Xalapa

Where to stay

Budget travelers cluster in Zona Centro, within walking distance of Parque Juárez, the cathedral, and the university district. Staying here keeps you close to the main bus station on Av. 20 de Noviembre and the city's cultural sites, though the hilly terrain means some streets are steep climbs.

Getting around

• Rent a scooter or bicycle to get around. Xalapa is famously hilly and densely built, making walking between distant neighborhoods exhausting, while scooters are ubiquitous and cheap to rent for navigating the steep colonial streets.
• Buses from Mexico City's TAPO station run almost hourly and take about four hours, costing a fraction of a private transfer. The Central de Autobuses Xalapa is on the east side of town, a short taxi ride from the historic center.
• Bring cash for small purchases. While larger establishments may accept cards, many local eateries, street vendors, and smaller guesthouses in the center operate on cash, and ATMs can be scarce in the older pedestrian zones.

When to go

Hostels are cheapest during the rainy season from May through October, when frequent afternoon showers deter some visitors. Prices rise during the dry winter months (November to April) and around major cultural festivals, when the city's mild climate attracts domestic tourists.