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263¼ miles, or 424 kilometres. Fares, first class, $16; second class, $12.50; third class, $7.25. Time, 14½ hours.

This route will be described as follows: 1. From Vera Cruz to Orizaba. 2. From Orizaba to Esperanza. 3. From Esperanza to Puebla via Apizaco. 4. From Puebla to the City of Mexico.

The tourist is advised not to proceed directly to the lofty table-land, but to remain a few days at some intermediate point, e. g. , at Cordoba or Orizaba, in order to become accustomed to the rarefied air. The latter city is preferable as regards hotel accommodations, and it presents besides some objects of interest to the sight-seer. There is only one through passenger-train daily, which at present (1883) starts at 6 Leaving the railway-station, which is six and one fifth feet above the Gulf of Mexico, the road traverses a broad plain, which is barren near the city of Vera Cruz. The tourist soon encounters a dense growth of cactus and chaparral, with a few palms interspersed.

A branch road leaves the main track about three miles from Vera Cruz, and runs to Medellin, six miles distant.