A Xico day trip from Xalapa combines a small-town visit with waterfalls in the surrounding landscape. Xico is a Pueblo Mágico in Veracruz, about 19 km from Xalapa by the state road via Coatepec.
- The trip from Xalapa to Xico takes about 45 minutes.
- Buses and colectivos serve Xico from Xalapa and Coatepec.
- Cascada de Texolo is about 3 km south of Xico.
- Xico joined Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos program on December 6, 2011.
Planning a day trip from Xalapa to Xico
Xico’s town centre and nearby waterfalls give you two distinct stops to plan around. Attractions include Parque Independencia, Plaza de los Portales, Parroquia de Santa María Magdalena, Capilla del Llanito, Casa Museo Hoja de Maíz, Cascadas La Monja and Texolo.
For a town-focused visit, start with the central sights, then decide whether to continue south to the waterfalls. Xico is also a useful pairing with Coatepec; the two towns are linked by the road from Xalapa, and the Coatepec day-trip planning guide covers that neighboring excursion.
Xico’s Magdalena festivities take place in July, around July 21, and include the Xiqueñada. The Holy Week Via Crucis at Loma Amarilla is another recurring observance, held in March–April.
How do you get from Xalapa to Xico?
You can travel from Xalapa to Xico by bus or colectivo, or use the state road via Coatepec. The journey takes about 45 minutes; actual timing can vary, so check the official site before you go.
Buses and colectivos serve Xico from Xalapa and Coatepec. If you start at CAXA in Xalapa, take an authorized taxi to the Los Sauces terminal. Excélsior provides direct bus service, but schedules and other transport details can change.
If you need to get across Xalapa before leaving, the guide to buses, taxis and walking around Xalapa explains the city’s local transport options.
What can you see in Xico’s town centre?
Xico’s central sights include its parish church, public square and portales. Parroquia de Santa María Magdalena, Parque Independencia and Plaza de los Portales are among the town’s attractions.
Use the town centre as the first part of the visit if you plan to see both town and waterfalls. Capilla del Llanito and Casa Museo Hoja de Maíz are also among the attractions in town.
How do you reach the waterfalls near Xico?
Cascada de Texolo is about 3 km south of Xico, and its main waterfall is approximately 18–24 meters high. Cascada de La Monja lies 200 meters beyond Texolo along Calzada Zaragoza.
These are outdoor stops south of town, so allow for the extra journey when planning how much of Xico to fit into the day. Access conditions can change; check the official site before you go.
Planning your return to Xalapa
Plan your return around the transport option you choose, and confirm current service details before setting out. Bus and colectivo connections serve Xico, while schedules and access information may change.
For the Xalapa end of the trip, Hotel Palacio’s three-star rooms are about 15.9 km from Xico.
FAQs
How far is Xico from Xalapa?
Xico is about 19 km from Xalapa by the state road via Coatepec. The trip takes about 45 minutes.
Are there buses from Xalapa to Xico?
Yes. Buses and colectivos serve Xico from Xalapa and Coatepec. For departures from CAXA, take an authorized taxi to the Los Sauces terminal.
Where are the waterfalls in relation to Xico?
Cascada de Texolo is about 3 km south of town. Cascada de La Monja is 200 meters farther along Calzada Zaragoza.
When are Xico’s Magdalena festivities?
They take place in July, around July 21, and include the Xiqueñada.