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Mexican protected nature area
Photo: original author Frida27Ponce, retouched by Peter Hanula, originally uploaded by User:Madman2001, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve is a protected natural area along the Gulf of Mexico coast in Veracruz, Mexico. The reserve protects areas of coastal mangrove swamp but is best known for its tropical forest ecosystem on the slopes of seven volcanoes within the park. The mountainous area includes highland lakes that are a winter haven for migratory ducks and geese.
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Large lake where boat tours are available. Popular among birdwatchers who come to see all the ducks, geese, and other waterfowl who migrate to Mexico where they can enjoy warm weather and zesty food. Migratory birds usually arrive around November and leave around April.
The winding mangrove swamps of Laguna de Sontecomapan offer a birdwatcher the opportunity to spot many aquatic bird species as well as parrots, toucans, and crocodiles. The village of Sontecomapan lies along a paved road from Catemaco and kayaks and tour guides offering boat tours can be hired there. The mouth of the lagoon, where it drains into the Gulf of Mexico is called La Barra. Mixtos (shared truck transportation) from Catemaco go to both locations. Laguna de Sontecomapan is a Ramsar wetland covering an area of almost 9,000 hectares.
Eypipantla Falls
An impressive 50-meter high waterfall with a pool at its base that is suitable for swimming.
Isla de Monos
Island in Lake Catemaco populated by various types of new world primates, including mantled howler monkeys and spider monkeys.
Cueva de los Murcielagos
An island in Lake Catemaco has a cave where millions of bats live. Boat tours from the town of Catemaco will take you right up to the mouth of the cave (so wear a hat). Each evening at dusk, clouds of bats emerge to dine on the area's tasty of smorgasbord of mosquitos. (A second "Bat Cave" is in a mountain between Catemaco and the Gulf shore).
This rocky point of land juts into the Gulf of Mexico. Volcanic slopes end at high basalt cliffs with columnar formations and a series of natural caves carved over millennia by the constant force of wind and ocean waves. The most famous cave on the point is called Lorencillo's Pirate Cave (Cueva de Pirata Lorencillo). Local lore says that the 17th century Dutch pirate, Laurent de Graff, used the cave to hide his stolen wealth from plundering the wealthy port of Veracruz. The cave is at the waterline and can be entered in a kayak when the tide allows.
Twin Falls
Twin 10 meter high falls set in a lush jungle landscape. Locals often dive from the cliff tops, but before doing it, check where others dive and verify depths to avoid a broken neck. The pool at the base of the falls is clear and smooth and suitable for swimming.
Beach village with several small hotels. Accessible by mixto from Catemaco
One of the most hiked volcano in the reserve, it rises to a height of 1,650 meters. Hiking trails to the summit crater ascend through dense cloud forests where trails can be slippery. The trails are somewhat difficult and require good physical conditioning. The volcano is an active shield volcano that last erupted in 1793.
The reserve's second highest peak rises to an elevation of 1,660 meters. A 9-km hike to the summit will take about 9 hours. It is a rugged, steep trail that is physically demanding but offers a chance to see virgin rain forest and a wide assortment of tropical birds.
This is an 1,160 meter high extinct volcano in the southern part of the reserve, near the Gulf of Mexico coast. The hike to the summit is moderately difficult and is shorter than the hikes to the top of other nearby volcanoes.
The 800-meter high summit of the extinct volcano has scenic overlooks with panoramic vistas of the town of Santiago Tuxtla below.
Cabins for rent on a hill overlooking Lake Catemaco. Spa services available. Tour services into the reserve can be arranged. On-site restaurant serves a good breakfast. Free kayaks available. Glamping also available.
Rooms available in a lake house (Casa del Lago) where tours can be arranged including visits to fields where heritage varieties of red corn are said to have been grown for over 8,000 years.
Tent camping sites near the village of Tebanca.
The nearest city with commercial airline flights is in Veracruz, about 3-1/2 hours north by car or bus.
Read in the guideYou'll probably end up doing a lot of hiking into the jungles, but it's a big reserve and walking long distances in sweltering weather gets tired fast.
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Cosoleacaque · Regional · MTT
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