Cordoba, Fortin and Orizaba are almost within shouting distance of one another and easy enough to check out all three in 2-5 days.. depending if you just do el centro, or take in the outskirts too.. I made a couple of trips here in the fall of 2004 and jotted down a few notes.. Like most Mexican cities I found most everything of interest in or near the the Plaza de Armas. (town square) It was an interesting trip I would recomend. My biggest disapointment of both trips was that the clouds were hanging so low it was hard to get a look at Pico de Orizaba which towers around 15,00 foot above the imediate area..(18,600 in all) I would like to return sometime this summer when the skies are more clear.. I'm sure the surrounding, mountainous landscape is awesome when one can see it!!
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CORDOBA
Cordoba: founded in 1618, pop.150,000 pls. The town is known as "The City of the 30 Knights" for the "gentlemen" who founded the town to stop black slaves attacking travelers between Mexico city and the port of Veracruz .. Black slaves had escaped their masters and were hiding out in mountains, harassing and robbing travelers who had to pass through the area. Also its here that on Aug. 24, 1821 the historic treaty that ceded independence to New Spain and led to a free Mexico 3 years later was signed.
On the north side of the main square you'll find the large Palacio Municipal, constructed in the style of Toscano-Florentino. On the south side is the large Parochial Church of the Immaculate Conception. It is really decorated pretty inside, with a splendid altar that contains many sculptures and paintings. Located on the west side of the square is the casa de cultura. And just off the main square (down a side street, just behind the casa de culturo) is a great little archaeological museum, with mostly pieces from Totonac and Olmec era.. A couple of rooms on the second floor are devote to local history of Cordoba. Well worth the small entrance fee. Anchoring the east side is the Portales, which is an open air, side walk cafe. Part of the second floor is also a restaurant and a small bakery. Great place to take a break, admire the rest of the buildings around the square.
Buses from Veracruz to Cordoba about 65 pesos.. Direct buses to Mexico City airport from Cordoba.. (350 p's)
Some pictures I took on a visit to Cordoba... http://community.webshots.com/album/557624141hHifzN
Click on this link from a recent vistor who filed travel report about their visit to Cordoba... Several nice pictures and info.. http://www.trixar.com/users/makai/mexico/vcrz/cdba1.htm
Fortin de la Flores
NOV: 2005: We traveled to Fortin by AU bus from Veracruz,, the bus stopped in Cordoba first where we decided to get off and look around a bit, then caught a local class bus on to Fortin. Fortin and Cordoba actually have grown together, although you wouldn’t know it if you travel on the autopista.. The bus stops at end of town (fortin) and everybody has to get off.. (we passed the ADO station about 3 blocks before this point) .. Ws a short walk to el centro from here.. (about 6 blocks or so)..
Fortin is a pretty little town, buoganvilla growing everywhere as is many other flowers full of flowers, colorful homes and with a small town feeling to it.. good for a short visit if your in the area.. The zocalo is small, there is a real pretty municipal building sitting dead center in park,, and a octagon shaped building sitting across from it,, some tourist info in this building.. To the south end and across the street is a small church,, nothing real fancy about it.. On the perimeter streets are a few small restaurants and a bit of a mercado type setting on corner of AVE #1.. again nothing to get excited about.. this pretty well makes up square..few basic eating options around the zocalo.. most seem to be located on next two blocks heading towards where old train station used to be.
If you like a little fresh air and some easy hiking... take a walk on along the Camino Royal.. this is the original road built between Veracruz and Mexico City, go to the west end of Fortin and walk along the winding road as it drops down into the ravine.. easy walking and very scenic.. you'll find the small, but pretty park at the bottom in the Metlac Ravine.. There is a nice little break area with a swimming pool, snacks and refreshments.. or grab a seat and watch the river stream by.. very pleasant spot to spend a hot afternoon. If your traveling the autopista between Cordoba and Orizaba you will undoubtedly notice this large ravine when you pass over the bridge which stretches across it.. the ravine is about 1000 feet wide and 400 feet deep.. full of lush green plants and trees. a waterfall cascading down the side of it. One can also take a hike on the abandoned railroad tracks that run around the edge of the ravine it, but we had to skip this part for lack of time...
Several small hotels in this area starting at $10.00 a night to $ 30.00 .. We stayed in Hotel Pasada del Sol (Ave. 2 Poniente y Calle 4) which was about 4 blocks N/W from el centro.. $ 15.00.. clean with plenty of hot water.. Didn’t seem like a lot to choose from restaurant wise, but we did find one really nice spot with good prices.. "Restaurante Colorines" and I highly recommend it.. There are also several torta shops and other options.. most seemed to be situated 1-2 blocks north of zocalo... They roll up the sidewalks early here so don’t expect too much and you won’t be disappointed.. I would guess most people head to neighboring Cordoba to party where there are probably more options...
Picts. of el centro and park we hiked in click on link http://travel.webshots.com/album/557647244xjjzig
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Orizaba
ORIZABA: Nov. 19th 2004: I recently took a few guest to the Orizaba area, for a tour of city and nearby area. We saw many things of historical interest and naturally took a few fotos. One of the local attractions not to miss is the "El Palacio de Hierro" which was used as the Palacio Municipal in el centro. It is an unusual looking building and very unique and is the only structure in all of Mexico comprised entirely from iron and detachable steel. It was imported from Belgium by Ing. Arturo B. Cora during Porfirio Diaz government. Construction began on April 15 1891 and finished on September 16 of 1894. The building itself is very interesting architecturally and the grounds are landscaped quite well with small trees, plants and flowers. The interior is filled with mainly small office space for various usage. In one you may find some limited tourist info, an arts gallery fills one wing on south end of second floor, a small beer museum devoted to history of local brewery, (but no beer).... and an upscale cafe known as the "Gran Café de Orizaba" is located on bottom floor of north wing.. It is well worth a look see if your in the area.
If you arrive by bus, you can't help but notice the river Rio Blanco as its adjacent to the bus station!! The river has been lined with cobblestone / concrete.... and meanders thru the center of town. There are many bridges, walkways and small parklike areas alongside much of the river..
Some other area landmarks include several pretty churches, a large mercado, a popular swimming hole called ojo de agua.. great on hot day.. a large national park on edge of town with waterfall, cascada de elefante,, hiking galore in this large park..
There are plenty of inexpensive hotels (away from main square) If your in the area during dia de muertos holiday be sure to visit the large central cemetary!
Fortin and Cordoba just up road 20 -30 minutes... Veracruz 1 1/2 hrs..(65 p's) Jalapa about 3 hrs.. Puebla about 1 1/2 hr.. Direct buses to Mexico City airport from Cordoba.. (350 p's)
Click on link for some pics I took during visit to Orizaba.. http://travel.webshots.com/album/557637098EiRWYz
Click on this link from another vistor who filed a travel report.. several nice pictures and info.. couldn't have said it better myself! http://www.trixar.com/users/makai/mexico/vcrz/phr1.htm
