A very pleasant place to spend some time
This small town, 15 km northeast of Orizaba, is devoted to growing and exporting flowers. Sometimes local women sell choice blossoms in small baskets made from banana tree bark. Between Orizaba and Fortín there is a viewpoint looking out over a dramatic gorge, the Barranca de Metlac, which plunges down to the river in a cascade of flame trees and luxuriant vegetation. The autopista from Oziaba to Córdoba passes over this deep valley on a concrete bridge. There isn’t much to do in Fortín itself but it is a pleasant place to unwind and admire the colourful blooms. There is a flower festival in late April or May. North of Fortín, a minor road winds north towards Xalapa; en route you’ll pass the town of Coscomatepec, with good cigars and leather shops.
