Catemaco & Los Tuxtlas Tour: Olmec Head, Waterfall, Boat

The largest Olmec head in the region, a waterfall, and a boat ride through island wildlife

A 12-hour day tour from Veracruz to Catemaco and Los Tuxtlas with hotel pickup, visiting Santiago Tuxtla's monumental Olmec sculpture, Salto de Eyipantla waterfall in San Andres Tuxtla, and a boat trip on Catemaco Lake to see monkey island and bird island. The guide speaks Spanish and the tour runs daily from 8am to 8pm.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Catemaco and Los Tuxtlas highlights

• Visit Santiago Tuxtla town center
• See largest Olmec head in south Veracruz
• Visit Salto de Eyipantla waterfall
• Boat tour on Catemaco Lake
• See monkey island and bird island

The Experience

The tour starts with pickup at your hotel at 8am and heads south into Los Tuxtlas. First stop is Santiago Tuxtla, where you see the largest Olmec head found in the region: a stone monument carved centuries ago that sits in the town center. From there the route moves to San Andres Tuxtla and Salto de Eyipantla, a waterfall you'll visit before heading to Catemaco itself.

The centerpiece is a boat trip on Catemaco Lake. You'll travel across the water to reach monkey island and bird island, where the guide explains the history and ecology of each site. The lake sits in a volcanic crater surrounded by dense forest, and the boat gives you access to wildlife and views you can't reach from shore. After the lake, there's time in the town center of Catemaco before the return to Veracruz, arriving around 8pm.

Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sunblock and a hat. The day is long and much of it is outdoors. Bring extra cash if you want to buy food or souvenirs along the way. The tour suits all fitness levels and runs every day of the week.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup at 8am.
• visit to Santiago Tuxtla and the region's largest Olmec head.
• Salto de Eyipantla waterfall in San Andres Tuxtla.
• boat trip on Catemaco Lake to monkey island and bird island.
• time in Catemaco town center.
• Spanish-speaking guide throughout.
• return to your hotel around 8pm.

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Tranvias Veracruz

Is this one for you?The tour picks you up at your hotel, so you don't need a car or have to arrange transport to Los Tuxtlas. It's a full day of driving and stops handled for you, leaving you free to focus on the Olmec sculpture, the waterfall, and the lake wildlife.

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Top questions

What is the largest Olmec head at Santiago Tuxtla?

Santiago Tuxtla's Olmec head is the largest one found in the region. It's an ancient stone sculpture in the town center, and the tour includes a visit to see it as the first major stop after leaving Veracruz.

Do I need my own transportation to get to the tour?

No, the tour includes hotel pickup at 8am from your accommodation in Veracruz or Boca del Rio, so you don't need a car or arrange your own transport to the starting point.

What happens on the boat trip on Catemaco Lake?

The boat takes you across Catemaco Lake to monkey island and bird island, where you see wildlife and learn about the history and ecology of each site from the guide. The lake is in a volcanic crater surrounded by forest.

How long is the full day, and what time does it end?

The tour runs 12 hours total, departing at 8am and returning around 8pm. It includes all the stops (Santiago Tuxtla, the waterfall, the boat trip, and time in Catemaco town) before heading back to Veracruz.

What should I bring for this tour?

Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunblock, and a hat or cap. You'll be outdoors most of the day. Bring extra cash if you want to buy food or souvenirs at any of the stops.