This lake is huge! Upwards of 6 miles in diameter with monkeys on islands, birds everywhere, and ringed by picture postcard lush green cone-shaped mountains, tropical Lake Catemaco (Ka-tay-mah-ko) will not be found on the radar of most travel agent’s portfolios ... at least not yet. When you gaze upon this vast expanse of water, one thing is very evident. You don't see very many private pleasure crafts, water skiers, or jet ski boats. Instead, you will find local fisherman in rowboats and small tour boats to take you on a lake cruise. For now, Lake Catemaco is still truly one of Mexico’s hidden paradises.

One foreigner who did find this place is actor/director, Mel Gibson. He liked this area so much that parts of his movie, Apocalypto was filmed there. The big waterfall scene toward the end of this action adventure film was shot only miles from the lake. In fact, that waterfall (called Salto de Eyipantla) is fed by Lake Catemaco.

Located in the southern part of the state of Veracruz (which is found on the eastern side of Mexico), Lake Catemaco is situated next to the city of Catemaco. This town of about 25,000 inhabitants is one hundred miles south of the port city of Veracruz . Once a fishing village, it is now slowly transforming into a starting point for exciting adventure trips into the local area called the Los Tuxtlas region. From lake cruises to jungle trek adventures to swimming in cool, crystal clear tropical pools below magnificent waterfalls, this area is one of the most northern regions of the world where tropical rain forests are still intact. Some travelers have found this area to be similar to what the country of Costa Rica has to offer - hundreds of species of tropical birds, plants, and wildlife.

Don't forget to "go native!" After a relaxing lake cruise, you can participate in an ancient Mesoamerican spiritual ritual. It’s called Temazcal or Temazcali. Special mud which is extracted from the mangrove swamps nearby is used to cover your body. It is allowed to dry and then basically you enter a primitive steam sauna (similar in shape to an Eskimo igloo) where the main ritual begins. Chanting, singing, and silence are all part of the experience. The ancient folks found that by doing this, it cleansed their mind, body and spirit. You can try it and see what it does for you. Plus, it’s fun to get totally covered in dry mud and then take pictures to show your friends back home. Afterwards, you wash off in the lake. Talk about getting back to nature!

Want more vacation for your buck? Less than 30 miles away you will find the warm tropical waters of the Gulf of Mexico with all its largely uninhabited sand beaches. Who needs a crowded Cancun? Why not have a tropical beach and ocean practically all to yourself?

The town of Catemaco has many inexpensive hotels and restaurants to choose from. Remember, you won't find any franchised establishments here. All you will find is a true Mexican experience. Before all the tourists discover this place and before travel agents start booking the masses, you may want to come now and experience the uncrowded, pristine tropics of southern Veracruz, Mexico. Lake Catemaco and the surrounding region is a paradise waiting to be discovered.