Laguna Catemaco Lake

Address: Laguna Catemaco, near Catemaco city, Veracruz, Mexico

Admission: Free (boat tours and local guides charge fees)

Laguna Catemaco is a freshwater lake in Veracruz, Mexico, close to the town of Catemaco and within the Los Tuxtlas volcanic region. It is a focal point for local tourism and ecological interest in the surrounding rainforest and wetlands.

Boat excursions from the lakeshore visit islands and shoreline habitats, and the area is noted for birdlife and other wildlife typical of the coastal rainforest margin. Recreational activities include guided boat tours and nature observation rather than large-scale beach tourism.

The lake occupies a basin formed in a volcanic and coastal plain environment and has long been used by local communities for fishing and transport, with tourism developing around its natural attractions. Conservation and nature-tourism initiatives are active in the region.

It sits near the town of Catemaco in Veracruz, within the Los Tuxtlas protected landscapes, and is surrounded by low tropical rainforest and volcanic topography.

• Boat tours: Part of the Los Tuxtlas volcanic region and often accessed by boat tours from the town of Catemaco to visit islands and wildlife.

From the city of Veracruz or the town of Catemaco: regional buses and colectivos run to Catemaco (approx. 2-3 hours from Veracruz); short taxi or boat rides access the lake shores and tour operators.

• Take a boat tour to visit the islets and the small fishing villages - local guides can narrate history and point out wildlife.
• Try the local seafood in the town of Catemaco and ask about guided trips to see monkeys on islands.
• Bring a waterproof jacket; afternoons can be stormy and the lake is exposed to coastal weather swings.