Lake Catemaco

The Lake Catemaco area is a unique geological formation near the Gulf of Mexico in the Mexican state of Veracruz. The lake sits in a volcanic caldera or crater, and is the largest crater lake in the world. The weather is subtropical and temperate, its proximity to the sea providing fresh, cooling breezes year-round. Herbs used by traditional shamanic healers grow wild all over the area.

The Catemaco area is also socially unique, being a blend of the traditional Indian and later Spanish culture. There are many brujos or shamanic wizards in the area, and shamanic practices are often seen, even in the main Catholic Cathedral in Catemaco. Alternative health treatments, such as herbal healing, are common. It is also a tourist center, receiving visitors from all over the world. As a result, the social climate is liberal and open to diversity.

Ecological awareness is very high, thus for example, motorized boats are limited in size and number by government licensing. Fishing can only be done with a government permit, and then only in the old-fashioned way, by throwing a net. Organic farming is encouraged, and very widespread among the villagers around the lake. The lake water is drinkable in an emergency, but even the local creeks supply potable water with minimal filtration. The creeks run year-round, even in the summer dry season, providing plenty of water for irrigation.

Thus the lake area stays green all year round, and is a mecca for ecotourism. Our retreat center is located in an isolated area at the very end of the road from Catemaco town around the lake; so we benefit from the peace and quiet of this traditional rural village. The local cows supply abundant milk, and because of the mild climate crops grow year-round.