Major city · Mexico
Xico
Give Xico one full day plus a night: Texolo falls in the morning, mole and coffee in the afternoon. Two nights if you want the July fiesta.
Xico is a Pueblo Mágico in the Veracruz coffee hills, 20 minutes by taxi from Xalapa. Cobbled streets, a 17th-century parish church, an 80 m waterfall 3 km south of the square, and a food scene built on mole and locally roasted coffee. It is small: the centre is walkable in an hour, so most travellers come for a day or a single night rather than a long stay.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- MXN
- Best months
- Nov–Apr (dry, cooler)
- avoid Sep–Oct (wettest), late Jul–early Aug if you want a quiet town
- Airports
- JAL · VER · MEX
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Mexico ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM) or your nearest Mexican consulate; keep proof of your entry (stamp or digital record) until you leave.
- Mexico ↗Security advice differs by state: some governments advise against travel to parts of several states. Check your own government's advice for each region on your route.
- Mexico ↗Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and ice from reliable places.
- Mexico ↗Foreign visitors to Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Holbox) pay the state VISITAX online at visitax.gob.mx only; lookalike sites add fees.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Xico911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Xico, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Mexican peso (MXN, $).Mexico-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelcel has the widest coverage; AT&T and Movistar are cheaper in cities.Mexico-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; garrafón (20-litre jugs) and filtered water in hotels.Mexico-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurants: 10–15%; check the bill for an included 'servicio'.Mexico-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 127 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Mexico-wide
- SafetyXico is a small, calm town and the usual advice applies: use taxis after dark, keep to lit streets, and treat the waterfalls as a viewing stop…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPut paper in the bin, not the toilet, in most places; public toilets charge MXN 5–10 (≈ under US$1).Mexico-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance (all mexico) · 078 Tourist assistance (SECTUR) · 078 Green Angels roadside help
- Sundays & holidaysMost museums and many archaeological sites close on Mondays; banks close on public holidays.Mexico-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportJAL Xalapa (El Lencero) (Small field; few scheduled flights.
- Getting aroundThe centre is compact and best on foot; cobbles are uneven, so wear shoes with grip.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a local roasterM$25–50
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi within townM$50–100
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entryM$5–10
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per personMX$250 (≈ US$14)
- Mid-range bedSmall-hotel double room, a night, per roomMX$1,300 (≈ US$75)
- High-end bedSmall-hotel double room, a night, per roomMX$2,600 (≈ US$150)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget MX$700 (≈ US$40) · Mid MX$1,200 (≈ US$65) · High MX$2,200 (≈ US$120)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- JAL Xalapa (El Lencero) (Small field; few scheduled flights. Most travellers fly into Mexico City (MEX) or Veracruz (VER) and continue by bus.) · VER Veracruz (General Heriberto Jara) (About 2 h by road to Xalapa, then 20 min to Xico.) · MEX Mexico City (Benito Juárez) (ADO and AU buses to Xalapa, roughly 4.5–5.5 h; then combi or taxi to Xico.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Feb
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Mar
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Apr
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
May
not flagged
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Jun
not flagged
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Jul
Avoid*
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Aug
Avoid*
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Sep
Avoid
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Oct
Avoid
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Nov
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Dec
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Best: Nov–Apr. Avoid: Jul–Oct. Month by month →
Warmest Apr (27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)), coolest Jan (10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C) low), wettest Sep (18 rain days), driest Feb (8). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Xico: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
9 rd
Feb
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
8 rd
Mar
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
8 rd
Apr
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
8 rd
May
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
11 rd
Jun
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
16 rd
Jul
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
17 rd
Aug
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
17 rd
Sep
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
18 rd
Oct
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
14 rd
Nov
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
10 rd
Dec
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is compact and best on foot; cobbles are uneven, so wear shoes with grip. Taxis handle the waterfalls and nearby villages — agree the fare before you get in. Buses and combis link Xico with Xalapa and Coatepec.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 30–40 min
Combi or taxi from the centre; buses also run the route
Museums, market and the anthropology museum; easy half day.
