Xico

Getting there

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.

Getting around

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

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. (updated Dec 2020) 2 Monja waterfall (Cascada de la Monja). Smaller but still impressive waterfall. Dangerous waters, please don't bathe here. Free. (updated Dec 2020)

3 Parroquia Santa Maria Magdalena (St Mary Magdelaine Church), Benito Juarez 179. 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. (updated Jun 2026)

Museo de Vestidos (Dress Museum), behind Parroquia Santa Maria Magdalena. - parishioners have a tradition of making elaborately decorated dresses for the Virgin and donating them to the church. This museum displays a collection of hundreds of these dresses. M$5 per adult 4 Museo del Danzante Xiqueño (Museum of the Dancers of Xico), Av. Miguel Hidalgo 76. Tu-Su 10:00 - 18:00, closed M. 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. M$10. (updated Jun 2026) 5 Museo del Totomoxtle, Av. Ignacio Aldama. Daily 09:00 - 14:00 and 15:00 - 20:00. T

Do

La Xiqueñada (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!

Eat

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. (updated Jun 2023) 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. (updated Jun 2023) 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. (updated Jun 2023) 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. (updated Jun 2023)

Drink & nightlife

Coffee shops 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 cappuccino. 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

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. (updated Jun 2023) 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. (updated Jun 2023) 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. (updated Jul 2023)

Go next

Xalapa Naolinco Coatepec Cofre de Perote National Park