Huasteca Potosina: Mexico’s Best Kept Secret

After taking a spontaneous road trip to Huasteca Potosina, I discovered it to be one of the most beautiful parts of Mexico! Here is my guide to exploring the best of Mexico’s Best Keep Secret.

Cascadas de Tamasopo

This is a series of beautiful waterfalls located just a few minutes drive or 15-20 minute walk from Tamasopo. It’s easy to find and the waterfalls are just a hop, skip and a jump away from the parking area. The water here is really clear as well. Entrance fee to the falls is 40 pesos per person and parking costs 30 pesos. There are a couple restaurants on site with some pretty cheap food options. There is also a rope swing on one bank of the falls. However, a life jacket (30 pesos) is required to use the rope swing and if you swim in the deeper areas of the falls.

 

Puente de Dios (Bridge of God)

This was my favorite stop in Huasteca Potosina. Pictures don’t do this place justice. The water here is a mystifying aqua blue color like something you might see in Thailand and Southeast Asia. It’s a bumpy 10-15 minute ride from Tamasopo to get to the parking area (20 pesos). From there you walk five minutes and cross some railroad tracks to the ticket booth. After you pay an entrance fee of 35 pesos (what a steal!), it’s a 10-minute walk down to the waterfalls and amazing views! What I really enjoyed about this place is you could do some light hiking further down to the river and find a quiet place to yourself with some amazing views of the mountains.

 

Cascada de Tamul

This is a canoe ride you won’t forget. Drive south past the town of Tanchachin until you see a load of parked cars on the side of the road. Once you find, negotiate with a guide to take you in their canoe for 200 pesos a person. That seems to be the rate whether it’s 2 or 8 people in a canoe. It’s around a 10-minute walk from the parking area to the riverside where you can change into a bathing suit and the guide will strap you into a lifejacket (you don’t have to pay extra for it this time).

The paddle to the waterfalls is upstream so you will have to use a bit more muscle to get there. Although with the scenery straight from a fantasy tale, everyone will take their time anyways. The whole trip itself should take around three hours. On the way back from the waterfall, there is a section where you can jump out off a boat and let the current take you down the river. After this section, you can go to shore and explore a cool cave before heading back to the parking lot.

 

Jardín Surrealista de Edward James (Edward James Surrealist Garden)

‘Las Pozas’ is probably one of the most weirdly interesting things you will see in your life. This garden was created by British poet Edward James who first moved into the area in 1945. It was filled with many different kinds of tropical plants and flowers along with exotic birds and animals. This was all good and dandy until 1962 when a winter frost destroyed all of the orchids in his garden which really angered him. James decided to embark on a construction project involving a more ‘permanent garden’. When it was finished, 27 concrete structures were built on his 37-hectare property.

‘Las Pozas’ has been opened to the public since 2007. The entrance fee is 70 pesos. It’s important to note that Edward James Garden is not located in Xilitla but a short drive up the mountains on the outskirts of town. I think every person can have their own unique experience here. For me, it felt like walking through a labyrinth. Mystifying concrete structures, fountains overgrown by nature and even a waterfall are found in this beautiful garden.

 

Cascadas de Micos

Located a short drive from Ciudad Valles (40 minutes) and Tamasopo (1 hour), this spot has a series of waterfalls with a beautiful backdrop against the mountains. Entrance fee is 30 pesos. This is a good place to go for a paddle or a swim but you will need to shell out 30 pesos for a lifejacket.

This is probably the most popular destination in Huasteca Potosina but that should not steer you away from this place. There are multiple waterfalls to observe in a relaxing environment with the towering trees above you and the beautiful mountains in the distance.

 

Xilitla

This beautiful magic town is tucked away in the Sierra Gorda mountain range. We ended up spending a couple extra days here since we enjoyed it so much. It is a beautiful place is filled with narrow streets, excellent mountain views and bustling markets.

This is a great place to base yourself while exploring Huasteca Potosina for a few days.

Bonus Destinations

Media Luna

This is a beautiful area around 20 minutes south of the town of Rio Verde (halfway between San Luis Potosi and Ciudad Valles). This area is very popular with locals and it seems like it would be a good spot for an overnight or weekend getaway. The water is unbelievably clear and the perfect spot for swimming, relaxing and even scuba diving. We spend a couple hours here to kick off our road trip. It costs 40 pesos to enter Media Luna and camping overnight costs 70 pesos.

Cascadas de Minas Viejas

After visiting Cascada Micos, continue driving north for around 50km (1-hour drive) until you arrive at the 50m waterfall. Due to its location, this is probably the least visited destination in Huasteca Potosina but if you have some extra time in the area, it is definitely worth a visit! Entrance fee is 30 pesos.

 

Have you visited Huasteca Potosina? If so what is your favorite place here? If not is it now at the top of your bucket list? Comment below and share your experience at Huasteca Potosina. You are also welcome to send me an email using the contact form below.