes burgers and a few international dishes.
Local evening coffee house.
Watch the baristas make coffee in a variety of ways, from a press to an espresso, latte, or cappuccino. Cold pressed coffees available.
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.
Small coffee shop with hot and iced coffee drinks and a small selection of pastries.
Charming hotel with rustic decor, clean, comfortable rooms and a first-class restaurant with wine cellar.
Modest hotel with clean rooms and cheap rates. On-site restaurant has good food.
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.
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.
Read in the guideXico 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.
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Veracruz · International · VER
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