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.

The Ninín Festival: A Celebration of Life and Death

The Ninín Festival is a celebration that combines pre-Hispanic and Catholic elements, held in Papantla during the first days of November. “Ninín” in Totonac, the indigenous language of the region, means “those who have not died” in the sense that they are still remembered and every year they are celebrated in Totonac. The term is used for the days of celebration for the Day of the Dead. During this festival, the streets of Papantla are filled with altars, marigolds, music, and, of course, traditional dances such as Los Huehues and Matarachín.

One of the most enriching activities of the Ninín Festival are the workshops, where locals and visitors have the opportunity to learn about the traditions of Papantla. These workshops range from mask and costume making to dance step instruction, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the local culture and appreciate the dedication it takes to keep these customs alive.

The Meaning Behind the Dance

The Dance of Los Huehues and Matarachín is more than just a folk performance; it is a manifestation of the worldview of the Totonac communities. Through rhythmic movements and theatrical expressions, the dancers narrate stories of everyday life, the duality between life and death, and the connection with nature and the spiritual realm.

The masks and costumes used in the dance are meticulously crafted, with every detail having a special meaning. For example, the masks often depict the faces of elders, symbolizing wisdom and the connection with ancestors.

What to do in Ciénagas del Fuerte?

After a 2 km boat ride, you arrive at a rest area where you can bring a snack, eat, rest in the hammocks, go swimming, zip-lining, use the swings and docks before returning the same way.

Conservation efforts

All the guides in the area work together and there is only 1 tourist module. After the hurricanes they have made the reconstruction and reforestation efforts themselves. They depend on tourism to conserve and maintain the entire area since they do not receive any other type of support.

Schedule your visit

Tours start at 8 am and the last tour can leave at 4 pm to allow enough time for the activities. The cost is $230 per person and we think it is well worth it. If you want to schedule your visit you can contact the park module at 232 118 64 25.

One of Zozocolco’s biggest attractions is its Balloon Festival, an annual event that gathers thousands of people to enjoy the magic of Chinese paper balloons. During this festival, the skies are filled with colorful and impressive handmade balloons of different sizes and shapes, which are launched by locals and visitors. This event is not only a visual celebration, but also a showcase of the skill and creativity of local and international artisans with the balloon contest.

If you have the opportunity to visit Zozocolco during the Balloon Festival, you will live a unique experience that combines culture, tradition and art in an incredible natural environment.

Another important attraction of Zozocolco are the waterfalls and pools that we recommend you visit in hot weather to be able to go swimming. You can spend a whole day, picnicking and swimming in the waterfalls and pools of crystal clear water that attract hundreds of tourists, the best known being the pools of La Junta and El Caliche, as well as the Diablo and El Callejón waterfalls.

The town is about an hour and a half from Poza Rica, making it an excellent choice for a day trip. You can enjoy the comforts of our hotel at night and venture out to explore the wonders of the region during the day.

The Building Mural I: A Tale of the Past

One of the most important findings in Building I is its mural, which shows human figures, deities and scenes that seem to narrate ancient rituals. This mural is key to understanding the worldview of the Totonaca culture and its relationship with the ball game, war and religion. Although some fragments are worn, experts have been able to identify patterns and symbolisms that shed light on life in Tajin more than a thousand years ago.

The building was identified by archaeologists in the 20th century, during explorations in the Tajin Archaeological Zone. However, its excavation and detailed study have taken decades. Even today, research continues to understand its importance and relationship with other constructions at the site. When it was discovered there were no human or economic resources to discover and restore it until the 90s and since then it has been restored several times after several catastrophes such as the hurricane of 2021 and a fire in 2022. All the work is thanks to volunteers and organizations such as the National Institute of Anthropology and History and the National Commission for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage.

Although it is not the most famous building in Tajin, it is the only building in the entire gulf area that has preserved its original paint and structure since its construction. Its mural and location suggest that it was a key point in the organization of the city. Its study allows us to reconstruct part of the Totonaca history and better understand their system of beliefs and governance.

Visit El Tajín Archaeological Zone

If you are planning your next visit to Tajin, be sure to look for this building, even though you can only see building I. from the outside because it is not open to the public to enter.

