How to Visit Huasteca Potosina, Mexico
La Huasteca Potosina, Mexico is one of the most beautiful regions of the country. This area is full of lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and insane nature. It can be difficult to figure out what to see, and the best ways to plan your trip here, which is why we decided to create a complete guide for everything to know while visiting.
We absolutely fell in love with this area of Mexico, and think it's full of hidden gems. Spending just a. few days here, we know it's a must to make it back here to spend some more time. So let's jump right in, and share all we learned with you. Here are the best things to do, and how to visit la Huasteca Potosina, Mexico.
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Where is Huasteca Potosina?
When we first saw pictures of Huasteca Potosina, we truly thought that everything that right by each other in one city. Little did we know that Huasteca Potosina is actually a huge area that includes parts of the states of Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Puebla, Hidalgo, San Luis Potosรญ, Querรฉtaro and Guanajuato. In this article though, we're going to focus on our favorite spots around the state of San Luis Potosi. Check the map below to see where the majority of the attractions are located.
Huasteca Potosina is in central Mexico near San Luis Potosi and Queretero.
How to Get to Huasteca Potosina, Mexico
Now that you know where Huasteca Potosina is located, let's go over the details to get there.
Where Do You Fly into for Huasteca Potosina?
The two closest airports to Huasteca Potosina are San Luis Potosi and Queretero. These are smaller airports though, so if you are coming from outside Mexico, chances are you'll have to fly into Mexico City first.
We use Skyscanner to find our flights, as it allows for flexible dates, letting us find the cheapest flights from the US to Mexico City.
San Luis Potosi does however have a few flights direct from the US! These include Houston, Dallas, and Salt Lake City. You can actually find flights to San Luis Potosi for under $200!
The other direct flights into San Luis Potosi include Mexico City, Cancun, and Puerto Vallarta. Once in San Luis Potosi you'll want to rent a car, as the capital city is a few hours from most of the highlights of Huasteca Potosina.
Queretero is a couple hours south of San Luis Potosi, and also has direct flights from the US, which come from Atlanta, Dallas, El Paso, Houston, Laredo, and Shreveport, Louisiana. We even found flights to Queretaro for under $100! Other flights which are domestic to Queretaro come from Guadalajara and Mexico City.
If you find better flights to Queretero, you can book your transfer below:
If you plan on flying to Mexico City, here are the options for getting to San Luis Potosi from there:
If you want to visit Huasteca Potosina, you also may want to consider renting a car, which you can do from any of the airports you'd fly into.
Entry Requirements for Mexico
While many people think Mexico is a quick and easy visit, it's still important to know exactly the requirements for entering. Here is all you need to know for Mexico when it comes to entry requirements.
Visa Entry Requirements
Back in the day, Americans were able to travel to Mexico without passports. It's been a while since that has changed, but I think it's important to note since I have met hundreds of Americans thinking they could go to Mexico without a passport. Whether you are visiting Mexico via cruise ship, land, or on a flight, you will in fact need your passport to travel.
Covid Entry Requirements
From day one Mexico has been much more accepting to letting people in their country during times of Covid. Luckily, conditions around the world have kept getting better, and there are no longer any restrictions due to Covid.
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Local Adjustments
Whenever you are traveling somewhere new, there are things that you may forget about, that could differ from where you're coming from. Here are a few of the local adjustments to keep in mind while traveling to Huasteca Potosina, Mexico.
What Language Do They Speak in Huasteca Potosina
The official language in Huasteca Potosina is the same as the rest of Mexico, which is Spanish. It definitely helps to learn a bit of the language beforehand to better get around. However, if you don't speak Spanish, there are also plenty of people who do speak a bit of English.
Currency
The currency used in Mexico is the Mexican peso. Currently (February 2024) the exchange rate is 17 Mexican pesos for every 1 USD. While many Americans insist on using their USD in Mexico, we think it's important to use pesos. Head to a local ATM and make sure to take out plenty of cash, as not everywhere accepts card.
Outlets
Mexico uses the same outlets as the rest of North America, which are good for plug types A & B. The standard voltage in Mexico is 127 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. If you are from the US you will be able to use your electronics without needing an adapter or energy converter. However, if you are from Europe, you'll need to buy a travel adapter.
Can You Drink the Water in Huasteca Potosina?
