| Isla Tepetapan Catemaco, Veracruz |
| One of the unknown marvels of Catemaco, Veracruz is an almost unknown river island within the Rio Grande de Catemaco, located below the sluice gates damming the river just north of Catemaco City. Approximately 240 meters long and a maximum of 40 meters wide, the island is inaccessible, except by wading across the river when the water is still. Composed of primarily volcanic rock, the borders of the island are heavily forested, while the center seems to be in use as a cow pasture. The maximum elevation is about 5 meters above the surrounding river during the dry season. |
| The end of the island near the Tepetapan hotel. A shallow river crossing is possible here. |
| A limited view of the island from the Rio Grande river walk in Tepetapan |
| A view of the beginning of the island from the sluice gate near the bridge |
| The waters on the sides of the island can get rough. |
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| River islands are national Mexican property, and to occupy one, a concession must be obtained. I have no idea if someone actually claims to either own the island or have a concession to it. Catemaco City is desperately short of a nearby natural environment that would attract both locals and tourists. The island could easily be converted into a nature preserve. Access could be via a hanging bridge. A few deer could be stocked, some wild pigs exhibited, an aviary or butterfly zoo could be installed. With little investment, the island would be sure to attract both local inhabitants and also tourists who have no other nearby place of nature within walking distance to enjoy. |
| Trail along the north side of the island |
| opinion |
| links |
| Rio Grande de Catemaco Dams of Catemaco Rio Grande slideshow |
| Access is in Colonia Tepetapan, on the west side of Catemaco, across the carretera (Mex 180). A trail leads along the river until below the Hotel Tepetapan, where it is possible to wade across the river to the island. The entrance unfortunately is encumbered by the remnant of a septic system near the trail head, which still leaks, and may still. There is no access from the opposite site (Canseco) unless you are a mountain goat. |
