This peaceful eco-lodge, El Retoño, rests in the middle of 4 secluded acres covered with old growth trees, ferns, bromeliads, orchids, coffee plants and a meandering stream just a 15-minute walk from Coatepec. A colonial town of 60,000, Coatepec nestles in the cool, mist-shrouded mountains above the hot, humid coastal area of the city of Veracruz. Veracruz State is about half the size of Illinois, but offers tourists many travel experiences ranging from ancient ruins, colonial architecture, nature preserves, coffee plantations, gracious haciendas, adventure travel and even sun and fun!

In 2006 Coatepec was awarded the Federal designation of “Pueblo Magico.” In order to broaden the experience for tourists, the government established guidelines for cities to become a "Magic Town."

Coatepec’s lush mountain forests have supported the production of sugarcane, tobacco, citrus and coffee, but coffee has been king here for the past 150 years. The aroma of fresh-roasted, shade-grown, organic coffee fills the air around the city’s central garden. The town has lovely old colonial homes and a plaza filled with orchids which grow wild in the mountain forests. On Sundays families come to listen and dance to the music, to wander around eating fresh roasted elotes (corn on the cob) or to enjoy the locally made ice cream. This region is beginning to develop sustainable tourism in an effort to maintain the natural beauty in which we live. There are abundant unpolluted rivers for rafting and spectacular waterfalls at which to wonder. Central Veracruz boasts the largest migration of birds in the world, and is well known for its bird diversity (over 500 species). In particular abundance are migrating raptors, warblers and local endemics, making this one of the most prized bird-watching destinations worldwide.

El Retoño strives to be as eco-friendly as possible. Wood used has been certified for logging. The septic system is non-polluting. All rain and lodge water is collected and used. Linens and towels are 100% cotton. Toilets use a dual-flush system. Kitchen waste becomes compost. Low voltage lights are standard. Trash is separated and recycled. Sheets and towels are changed between guests or every third day. El Retoño is proud to be a Partner Member of “Green” Hotels Association.

Nature trails on the property are offered to local schools to bring students to observe and enjoy the richness of nature offered in this region. The staff is all local folk who share the desire to preserve the green. El Retoño translates to mean “new plant shoot” or “new beginning.”

Great care was taken to not disturb the environment as the cabins were built in 2006. El Retoño offers 4 suites, each of which have a bedroom, bath and separate living room as well as a master suite with a private terrace and one single cabin with an enclosed porch. Room rates at $80 to $100 per night for 2 include a Mexican-inspired full breakfast and an evening cocktail hour. Groups of up to 16 are comfortably housed. The lodge offers a library and movie-viewing room with its cozy fireplace, dining/game room and an outdoor patio. Kitchen facilities are available to guests. Included are bird watching platforms high up the hill, a meditation corner by the stream and a center where workshops and lectures are given.

The town is small and the lodge is small—to your advantage. People who visit Coatepec and El Retoño will be greeted by a group of citizens who are working hard to maintain and share the natural beauty found in this cloud-forest region. For more information or to make reservations for a welcoming visit to a still pristine, almost unknown corner of Mexico, see www.ElRetonoEcolodge.com.