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| One of the many wonderful ways to enjoy Catemaco is to venture on a lancha (boat) from Sontecomapan to La Barra. A short drive (12 miles) or pirata taxi (10 pesos) from Catemaco lands you at the Sontecomapan embarcadero (dock), where you can catch a colectivo boat to La Barra for 50 pesos roundtrip. Leaving the Embarcadero through a mangrove channel, the wide bay beckons with sights of numerous seabirds, shore villas and fresh sea breezes. Once at La Barra, beach comb the inviting beaches, grab some seafood and take a dip in the usually languid waters. Careful, though!, there are no lifeguards and occasionally rip currents idle along the shore. The taxi is also the only way to reach the mini eco resort of Los Amigos across from La Barra. |
| The Water Taxi Laguna Sontecomapan, Catemaco |
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| accesso and costs |
| Access is via a poorly maintained, paved highway leaving from north Catemaco to Sontecomapan. The embarcadero (boat docks) are almost at the end of the village. 11 miles, about 30 minutes. Piratas (pickups used as taxis), and standard communal taxis have frequent departures from the north end of Catemaco. 10 pesos, about 40 minutes. A regular cab should cost about 80 pesos. The boat trip in a communal water taxi costs 25 pesos per person, one way and is available frequently throughout the day. Private boat charters are also available for 350 pesos, including a one hour wait in La Barra. |
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