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.
 The Nanciyaga Reserve is 103 miles south of Veracruz and 4 miles 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.
La Reserva Especial de la Biosfera de Los Tuxtlas is 87 miles 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 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.
The town of Catemaco is 96 miles SW of Veracruz 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 is 93 miles SE of Veracruz and 15 minutes from Catemaco, near the Grande de Catemaco River. Surrounded by dense vegetation, this spectacular waterfall is 132 feet wide and 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.
The Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano 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 129,027 acres and the waters are 132 feet deep, making it an ideal spot for scuba diving. |
