Orizaba, Veracruz

As we move inland from the Gulf coastal plains of Veracruz, the altitude begins to increase with great rapidity. In the borderlands between the states of Veracruz and Puebla rises a massive, snow-clad, volcanic peak known as Volcan Orizaba. It is the tallest peak in Mexico at 5,610 meters. That about 18,233 feet for the metricly challenged. On the slopes leading to this amazing peak, surrounded by swift-moving mountain streams and springs, lies the municipality that shares its name with the peak - Orizaba, Veracruz. Museums, parks, and impressive architecture abound in the stunningly beautiful city.

Orizaba was founded in 1618 as a garrison on the Vera Cruz - Mexico City route to stop the depredations of escaped slaves on the caravans. Antiquers take note: the founding of this city was 168 years prior to the United States' Declaration of Independence. \ The 1821 treaty of Independence for New Spain was also signed here in Orizaba.

Via Autopista (toll road), Orizaba is less than two hours' drive from Veracruz City. But the geographic changes are incredible. The alpine climate is a radical departure from the steamy coastal climate and is especially welcome during the hottest months of the summer.

This pool serves as headwaters for a stream which meanders all the way through the city, with beautifully landscaped walkways along the sides of the stream.

After experiencing this magnificent city, I find it hard to imagine why the ex-pat community in the Veracruz highlands have congregated around Xalapa, rather than Orizaba. This is an amazing place in so many ways...

Hotels

• BudgetEconómico
  • Arenas(272)725-2361. Norte 2 No. 169. 20 rooms. **
     
  
  • San Cristobal(272)725-1140. Norte 4 No. 243. 40 rooms. *
  • Plaza Palacio (272) 725-9933. Poniente 2 esq. Norte 1. 62 rooms. ***
  
  • El Mirador (272) 725-2381. Madero Sur No. 469. 30 rooms. **
  • Aries (272) 725-3520. Oriente 6 No 263. 60 rooms. ***
  • De Alba (272) 725-7011. Autopista Orizaba-Puebla KM 2. 33 rooms. ***

• ModerateMódico
  • Hotel Pluviosilla (272) 725-5300. E-mail hotelplu@prodigy.net.mx. Pool, meeting rooms, restaurant. Poniente 7 No. 163. 87 rooms. **
  • L'orbe (272) 725-5033. Restaurant, bar, satelite TV, meeting rooms, suites. Poniente 5 No. 33. 72 rooms. ****
  • Gran Hotel de France Oriente 6 y Sur 5. 70 rooms. (272) 725-2311. The Gran Hotel de France served as our hosts in May of 2007, combing a great location with phenominal service and top-notch facilities. ***
    

       
    

  • Trueba(272) 724-2744. Restaurant, bar, room service, cable TV, meeting room, laundry service. Oriente 6 No. 485 esq. Sur 11. 53 rooms, five suites. ***

• ExpensiveCaro
  • Fiesta Cascada (272) 724-1596. Fax (272) 724-1599. Pool, restaurant, meeting rooms. Autopista Puebla-Cordoba Km 275. *****
  • Holiday Inn Orizaba (272) 724-0077. Restaurant, bar, pool, meeting rooms, fitness center, business center, internet access. Oriente 6 No. 464. 37 double rooms, 32 king rooms, two junior suites, three full suites. *****
  • Fiesta Inn Orizaba (272) 728-0300. Restaurant, bar, pool, meeting rooms, room service, business center, gym, wireless internet zones. ****
  Help keep this information current. Email john@johnzap.com with updates.

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  Transportation • Transportación

  • Highway 150 is the highway connecting Puebla with Vera Cruz and with Coatzacoalcos, depending on the fork you take. It passes through Orizaba just after crossing the border between Puebla state and Veracruz state. There is no airport in Orizaba, so visitors will need to fly into Puebla City or Vera Cruz and come in by rental car or motorcoach. There are a number of bus lines to choose from, among them ADO. (272) 724-2724.
    

    
    

    This is Mexico; there is no shortage of taxis. The drivers are always helpful and friendly. Some speak English. I met an English-speaking taxi driver named Robert in May, 2007. He was in charge of taxi number 346. His cell phone is 044-272-101-9209. He comes highly recommended and is a true expert on Orizaba nightlife.
    

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  Attractions • Atractivos

  • Alemeda or Colon Park. Nestled against the Cerro Del Borrego between Av Poniente 2 and Av Poniente 3.
  • Palacio de Hierro AV. Poniente 2 and Av Poniente 4 esq. Av Sur 1. This Art Nuveau treasure is the original Palacio Municipal built with 600 tons of Belgium steel and transported in sections from Europe by boat.
    

    
    

    It has been turned into a museum with exhibits ranging from PreColombian artifacts through modern art.
    

       
    

    There are more pictures of museum exhibits found here.

  • Palacio Municipal located at Cristobol Colon PTE esq Norte 9. This is worth a visit for the Orozco mural "Reconstruction."
  • Museo de Arte del EstadoAv, Cristobol Colon Oriente esq Sur 5. The building is 18th century. The art inside includes a permanent display of major works by Diego Rivera.
  • Aquatic Attractions Local water wonders include Cascada del Elefante (Elephant Falls), which features a 500 step stairway into the gorge; Salto Santa Ana, which allows the adventurer to rapel through the waterfall; Nogales, where you can kayak or mountain bike; Longolica Gorge; Paseo del Río; and Ojo del Agua, the springs from which the river originates.
    

    Just ten kilometers out of Orizaba, you can find yourself on the road to La Perla, which is some 1620 meters above mean sea level
    

    We've got lots more photos of Orizaba and environs. Please click here.

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    The Gulf Coast of Mexico www.johnzap.com John Williams:  john@johnzap.com