Discover La Encantada

La Encantada brings together different travel points of interest: the oral account of a cave on the Cazones River, the routes described through the town, and the coast of nearby Playa Chaparrales. For your planning, it helps to distinguish the town from its surroundings: route details concern getting there, while turtle-watching relates to the nearby coast. This way, you can give greater weight to whichever aspects matter most to you during your stay.

Local history and setting

La Encantada is one of the coastal Totonac settlements in Cazones. An oral tradition tells of a cave said to descend from the top of a hill to the level of the Cazones River. In the story, the hilltop and river level are the two reference points for its course. If you are interested in regional traditions, the story offers a cultural connection to the town, distinct from the routes and nature-related attractions in the nearby area.

River crossing and routes

A travel account published in 2019 describes reaching La Encantada by road after crossing the Cazones River. For the crossing, it describes a Chalán: a ferry powered by its operators using a wooden lever. According to the account, the crossing takes about 15 minutes. If you plan to take this route, check local conditions and crossing availability before setting out.

An official table published in 2021, based on a 2020 field visit, lists the rural route “Ruleteros de la costa” via Coyol Norte, La Encantada, La Divina, San Román, La Vega, and Chaparrales. The places listed give an overview of the route. For specific planning, check current service information and fares.

Another route passes through La Encantada: the described access route to the proposed “Playa Chaparrales” polygon of Santuario Playas del Totonacapan runs through the town. The main entrance to this polygon begins on the Ramal a Cazones federal highway.

Chaparrales: coast and turtles

Playa Chaparrales is near La Encantada and is a natural beach. Sea turtles come ashore along its coast to dig their nests. A travel account published in 2019 mentions the possibility of observing arriving turtles in spring and summer, including olive ridley, green, and loggerhead turtles. If turtles are a priority for you, this opportunity as described directs attention to that time of year; sightings are not guaranteed.

A regional travel report links the Totonacapan turtle camp in Chaparrales with daily monitoring of nesting, moving the eggs to a safe place, and caring for them until they hatch. The possibility of observing wild animals on the coast and the conservation work described are two distinct nature-related aspects of the same nearby region.

A look at the surrounding area

Coyol Norte is also listed on the rural route. A 2019 travel report lists red enchiladas or pipián with fried chucumite, mojarra, shrimp, or crab claws among the dishes visitors can try there. This culinary connection adds regional cuisine to the cultural and nature-related themes and is specific to Coyol Norte. If, when choosing your destination, you consider local cuisine alongside local history and the coast, this is a separate reason to include the surrounding area in your plans.

Discover more destinations: Tuxpan De Rodríguez Cano, Alvarado, Santiago Tuxtla, Cosamaloapan de Carpio, Córdoba, Naranjos, Monte Gordo, Juan Díaz Covarrubias

For the broader travel overview: Veracruz.