The tropical city of (Ka-tay-mah-ko) is located 100 miles south of the city of Veracruz off of Highway 180 and adjacent to Lake Catemaco. Catemaco started out as a small fishing village and now has grown to about 24,000 people.

If you read the travel books, you will hear all about the Brujos (witches) of Catemaco. Yes they are here, but unless you really go looking for them, you probably won't see any. Catemaco is more known as a vacation destination for Mexican folks who like to bring their family and friends to “the lake.” Right now, you will not see many foreign tourists. That's a good thing if you don't like the crowds.

is huge with 32 miles of shoreline. It is round in shape and is about 7 miles in diameter. You can find several islands in the lake with different kinds of monkeys living on them.  Surrounding the city is a chain of lush, green, cone-shaped volcanoes with the largest being San Martin Volcano. Don't worry, they have not been active for quite a few years.

The city has a typical town square (zocalo or centro) with a big Catholic church (Basilica del Carmen). It is a modern city with all the amenities such as internet service, up-to-date pharmacies, and a very modern medical hospital. However, Catemaco still has a small-town atmosphere with friendly people. Smile and they will smile back. You will find many moderately-priced hotels and small “mom & pop” restaurants. Did I mention that there are no franchises. Great news! You won't see a Holiday Inn, McDonald's, or Jiffy Lube.

Another great vacation benefit is that the city is only about 30 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. The mostly secluded beaches of the Gulf await you. What a deal for a vacation destination! You have a beautiful fresh water lake with hidden waterfalls in the surrounding jungle and the warm waters and secluded beaches of the Gulf of Mexico.  You have just found paradise!

The weather is hot in the summer, mild in the winter (70s - 80s), and somewhat rainy in the fall. However, anytime is a good time to visit this tropical hide-a-way.
A stress-free adventure awaits you.

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