Mazatepec

Mazatepec is a typical Mexican village with a unique geographical position -- the village is located in a cloud forest area, between the icy Perote mountain peak and the sub-tropical climate of Veracruz. This gives us the opportunity to explore very different natural systems existing within a short distance of each other. About 17 kilometers from Xalapa (see below), the area is known as Volcancillo, or ¨Little Volcano,¨ and is crisscrossed by spring-fed streams. There are unending hiking opportunities, as trails connect the village with other villages, Cofre de Perote National Park, and even some old caves rumored to be haunted. The weather is mild, though cooler than in Xalapa -- generally in summer months it is cool and sunny in the morning, with clouds rolling in by early afternoon and showers in the evening. We are protected from hurricanes by the mountains, though we occasionally get some wind in late August or September.

 

Xalapa

Xalapa, the ¨City of Flowers,¨ is a picturesque city set in the coffee-growing state of Veracruz. It´s the state capital, a well-known university town and the business center for the region´s coffee and fruit growers. It´s known as the ¨Athens of Veracruz¨ because of its many cultural events, and it has been described as an enclave of writers, artists, students and musicians, with attractive colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. Nestled in a mountain valley 100km from the historic port of Veracruz, Xalapa has a temperate climate, and is an excellent starting point for travel in Mexico. The name Xalapa comes from the Nahuatl roots ¨Xalli¨ (sand) and ¨Apan¨ (water place), meaning ¨spring in the sand,¨ though today the name is most commonly associated with the city´s trademark chili -- the jalapeño pepper.

 

Links: http://www.bestday.com/Xalapa/

http://www.xalapa.gob.mx/ (in Spanish)

 

Nearby Attractions

Within an hour of Mazatepec there are a number of places worth visiting, and as part of the permaculture course we will take day trips to some of these; however, as time during the course is limited, we thought you might like to explore the area a little more on your own. Here are some recommendations:

Coatepec -- Locally known as ¨Pueblo Mágico¨ (the Magic Town), here you can learn everything there is to know about coffee, then relax in a café in the main plaza and enjoy a cup of locally grown and processed cappuchino or a cone of hand-churned ice cream.

Xico -- Just a few minutes from Coatepec, Xico boasts a number of beautiful waterfalls, the highest cascading from 80 meters (264 feet). This waterfall drops into a canyon of abundant vegetation (including orchids) which is home to a number of animal species. Some of these waterfalls are also tapped by the municipality as sources of hydroelectricity.

Tlapacoyan and Jalcomulco -- These two towns, located in opposite directions from Xalapa, are both popular destinations for whitewater rafting and extreme sports, and both have long hiking paths that cut through diverse ecosystems.

Veracruz port and beaches -- About an hour and a half from Mazatepec there are a number of beaches, ranging in style and use from pristine isolated coastline to busy industrial ports. A little farther away you can find giant sea turtles, and in some seasons you may find volunteer opportunities helping baby turtles find their way to the sea.