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Catemaco, Veracruz
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Catemaco is a very unusual community between Veracruz and Acuyucan a little inland from the south-central coastline of the state. The town lies on the shoreline of a crater lake. Much of the cuisine is based on freshwater fauna.

But what really makes this an unique destination is the strong influemce of mysticism. Every March, there is a gathering of brujos, witches, shamans, and the like from all over the world who believe this to be one of the major power places on the planet. There are always local brujos and brujas to care for the spiritual needs of those who buy into such things.

Catemaco is also a paradise for birders. There are over 550 species of migratory and local birds seen each year in the area.

While wild monkey populations in the area continues to decline due to loss of habitat, there is a colony of Thai baboons on an island in the lake, accessable by tour boat.

Photo courtesy Gene Marck
Nanciyaga Ecological Park can also be found on the lakeshore, carved from the jungle and featured in Sean Connery's "Medicine Man" as well as Mel Gibson's "Apocolypto."

Photo courtesy Gene Marck

Catemaco is also the jump-off point for some exotic Gulf-coastal beaches, such as Laguna Sontecomapan, Montepio, Playa Hermosa, and Punta Roca Partida. If isolated and difficult-to-reach beaches are your forté, this stretch of coastline is for you! And like much of Veracruz, this area features abundant waterfalls, the best known of which is El Salto de Eyipantla. Some of the best whitewater oportunities in Veracruz state can also be found in the nearby Las Tuxtlas area.

Photo courtesy Gene Marck

This area is perfect for the jaded traveler who thinks (s)he has seen it all. Catemaco is located in the heart of Los Tuxtlas, a low volcanic range on the central coast of Veracruz. This is Olmec country, home to possibly the oldest Mexican civilization.

MapaTuxtlasí   art submitted by Alejandro Negrete

Hotels • Hoteles

The high season is Christmas week, Semana Santa, and the week in March of the witchcraft convention. Reservations are recommended for Easter week and Christmas week. During the remainder of the high season there will normally be many vacancies although some hotels will be full at times.

    • Hotel Playa Azul (294) 30-001, 30042-3057. This ecologically - run hotel is on the shores of Lake Catemaco. It is at KM 2 on the Carreterra a Sontecomapan. The setting is in a beautiful garden; the rooms are comfortable and clean though not luxurious.RV and tent camping allowed. ****
    • Reserva Ecológica Nanciyaga (294) 943-0199. For the ecologically correct, there are ten cabins available. It is located at KM 7 on the Carreterra Catemaco - Coyame. This piece of tropical jungle paradise has a restaurant, shops, a theater, its own dock on Lake Catemaco - just about everything you could wish for - even a crocodile habitat.


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Restaurants • Restaurantes

Catemaco is rather unique in its cuisine, as well. Specialties include Tegogolos, a local freshwater snail; Tepotes, tiny local mollies, oven roasted but much like fishy frenchfries; and mojarros, local black bass.
  • Restaurante Julita (294) 30008. Maria Teresa GNo. 10. Greqat place for the local specialties.
  • Antojitos Maria Elena (294) 30008. Same owner as Restaurante Julita. V. Carranza No. 16
  • La Palapa (294) 30808. Great little bar for appetizers.
  • Canimao KM 2 Carretera a San Tecomapan; Catemaco, Veracruz.
Help keep this information current. Email mailto:john@johnzap.com with updates.   Ayúdenme a mantener ésta información al día. Envía tus actualizaciones por e-mail a mailto:john@johnzap.com.

Transportation • Transportación

Catemaco is just a bit hard to access. There is no local airport. The best bet is probably to rent a car and drive in from Veracruz. There is an ADO bus terminal right by the lake near the tourist docks. The second class bus station is up on the highway out of town. Always in Mexico, busses are a valid option for travel anywhere.

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Tour Operators, Outfitters • Operadores Turísticos, Proveedores

See also Sport Fishing, Boat Tours below.

Help keep this information current. Email mailto:john@johnzap.com with updates.   Ayúdenme a mantener ésta información al día. Envía tus actualizaciones por e-mail a mailto:john@johnzap.com.

Sport Fishing, Boat Tours • Pesca, Excursiones en Barco

See also Tour Operators, Outfitters above.

  • For freshwater operators, check at the malecon or with your hotel's front dest. Saltwater tours, tours of the salt marshes, and gulf fishing expeditions may be booked in Sontecomopan.
Help keep this information current. Email mailto:john@johnzap.com with updates.   Ayúdenme a mantener ésta información al día. Envía tus actualizaciones por e-mail a mailto:john@johnzap.com.

Help keep this information current. Email mailto:john@johnzap.com with updates.   Ayúdenme a mantener ésta información al día. Envía tus actualizaciones por e-mail a mailto:john@johnzap.com.


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