Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 2737-2474;
www.jesusmountaincoffee.com
)
In the community of El Escambray is perhaps
the most spectacular of all the Jalapa sites. This 630-hectare property is set on Jalapa's
largest mountain, Cerro de Jesús (1885m). There are 600
manzanas
of organic coffee, in-
tact primary forest, a gushing 8m waterfall and, if you're up to it, you can hike the peak.
Tours
Hotel El Pantano
( 2737-2231;
www.hotelelpantano.com
; Parque Central, 6c O; 8am-4pm)
This is by far the
best resource for tourists in the area. It hosts and/or arranges 18 guided treks and trips
spanning from one to four days. If you wish to organize your own adventure yourself,
helpful English-, Dutch- and Spanish-speaking owner, Wim Van der Donk, can suggest
local guides and offer directions.
TOUR
Festivals & Events
Feria del Maíz
( Sep)
The Feria del Maíz (Corn Festival) blooms around the September harvest, when
farmers converge in corn clothing to erect corn altars, enjoy a week of corn contests, and
take part in theater and dances that shed a local light on corn history.
AGRICULTURE
Sleeping & Eating
Hospedaje Jonathan
( 2737-2451; Parque Central, 2c N, 1c O; s/d/t US$8/14/18; )
The rooms at this sunny
courtyard hotel are a little grubby, but its cheap, centrally located and has hot water and
cable TV.
GUESTHOUSE
$
El Pantano
( 2737-2031;
www.hotelelpantano.com
; Parque Central, 6c O; s/d/t US$17.50/22.50/27.50)
Set on
lovely lush grounds by a creek up a short walk from town you'll find these spare but com-
fy brick rooms with cable TV and hot water. Campers are welcome to pitch their tent
(US$3.50 per night) and warm up in the morning over amazing coffee at the restaurant
(meals US$3.50 to US$8).
HOTEL
$$