ECOTOURISM
Veracruz?s geographic location and its
wonderful climate make it the ideal destination for ecotourism outings, as they
allow you to enjoy spectacular natural scenery and discover all kinds of
regional plant and animal species.
Nanciyaga. Located 166 km
(103 mi) south of Veracruz and 7 km (4 mi) east of Catemaco.
This 40-hectare (99-acre) ecological reserve has cabañas, restaurants and temascal steam baths. On the grounds you can observe
turtles and crocodiles, which are later reintroduced to nature.
Reserva Especial de la
Biosfera de Los Tuxtlas. Located
140 km (87 mi) south of Veracruz. This biosphere reserve?s
biodiversity makes it one of the most important natural areas in the country
and it?s the most extensive reserve in the state of Veracruz, with 155,000
hectares (382,850 acres). In the town of San Andreas Tuxtla,
tours are offered to explain the conservation efforts being made in the area.
They?ll also inform you how they are working to reintroduce endangered species
to nature, such as the jaguar.
Catemaco. Located 155 km
(96 mi) southwest of Veracruz (about two and a half hours away) along Highway 180,
in the direction of Alavardo.
This town lies on the shore of the Catemaco Lagoon.
Visitors can take boat rides across the lagoon to Tanaxpillo
or to the Isla de los Monos, famous for its howler monkey population, which has
inhabited the island for more than 30 years.
El Salto de Eyipantla.
Located 150 km (93 mi) southeast of Veracruz and 15 minutes from Catemaco, near the Grande de Catemaco
River. Surrounded by dense vegetation, this spectacular waterfall is 40 meters
(132 feet) wide and 50 meters (165 feet) high. The zone is also the habitat of
wild boar, deer, opossums and ocelots. In addition, you can spy a wide variety
of bird species, including eagles, wild doves and songbirds.
Sistema Arrecifal
Veracruzano. This reef
system extends from the port of Veracruz to Punta Anton Lizardo.
It consists of 17 reefs and is one of Mexico?s most important marine parks due
to its abundant coral formations. It?s also the habitat of diverse mollusks, as
well as numerous fish and crustaceans. The area covers 52,238 hectares (129,027
acres) and the waters are 40 meters (132 feet) deep, making it an ideal spot
for scuba diving.
