Xalapa in November

[Mexican R and B]

We are planning a trip to Xalapa in November. There will be 7 or 8 in our group and we would like to hire a driver to take us around to the local villages as well as assist us in navigation in town. Any suggestions for hotels, home rentals, restaurants, or even how to get there from San Miguel de Allende.?

We want to stay a week and really get a feel for the locale.


Mexican R and B

[Dr. Lou]

We've driven from Xalapa to San Miguel and back several times using this route. Most of the roads are good but there are some narrow mountainous segments requiring much caution when passing. We used the "cuotas" whenever possible. If you don't already have one, we strongly recommend you get the latest Guia Roji por las Carreteras de Mexico.

From SMA, go to the 57 by-pass toward San Juan del Rio. About 8 KM past San Juan take Mexico 45 toward Ixmiquilpan. Continue on toward Pachuca. Take by-pass around Pachuca toward Ciudad Sahagun. About 20 KM past Ciudad Sahagun, look for road 136 and take it toward Calpulalpan. Continue on 136 toward Apizaco. Take by-pass around Apizaco toward Huamantla. Continue on 136 through Huamantla to Zacatepec. Take 140 North at Zacatepec toward Perote and on to Xalapa!

A couple of good restaurants in Xalapa are: Resaurante Pelicanos (excellently prepared seafood - try the Seafood Torta and the Langostinos en Ajo) on Allende and the La Casona del Beaterio on Zaragoza (here, try the Mole Xiqueno).

Because we travel with a large dog, we usually rent a house for the time we are there, but we understand that there are very good Inns and B&Bs.

[StrykerGT2001]

Continue on 136 toward Apizaco. Take by-pass around Apizaco toward Huamantla

If you need to stop around here, there is a fabulous resturant located adjacent to a Pemex on the right side of the road. Its called the California Grill or Resturant, and the fellow that owns it lived in CA for years and was really great to us the last time we were there. Food is cheap, clean, and GOOD. Sorry I can't give you more detail than that, but it is worth a stop if you are hungry and in the area.