A couple hrs to the north of Veracruz on Mexico road 180, between the Rio Nautla and Rio Tecolutla. This 35 kilometer stretch of beach is known as Costa Esmeralda. It lies roughly between the 2 towns of Guterrez Zamora and Nautla and includes the pueblos of La Guadalupe, Ricardo Flores Magón, La Vigueta, Playa Oriente, Monte Gordo, Casitas, Maracaibo and Nautla.
This stretch of gulf coast is known for its nice beaches, tropical and tranquil atmosphere... It is a quiet, laidback area most for of the year, the exception being at Christmas and Easter time when people seeking to escape Mexico City and other higher / colder elevations travel here for a week or two at the beach. All along this area you can find accommodations ranging from small hotels, places to pitch a tent, or park campers / travel trailers.
I have passed thru this area several times and made a few stops in the past few yrs. .. for a cooling dip in the gulf, or at several of the local restaurants for a bite to eat.. Its always a "look forward to" section of the road for me..
Regrettably I have never has occasion to overnight along here, however I did have my camera along on one trip when I was riding "shotgun" with my good buddy Don on a trip up to the border.. And I snapped a few pics... http://travel.webshots.com/album/557622367UEnukU
NOTE: This webb site was made for RV campers with an excellent map and some information about the area.. However, there is an abundance of hotels and other services in the area for the regular traveler.. check it out........ http://www.ontheroadin.com/gulfcoast/mapaspesmeraldacoast.htm
An advertisement for a hotel located along the Costa Esmerald strip. It's typical of many you'll find in the area.. http://www.veracruz-veracruz.com/costaesmeralda.htm
