There is a place near Poza Rica, next to the Cazones bar, that few people have visited. Shrouded in mystery and surrounded by nature, it is said to be the setting for tales of pirates. It is believed that gold was buried there. That place is the islet known as El Farallón.
What is El Farallón?
El Farallón is a massive rock formation that rises alongside the Cazones River in the state of Veracruz. Its size and shape make it stand out in the landscape, making it one of those natural spots that catch your eye from afar.
This place isn’t a crowded tourist park. On the contrary, it’s a peaceful spot, ideal for those seeking something different: real nature.
A unique landscape
The combination of rock, water, and vegetation creates a beautiful setting. It’s perfect for taking photos or simply sitting back and enjoying the view. It’s lush with vegetation, and its only inhabitants are birds, iguanas, and snakes.
History and Mystery
It is said that this place served as a hideout for pirates many years ago. After attacking Spanish galleons, they would flee to land to hide their loot. This adds a special touch to the Farallón and makes the visit even more interesting. There are also rumors among the locals that there was gold buried there, but that outsiders took it all.
Other legends say that there are still goblins who throw stones at anyone passing by to protect it.
Locals believe that the Farallón acts as a protector of the Cazones sandbar when it rains and the river rises, preventing the water from reaching the sandbar. Today, it’s almost impossible to climb the Farallón, but it can be clearly seen from the river.




How do I get there?
El Farallón is located 32 km from Poza Rica, so you can visit it and return to Poza Rica. You need to go to the Cazones pier. There you’ll find some boats that take people across the river to the beach. On those boats, you can ask for “Don José,” and he’ll take you on a tour along the Cazones River to see the lighthouse and the wall upstream. It’s a short trip, so you can also visit one of the beaches in the area on the same day.
Don José and his family are among the few families in Cazones who still provide these services and ferry people across the river. They’ve been working at the Cazones bar for over 60 years; for them, it’s a family tradition.
Don’t miss out on the chance to meet him
If you plan to explore this place at your own pace, staying at the Hotel Poza Rica Centro is an excellent choice. You’ll be close to several attractions and will be able to better plan your visit.
El Farallón isn’t a well-known destination, and perhaps that’s why it’s so special. It’s a simple place, yet full of nature, history, and tranquility. Now that you know what’s there… the real question is: when are you going to discover it?