Nanciyaga

The Nanciyaga ecological center is one of the most celebrated such centers in the state of Veracruz. This is for a variety of reasons, not least of all for the spectacularly un-trammeled natural environment of lakes, lagoons, rolling volcanic hills, and sheer verdant rain forests that seem to echo with everything we travel to hear. It's a remarkable country, and partly coastal, it's also remarkably under visited. 

The center itself offers lodging and environmentally conscious getaways. But people come especially for the trails through the jungle and the excursions out onto the lake. It's fascinating country. Guided jungle tours with real biologists are not at all uncommon. Crocodiles, iguanas, toucans, and macaws are often along for hikes into the surrounding forest.

Nanciyaga also welcomes visitors for spa and more spiritual services. The indigenous spa temazcal steam baths are just the beginning. The center also hosts a lot of visitors who come for the natural mud treatments for the skin, a natural mineral spring, and hot tub. 

The sculpture garden holds ancient and not-so-ancient artifacts. There's also a big open-air theater for performances and observances. The regional interest in indigenous religions and practices reaches a peak here, although most guests will venture out to the surrounding Los Tuxtlas communities of Santiago Tuxtla, San Andrés Tuxtla, and the closest, Catemaco.

Some guests will be more comfortable with more traditional lodging in any of these nearby towns. But the center itself offers lodging and food. Bus services usually only reach as far San Andrés Tuxtla, about 35 minutes away by taxi. All along the way, many guests will begin to appreciate that this is enchanted territor, and a first glimpse of the lake will reassure you.