Mexico

Location: Veracruz

Coatepec nestles in the cool, mist shrouded mountains above the hot, humid coastal area of the city of Veracruz, Mexico. This quaint colonial town offers a peek into the evolving life of a small Mexican town. Since the early 1800’s this has been the center of the rich, shade grown coffee for which Veracruz is famous. The town has an interesting coffee museum and plantations to visit. These days, however, tourism centers more and more on the natural treasures of the region: waterfalls, river rafting, hiking, bird watching, and spectacular flower/orchid shows. Local folk are friendly and eager to show off their nature lover’s paradise.

El Retoño Eco Lodge is ideally located. It is a 15 minute walk into town yet feels as if you are in the wilderness.

Accommodation

The eco-lodge rests in the middle of 4 secluded acres covered with old growth trees, ferns, bromeliads, orchids, coffee plants and a meandering stream.

This exclusive lodge comfortably houses up to 16 people. Guests are drawn here for opportunities for bird watching, hiking, rafting, photography, visits to coffee plantations and historic haciendas: in short, people who are seeking easy access to all the flora, fauna, culture and history this area offers.

El Retoño’s goal is to offer a peaceful, beautiful, comfortable and totally environmentally-friendly refuge from which guests can explore the rich area.

Eco Policies

Eco-design - The wooded 4 acre parcel has been left almost untouched with care taken not to disturb the environment as the cabins were being built. The buildings were strategically placed in existing open spaces and form part of the natural landscape. The wood used was either either recycled (much of it from the aftermath of hurricane Katrina) or purchased from certified sustainable wood producers.
All linens and towels are 100% cotton and local bamboo has been used in the furnishings.

Energy –The mild climate in this area means that there are no heating or cooling costs. Solar power is not feasible since there is lots of fog and overcast days but energy use is monitored and low voltage lights are fitted as standard.

Conservation - The Eco Lodge has left the 4 acres it is situated on in a natural state and is working with local environmental agencies (ProNatura and Univ of Veracruz) to establish educational programs on site so that local school children can come to observe and learn about earth friendly practices.

Ecological sustainability – The septic system used by the lodge is non-polluting, water is recycled for garden use and rain-water is also collected for use. The Eco Lodge has its own water source and dual-flush toilets are fitted as standard to help with conservation of water. Trash is separated and recycled with compost being generated from organic trash and used in the garden. Breakfast provisions are bought from the local organic and neighbourhood markets.

Community – Debbie – one of the owners of El Retono - belongs to a local business group, ProCoatepec, whose goal is the promotion of responsible tourism to Coatepec. All staff at the Eco Lodge are local people and the Lodge pays their tuition to continue their education. In addition, this eco-friendly accommodation has developed their own tours which use local people as tour guides, with all income remaining in the general area.

Facilities

The eco-lodge offers a library and movie viewing room with its cozy fireplace, dining/game room, and an outdoor patio.
Guests have access to the kitchen facilities.
Each room has a directory of restaurants and other local services.

Things To See And Do

The eco-lodge has bird watching platforms high up the hill, a meditation corner by the stream, a sauna and massage room and a center where they offer workshops in paper making, ceramics, yoga and where local experts give lectures.

Jalapa (spelled Xalapa in Mexico), the state capitol of Veracruz, is 4 miles away. This well-known university town is often called the “Athens of Veracruz”, for its thriving arts scene. You could go there for an evening of concerts, live theatre, jazz, people watching and enjoyable dining. Xalapa’s pride is the anthropologic museum, second only to Mexico City’s archaeological museum. Here you can see a treasure-trove of artefacts covering the pre-Hispanic cultures of Huasteca, Totonac and Olmec. You can also spend a day visiting the Clavijero Botanic Gardens, the beautiful restored hacienda of Santa Ana (Lencero) with its lakes and period furnishings or the the famous Cempoala Ruins – the first ruins to have been discovered by Hernán Cortés in our continent. In addition, you can visit Cortés’ original home, and the first chapel built in America.
The Texolo Waterfall in Xico are about 7 miles from Coatepec and are also worth a visit.

Coatepec itself sits in a cloud forest, unique in its biodiversity, filled with lush green trees laden with bromeliads, moss and wild orchids. Not only people but also a myriad of birds, insects and plant life love this cool forested area.

Coffee plantations that date from the 1800’s abound and can be visited, including La Orduña (now an art center), El Trianon, Zimpizahua and Lencero.

It is also possible to hike or drive up to the top of the “El cerro de las culebras” (in nahuatl signifying, the Hill of the Snakes) which is now an ecological preserve and from which you can discover a wonderful view of Coatepec and Mt. Orizaba, the highest peak in Mexico.

While many of the activities that draw visitors to this area are outdoor ones, the Lodge also offers workshops such as paper making, weaving, cooking, lectures on local flora and fauna and relaxing massages. These activities are designed to round out your Veracruz experience.

After a long day of activities you are invited to relax in the sauna, make an appointment for a massage or take a stroll along the nature trails.

Room Description

There are 4 suites at the Eco Lodge, each with a double bed, bathroom and separate living room with 2 twin beds.
The large master suite has a queen bed and sitting area with private terrace.
The single cabin has twin beds and an enclosed porch.

Prices & Booking Policies

Currency: US dollar ($)
Prices and inclusions: Prices per room including 2 people range from US$75 (approx £38)in a Cabin, to US$85 (approx £43) per night in a Junior Suite and US$95 (approx £48) per night in the Master Suite. These prices include breakfast and taxes although a 10% service charge is not included.
Child prices: Unfortunately this lodge is not suitable for children aged 12 and under. There are therefore no child prices at this lodge.
Extra adult prices: An additional person in any room will cost an extra US$25 (approx £13) per night.
Special offers: There are currently no special offers available.
Opening dates: The El Retoño Eco-Lodge is open all year round. Bookings are currently being taken until 31st December 2008.
Restrictions: There are no minimum night restrictions.
Deposit: On booking you are required to pay a deposit to the value of one night’s accommodation. Your booking will only be confirmed once this deposit has been received. You will be invoiced by the Lodge for this deposit via Paypal (you do not need a Paypal account to pay the fee).
Cancellation policy: The deposit is non-refundable for booking cancellations within 72 hours of the arrival date.
Payment methods: The balance of your booking is payable on arrival by cash and/or credit card (VISA or Mastercard accepted).

Getting There And Around

El Retoño Eco-Lodge is 3.8 miles from Jalapa, State Capital of Veracruz, 197 miles from Mexico City and 150 miles from Puebla

If you are travelling by air, there are frequent daily flights from Mexico City to Veracruz.

For international travel, Continental provides a direct service between Houston and Veracruz and Houston and Puebla. The Heriberto Jara Corona Airport in Veracruz is located 1 hour and 20 minutes from Coatepec. Taxis and bus service are available.

If you are travelling by bus, Jalapa is easy to get to from Oaxaca, Puebla, Verazcruz and Mexico City.
Tickets can be purchased on line at www.ticketbus.com.mx

During your time at El Retoño you can travel around by bus or local taxi.