Tuxtlas
Ecotourist Community Network in Tuxtlas
Catemaco: a place to invigorate body and soul.
BioplanetaOn the coast of the Gulf of Mexico the trans volcanic motorway, which encompasses Mexico from the Colima volcano, ends. Here, in between the volcanoes of San Martin Tuxtla, Santa Maria and hundreds of other small volcanoes lies the Catemaco Lake. According to some people Catemaco means “ casas quemadas ” (burnt houses) or “ catemaxcal ” temazcal house, (hot house) as it was originally situated deep in the tropical jungle.
The region has been subject to great deforestation in the past 40 years. During the 1980’s there was only 20% of the initial forest left. In this region, there are still more than 14 different types of vegetation, also jaguars and monkeys still inhabit the area; however, other species like the spider monkey and the tapir have now disappeared completely.
In 1998 the Reserva de la Biosfera de los Tuxtlas (nature reserve) was created, in order to face up to the process of deterioration affecting the area. The reserve measures 155 by 122 hectares, between its centre and the area of withering forest. With these changes Catemaco will continue to be a place to invigorate both body and soul.
A new achievement made in the land of the witches.
In the past few years various people from different communities have carried out a process of restoration here. These improvements include new crops that enjoy the shade of the trees, forest plantations and ecotourism. The four different communities offer different things: ecotourism that benefits the communities with hospitality from the inhabitants in these four diverse places; jungles and cloud forests, rivers and waterfalls in López Mateos and Miguel Hidalgo; the Catemaco lake and the archaeological site of Las Margaritas and the mysterious swamp and the sea at Sontecomapan.
We have united these four areas in order to develop ecotourism in our region as a way of conserving our land and way of life, while generating revenue. In our towns wildlife we feared had been lost forever, is once again flourishing. The Tuxtlas also hold 40% of the bird life of Mexico ; there are more than 500 different species, many of which can be observed in our idyllic location.
Remember, your visit will contribute to the protection of our region and will improve the quality of life of its inhabitants.
Come visit, explore and enjoy!
Sontecomapan
In this community, full of magic and popular culture, a group of families have come together to offer an ecotourism service that respects all nature. Discover the mysterious and calm atmosphere of the swamps, surrounded by rivers and canals you can see several species of birds and crabs. Enjoy the region’s warm welcoming surroundings and go fishing in a small tropical forest situated near “la Poza de los Enanos ” (dwarf pool). Our lodge is the ideal place for relaxation and adventure, now that we are linked with “la Laguna Sontecomapan” by a canal that has recently been reopened and cleaned by the partners of the group. Later on you can enjoy the spectacular natural surroundings while feasting upon our traditional dishes, made up of fresh fish and seafood caught that same day.
The character of our region comes from the great diversity in wildlife however the threat of deforestation, for them, is a serious one. Your visit will support and strengthen our resources so that we can carry on protecting our way of life and improve its quality. Come visit us soon!
Lago el Apompal
The region of Miguel Hidalgo, before it became El Apompal, was affected by the expropriation of its land and in 1998 it was declared the Reserva de la Biosfera in order to stop this from happening. This is how the idea of ecotourism came about, as an alternative way of making money from the land.
In our land many adventures await you, like forest walks where you can see unique plants like the “ chocho ” a plant used to make seasonal stews. At the end of one of the trails the breeze of the “Cola de Caballo ” (horse’s tail) waterfall can be felt, this is the highest waterfall of the “ Municipio de Catemaco” and it offers a refreshing welcome.
Walking through coffee plants and flowers you will arrive at a volcanic lake on top of a small hill. Here we shall sit around the campfire and tell you fantastic stories about our region. As well as all this, you will see the community’s nature projects at work, such as the beautiful flower garden kept by women in the community and the farming of lovely trout, which you too can fish for.
We are waiting for you!
Las Margaritas
Here you can find the only archaeological site from the classical period situated around the Catemaco Lake . This site is best appreciated after a walk to the mouth of the “La Margarita” (daisy) river, where the guides will show you the vegetation that grows here, such as pepper, cinnamon and a great variety of other plants. After this walk we shall climb up to a large plateau lined with carved stones; this sight will truly transport you on a journey back in time. In our community you can enjoy diverse surroundings, like the lake, with its communal use by fishermen, trips by kayak and canoe to explore the lake and encounter new stone carvings. After travelling through the forest you will arrive at the hill of the Tres Cruces (three crosses) where a splendid panoramic view will take your breath away and if you are lucky you will see monkeys swinging from the tree branches. There is also a marvellous place to visit called La Cueva de los Murcielagos (bat cave) a habitat of these fascinating nocturnal animals. Our community of friendly people, our culinary delights and our natural surroundings are all waiting for you!
Selva del Marinero
In Lopez Mateos your farmer guides will take you into the exotic jungle, where you will observe many varieties of plants and wildlife, like the toucan. Here you can taste the refreshing clear water from rivers and pools and walk through the jungle until you reach the cloud forests. You can camp out in the jungle overnight on the Marinero hill. Here Don Casimiro will tell you regional stories. You stay in the community and you can visit the house of one of the farmers to try typical local dishes. The other activities we offer are bird watching, visits to a waterfall where guides will show you various experiments made with the plants that grow there and a trip to the mysterious bat cave, passing by the Coxcoapan river for a refreshing dip. To discover all this and much more, come visit us!
