Ecotourism

Even though they are located at opposite ends of Tampico, Carpintero and Cairel lakes beautify the city and interact with it. Although it is a bit far from the city, you must not leave without having seen the "El Cielo", nature sanctuary.

Carpinteros Lake and Metropolitan Park

This lake was cleaned up several years ago and today, it lies almost inside the Tampico city limits. It has been turned into a recreational center where you can rent boats for trips around the lake and for water sports. You can also watch sports here, especially in April when the Nauticopa power boat races are held.

Chairel Lake

Located north of Tampico, this lake is the perfect place to practice aquatic sports such as swimming, skiing and fishing. It is situated in a natural environment and features some of the best water sports clubs.

El Cielo Biosphere Reserve

Declared a protected nature area by the UNESCO in 1987, El Cielo is the most important ecological reserve in Mexico. In the craggy Sierra de Cucharas and the Sierra Chiquita, , you will find scenery ranging from a tropical forest at 200 meters above sea level to a pine forest at 1,200 meters within a distance of a few kilometers. There are a great number of birds, mammals and reptiles in El Cielo, some of which are in danger of extinction and they live there in hope of their last opportunity for survival. There are some lodging facilities but a permit is required to use them.