Located in Mexico’s central region, the state of San Luis Potosi has fast-flowing rivers, mountain areas covered with lush vegetation and arid zones with abundant brushwood.San Luis Potosi was founded in the colonial era during the mining boom. As you check out the streets and buildings of some of the old mining towns like Real de Catorce, you’ll realize that the magic and charm has been preserved.
In the city of San Luis Potosi, the state capital, you’ll see unique architecture and can visit museums with interesting collections of Teenek crafts. The Teeneks live in nearby towns, such as Santa Maria del Rio, where you can buy fine hand-made shawls, cotton garments and colorful embroidered items. Later you can visit the Gogorron National Park, where you can go hiking and mountain bike riding.
In San Luis Potosi’s Huasteca region, you can observe diverse flora and fauna at El Potosi National Park, or you can go cave diving at the Media Luna Lagoon, near Rio Verde.
In Ciudad Valles you can go diving in the Pozo Azul at Puente de Dios. Nearby, be sure to visit the Tamul and Micos waterfalls, ideal spots for fishing and rappelling. During your visit, we recommend that you experience the rush of paragliding at Sotano de las Golondrinas and enjoy the thrill of a rafting adventure down the Tampaon River. You’ll also want to check out the ruins at El Consuelo.
ECOTOURISM
In San Luis Potosi’s surrounding areas you’ll find beautiful nature areas where you can observe countless indigenous plant and animal species.
Sotano de las Golondrinas – Located more than 300 km (186 mi) southeast of San Luis Potosi,
off Highway 70. Within this 285-hectare (703-acre) protected area you’ll find a truly unique ecosystem in an abyss that is 512 meters (1,690 feet) deep. At this place, from sunrise to sunset you can see hundreds of birds and bats flying around in their natural habitat.
Laguna de Media Luna (Half Moon Lagoon) – Located 120 km (74 mi) east of San Luis Potosi. This is the city’s most important water source. It has six springs with clear waters and an average water temperature of 27º to 30º C (81º to 86º F). In this protected area you can observe a wide variety of terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna.
Cascada de Tamul – Lies 277 km (172 mi) east of San Luis Potosi, off Highway 70. Here you can enjoy the lush vegetation that surrounds a 105-meter (346-foot) waterfall.
HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURE
San Luis Potosi has many colonial-style architectural gems, which take one back to the splendor of the New Spain era.
Templo del Carmen – Located on the corner of Av. Manuel Jose Othon and Juan Sarabia. This is a splendid baroque edifice with finely detailed sculptures. The interior houses beautiful 18th-century retables and altarpieces, which are the works of painter Francisco A. Vallejo. Open daily from 8:00 to 7:00.
Teatro de la Paz – Located on the corner of Calle Vicente Guerrero and Plaza del Carmen. This is one of Mexico’s most magnificent theaters. Built at the end of the 19th century, this neoclassical-style edifice holds 1,450 spectators. It also has a room for expositions. Open daily from 10:00 to 7:00.
Catedral (Cathedral) – Located on the corner of Av. Manuel J. Othon and Calle Zaragoza. This baroque-style edifice has its original façade intact within various planes and it also features an octagonal dome. The interior houses beautiful white marble statues of the apostles, as well as viceregal paintings and neoclassical altars. Open daily from 8:00 to 7:00.
Casa de la Virreina – Located on Plaza de Armas. This is one of the oldest estates in San Luis Potosi and is one of the most beautiful examples of 18th-century architecture. Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Templo de San Francisco – Located on the corner of Ignacio Aldama and Galeana, in Plaza de San Francisco. This is one of the city’s most majestic buildings. Its most striking features are the baroque façade and the ornamentation inside the church, which contains works of famous baroque artists like Miguel Cabrera. Open daily from 7:00 to 4:00.
MUSEUMS
In San Luis Potosi you’ll find numerous museums that offer an overview of the state’s cultural and historical development.
Museo Regional Potosino (Potosino Regional Museum) – Located on Galeana Street, in the downtown area. In the museum, which was once a Franciscan convent, you can admire an extensive collection of pre-Hispanic Huasteca pieces. You’ll also see objects from the viceregal era and popular art. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 to 7:00 and Sundays from 10:00 to 5:00.
Museo Nacional de la Mascara (National Mask Museum) – Located at 2 Villerias, in the downtown area. This neoclassical building houses the most extensive collection of Mexican masks, which come from every state in the nation. The museum also has a conference room. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 2:00 and 5:00 to 7:00.
Casa de la Cultura (House of Culture) – Located at 1815 Av. Venustiano Carranza. In this gray stone neoclassical edifice you can see a select collection of artwork, archaeological pieces and crafts. Open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 to 6:00, Saturdays from 10:00 to 5:00 and Sundays from 10:00 to 2:00.
Federico Silva Museum – Located at 80 Alvaro Obregon, in the Jardin de San Juan de Dios. This museum has a diverse collection of contemporary sculptures; it was the first museum of its kind in Latin America. Open Monday through Saturday (except Tuesdays) from 10:00 to 6:00 and Sundays from 10:00 to 2:00.
Museo del Virreinato (Viceregal Museum) – Located at 115 Villerias, in the Ex-Convent of Carmen. This building is an important example of 18th-century baroque architecture in Mexico. Here you’ll see an extensive collection of important objects from the viceregal era, including paintings, sculptures and applied arts. Open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 to 7:00 and Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 to 5:00.
Centro Taurino Potosino – Located on the corner of Av. Universidad and Triana, in the El Paseo neighborhood. At this place you’ll see a collection of objects related to bullfighting, including various items from the 19th century. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 to 2:00 and 5:30 to 8:00.
ARTS AND CRAFTS
In the city of San Luis Potosi you’ll find numerous handicrafts from various regions in the state. Here you can buy candles, hand-woven items, tablecloths, portfolios, precious wood furniture, musical instruments, ceramics, basketwork, wrought-iron works and leather goods. You also can purchase quechquemitl (colorful embroidered textiles) and the famous shawls made in Santa Maria del Rio, which you’ll find in the Hidalgo Market.
GASTRONOMY
The cuisine of San Luis Potosi is a blend of indigenous and Spanish influences. Among the most important dishes are: los cabuches, the flowers of the barrel cactus; el asado de la boda, pork cooked with chili ancho; zacahuil, tamales stuffed with pork; San Luis Potosi-style cheese and chicken tacos, which are served with carrots, green beans, potatoes and Parmesan cheese; San Luis Potosi-style fiambre; gorditas; and the famous enchiladas potosinas, which are made with red chili pepper and served with refried beans and guacamole. Among the most exquisite desserts are queso de tuna (a prickly pear custard) and sweets made of goat’s milk, such as natillas and cajetas.
More information: http://www.visitmexico.com/
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