Back Roads of Southern Veracruz Tour

Arrive to the port city of Veracruz and take an airport taxi to check in at our hotel in the city center. There will be many restaurants near our hotel. We’ll sleep 1 night in the city. 

This morning we’ll meet and have breakfast with our host guide. He will give us an orientation about what to expect in the coming days and answer any of our questions.

Then it will be time for us to check out and travel several hours south to a region called, Costa de Oro. It is located along the Gulf of México in rural southern Veracruz.

Along the way, we’ll stop in the riverside town of Alvarado to explore their local fish market. Our guide will introduce us to the local fishermen as they show us the many kinds of ocean and river fish which were freshly caught that morning.

Continuing south, we will arrive at the tiny rural seaside village called Arroyo de Lisa. It is there we can kick off our shoes and enjoy a barefoot lunch in the sand at a palapa-style outdoor beach restaurant with the shimmering Gulf of México waters as our backdrop. Of course, seafood will be the specialty. There will be other selections as well. 

Later, we’ll hop on a local boat only steps from our table to view this tropical paradise from the sea. During the ride, we’ll be able to view magnificent rocky cliffs and a huge sea cave once used by pirates. In the distance we’ll marvel at the low green rolling hills. It is then that we can be able to understand why Steven Spielberg considered using this backdrop for his Jurassic Park movies.

We will stay at a small family-run hotel for the next 2 nights near the ocean.   (B,L,D)

FYI – Cell and internet service is not always the greatest here. 

After breakfast, we’ll drive down some small rural roads to view a couple hidden waterfalls. There are clear refreshing pools below these falls which give us the opportunity to jump in. On a nice warm tropical day, the cool water will feel great!

Later we’ll head over to another beach where we may encounter local families and small groups of seniors enjoying the day. The Gulf of México water will be warm and inviting for a swim. We will have lunch there right on the beach at one of the rustic palapa restaurants and have the afternoon to just relax by the sea. 

Overnight at the same hotel.  (B,L,D)

After breakfast, we’ll check out and drive through the dense tropical rain forest where at times, you may be able to actually smell the highly oxygenated air created from the immense amount of plant life and trees.

Our first stop will be at a small town located next to a large lake which empties into the Gulf of México. There we’ll head out in a small boat which will take us to see the gnarled mangrove trees found in the backwaters of this lake. Be on the lookout to view all the tropical birds. If we’re lucky, we might see a flock of colorful parrots flying overhead.

Later, we’ll continue our drive through the rural countryside to another bigger town called Catemaco. This town is nestled next to the 4th largest freshwater lake in all of México. After checking into a small local hotel, our guide will lead us on a walking tour of this lakeside town.

We’ll sleep 3 nights in Catemaco.  (B,L,D)

The day of exploration begins after a leisurely breakfast with a scenic drive around this massive lake with stops along the way to view interesting sites.

Finally, we will arrive at a small village to meet our local “jungle guide.” He will lead us on a tour of the tropical rainforest pointing out certain plants and trees to inform us of their medicinal benefits to people. Our host guide will translate because this local rain forest guide only speaks Spanish.

During our 2-3 hour hike, we’ll have the option of wading and swimming in a clear cool pool found below one of the waterfalls we’ll pass along the way.

After returning from the hike, we are invited to the home of either our local guide or one of the other villagers for a homemade lunch. Please note that the homes in this village are simple structures with dirt floors, chickens running around, and a woodburning stove. Nothing fancy.

After lunch, it will be time to head back to Catemaco and our hotel. Dinner will be on our own this evening.

Overnight in Catemaco.  (B,L)

This morning it will be time to go on a leisurely boat ride to view this tropical area from Lake Catemaco. A highlight will be to look for spider and howler monkeys which live on islands in the lake.

At one point in the boat ride, we will stop to visit a shaman who will perform a traditional spiritual cleansing on each person.

After lunch, we’ll go on a horse trail ride up into the low green tropical hills which surround the lake.

Sleep in Catemaco.   (B,L)

After breakfast, we’ll check out and visit a cigar company. Here we will see how the tobacco leaves are cut and hand-rolled. 

Then we’ll head over to view the waterfall Mel Gibson used in the final scenes of his movie, Apocalypto. We call it, the Niagara Falls of Veracruz. We’ll have a ringside view of the falls as we enjoy our lunch at an outdoor restaurant.

We will make one more stop before returning to the city of Veracruz to view one of the original giant Olmec Stone Heads which is showcased in a town square not far from where it was discovered.

Continuing on, we’ll check into our hotel in the city of Veracruz.

To conclude our journey, we’ll all meet-up one last time for a farewell dinner to celebrate our memorable tour.  (B,L,D)

Our tour officially ends after breakfast.  (B) 

Buen Viaje!