Major city · Mexico
Catemaco
Go for 2 nights: one full day for a lake boat and the Eyipantla waterfall, one for the jungle reserve or a Gulf beach. Skip as a day trip from Veracruz.
Catemaco is a small lake town in southern Veracruz, known for its witches, its boat tours on Laguna de Catemaco and the rainforest and Gulf coast around it. It sits on Highway 180 between Veracruz and Coatzacoalcos. Two nights covers the lake, the Salto de Eyipantla waterfall and one nature reserve; three nights adds a beach or Sontecomapan lagoon day.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- MXN
- Best months
- Nov–Apr (dry season)
- avoid Sep–Oct (rain and storm risk), Easter week and the first Friday in March if you want a quiet town
- Airports
- VER · MEX
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Mexico ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM) or your nearest Mexican consulate; keep proof of your entry (stamp or digital record) until you leave.
- Mexico ↗Security advice differs by state: some governments advise against travel to parts of several states. Check your own government's advice for each region on your route.
- Mexico ↗Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and ice from reliable places.
- Mexico ↗Foreign visitors to Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Holbox) pay the state VISITAX online at visitax.gob.mx only; lookalike sites add fees.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Catemaco911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Catemaco, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Mexican peso (MXN, $).Mexico-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelcel has the widest coverage; AT&T and Movistar are cheaper in cities.Mexico-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; garrafón (20-litre jugs) and filtered water in hotels.Mexico-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurants: 10–15%; check the bill for an included 'servicio'.Mexico-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 127 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Mexico-wide
- SafetyCatemaco is a small town and the main risks are practical: slick waterfall steps, unlicensed boat operators, cash shortages and rainy-season storms.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPut paper in the bin, not the toilet, in most places; public toilets charge MXN 5–10 (≈ under US$1).Mexico-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 078 Tourist assistance (SECTUR) · 078 Green Angels roadside help
- Sundays & holidaysMost museums and many archaeological sites close on Mondays; banks close on public holidays.Mexico-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportVER Veracruz (General Heriberto Jara) (About 3–3.5 h by car or ADO bus to Catemaco).
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeM$25–50
- BeerM$30–60
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi in townAgree the fare first.M$30–80
- Budget bedHostel or budget hotel room, a night, per roomMX$400 (≈ US$25)
- Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomMX$1,400 (≈ US$80)
- High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomMX$2,500 (≈ US$140)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget MX$600 (≈ US$35) · Mid MX$1,200 (≈ US$65) · High MX$2,200 (≈ US$120)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- VER Veracruz (General Heriberto Jara) (About 3–3.5 h by car or ADO bus to Catemaco) · MEX Mexico City (Benito Juárez) (ADO overnight buses run to Mexico City TAPO; check current times)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Feb
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Mar
Care
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Apr
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
May
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jun
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jul
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Nov
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Dec
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Best: Apr, Nov–Feb. Mixed: Mar. Avoid: Sep–Oct. Month by month →
Warmest May (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C) low), wettest Sep (17 rain days), driest Apr (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Catemaco: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9 rd
Feb
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7 rd
Mar
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
6 rd
Apr
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
5 rd
May
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
7 rd
Jun
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
14 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
16 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
16 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
17 rd
Oct
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
13 rd
Nov
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10 rd
Dec
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is walkable. Taxis are numerous and cheap; agree the fare before you get in. Local buses and rural 'mixto' pickup taxis reach San Andrés Tuxtla, Sontecomapan and Montepio. A car helps for the waterfall and reserves.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Salto de Eyipantla
goDoor to door: About 30–45 min each way
Taxi from the centre, or two local buses
Big waterfall west of town; go in the morning and take the steps down.
Sontecomapan lagoon
goDoor to door: About 45–60 min
Rural taxi or mixto, then a lancha to La Barra
Mangroves and a boat out to the Gulf; bring cash for the boat.
Montepio beach
cautionDoor to door: About 45 min
Rural taxi or mixto
Gulf beach with no ATM, supermarket or internet: take what you need.
San Andrés Tuxtla
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Local bus or taxi
Working town with markets and banks; useful for ATMs.
Veracruz city
overnightDoor to door: About 3 h 45 min
ADO bus from the Malecon terminal
Too far for a day return; sleep there or in Catemaco, not both.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Zocalo and centre
Hotels around the main square; both bus stations are within walking distance. Best for a short stay without a car.
Malecon (lakefront)
Lake views and the boat docks; restaurants here mostly close around 19:00.Lake views and the boat docks; restaurants here mostly close around 7:00 PM.
Highway 180 edge of town
Larger hotels with pools and parking, about 1 km (0.6 mi) out; you need a taxi or car for everything.Larger hotels with pools and parking, about 0.6 mi (1 km) out; you need a taxi or car for everything.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- M$600–1,000 excl. bed
- Mid
- M$1,000–1,800 excl. bed
- High
- M$1,800+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range double room1 × 2 nights × MX$1,400 | MX$2,800 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × MX$1,200 | MX$4,800 |
| Lake boat tour, per person2 × MX$150 · check | MX$300 |
| Taxi to Salto de Eyipantla, one way1 × MX$200 · check | MX$200 |
| Rural taxi (mixto) short hop2 × MX$15 · check | MX$30 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × MX$250 | MX$500 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | MX$863 |
| Trip total≈ MX$2,373 per person per day, bed included | MX$9,493≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in pesos; long-distance buses and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Memela (large filled tortilla) | M$40–90 |
| Plate of local fish or seafood | M$120–250 |
| Beer | M$30–60 |
| Coffee | M$25–50 |
| Taxi in townAgree the fare first. | M$30–80 |
| Lake boat tourcheck; group and private rates differ | M$100–200 per person |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Lakefront restaurants mostly close around 19:00: eat early or head inland.
- Montepio beach has no supermarket, ATM or reliable internet: bring cash and water.
- Boat and tour prices are quoted per person or per boat: confirm which before you board.
- Rainy-season downpours and storm systems can close boat trips and the waterfall road: check locally on the day.
- Some ATMs in small towns run out of cash: withdraw in San Andrés Tuxtla or Veracruz.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Tourist assistance (SECTUR)
- 078
- Green Angels roadside help
- 078
Pocket card
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CatemacoCatemaco
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Tourist assistance078
Embassy
No embassies in Catemaco. Nearest consulates-general are in Veracruz city; most embassies are in Mexico City. US citizens can use the US Consular Agency in Veracruz (check current address and hours).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- ADO bus Catemaco → Veracruz: about M$500, 3 h 45 min (check)
- Rural taxi to Sontecomapan: about M$10–15 (check)
- Lancha Sontecomapan → La Barra: about M$40 each way (check)
Say or show
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAN-to KWES-ta)
- La lancha, por favor — The boat, please (la LAN-cha por fa-VOR)
- Dos personas — Two people (dos per-SO-nas)
- ¿Dónde está la terminal de autobuses? — Where is the bus station? (DON-de es-TA la ter-mi-NAL de ow-to-BU-ses)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (PWE-do pa-GAR kon tar-HE-ta)
- La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please (la KWEN-ta por fa-VOR)
Cash is king outside the centre; withdraw in San Andrés Tuxtla or Veracruz before you arrive.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Catemaco. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Apr (dry season) · avoid Sep–Oct (rain and storm risk), Easter week and the first Friday in March if you want a quiet town · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for VER: ADO times field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: zocalo, Malecon and boat docks, ADO terminal, Highway 180 hotels.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Eyipantla, Nanciyaga, Ecobiosfera, Sontecomapan) and eat pages with last orders.
- Rainy-season and storm fixtures so boat and waterfall days can go green.