If creepy crawling snakes are on your menu, there is no finer place to visit than El Teterte. The term teterte refers to a small lizard with a head comb that knows how to walk on water. It is sometimes described as the “jesus lizard”.
Twentysome years ago The MEXFAM organization (La Fundación Mexicana para la Planeación Familiar) established a foot hold in Catemaco supported by Japanese interests. In cooperation with local interests, many health programs to serve the poor inhabitants in the hills surrounding Catemaco were developed.
Somehow, a small enclave was established in Pozolapan, Catemaco, which, many years later, still has the flavor of Japanese construction techniques.
MEXFAM of Catemaco meanwhile developed into a full fledged Catemaco medical clinic. The site in Pozolapan opened an Education Center, primarily for young people. And the the resident owner, who has been part of this effort since its inception, created a home for the snakes of Los Tuxtlas.
For several years El Teterete also served as a weekend resort for people of the Tuxtlas region, enjoying its beautiful location on the side of the Pozolapan river entering the Laguna Catemaco. But popularity fades, and its visitor restaurant closed.
A few months ago El Teterete opened again as a restaurant and “beach resort” on a weekend basis. Food is served Fridays to Sundays (limited menu) and the snake pits are available to visitors for a 10 peso donation. Boatmen are ready to explore the surrounding shore line including the “infamous” La Hoya cave for 35 pesos worth of rowing. And bird and plant watchers will find no better place to enjoy the Tuxtlas cornucopia.
