La Encantada: River Route, Local Tradition and Chaparrales

A trip to La Encantada has two distinct sides: in the town, access via the Cazones River and an oral cave story shape the picture; nearby, Playa Chaparrales offers beach and sea turtle themes. You can therefore focus on the river route and local tradition on the one hand, and seasonal coastal nature on the other. When searching for a vacation rental, it is helpful to first decide whether La Encantada itself or Chaparrales should be the main focus of your trip.

Local tradition between hill and river

La Encantada is one of the coastal Totonac communities in the municipality of Cazones. An oral tradition tells of a cave that is said to descend from the top of a hill to the level of the Cazones River. The story’s described span from hill to river gives the motif a clear sense of place. Together with the area’s regional identity, the tale gives the town a cultural dimension alongside the river crossing and the natural attractions nearby.

Getting to La Encantada and routes nearby

A 2019 travel account describes access across the Cazones River by chalán, a ferry operated by its operators using a wooden lever arm. The crossing described takes about 15 minutes; the time may vary depending on river conditions and operations. After crossing, the described access route follows a road to La Encantada.

The route table for the registered rural route “Ruleteros de la costa,” published in 2021, is based on a 2020 field survey. It lists the route as Coyol Norte, La Encantada, La Divina, San Román, La Vega and Chaparrales. It is not a current schedule: check operating hours and fares before traveling.

Another access description passes through La Encantada to the “Playa Chaparrales” polygon area, described as a proposed section of the Santuario Playas del Totonacapan. The main access to this polygon area starts at the Ramal a Cazones federal highway. Road and river conditions may be important for planning; check them locally before your trip.

Beach and sea turtles at Chaparrales

Nearby is Playa Chaparrales, a natural beach. Sea turtles come ashore along its coast to dig nests. For spring and summer, a 2019 travel account describes the possibility of seeing turtles arrive, including Kemp’s ridley, green sea turtles and loggerhead turtles. A sighting is possible, not guaranteed—a useful distinction when including wildlife watching in your travel plans.

The Totonacapan Turtle Camp is also located in Chaparrales. A regional travel description recounts the daily monitoring of nesting activity, the transfer of eggs to a safe place and their care until hatching. Watching turtles on the coast and the conservation work described at the camp are two different aspects of the turtle theme.

The 13th Sea Turtle Festival took place in Playa Chaparrales from July 31 to August 2, 2026. The festival supported sea turtle conservation through environmental education, recreational activities and community participation. It thus connects the area’s focus on nature with community involvement as well.

Food and trip planning

A 2019 travel account names Coyol Norte as a culinary destination in the area: visitors could try red enchiladas or pipián with fried chucumite, mojarra, shrimp or crab claws. If you plan to go specifically for one of these dishes, ask locally what is currently available.

When choosing your vacation rental, you can base your decision on what you want to focus on: La Encantada combines local tradition with a distinctive river crossing, while Chaparrales is associated with beaches and sea turtles. First decide which of these themes you want to define your stay.

Explore more destinations

Explore more destinations: Coatepec, Gutiérrez Zamora, Alonso Lázaro, Huatusco, Estanzuela, Tecolutla, Casitas, Palmarillo.

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