Located not far from one of the largest lakes in Mexico is a tiny village in the state of Veracruz which was carved out of the surrounding jungle. Named after a former president of Mexico, the village of Benito Juárez is home to only a couple hundred people.
Getting there isn’t a breeze as the road winding around Lake Catemaco is often full of large and small potholes that can make the drive feel like navigating an obstacle course. With summer tropical rains, all these crevices are usually filled with water creating a “ride to remember.” Let’s just say it’s best to have a durable vehicle with high clearance to make this bumpy trip.
This tropical area in southern Veracruz is one of the northern-most regions in the western hemisphere where rain forests exist and are still intact. Known as the Los Tuxtlas Region, travelers can find a large lake, a fair sized lagoon, one big town (Catemaco), and many smaller villages. Hundreds of species of birds make their home in this tropical setting.
Near Benito Juarez, you’ll be guided on a 2-3 hour hike through the jungle by one of the local guides who live right in the village. They don’t speak English so if you are not a Spanish speaker, it will be necessary to secure a bilingual guide in advance.
What’s cool about this tour is how connected the local people are to the land. They’ll show you plants that are used for everything from healing cuts to relieving pain and digestive problems. It’s eye-opening to see how the jungle provides for the community and you’ll walk away with a new appreciation for the natural world.
Sometimes the tour even includes a stop at the guide’s home for lunch. Picture this: a simple house with dirt floors, a wood-burning stove, and a meal of freshly caught fish or a handmade thick tortilla with toppings called picaditas. It might not be fancy, but the food is wholesome and the experience of sitting down in a local home makes the trip even more memorable.
One of the highlights of the hike is discovering hidden waterfalls. The pools below the falls are crystal-clear and perfect for cooling off after a sweaty jungle trek. If you swim under the waterfall, it’s like getting a natural body massage from the cascading water. It’s the perfect spot to relax and recharge before heading back.
On this trek into the jungle be prepared for an adventure that’s raw, authentic, and truly immersive.
Want to get a better view of this Rainforest Tour? We documented a small group of young women from Europe who signed up for this tour. Click Here to view it.
We know the area and can help you arrange a small group tour leaving from the port city of Veracruz with a local English speaking guide. If you would like to experience this full day of adventure, just give us a holler.