The water is pretty notorious in Mexico for not being super safe to drink. While I've drank the tap water, and had ice in my drinks with no issue, it is advised to stick to bottled water here.
Tipping Culture
The tipping culture in Mexico varies a bit, but is pretty similar to the US. It is generally common to tip between 15-20% in restaurants, and to leave a little extra for services.
La Huasteca Potosina, Mexico: Where to Stay
First things first, is where to stay when visiting Huasteca Potosina, Mexico. It can be a little deceiving, because this area is in San Luis Potosi. Therefore, it only makes sense to stay in the capital of San Luis Potosi right? Wrong. The capital is actually 3 hours away from all of the best things to see in Huasteca Potosina!
When we were first researching, we were putting Huasteca Potosina, Mexico into Google Maps. It automatically directed us to San Luis Potosi. But it wasn't until we started individually putting in each destination, that we realized this wasn't the case. Really nothing is near the capital of San Luis Potosi, but rather just inside the state itself.
The best area to stay in Huasteca Potosina is in Ciudad Valle. This is a small town that is the center of it all the things to do in the area. From here, you can easily do trips to all of the waterfalls, gardens, and activities in the state of San Luis Potosi.
The best place to stay in La Huasteca Potosina is Ciudad Valles, east of San Luis Potosi.
Want to check out the accommodation in Ciudad Valles? Just refer to the map below:
La Huasteca Potosina, Mexico: How to Get Around
Unfortunately, Ciudad Valles is pretty far from any large cities, making it a little inaccessible without a car. We highly recommend renting a car from San Luis Potosi, and heading there for at least a few days in order to make the trip worth it.
There are a group of things to check out surrounding Ciudad Valles. Some are an hour west, some a half hour east, and some that are an 1 hour- 1 1/2 hours north. We suggest spending at least a full day or two in each area. This way, you will be able to fully enjoy all that Huasteca Potosina, Mexico has to offer.
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La Huasteca Potosina, Mexico: Things to Do
There are so many things to add to the bucket list here! The majority of spots to check out around Huasteca Potosina, Mexico are its waterfalls. But each one has its own charm, as well as its own reasons for going!
Some waterfalls can be checked out for a couple of hours. However, for the majority of the activities, we really recommend spending a full day. This way you can fully experience all that they have to offer.
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Tamasopo Falls
Tamasopo falls is a great place to go for all ages! This park doesn't just have a series of waterfalls, but is full of other great activities, making it a full day experience. There are jungle gyms above the water to test your strength and balance. There are gardens, natural pools, and so much more.
The entrance is 40 pesos and the hours are from 7 am to 6 pm. Life jackets are provided, and are optional for some areas. They are mandatory for certain others (such as the spots that you can jump off platforms into the water).
There are bathrooms, plenty of shade and seating, as well as hammocks. There is a souvenir shop, and also a snack bar where you can get food and drinks. We suggest getting one of the giant Micheladas!
Tamasopo falls has several sets of waterfalls, and plenty of amenities.
Puente de Dios
Located just around the corner from Tamasopo Falls, is the Puente de Dios or "God's Bridge". Take 300 steps down to a beautiful paradise. Here you will find turquoise waters surrounded by cascading waterfalls and lush greenery. There are three different areas to enjoy, so make sure you bring your swimsuit!
Life jackets are provided, and water shoes are definitely recommended. The price is 150 pesos, and the guide is included to bring you down.
Want to book a tour to Tamasopo Falls and Puente de Dios? Here's one that you can book:
Cascada Tamul
This is one of the most powerful waterfalls in Huasteca Potosina Mexico, and is really worth a full-day experience. You can either witness the falls from above, or visit them below. The easiest way to see the falls is from the top, but the only real way to experience the true beauty is from below.
In order to see the falls from below you actually need to canoe for 30 minutes. Reservations need to be made in advance for this, so if it's something you have your heart set on, you should really take care of it ahead of time. The canoes are 200 pesos per person with a minimum of 8 people and a maximum of 10.
There are also private canoes that are for 1-7 people and are 1,600 for the canoe (not per person).
Los Micos
This was one of our favorite spots in all of Huasteca Potosina, Mexico! Not just because of its extremely turquoise waters, but because of the activities that it offers. Not only can you enjoy swimming in the falls below, but you can have a whole adventure right over them!
