Cycling Huesteca Jalpan to Xilitla

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I’m leaving the Sierra Gorda and cycling the Huesteca region. I didn’t want to leave Jalpan. In my previous life I had rare days when I didn’t want to go to work. I know I’m not the only one. We all have them from time to time. Today I didn’t want to get on the bicycle. I just wanted to lay on the bed in my hotel room and watch crappy movies.

It was late when I set off from Jalpan. It was cold. It was overcast and rain threatened. Only about 11km from town was a small Archaeological site called Tancama. I made the short detour even though I really didn’t feel like it. The site was small but well maintained. But what struck me the most about the site was the flora. I spent more time looking at the plants than the ruins. Things were changing. My initial lethargy and boredom with getting in the bike let go to exploring the little things in the world.

Another hour on the road and I stopped to have a look at the small town of Landa. It is home to one of the 4 famous churches in this part of Mexico. The first one I visited in Jalpan. I only stopped long enough for a photo and some lunch. I had a long climb ahead. My camp for the night was the top of a hill.

It was a fast downhill ride into the town of Xilitla. Accommodation was reasonably cheap so I checked into a hotel, secured the bike and set off for an afternoon walk to the nearby gardens. Loz Pozas was created by some Hollywood dude who blended concrete structures and a tropical garden. The result is a strange mix, I’ll let the photos do the talking. I am certainly entering a more jungle like landscape.

Jalpan Cathedral
The Cathedral in Jalpan
Jalpan Cathedral
Jalpan Cathedral
Bombax Trees
Looks like a Bombax Tree with the Tancama ruins in the background
Flowers at Tancama Ruins
Flowers growing out of the Tancama ruins
Tancama Ruins
Tancama Ruins
Parasitic plants
Parasitic Plants
Parasitic Plants
More Parasitic Plants
Yellow Cactus Flowers
Yellow Cactus Flowers
Cycling Jalpan to Xiltla
Mision de Santa Maria in the small town of Landa
Landa
Landa
Las pozas
The well photographed waterfalls of Las Pozas
Las Pozas
More waterfalls
Las Pozas
The hands of Las Pozas
Las Pozas
Tropical plants of Las Pozas
Las Pozas
A lot work to make this aquatic feature
Las Pozas
About 50 people just left this area when I took this photo
Las Pozas
Typical tropical walking path
Las Pozas
Not sure what this is about
Las Pozas
Walking path
Las Pozas
Same strange structure
Las Pozas
Military tour of the area, I think I’m safe here

Next : Cave of the Swallows

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About the Author:
Brad is an Australian who has completed the hiking Triple Crown after he hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail and Appalachian Trail. He has hiked on every continent (except Antarctica) and has cycled from Alaska to Ecuador. He is an expert on outdoor gear currently living in Chile.

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4 thoughts on “Cycling Huesteca Jalpan to Xilitla”

  1. Hey there, I was sure you were one who could take a day off any day. I thought you were carefree and allowed yourself to slow down or giddy up.

    Reply
    • Yes, very true but I also have a budget that only goes so far and hotels are by far my biggest expense. Lucky Mexico is one great big campground.

      Reply
  2. Is it possible that the plants are epiphytic? The Googled definition is a plant that derives moisture and nutrients from the air and rain; usually grows on another plant but not parasitic on it. I think staghorns are not parasitic.
    Love these photos.

    Reply

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