Eco Vacations

Hands-On Opportunities!

Plans are being made to organize trips to Tecolutla for groups from the United States so that more people may participate in the experience of releasing Tortuga Lora hatchlings -- in conjunction with enjoying the many natural attractions in the area. High school and college Spanish Clubs & Ecology Clubs, Boy Scout troops, as well as adult service clubs are just a few of the organizations that may want to take advantage of this opportunity. Other attractions near Tecolutla include: El Tajin archaeological site, beautiful waterfalls, fishing and scuba diving or just relaxing in the rays on the beach! If you have questions about a trip, fill out our eco vacation inquiry form and we'll get back to you promptly!

TRIP INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING

• Participation in sea turtle preservation work at Vida Milenaria Camp
  • Patrol the beach for nesting turtles
  • Relocate eggs to protected areas
  • Assist hatchlings as they make their way to the sea
• First class ground transportation
• Bilingual tour guide
• 3 Daily meals, gratuities
• Admission / activities fees
• Deluxe accommodations
• Excursions to archeological sites and nature preserve

COST AND PAYMENT INFORMATION

Total Cost Per Person: $1985.00*

Payable as follows:

• Non-Refundable Deposit at time of reservation: $500.00
• 60 Days Before Departure $1000.00
• 30 Days Before Departure $485.00

*Price based on double occupancy:

Includes accommodations, ground transportation, bi-lingual guide, 3 meals/day and all activity/entrance fees. Does not include: airfare, alcoholic beverages. Passport required for travel. Activities Schedule Subject to Change. 

Travel Insurance is available at www.travelex-insurance.com or by calling 800-228-9792. Use the following code when booking your insurance: Location #27-0072.

ITINERARY

Travel Times

• May
• July

Typical Week of Activities

• Saturday:
  Arrival in Mexico City - Choice of 2 Options (dependant on airport arrival times, and group preference - must be determined 60 days prior to departure):
  • Option A: Stay in Colonial Section of Mexico City at Hotel Imperial Reforma. Enjoy the festive atmosphere of this area while visiting historically significant sights within walking distance, such as the Fine Arts Palace and the Opera Bar.
  • Option B: Go directly to Teotihuacan, which is about 45 minutes outside of Mexico City and stay overnight at the beautiful and peaceful, Villa de Teotihuacan. Relax poolside before a very special dinner at Restaurante La Gruta (in a cave, with traditional music and dance)
• Sunday:
  We’ll rise early for a morning tour of the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan. Then we’ll have a picturesque drive through the Oriental Mountains of Mexico towards the charming fishing village of Tecolulta on the Gulf coast. Along the way, we’ll stop for a stretch, a meal and some of the best coffee in the country at the legendary mountaintop town, Villa Juarez. Arrive at Hotel Tecolutla (a beautiful, beachfront hotel) in time for dinner and a visit from Fernando Manzano, otherwise known as “Papa Tortuga”.
• Monday: 
  Morning: Help save endangered Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles! Patrol the beach for nesting sea turtles and/or assist Vida Milenaria Sea Turtle Camp with other projects. Lunch and siesta are next. You’ll have time to explore the town of Tecolutla and/or enjoy the pool at the hotel. After dinner, we’ll participate in a hands-on project at Vida Milenaria sea turtle camp.
• Tuesday:
  Morning: Hands-on sea turtle work – your help will truly make a difference! (We’ll patrol the beach and/or assist with a hatchling release, etc.) After lunch we'll drive just 40 minutes to Papantla, where we'll explore archeological site, El Tajin and see the flying Voladores. Then we'll visit the neighboring El Parque Ecological Xanath, where we’ll learn about vanilla and other indigenous plants. At Xanath we’ll be treated to a fabulous dinner (served al fresco in an incredibly beautiful setting). Then, we’ll return to comfortable Hotel Tecolutla for a restful evening.
• Wednesday:
  Morning: More important volunteer work at Vida Milenaria Sea Turtle Camp! We’ll have lunch today at the riverside restaurant "El Caracol". Then we'll take a boatride down the Rio Tecolutla. After dinner, we’ll participate in another hands-on project to help save sea turtles.
• Thursday:
  Morning: Sea Turtle Work! Next, we’ll drive to the eco-friendly resort, Istirincha where we’ll have opportunity to: visit residents of the sanctuary (iguanas, crocodiles, toucans, etc.), stroll the pristine beaches, explore the mangroves in a row boat or sip a beverage at the swim-up bar in the gorgeous pool. A special dinner will be served in the Istirincha palapa after which you will have an experience of a lifetime: the ancient Totonacan cleansing ritual called "temazcal".
• Friday:
  Morning: Final Opportunity for Sea Turtle Work! After lunch, we’ll drive back to Mexico City for dinner and sleep at a comfortable hotel with convenient access to the airport.
• Saturday:
  Depart for home.

Click on the 'Call Me' link to have Google call you and connect you to us for free, or fill out our eco vacation inquiry form for more information about experiencing Tecolutla and the sea turtles yourself!