Coatepec
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Taxi or local bus via the Xalapa road
Coffee town with roasters and cafés; pairs well with Xico.
Naolinco
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Taxi or bus via Xalapa
Small craft town; check transport times before you commit.
Cofre de Perote National Park
cautionDoor to door: About 1–1.5 h
Taxi or car up the Xalapa road
High, cold and often cloud-covered; go only in clear, dry weather.
Door to door: About 3–3.5 h
Bus to Xalapa, then ADO to Veracruz
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep on the coast.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Centro (Av. Miguel Hidalgo and around the square)
Best for one night without a car: church, museums, restaurants and coffee shops all within a 10-minute walk.
Riverside and south edge of town
Quieter, closer to the road out toward Texolo falls; useful if you plan an early waterfall start.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- M$500–900 excl. bed
- Mid
- M$900–1,600 excl. bed
- High
- M$1,600+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Small-hotel double room1 × 1 night × MX$1,300 | MX$1,300 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × MX$1,200 | MX$2,400 |
| Taxi Xalapa → Xico, one way1 × MX$200 | MX$200 |
| Taxi Xico → Texolo falls, return1 × MX$250 | MX$250 |
| Museum entries (Danzante + Vestidos)2 × MX$15 | MX$30 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × MX$250 | MX$500 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | MX$468 |
| Trip total≈ MX$2,574 per person per day, bed included | MX$5,148≈ US$300 |
2026 estimate in pesos; long-distance buses and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at a local roaster | M$25–50 |
| Half kilo of locally roasted coffee to take home | M$150–300 |
| Mole plate at a traditional restaurant | M$150–250 |
| Bakery bread and pastries | M$20–60 |
| Taxi within town | M$50–100 |
| Taxi Xalapa → Xico | About M$200 |
| Museum entry | M$5–10 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Cobblestone streets are slippery after rain and hard on wheeled bags.
- Do not swim at the waterfalls: currents and pools are dangerous.
- Waterfall paths have drops and no railings in places; keep children close.
- Some falls access points charge a small fee even where the waterfall itself is free.
- Book accommodation ahead for the July–August fiesta week; the town fills up.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance (all Mexico)
- 911
- Tourist assistance (SECTUR)
- 078
- Green Angels roadside help
- 078
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
XicoXico
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Tourist assistance (SECTUR)078
- Green Angels roadside help078
Embassy
No embassy in Xico. The US, UK and Canadian embassies are in Mexico City; several countries keep consulates in Veracruz city. Check your own country's list before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Taxi Xalapa → Xico: about M$200, 20 min
- Taxi Xico → Texolo falls: about M$250 return, 10–15 min each way
- Bus Xalapa → Xico (combi): under M$50, about 30 min
Say or show
- ¿Cuánto cuesta a la cascada? — How much to the waterfall? (KWAN-to KWES-ta a la kas-KA-da)
- La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please (la KWEN-ta por fa-VOR)
- Un café, por favor — One coffee, please (oon ka-FE por fa-VOR)
- ¿Es seguro nadar aquí? — Is it safe to swim here? (es se-GU-ro na-DAR a-KEE)
- ¿Dónde está el sitio de taxis? — Where is the taxi stand? (DON-de es-TA el SEE-tyo de TAK-sees)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (PWE-do pa-GAR kon tar-HE-ta)
Small town: carry some cash for museums, taxis and bakeries.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Xico. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Apr (dry, cooler) · avoid Sep–Oct (wettest), late Jul–early Aug if you want a quiet town · month by month →
- 3 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for JAL, VER and MEX: last bus and combi departures field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: the square and parish church, Av. Miguel Hidalgo, the museums, the Texolo road.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Parroquia Santa María Magdalena, Museo de Vestidos, Museo del Danzante Xiqueño, Museo del Totomoxtle, Texolo and Monja falls) and eat pages with last orders.
- Fiesta-week fixture for late July–early August so gates A–D can go green.