20 BEST THINGS THAT MUST DO IN SAN LUIS POTOSI
9 THINGS TO DO IN SAN LUIS POTOSI
1- VISIT THE FORMER MINING TOWN OF REAL DE CATORCE
Get ready for a wild adventure in the magic town of Real de Catorce, a former mining town in the heart of the Altiplano region.
Founded in 1778, this once-bustling town was one of Mexico’s largest silver mining towns, reaching its peak in the late 18th century.
Today, Real de Catorce is a top tourist attraction in San Luis Potosi, known for its beautiful decay and spiritual energy.
Real de Catorce is a popular pilgrimage site for those seeking tranquillity and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
The real adventure can be found in the surrounding areas of Real de Catorce, where exploring on horseback or in an off-road vehicle will lead you to small mountain towns and places full of history, legend and tradition.
To get to Real De Catorce, you’ll have to journey along steep mountain paths and cobblestone roads, but trust us, it’s worth it.
2- VISIT THE DOOR TO THE HUASTECAS REGIONS, THE CITY OF CIUDAD VALLES
Get ready to be transported to a land of adventure, culture and taste in Ciudad Valles, the second-largest city in San Luis Potosi.
Ciudad Valles was founded in 1533 and is the gateway to the Huasteca region, making it the perfect base if you want to spend most of your trip exploring the different waterfalls and sinkholes of San Luis Potosi.
From Cuidad Valles, you can also go rafting along the Tampaon River.
As you wander around the city, check out the central area, where you’ll find the Teenek and Nahua natives crafting beautiful wooden sculptures, mud pieces and colourful textiles.
For beautiful views of the Valles River, don’t miss Luis Donaldo Colosio Park.
Finally, visit the Huasteco Joaquin Meade Regional Museum, where you can admire over 8,000 fascinating archaeological pieces, including musical instruments, artefacts and ceramics.
3- HAVE AN ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME AT MEDIA LUNA LAGOON
Laguna Media Luna in Rioverde is a nature lover’s paradise, surrounded by rolling hills, caves, rivers and lagoons.
This lake is home to crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and even more magical in the colder seasons when steam rises from the thermal waters.
With temperatures ranging from 27 to 30 degrees, it’s a paradise for diving enthusiasts, whether you’re a newbie or experienced.
Snorkelling is the best way to appreciate the beauty of this location. Look out for the impressive petrified trees and turtles dwelling in the underwater tunnels.
Another great idea is to come here for a picnic with friends and family or on a weekend camping trip.
4- VISIT ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WATERFALLS IN MEXICO, TAMUL WATERFALL
Step into the wild and experience the thrill of Mexico’s tallest waterfall.
Tamul waterfall is a breathtaking natural wonder at 350 feet (107 m) tall and cascading into the Tampaon River with a 300-foot (91 m) wide splash.
It’s a stunning sight, especially from October to May, when the water returns to its gorgeous blue-turquoise hue.
Before basking in its beauty, brace yourself for an adventure like no other because to arrive here is a two-hour upstream paddle in a canoe or a traditional boat tour. Do you have what it takes?
The area around Tamul is also a hub for extreme activities such as rappelling or river rafting and kayaking in the Tampaon River. You may also like this two-day guided tour to Tamul and Zilitla.
5- DISCOVER THE OPULENT AND HISTORIC CAPITAL OF SAN LUIS POTOSI
Step back in time and explore the historic Silver Road of Mexico in the state capital of San Luis Potosi.
From 1598 to 1882, the Silver Road was used to transport silver from the San Luis Potosi, Zacatecas and Guanajuato mines to ports in Spain.
The beautiful capital city of San Luis Potosi was part of this route and, as a result, boasts a historic centre recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Visiting the Centennial Center of the Arts will give you a glimpse into the city’s creative artistic side.
The towering Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe is also a must-see landmark and one not to be missed.
For outdoor fun, Tangamanga Park is a sprawling urban forest with 420 ha (1038 acres) of green space.
You can take a leisurely bike ride, play sports, cool off at the water park or relax by the lake.
6- PICK YOUR CHARACTER AT THE REGIONAL MUSEUM OF MASKS
Step into the masked dance and ritual heritage world at the Museo Nacional de la Mascara in Plaza del Carmen of San Luis Potosi.
Filled with a diverse collection of masks and costumes from all over Mexico and hosting a collection of over 1,300 masks, this stunning Neoclassical-style building is the perfect place for history buffs and art lovers.
From depictions of demons and angels to saints, conquistador heroes and mythical creatures, you’ll be transported to a world of magic and wonder.
The Museum Nacional de la Mascara is at Plaza del Carmen, Centro Historico, 78000 San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi.
7- VISIT THE SURREAL GARDENS OF LAS POZAS
Nestled in the heart of the Mexican jungle in Xilitla lies a surrealist wonderland that will leave you in awe.
Las Pozas, which means ‘The Pools’ or ‘The Wells,’ was the brainchild of Edward James, a wealthy British poet and art collector with an eccentric streak.
James arrived in Xilitla in the late 1940s and began constructing his dream home, inspired by surrealist paintings.
Over 40 years, James crafted a unique garden with over 30 concrete structures, some reaching 100 feet (31 m) tall.
The centrepiece of this surrealist garden is the nine pools surrounded by towering sculptures and whimsical structures that will transport you to a wonderland.
The surreal gardens of Las Pozas is at Camino Paseo Las Pozas s/n, Barrio La Conchita, 79902 Xilitla, San Luis Potosi. It’s one of the top attractions in San Luis Potosi and you can join the Xilitla Surrealistic Garden and Huahuas Abyss Tour to experience it.
8- SPOT THE BIRDS IN THE JUNGLE SINKHOLE OF SOTANO DE LAS HUAHUAS
Deep in the heart of the jungle, the enormous sinkhole known as the Cave of Swifts and Parrots is a marvel of nature.
This breathtaking abyss is home to thousands of swifts and green parrots.
Every day at dawn and dusk, these birds converge in and out of the cave in a whirlwind of fluttering wings and chirps.
While it may require a little more effort to reach than its more touristy counterpart, Sotano de las Golondrinas, the Cave of Swifts and Parrots offers a more authentic and intimate experience.
To reach the cave, there’s a short jungle trek through lush forests filled with magnificent cedar trees and an array of local bird species.
The journey through the jungle is a breathtaking experience, with sights and sounds that will leave a lasting impression.
The sinkhole reaches a depth of 1568 feet (478 m) and is also a popular destination for rappelling enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a bird-watcher, an adventure seeker or a nature lover, the Cave of Swifts and Parrots is a must-visit destination worth the extra effort.
9- VISIT AN IMPRESSIVE SCULPTURE MUSEUM IN A 17TH CENTURY BUILDING
Step inside the 17th-century walls of the once-hospital-turned-school and what is now the Federico Silva Museum, a hub for iconic Mexican artists’ work.
Art lovers will not want to miss this, particularly sculpture enthusiasts.
The neoclassical finish of the building blends seamlessly with Silva’s haunting, monolithic sculptures to create a unique and captivating space.
Although the signage is only in Spanish, the stunning artwork and the museum’s atmosphere more than makeup for it.
The Federico Silva Museum is at Alvaro Obregon 80, Centro, 78000 San LuisPotosi, San Luis Potosi.