Catemaco serves as a gateway to the Reserva de la Biosfera Los Tuxtlas: you can take a bus to the town and from there reach various points in the protected area by rural taxi. For planning, it is worth treating stays in town and excursions into the Reserva as separate priorities.

Natural setting and getting around

Ecotourism projects within the Reserva offer hiking trails, cabins, restaurants, and camping areas. These options are tied to the respective projects. If you are planning a particular activity or type of accommodation, check which project offers it.

Laguna Catemaco is located in the Municipio Catemaco. It is 11 km wide and 8 km long, and is surrounded by lush vegetation. Tanaxpillo, also known as Isla de los Monos, is located in the lagoon. A historical account dates the macaque colony to 1979; it describes the animals as able to swim.

Museum, cuisine, and crafts

The Museo y Centro Ceremonial El Ahijado displays 298 archaeological objects from the Nahua, Popoluca, and Zoque-Popoluca cultures in 25 display cases. The collection also includes archaeological objects from the region, as well as esoteric works from the Catemaco area. The museum offers workshops and courses for children, young people, and adults, guided tours, and art competitions. If you would like to take part in one of these programs, check the current dates in advance.

Carne de chango is a pork dish associated with Catemaco. Traditional crafts are also rooted in the Municipio Catemaco: jaranas are carved from a single piece of wood. Jewelry is made with decorations from snail and seashells; decorative items are made from coconut shells and sand from lakeshores.

Visitor programs and dates

Visitor programs offered in Catemaco include a visit to the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Carmen and a tour of the lagoon and the Reserva Ecológica de Nanciyaga. Check in advance whether the lagoon tour is offered on your travel dates.

At the Sontecomapan location in the Municipio Catemaco, Ecoturismo los Manglares de Sontecomapan offers birdwatching and interpretive walks. This locality adds activities focused on nature observation and hiking to the options available in the Municipio.

The Feria de La Candelaria is celebrated in the Municipio Catemaco on February 2. To honor Señora del Carmen, an image of the Virgin is taken by boat across the lagoon to Isla de Agaltepec. On the first Friday in March, the “El día del brujo” tradition is observed in the Municipio Catemaco: boats carrying burning torches cross the lake toward Cerro del Mono Blanco, where a ritual takes place. If you would like to plan a trip specifically around one of these dates, ask in advance about the current program and possible opportunities to visit.

Discover more destinations: Tamiahua, Cosoleacaque, Papaloapan, San Andrés Tuxtla, Córdoba, Antón Lizardo, Misantla, Cuautlapan.

For the main travel overview: Veracruz.