Possibly the most famous brujo today in beautiful downtown Catemaco, was not a brujo.
Julian Moreno Benitez, nicknamed "El Brujo" parlayed boat engine repair, spare parts and an inheritance into building one of the first hotels on the Malecón overlooking the Catemaco Laguna.
When the Malecón was modernized, one of the 6 plazas jutting into Laguna Catemaco was named "Plazuela del Brujo", to honor him. When he died in 2004, the city permitted the erection of a small bust of "El Brujo" sitting in a boat on that plaza.
His Hotel del Brujo now has 14 rooms, some with air conditioning, but has no on site parking. Four of the rooms face the Laguna and feature great views of the lake. Room decor is minimal but adequate, and area maintenance is excellent. Rates are seasonal, ranging from 250 to 600 pesos.
The hotel was for sale for several years and is currently being managed by a leaseholder, who is not one of my favorite people. The location on the Malecon is one of the best in Catemaco. Unfortunately on the weekends the area is the center of raunchiness in Catemaco, and will require closed windows and AC to get a good night's sleep.
One of the hotel's best feature is the views of Catemaco from its rooftop.
Calle Melchor Ocampo y Malecón.
Tel: (294) 943-0071
Tel: (294) 943-1205
no website, no email
