ATMEX Blends Culture, Adventure, and Nature

Mexico’s first adventure expo, ATMEX (Adventure Travel Mexico), which highlighted adventure tourism was held at The World Trade Center in the town of Boca del Rio, Veracruz.  The seaside expo had more than 30 exhibitors from 17 Mexican states showcasing various adventure activities throughout the country.   Veracruz has an abundance of natural wealth and biodiversity making it a perfect location for ATMEX.  

Everything was lush and green near Mexico Verde

Prior to attending the ATMEX expo, we had an opportunity to experience some of Mexico’s breathtaking geography, natural treasures, and culture.   Ancient ruins, rich historical museums, whitewater rafting, zip lining, mountain biking, hiking, and bird watching are a few of the activities we had a chance to experience. Travelers can also enjoy scuba diving, canyoning, abseiling, and kayaking. In need of an adrenaline rush, then you can try paragliding or mountaineering in the vertigo of high peaks. 

Whether you simply want to unplug and reconnect with nature or you’re in need of an adrenaline rush, Veracruz can meet every passion.

Mystical Forest

Places like the Cofre de Perote National Park, ideal for challenging mountaineering enthusiasts, promises all sorts of adventures. Located 31 miles (50 km) from the state capital, Xalapa, is actually a volcano whose peak is among one of the ten highest in Mexico. It was declared a national park in 1937 and is currently one of the most popular, among campers and hikers.

Also, the Pico de Orizaba is perfect for those who enjoy medium to high difficulty mountaineering. Located on the border with the state of Puebla, it is the highest volcano in Mexico. There are walking paths that climb to the summit. Guide service and climbing equipment are available to rent.

Another adventure travel jewel is the underwater world off the coast of Veracruz. The state’s coastline is 463 miles (745 km), which is located in the Veracruz Reef System along with Lobos Islands, which has over 25 reefs with a diversity of species and seascapes. Veracruz’s coast is ideal for diving, snorkeling, and sailing.

The challenge of rafting Veracruz

The rapids are a class 3 or 4 on some parts of the river. There are many experienced guides in the area.

Veracruz has some of the best rivers for rafting, which is a result of melting from the Pico de Orizaba, and flows into the Gulf of Mexico. River Basin and the Old Fish River, located 45 minutes from the capital in the town of Jalcomulco, has 17 rapids, with ratings up to 3 and 4 (the maximum is 6), depending on the level of its waters. Area tour operators offer packages that include lodging and guide services.  We stayed at Mexico Verde a luxury tented camp which is perfect for communing with nature with the luxuries of home. 

Another of the rivers which is ideal for this sport is to Filobobos, located in Bridge Edge, in the municipality of Tlapacoyan. There are three paths framed by wild tropical jungle foliage: Section High Filo stuck with natural pits, Section Blade, which has an area of fossils embedded n limestone, and Tranche El Encanto-Palmilla, begins with the waterfall, The House, and also has a barrel a 656 feet  (200 meters) long and 13 feet (4 meters) wide.

Every morning at 6:00am, coffee was served on the porch.

The more experienced adventurer can test their skills in the river currents of Barranca Grande, located at the top section of the Fish River. It is narrow and its descent crosses the Blue Canyon, surrounded by walls covered with tropical vegetation. It is famous for the section known as El Escondido, one of the most challenging rapids, which are hidden behind rocks.

Los Tuxtlas, the paradise that every adventure needs

Located between the Gulf of Mexico and the marshes formed by the rivers Coatzacoalcos and Papaloapan, the region of Sierra de Los Tuxtlas offers visitors an opportunity to combine adventure, nature and beachside fun in the sun.

Many of the tents at Mexico Verde have either twin or king sized beds and many have their own bathrooms

This area is perpetually green and is the Biosphere Reserve of Los Tuxtlas. Its flora, composed of hundreds of tropical flowers and medicinal plants, captivates the senses, while the fauna tempt lovers of bird watching.

This paradise offers endless beauty and is divided into nine municipalities. These include the Nanciyaga private ecological reserve, the scene of several international films, the colonial cities of San Andres Tuxtla and Santiago, and the mysterious Lake Catemaco and Roca Partida region where you can practice rappelling.

Other activities that can be done in this natural setting are visiting the various plantations in the region plus you can visit sanctuaries that help endangered species like the howler monkey.

Tips

Kayaking on Lake Catemaco is a perfect way to commune with nature

• When mountaineering, the use of wet suits or long leggings are highly recommended especially in wet canyons.

• Respect the environment and refrain from making unnecessary noise during the excursions. 

• Show respect to the culture, rituals, and beliefs even if it feels different or strange. 

Did you know?

1. Veracruz is the first state of the Republic to develop a guidebook for divers.
2. Catemaco-The name means “place of the burned houses,” referring to the eruption of St. Martin in Los Tuxtlas.
3. The Veracruz’s own,  Fatima Angel Palacios, is  the first Latin American woman to reach the North Pole in 2009.

Plan your trip

Want to plan a trip to Mexico?  Feel free to contact us at Cooney World Adventures and we will be glad to help you plan your Mexican adventure getaway.

Lake Catemaco at dawn