In the shadow of mighty
Beyond the Tehuacan turnoff, Highway 150 climbs to a 7,500 foot summit offering one of the spectacular views of Mexico the Valley of Acultzingo. The gradual descent of 4,000 feet in a few miles is
breathtaking even in the rainy season when you peer through breaks in the swirling clouds at the patterns of sun and darkness on the blue, green, and yellow patchwork valley below. If you're squeamish about hairpin turns and abrupt dropoffs, though, take the Puebla Orizaba toll expressway, which misses the Acultzingo descent.
As you approach the city of Orizaba, you'll see magnificent Pico de Orizaba, also called Citlatepetl (the star mountain). This is Mexico's highest mountain an 18,701 foot peak with perpetual snows on its volcanic cone. The first town of notable size in this warm, lush valley, Orizaba blends industrial claptrap with colonial ambience. Its textile mills are juxtaposed with long rows of tile roofed dwellings and shops.
Two breweries, coffee and fruit packing companies, and cement plants are central to the city's industrial economy. The Municipal Palace (Palacio Municipal), on the plaza northwest of Castillo Park, was purchased by the city from Belgium. Originally, the building was part of the Belgian Pavilion in the Paris Exposition in the 19th century.
Orizaba's orchids and many other exotic flowers provide you with an introduction to an area bedecked with tropical blossoms. All kinds of colors and scents greet your senses and stay with you for weeks after your visit.
In the shadow of mighty
Beyond the Tehuacan turnoff, Highway 150 climbs to a 7,500 foot summit offering one of the spectacular views of Mexico the Valley of Acultzingo. The gradual descent of 4,000 feet in a few miles is
breathtaking even in the rainy season when you peer through breaks in the swirling clouds at the patterns of sun and darkness on the blue, green, and yellow patchwork valley below. If you're squeamish about hairpin turns and abrupt dropoffs, though, take the Puebla Orizaba toll expressway, which misses the Acultzingo descent.
As you approach the city of Orizaba, you'll see magnificent Pico de Orizaba, also called Citlatepetl (the star mountain). This is Mexico's highest mountain an 18,701 foot peak with perpetual snows on its volcanic cone. The first town of notable size in this warm, lush valley, Orizaba blends industrial claptrap with colonial ambience. Its textile mills are juxtaposed with long rows of tile roofed dwellings and shops.
