Lago El Apompal

Overview

Description

Of the countless natural attractions in the state of Veracruz, Los Tuxtlas Reserve stands out among them for its extraordinary biological diversity, beautiful landscapes, and the wide variety of ecosystems that range from cloud forests to jungles, volcanoes, mangroves and even gorgeous beaches that were pirate hideouts in the 17th century, all in a relatively small area.

The region is also famous as the site for several films such as Mel Gibson's "Apocalypse", "Medicine Man" with Sean Connery, and "La Sombra Verde," filmed at places like Roca Partida, the Eyipantla waterfall and Nanciyaga near the city of Catemaco.

Apompal Lake is another attraction in this extraordinary region and it belongs to the Community Ecotourism Network of Los Tuxtlas S.C.; there you will find a series of quality services to discover and the people will help you learn about their customs and traditional way of life.

Rooms

6 (each sleeps up to 4 people)

Making a Difference

Number of employees: 18

Percentage of local employees: 100%

Our business is contiguous with the Core Zone II of the Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve and ours was the first ecotourism project in the region, in 1997. We were nominated as Guardians of the Northern Gate of the Reserve. We are developing a concept or model incorporating a sense of cultural identity into natural resource conservation and sustainable development - we carry out consistent, concrete actions that can be appropriated according to needs and obligations.

The work methodology of the Community Ecotourism Network of Los Tuxtlas, of establishing a sustainable cultural and conservation identity, ensures consistency and permanence of the community enterprises and their conservation actions, expressed through their true identity.

In order to motivate new generations to appropriate the work, we are developing identity values in a three-pronged way, considering the space, the way, and the time in making adjustments to the culture. This identity should address the personal and family expectations of the partners of each community business and the local population, aimed at achieving stability in a decent quality of life.

This business is operated by a community group; the partners themselves are the employees and sometimes up to 10% of hirees are local people.

The goal of the Community Ecotourism Network of Los Tuxtlas, S.C. is to progress from an alternative project to the creation of a sustainable community enterprise model that is enduring and inheritable.

Rates

$51 – $75

Normally we sell packages that include a 3-day, 4-night itinerary, but special quotes can be provided in accord with your needs.

For more information about the rates and packages, write

Getting There

Nearest international airport: Mexico City (MEX) and Veracruz (VER)

Nearest local/national airport: Minatitlán (MTT)

The two nearest airports are both 3.5 hours away via federal highway 180 to the city of Catemaco; from there you travel approximately 16 miles (25 km) to the centers; around 5 miles (8 km) of these roads are gravel and a pick-up truck is recommended (four-wheel drive is not necessary).

You can travel alone or with a partner to our business.

Access to our site from Catemaco is somewhat costly since there is no public transport.

Additional Information

Handicapped (accompanied individuals only, not groups).

Additional Web sites

• www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6E-J2sfjrY (available in Spanish). Stories about ecotourism -- a video made by the EchoWay association in Mexico about rural communities that rely on ecotourism for their livelihood in a united, responsible, durable, equitable and alternative way. 2.47 minutes.

Date This Information Was Provided

August 2009.

Photos courtesy of Lago El Apompal, Mexico, for SustainableTrip.org.