Some countries are bursting with free activities and some just aren’t’. Mexico has very limited free ventures, they seem to rather charge 1 pesos (£0.05) than give it away for free. However, lucky for us, Xalapa has lots to offer that won’t break the bank. I even discovered some completely free options too!
Kaná tech and science museum
Tuesday to Friday, 09:00- 13:00 and 14:00 – 18:00 hrs
Saturday and Sunday 10:00-18:00 hrs
50 mxn = £2.50
I could (and maybe still will) write a whole blog on this amazing day out. I have visited a lot of science museums across the world on my travels, but Kaná easily takes 1st place. With 6 sections and opportunities to explore your inner child and even career paths you never got a chance to, it is truly immersive. My favourite sections have to be ‘Tech’ and ‘Games that your grandma played’. The technology area gave life to your shower performances and long lost dreams. I got to record a radio show, a tv interview, make my own stop motion film and more!
Although ‘Games that your grandma played’ might seem out of place in a science museum, you soon forget about its placement with the bright coloured set transporting you to the small village. You could play traditional board and street games, View old fashioned tv shows in the ‘cineto’ and even make crafts or create your own storyboard.
I could write so much more, but here are some pictures instead.
Planetarium
25 mxn= £1.25
Being the cheapest dome cinema I’ve come across, we had to give it a go. Currently offering 3 shows to choose from including ‘Cosmo’. Each video lasts 20 minutes and you can buy popcorn or crisps to snack on.
Sculpture park
Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 18:00 hrs
FREE
Acres of carefully crafted art with a mapped trail to stroll and discover them all. There is also a quaint inside gallery to view small intricate sculptures.
Anthropology museum
Tuesday- Sunday 9:00-17:00 hrs
60 mxn = £3
A dive into the pre and post classic Mexican eras with magnificent statues and sculptures that have been found in impressive condition. There are some English posters along the way to help explain the different eras. You will learn about rituals, sacrifices and how different facial features indicate the specific time period.
Cerro de Macuiltépec Park
Monday to Sunday 07:00 – 18:00 hrs
FREE
Built on an extinct volcano, it is known for its swirly inclined paths. Although steep, to reach the top, where the viewpoint is located, it only takes 15 minutes from the park’s entrance. Plan to spend at least half a day here and bring a picnic as there is lots to do. You can even use their free BBQ stations and have a cookout. Visit the monument where you can climb and rest with a view through the forestry. Learn about the variety of birds and then see if you can spot them in the trees. We saw a family of Chachalacas.
If it is open and staffed, hike down the jungle terrain to the volcano’s crater (20 mxn). The staff do not recommend you go on your own as it is extremely hard to navigate without knowing the route. I agree as we got lost…
Xico waterfalls
FREE
Although 2 towns over, this is certainly worth the visit. Xico has many waterfalls and rivers that you can explore and take a dip in. We opted for La Monja, It was deep enough to jump in, you can swim right up to the crashing water and sit underneath. There are also big rocks around the outside to relax and eat your snacks. You can then explore further down the river and find little private pools to cool off in.
Ideally a car is the best transport, but you can do it without and on a budget. Get the bus to Coatapec (22 mxn), then a bus to Xico (9 mxn) and then you will need a short taxi ride (50-60 mxn).
Los Lagos
50-70 mxn ( £2.50-3.50) for food
This was recommended by a local and when I searched it on google, it appeared to just be a greenish lake. However, sometimes online research is not sufficient, listen to the locals. This large lake was surrounded by vibrant nightlife, bars and restaurants with bright neon lights and the roads packed with traditional Mexican street food stands. Grab a yummy dish and head to the steps to look out at the lake and enjoy the music.
Cultural centre
FREE
On your first day head to the cultural centre in town and check out their schedule. They hold multiple free events each week, see what lines up with your itinerary. You could catch a theatre show or watch a live orchestra.
Shanni’s Top Tips
- Xalapa is the Lisbon of Mexico. Be prepared to walk uphill
- You can take a short hike with steps from La Monja and see Texolo waterfall on the same day.
- Stop in Coatepec on the way to Xico. It is known for its coffee and colourful churches
4. You can use and play on 6 + science activities, go inside an iconic plane that Elvis Presley flew in and explore 5 other traditional vehicles at the entrance of KANA without paying anything.
5. If you travel without a car and are on a budget like me. You will be pleased to know, this town is walkable. Everything can be reached within 30-40 minutes.