The Top Things to Do in Huasteca Potosina, Mexico

The Huasteca Potosina is a region of Mexico in the state of San Luis Potosí. It has beautiful waterfalls, cenote-like swimming holes, hot springs, incredible camping spots, and lush, green landscape. The name comes from the Huasteca people, an indigenous group native to Mexico, and Potosina refers to the state of San Luis Potosí. It's located east of Mexico City and about a four-hour drive from there and other major cities like Guadalajara, Tampico, or Monterrey. If you're looking for adventure or stunning natural beauty, this is an ideal destination for you.

01 of 08

Jump off a Waterfall

High Angle View Of Man Jumping In River — Victor Mendoza / EyeEm / Getty Images

It might sound reckless, but this is actually a very popular activity in the Huasteca Potosina. Since there are so many waterfalls in the area, there are lots of places where you can do this, but an excellent spot to try it is Las Cascadas de Micos, which is made up of seven waterfalls of different heights. Visitors don hard hats and life jackets before throwing themselves from the top of the falls into the churning water below. Note: This should be done as a supervised and organized activity with a company who can provide the proper gear and instruction.

02 of 08

Wander Through a Surrealist Sculpture Garden

Sculpture Garden at Xilitla — Getty Images / Jose Manuel Espinola Aguayo / EyeEm

You can discover a surrealist sculpture garden in the magical town of Xilitla. Las Posas is the name of the property with fantastical architecture designed by British poet and artist Sir Edward James. He purchased the property in 1947 to use as a coffee plantation and to grow his collection of orchids, but following a severe frost in 1962, he began constructing his own magical wonderland. He continued adding to the sculpture garden until his death in 1984, and the garden was opened to the public in 1991. The environment has a magical splendor with a river, small waterfalls, and pools.

03 of 08

Walk Across God's Bridge

Puente de Dios in San Luis Potosí Mexico — Getty Images / ferrantraite

El Puente de Dios, which translates to "God's Bridge," is a 600-meter long wooden walkway with stunning views of the surrounding rainforest and plenty of opportunities for swimming, including several swimming holes and turquoise streams. You can do several activities here, or just take in the natural beauty. It's located about five kilometers northeast of Tamasopo along a rough road.

04 of 08

Visit El Sótano de las Golondrinas

Translated as "the basement of swallows," this is a huge sinkhole inhabited by thousands of birds. It's located in the dense vegetation of the Huasteca Potosina in the municipality of Aquismon. More than 1,500 feet deep and almost 200 feet in diameter, it is considered one of the largest and most impressive sinkholes in the world. A multitude of birds (mainly white-necked swifts and green parakeets) make their home in the limestone walls. They leave their nests at dawn, flying in a spiral formation before dispersing into the surrounding jungle to search for food, and similarly return to their nest at sunset, so plan the timing of your visit accordingly. The most adventurous visitors may enjoy rappeling down into the sinkhole.

05 of 08

Raft White Water Rapids

Tamul waterfall in the Huasteca of San Luis Potosi — Tamul waterfall. Mahaux Photography/Getty Images

Raft along whitewater rapids as you're surrounded by incredible views of limestone walls and strange rock formations along one of the most scenic rivers in Mexico. The Tampaon River, part of the Santa Maria system that feeds the Tamul Waterfall, is a class III rafting experience. An easier option is to raft the Micos River, which is class II and is suitable for children ages 7 and older.

06 of 08

Paddle a Boat to Tamul Waterfall

Along the river Tampaon near Tamul waterfall — Mahaux Photography/Getty Images

Paddle a traditional Mexican rowboat (called a panga) along the stunning turquoise blue water of the Tampaón River. You'll pass beautiful rock formations such as "La Cueva del Agua" (the water cave). You'll have to row hard as you approach the Tamul waterfall, but the view is worth it. At 350 feet in height, this is the tallest waterfall in the region.

07 of 08

Dive the Media Luna Lagoon

This lagoon is one of the best places for diving and snorkeling in the Huasteca Potosina. It's located in the municipality of Río Verde and is a very clear body of fresh water. The water conditions have created petrified formations over time, and you may be able to see the fossil remains of mammoths and archaeological objects in the depths that were left behind by the pre-Hispanic cultures that developed in the area. Bring your own diving gear or rent it here. There are also professional diving guides available. You can try this even if you have no diving experience—since there are no currents or dangerous underwater critters, it's the perfect place for your first dive.

08 of 08

Stand Up Paddle Boarding in Huichihuayan

It's prnounced like "wee-chee-wah-yan," and this is one of the easiest places to try stand up paddle boarding because the water is tranquil, and you'll be heading downstream, so you'll hardly have to paddle to end up at a lovely spring with crystal clear water.

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