Xico has long been among the most famous of Pueblos Magicos. One can guess that this is due to the impenetrable charm of the town but somehow the place has held a hold over the imagination going back generations, even before the Pueblos Magicos were designated in 2001. When the town came up for the recognition in 2011, it probably seemed something of an understatement.
Xico is set in the Tropical Montane Cloud Forest. Cloud forest in itself starts to give you the idea. The town is surrounded by cloud-veiled peaks and the tropical climate seems to never reveal all of its mysteries. Perhaps most famous is the Texolo Waterfall. But Xico is also square in the Veracruz coffee region. The cultivation of coffee requires high humidity as well as high altitudes. Nobody visits Xico without taking off into the surrounding rain forests, natural areas, and protected parks.
Within the town center you find the famous Parish of Santa María Magdalena. The church was home to some 7,000 donated and artistically conceived dresses. These are now collected in the attached and utterly unique museum. The Museum of the Danzante Xiqueño protects the culture and tradition of local dances. There's also a dark and mysterious Benedictine Convent and the Xicochimalco Archaeological Museum. Here, you can learn all about the ancient cultures and living peoples of the region.
As for the culinary scene, Xico is famous for the local mole sauce. It's quite a bit more sweet than the better known mole of Puebla. Tamales Xocos, Canarios and stuffed Chiles Rellenos will keep you happy.
Local artisan work starts with that made from totomoxtle leaves. The wooden masks offer a fair commentary from just beyond.
The town comes absolutely to life with the Feast of Santa María Magdalena, but year round it's a celebration of the unique and the untimely as the flower vendors should remind you. People get to Xico, usually via Xalapa or the nearly-neighboring town of Coatepec. Autotransportes Coatepec-Xico run regular inexpensive buses and the trip takes just about 30 minutes.