Another option we have in our Morelos Room, this room has a capacity for 100 people, if you are one of those people who like to live with large crowds or you are a lecturer who convenes a large number of people, this room is perfect for you. This newly remodeled room is perfect for large auditorium setups, or parties of many people. Ask about our candy tables as well.

If you are one of those people who like a more intimate meeting, we have the Tajin room, perfect for that breakfast with some relatives, small meals at the end of the year or a meeting to make some excellent business, this room has a capacity for 20 to 25 people, it has everything you need to make your stay and your guests very pleasant.

And our Board Room is ideal for presentations and business meetings or more intimate and private dinners. It has a capacity of 14 people and has an anteroom that is perfect for more than one activity to take place at the same time.

All our meeting rooms are equipped with projector service, sound, microphone, coffee break or banquet, and parking with free valet parking for all guests. Recently you can also hire the service of decoration and snacks and sweets table, all in one place to make your event much more convenient.

The event rooms of the Hotel Poza Rica Centro are waiting for you, get to know them and we look forward to serving you in your next event.

Although the main team on display is the New York Yankees, you can find moments in history such as Derek Jeter’s retirement, memorabilia from teams like the Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, LA Dodgers and more. Also Mexican teams such as the Tomateros, Guerreros de Oaxaca, Sultanes de Monterrey, Diablos Rojos and even the local team of Poza Rica.

In addition, the location inside the Hotel Poza Rica Centro makes it an ideal landmark if you are visiting Poza Rica. You can stay at the hotel and enjoy all its amenities, while exploring the baseball history this bar has to offer.

If you are passionate about baseball history or simply enjoy good times in a sports environment, this is the perfect place for you. What are you waiting for to visit it and discover all it has to offer? We are waiting for you in Poza Rica, Veracruz!

What beaches are close to this paradise?

Just a few minutes away by car, you can visit Playa Norte, a perfect place to enjoy the sun and the sea. There is also Barra Boca de Lima Beach, ideal for those looking for a more natural and less crowded experience. Both beaches are safe for swimming and relaxing on the sand, and if you are a water sports lover you will also find some activities to do.

Visit the town center

Tecolutla offers fun activities for all ages. When you visit, most of the activities are in the center of town. Here you can also eat and stroll the streets to buy souvenirs, handicrafts and regional sweets such as cocadas, palanquetas and you can buy drinks, raspados, nieves and elotes to spend the afternoon.

You can’t miss the Tecolutla Aquarium, where you can observe different marine species and learn about the local aquatic life. There is also the town’s Marine Museum, where you will discover the history of the place and the legend of Tecolutla’s sea monster, which is said to have been seen for the first time on March 14, 1969 off the coast of the municipality.

What is the best season to visit Tecolutla? We recommend planning your visit between the months of November and April. This period is ideal because the weather is more pleasant, with cooler temperatures and less humidity. In addition, during this season, there is less risk of rain, which makes outdoor activities much more enjoyable.

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Vegetation and fauna

The mangroves are home to a great variety of fauna. During the tour through the canals, you might see various types of birds such as herons and pelicans, as well as turtles and different types of fish. Also, with a little luck, you might see crocodiles hiding among the vegetation or small crabs that inhabit the roots of the mangrove trees.
Visiting the mangroves is a unique opportunity to connect with nature. There are about 75 km of mangroves. From this area there is also fishing for consumption and also oysters, chocolate clams, mule’s foot, mojarras and other fish.

How much does the mangrove tour in Tecolutla cost?

If you are thinking about taking a boat ride through the mangroves, prices usually vary depending on the season and the type of tour you choose. In general, a basic tour can cost between $150 and $300 pesos per person with group travel or it can be private and the cost depends on the route you choose. These tours usually last about an hour, where a local guide will take you through the canals and explain more about the ecosystem and the species that live there.

You don’t need to bring anything with you because if you get hungry or thirsty, there are floating tents where you can buy chips, fruit or drinks.
We recommend you to do this tour with your family or friends and at the end, you can buy souvenirs, handicrafts, visit downtown Tecolutla and eat at one of the restaurants near the river.

Ready for your next adventure? The mangroves of Tecolutla await you with their mysterious canals and incredible wildlife.

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