Monte Pio--a great place to swim, a vacation destination for the region. Just note there is no cell phone signal or internet around. More of a natural attraction.

Monte Pio.

More of Monte Pio.

Monte Pio on Saturday morning. This place has two rivers coming together, and emptying into the Gulf, giving bathers the options of fresh water and saltwater. A fun place to swim, hang out, meet people, play soccer, eat, etc.

Loading a truck-load of folks Mexican-style. They were headed from Monte Pio to Catemaco, like me. The guy climbing up on the left eventually perched on top. Later down the road, I caught up to them on my bike as they stopped so the guy on top could change positions to stand on the bumper in back. This truck was packed! If not safe, at least they are getting good mileage per person!

A section of road in the bioreserve Los Tuxtlas designed to slow down traffic to protect the animals and call attention to, and appreciation of, the reserve.

Scene from the bioreserve Los Tuxtlas.

The kiosk in Sontecomapan.

The plaza in Sontecomapan.

What I thought was a cool looking, artistic looking tree at sunset on the road between Sontecomapan and Catemaco, Sat. Apr. 14 evening.

Where I ate last night, a front porch stand of ¨garnachas¨ and empanadas. Garnachas are fried masa with beans, cheese and salsa on top. I had three garnachas and one empanada. They sell for 2 pesos each, or twenty cents. I also had a locally produces soft drink, made in Coyame, and called Coyame. It is made with water from a local spring, and the flavor is apple-vanilla. The mother is Artemi Olivar, and the daughter Ingrit.

The central plaza in Catemaco.

I was pleased to see the waste management/separation and recycling system in Catemaco.

Catemaco´s main church.

City street in downtown Catemaco.

Sunday at the church in Catemaco.

Another turtle at the mini zoo in Tlaco.

A turtle at the mini zoo in Tlacotalpan

Sunday at the Catholic Church in Catemaco.