Nautla - Emerald Coast Veracruz Mexico Map

An interactive road map of Mexico's Gulf Coast with camping, RV, golf and other points of interest

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Nautla - Emerald Coast Veracruz Mexico Map

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Faces of Mexico - Nautla and Costa Esmeralda

by Bill and Dorothy Bell

Driving the Highway 180 down the Gulf Coast of Mexico in the Northern section of the State of Veracruz, is a magnificent stretch of beach known as Costa Esmeralda or Emerald Coast. This seaside community lies just to the north of the town of Nautla and is only a 3 hour drive from the Capital City of Veracruz. The vegetation is lush with mahogany, cedar and chicozapote. Citrus is everywhere. Fresh pineapple, oranges and limes.

 

This was originally a pre-Hispanic settlement inhabited by the Totonacs. The Indian name Nauh-tlan nahua that means "Four Places" in reference to four Indian settlements.
 

In 1518, Juan de Grijalva crossed the Gulf from Champotón and called the area New Alemaria. Cortez makes reference to Nautla in a letter to the King of Spain. When the Spanish arrived, the Totonacs fought with the Spanish to overpower Cuauhpopoca (a tax collector for Moctezuma). The encounter took place between the Nautla and Misantla Rivers in the first battle of Nautla. This was a pivotal event and led to the eventual execution of Moctezuma, his sons and fifteen other nobles.

In the middle of the 16th century, Juan de Rio was granted the basin territories of this region. In 1680, Nautla was established as a town. It was the site of battles during the insurgent uprising headed by Don Guadalupe in 1814.

 

Nautla has a current population of around 3,000 people and nearly 7,000 located close to the town. It is a charming town with small zocalo established in the center, small shops and restaurants. The area grows and abundance of tropical fruit and tobacco. It also caters to Mexican tourists and the occasional RV that passes through on the way to points south.

 

 

Costa Esmeralda has 35 kilometers of clean wide beaches and true to it's name, lush intense green vegetation close to the rivers. The waves are friendly and the swimming is fine. Clam waters invite fishers and swimmers alike. Lay back and enjoy the easy lap of waves, a good book and the softer spring sunshine.

 

 

Highway 180, as it makes its way through gently through the area, is lined with small restaurants, hotels and fruit stands and cheese or Queso tasting casas along the roadside. The area is well known for the variety and tastes of the local cheeses.

 

 

RV parks and simple tent camping is abundant. There are at least fourteen places to park your rig with the usually variety of cleanliness, services and facilities. Most have pools as well as being parked right on the Gulf waters.

 

There are supplies for campers along this highway 180 strip; basic foods, fish, beer and ice. Enjoy local cuisine, undoubtedly fish, served fresh and cheaply at local restaurants. A stop well worthwhile and an opportunity to mix with Mexican campers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Map Features:

North to South

 

 RV Parks

 

North Beach

 

Playa Paraisio

 

Torre Molino

 

Playa Dorada

 

El Corsario

 

Playa Oriente El Pino

 

El Alemendro

 

Posada del Zorro

 

Quinta Alicia

 

Sun Beach

 

Neptuno

 

John's Camping Club

 

Casitas del Tajin

 

Hotel Coco Loco