We joined Adventure Huasteca in one of the most unique activities we've ever experienced. First, we took a series of ziplines over the falls. Make sure to get your GoPro or camera ready for the last one because the views are insane. Then we actually took a bicycle on a high wire over Los Micos!
Salto del Meco
El Meco is located North of Ciudad Valles, so it is a bit more off the beaten path. Nonetheless, they are equally as gorgeous as those that are more popular! Here you can find stunning turquoise falls, as well as a few bungalows along the river that you can rent for the night!
Cascadas de Minas Viejas
These series of turquoise cascades are 78 km north or Ciudad Valles, but are well worth the visit. A bit more off the beaten path, it is a great spot for those who love adventure. We love that you can jump from different cascades into the clear pools below them. The falls are open from 7 am to 8 pm and the entrance is just 30 pesos.
Want to book an excursion to visit a few different of these amazing waterfalls? Here are a few to choose from:
Jardines Surrealistas de Edward James
Here is one of the spots that is not a waterfall, but is a truly unique spot to visit in Huasteca Potosina Mexico. These gardens were created by the surrealist Edward James. They are not only elaborate, but have futuristic and psychedelic designs. The architecture surrounded by the greenery is truly stunning and worth checking out.
The gardens are about an hour south of Ciudad Valles, located in the small town of Xilitla. It is very important to know that reservations are needed! We unfortunately made this mistake and only saw the place from the outside, which was truly heartbreaking.
Jardines Surrealistas de Edward James have a very unique design.
The gardens are open from 9 am to 6 pm. The last tours go at 4:00, as they are about two hours long. The entrance fee is 100 pesos (about $5 USD), not including the fee of the guide. Guides are obligatory, and cost an extra 250 pesos for groups of 1-10 people.
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Cave of Swallows
The Cave of swallows, also known as "Sotano de Golondrinas" is an open-air pit cave south of Ciudad Valles. This is the largest cave shaft in the entire world, and is quite a sight! Make sure you go here in the morning so you can experience the thousands of birds that fly around.
If you miss the birds, the only other reason to really visit here is to go base-jumping. We weren't able to do this but it is definitely something that we would have loved to do! Make sure you plan accordingly if you want to check this out.
Media Luna Laguna
This spot is actually the closest to the capital of San Luis Potosi, as it is the halfway point between SLP and Ciudad Valles. Right now it is closed due to COVID. However, for future travels, this is a great spot to relax and go for a swim. You can even go camping here if you want to spend the night with family or friends.
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How Safe is it in Huasteca Potosina?
Mexico definitely gets a bad rep when it comes to safety. But just like the US, it is a really big country, and some places are much safer than others. We felt particularly safe in the area of Huasteca Potosina. However, always make sure that you are aware of your surroundings, and never leaving things on sight in your car.
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La Huasteca Potosina, Mexico: Other Things to Know
Now that you know how to get to Huasteca Potosina, Mexico, and the best things to do, here are a few other things to keep in mind.
The Best Time to Visit Huasteca Potosina, Mexico
When we visited the state of San Luis Potosi, we noticed a HUGE difference in the temperatures. Our friend actually explained to us that it is the hottest area in all of Mexico, and can be absolutely unbearable in the summer months.
Of course being that the majority of the activities here are water based, this place can really be visited anytime of the year. However, we found that the winter months were much more bearable.
What Should I Pack For Huasteca Potosina, Mexico?
Huasteca Potosina is packed with adventure, so you'll want to make sure that you prepare properly. Here are a few things that we suggest bringing on your trip:
- Sunscreen
- Reusable Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature)
- Flip Flops (we personally always get Havaiana flip flops, as they are comfy and long lasting)
- Water Shoes
- Sneakers (for the hikes)
- Zippered Bag or Backpack (to secure your belongings)
- Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
- Bathing Suits
- Drone (We use the Mavic Mini Pro 3 because it's super light and doesn't sacrifice quality)
- Action Camera (we use the Insta 360 X3 because it's small & waterproof)
- Waterproof Phone Pouch (we use the Cafago Waterproof Phone Pouch)
- Dry Bag (for the boats and kayaks)
- Travel Adapter
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La Huasteca Potosina, Mexico is full of some of the most beautiful nature in the country, and in the world! To fully experience this gorgeous area we suggest staying a full week.
Want to see more stunning places in Mexico? Check out some of our other Mexico Travel Guides that we have!
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