Our journey continued to Coatepec, a charming city nestled near the capital of Veracruz, Xalapa. This region, known for its rich coffee culture, scenic landscapes, vibrant markets, and laid-back college town atmosphere, felt like a world apart from the rural environments we’d been exploring for nearly three weeks. Coatepec was to be our first taste of urban life on this trip, and it brought a new rhythm to our travels.
As we entered the city, the weather was a stark contrast to the dry conditions we'd experienced earlier in the trip. Veracruz was being pounded by two tropical systems that had made their way in from the Gulf of Mexico, drenching the region with torrential rain. It was a vivid reminder of how unpredictable nature can be, and why it’s so critical to build systems that restore watersheds and manage rainfall. The sudden shift from drought to flooding laid bare the importance of practices like rainwater infiltration and flood mitigation. The land had been parched for months, and now it was drowning under inches of rain, causing erosion and landslides. The storm’s impact on the landscape was inescapable.
Despite the rain, we were greeted by the colorful bustle of Coatepec’s Saturday market. The market was a cornucopia of locally produced food: vibrant vegetables, freshly made cheeses, tender meats, and hearty breads, truly a celebration of abundance. After settling into our hotel (which felt strange after our time spent in rural settings), we ventured out to explore the town’s plaza. Some students made their way to the larger city market, while others lingered in the square, people-watching and soaking in the rhythm of everyday Mexican city life.
Later that evening, we made our way halfway between Xalapa and Coatepec to a restaurant called La Brújula, which means “The Compass” in Spanish. It was the perfect place to unwind after weeks of traveling.
We spent the night listening to live reggae, enjoying great food, dancing, and celebrating the birthday of one of the students. To her surprise, the band even serenaded her with a reggae rendition of Happy Birthday in Spanish, followed by a cake. It was one of those evenings that seemed to recharge everyone’s spirits good music, good company, and the joy of a shared experience.
The next morning, we headed out early to the Anthropology Museum of Xalapa, renowned as the second-best anthropology museum in Mexico. This vast museum is home to several of the original Olmec heads, along with a treasure trove of artifacts from eastern Mexico’s ancient civilizations. Walking through the museum felt like a step back in time. Our guide brought the exhibits to life as we marveled at the artistry and craftsmanship of the ancient people. It was an overwhelming yet unforgettable experience, one that left us all in awe.
We had planned to visit Equimite Coffee Ranch, owned by Gibran, a good friend of Antonio’s, but the heavy rains had caused landslides, making the rural roads impassable. Gibran mentioned that Vetiver could be the solution to prevent such landslides in the future.
Flexibility being key, we visited the Mole Museum, where the students got to make their own mole from traditional ingredients, and would later end up at La Ceiba Gráfica.
This former hacienda, now an artists' residency, produces its own paper on-site and showcases a stunning array of lithography, custom printing, and traditional Japanese techniques.
Walking the grounds of La Ceiba Grafica was a magical experience. The sprawling tropical plants and towering trees gave the hacienda an almost mystical feel. Inside, we explored the art studios and learned about the painstaking process of making paper from local fibers, a tradition that’s kept alive through the dedication of the artists.
The founder walked us through the steps of paper production, explaining how the fibers are harvested and transformed into the beautiful papers used by resident artists. What struck me most was that this place wasn’t just preserving art, it was resurrecting it. They had saved the nearly lost art of lithography in Mexico by restoring old machines and sourcing local marble to create prints. The entire operation felt like a living museum, preserving techniques that might otherwise have vanished.
That night, we returned to Coatepec for a roundtable discussion at Gibran’s café, Ensambles. The conversation was focused on the future of ethical supply chains in the coffee industry.
We explored how regenerative practices could be implemented from seed to cup, not just to protect the land, but to ensure that coffee producers are honored and respected. The conversation was both illuminating and inspiring, a reminder that true sustainability involves more than just ecological responsibility; it’s about social and economic equity as well.
After the discussion, we enjoyed a final meal together, reflecting on all that we had seen and learned. As we prepared to leave for the airport the next morning, the reality of the trip ending began to sink in. It had been a whirlwind of experiences so many people, so many places, and so much to process. Each of us felt the weight of what we had experienced, but also the need to take a step back and reflect.
As we said our goodbyes at the airport, there was a sense of deep connection. We had traveled together, grown together, and shared moments that we would carry with us for the rest of our lives. But the journey wasn’t truly over. It was only the beginning of something greater. We had built bridges between cultures, between people, and between ways of understanding the world.
Next year, we’ll return, continuing to forge bonds between our countries. We’ll come back to the land that we share, with its challenges and its possibilities. And we’ll come back to the same goals: regenerating the land, honoring the wisdom of ancient cultures, and using modern science to ensure that future generations inherit a world filled with abundance, respect, and love.
The road ahead may be long, but it is paved with hope, care, and the promise of a beautiful, regenerative future.
We owe a deep acknowledgment to Antonio Carrillo Bolea of Estampa Verde and Vetiver Roots Technology for his masterful organization of the entire study abroad program on the ground logistics in Mexico. His expertise in regenerative agriculture and land restoration was invaluable, guiding us through complex landscapes and fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable practices. Antonio's dedication and vast knowledge not only shaped the logistical flow of our journey but also enriched our experience, leaving us inspired and ready to apply what we’ve learned.
If you are a UTSA or Alamo Colleges student interested in participating in the CREA fellowship, internship, or study abroad program, see the links below.
This is a 4 part series
Comments