Instigated by university researchers and initially supported by both Mexican government and NGO
funds, several communities on the Sierra Santa Marta side of Laguna Catemaco began ecotouristic
projects in the late 1990's.
These villages offers excellent ways to enjoy rain forest biodiversity, birdwatching, waterfalls,
hiking, swimming or canoeing; as well as an opportunity to learn about Mexican community life,
local history, plant uses and recipes, and an interesting perspective on the role communities can
play in conservation. (from one of their prospectuses).
Accommodations and trails are rustic. Knowledgable guides are available. Expect to hear only
Spanish and don´t expect catering to special needs.
The services offered at present are geared towards groups with communal accommodations and
kitchens. Individuals are welcome but will need to employ a guide to trek through the surrounding
forest which is inherently private property.
Numerous private entrepreneurs have now jumped on the "ecotourism" steamroller providing third
class accommodations at second class prices.
funds, several communities on the Sierra Santa Marta side of Laguna Catemaco began ecotouristic
projects in the late 1990's.
These villages offers excellent ways to enjoy rain forest biodiversity, birdwatching, waterfalls,
hiking, swimming or canoeing; as well as an opportunity to learn about Mexican community life,
local history, plant uses and recipes, and an interesting perspective on the role communities can
play in conservation. (from one of their prospectuses).
Accommodations and trails are rustic. Knowledgable guides are available. Expect to hear only
Spanish and don´t expect catering to special needs.
The services offered at present are geared towards groups with communal accommodations and
kitchens. Individuals are welcome but will need to employ a guide to trek through the surrounding
forest which is inherently private property.
Numerous private entrepreneurs have now jumped on the "ecotourism" steamroller providing third
class accommodations at second class prices.
| El Ampopal, Miguel Hidalgo in the foothills of El Bastonal, Sierra Santa Marta Several nearby waterfalls and a pretty lake will tempt you to stay in communal cabins. |
Selva del Marinero, Adolfo Lopez Mateos On the shores of the Rio Coxcoapan and the slopes of Sailor's mountain at the northern edge of the Sierra Santa Marta Catemaco's first ecotouristic community invites you to its nature trails, a bat cave, waterfall and rivers. |
| Las Margaritas at the edge of Laguna Catemaco and Rio Margarita A small archaeological zone, bast caves and jungle trails await visitors after rowboat excursions along the shores and the delta of the rio. |
| Cabanas of Sontecomapan on the shore of Laguna Sontecomapan Communal cabins allow a prolonged stay to explore the endangered mangroves and wildlife of the Laguna by canoe. |
| Los Clarines, Ruiz Cortines on the slopes of Volcano San Martin Tuxtla One of the coolest spots in Los Tuxtlas, at 1000 meters altitude offers guided tours to the top of the volcano. |
| Playa Peña Hermosa on the Gulf of Mexico at the foot of volcano San Martin Pajapan An over sized eco-touristic facility invites turtle watchers and beach combers primarily from southern Veracruz. |
| Los Organos in the foothills of Volcano San Martin above Playa Hermosa This dormitory offers a waterfall, birdwatching and nature trails. Website |
| Low income hotels erected in ejidos sprouted in various communities Eco-slum in Revolucíon, Compound in Montepio, etc. |
| Private ecotouristic ventures all around Los Tuxtlas see hotels Los Amigos across from La Barra, Rancho Bahia Escondida at Laguna Catemaco, Ecobiosfera in the hills between the major lagunas, Yambigapan near Laguna Encantada, Cabins of El Real on Laguna Sontecomapan, etc. |
| Arroyo de Lisa - Costa de Oro on the Gulf of Mexico at the foot of Volcano San Martin Tuxtla Several formerly isolated beach communities are now experiencing an "eco" boom with numerous low budget facilities. |
Community based Ecotourism
usually controlled by a group but mostly owned by the community
usually controlled by a group but mostly owned by the community
Privately owned Ecotourism
Often created by a group, but mostly by single for profit owners
Often created by a group, but mostly by single for profit owners
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Ecotourism around Catemaco
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