San Luis Potosi Tour: a Fantastic Journey Through Waterfalls, Mountains and Sea (Private / 15 Days)

Overview

Join our 15-days off-the-beaten-track tour from Central Highlands to the Gulf of Mexico and back seeing beautiful waterfalls, impressive mountains & sea as well as other top natural & cultural attractions of the visited areas.

Highlights

• Get to know Mexico City - the largest city in Latin America and a world-class cultural hub.

• See fearsome 4.5m-high stone warrior figures in Tula Archeological Zone.

• Relax in Grutas de Tolantongo - a collection of hot spring pools built into a cliff in a picturesque canyon.
• Visit impressive waterfalls in Huasteca Potosina.
• See original UNESCO-listed voladores ("flyers") dance in Papantla.
• Take a snorkeling tour to observe underwater life in Tuxpan Coral Reef.

Itinerary

Day 1: Mexico City

Bienvenidos a la Ciudad de Mexico - the largest city in Latin America where ancient and modern coexist in harmony. Arrive at any time before meeting your group and Tour Leader in the evening: welcome meeting, optional dinner & get-together with the rest of the group.

• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Mexico City
• Activities: welcome meeting

Day 2: Mexico City

Join your group for a walking tour around the historic center & visit to the Museum of Anthropology in the morning, then choose by yourself what to do next  - your Tour Leader will be happy to give suggestions. Optional dinner & get-together with the group in the evening.

• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Mexico City
• Meals & Drinks: breakfast
• Activities: walking tour in Mexico City; guided visit to the Museum of Anthropology

Day 3: Mexico City - Tula - Grutas de Tolantongo

In the morning, go to visit the archaeological zone of Tula - the major city of the ancient Toltec culture widely known for its fearsome 4.5m-high stone warrior figures. Afterward, go to enjoy thermal waters & picturesque mountainous landscapes of Grutas de Tolantongo, a collection of hot spring pools built into a cliff in a picturesque canyon. Accommodation, optional dinner & get-together with the rest of the group in Grutas de Tolantongo.

• Transportation: private vehicle
• Accommodation: hotel in Grutas de Tolantongo
• Meals & Drinks: breakfast
• Activities/visits: walking tour of Tula; guided visit to Tula Archeological Zone; entrance to Grutas de Tolantongo

Day 4: Grutas de Tolantongo - Zimapán Dam - Zimapán 

After breakfast and morning bath in thermal waters of Grutas de Tolantongo, we will go to Zimapan Dam, a wonder of Mexican engineering known for its impressive landscapes. Upon arrival, we will have an optional lunch in one of the small restaurants and try delicious local grilled fish. Once finished, take an optional boat tour to navigate the river and see its shining stone walls that run more than 650 feet high. Afterward, we will go to a "Magic Town" of Zimapan: accommodation, walking tour around the historic center, optional dinner & get-together with the rest of the group.

• Transportation: private vehicle
• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Zimapan
• Meals & Drinks: breakfast
• Activities/visits: walking tour in Zimapan

Day 5: Zimapán - Los Mármoles National Park - Xilitla

After breakfast, we will head to Los Mármoles National Park that we will explore on foot and by car. When finished we will head to "Magic town" of Xilitla - accommodation, walking tour, optional dinner & get-together with the rest of the group.

• Transportation: private vehicle
• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Xilitla 
• Meals & Drinks: breakfast
• Activities/visits: Los Mármoles National Park; walking tour in Xilitla

Day 6: Xilitla - Sculptural Garden of Edward James -  Sotano De Las Huahuas - Aquismon

After breakfast, head to Las Pozas - surrealist sculpture garden created by an eccentric English poet Edward James in the middle of the jungle. When finished, go to visit nearby Sotano De Las Huahuas ("Basement of Las Huahuas") - large open-air pit cave that is home to a number of birds, including swifts & parakeets. Accommodation in nearby "Magical Town" of Aquismon, optional dinner & get-together with the rest of the group.

• Transportation: private vehicle
• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Aquismon
• Meals & Drinks: breakfast
• Activities: guided visits to Las Pozas, Sótano de las Golondrinas and Sotano De Las Huahuas

Day 7: Aquismon - Tamul/Tamasopo/Micos Waterfalls & Puente de Dios 

This day, we will visit 3 wonderful waterfalls (Tamul, Micos, Tamasopo) as well as Puente de Dios - a majestic pool of clear blue water, where the interior appears to be light up due to the effect of the sunlight which is reflected and filtered between the rocks. Accommodation near Puente de Dios, optional dinner & get-together with the rest of the group.

• Transportation: private vehicle
• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B near Puente de Dios
• Meals & Drinks: breakfast
• Activities: guided visits to Tamul, Tamasopo, Micos Waterfalls & Puente de Dios (entrance & free time); boat tour to Tamul Waterfall

Day 8: Puente de Dios - Tampico

After breakfast, we will head to Tampico - a historical port city whose different architectural styles create a unique and special urban landscape. Except for history and architecture, it is famous for its warm climate, tranquil waters and golden sand beaches where one can enjoy water sports such as surfing, water biking, jet skiing, sailing or taking a ubiquitous water banana ride. Accommodation, walking tour around the historic center, optional dinner & get-together with the rest of the group.

• Transportation: private vehicle
• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Tampico
• Meals & Drinks: breakfast
• Activities: walking tour in Tampico

Day 9: Tampico - Tuxpan Coral Reef /Tuxpan Mangroves - Tuxpan 

First, we will either take a snorkeling tour to nearby Tuxpan Coral Reef (Apr-Sept) or take a mangrove boat tour (Oct-Mar). In the evening, we will be back to the nearby sleepy beach town of Tuxpan: accommodation, walking tour, optional dinner & get-together with the rest of the group.

• Transportation: private vehicle
• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Tuxpan
• Meals & Drinks: breakfast
• Activities: snorkeling tour to Tuxpan Coral Reef (Apr-Sept) or mangroves boat tour (Oct-Mar); walking tour in Tuxpan

Day 10: Tuxpan - Cristo Redentor - El Tajin - Papantla

After a morning swim & breakfast in Tuxpan, go to El Tajin - a majestic UNESCO-listed archaeological zone with impressive pyramids & sumptuous buildings. On the way there, we will stop to see a giant statue of Cristo Redentor and enjoy impressive views that arise from the hill. Afterward, we will continue to Papantla - a nearby "Magic Town" known for its downtown square and cathedral, where voladores ("flyers") perform the unique ritual considered a UNESCO Intangible Heritage. Accommodation, walking tour, optional dinner & get-together with the rest of the group.

• Transportation: private vehicle
• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Papantla
• Meals & Drinks: breakfast
• Activities: guided visit to El Tajin; walking tour of Papantla

Day 11: Papantla - Xicotepec - Pahuatlán

This day we will visit 2 beautiful "Magic Towns". Firstly, we will visit Xicotepec - a small town that retains a unique combination of the communion of the pre-Hispanic & colonial times. Xicotepec is also famous for its variety of coffee that you definitely need to try. Then, we will go to Pahuatlán. Situated in the middle of Puebla mountains among numerous plantations of pahuas and coffee, this place can only be reached by crossing valleys and canyons which gives the place the atmosphere of peace and tranquility. This region also has a high percentage of the indigenous population. Therefore, once there, you will be surrounded by Nahuatl and Otomi cultures, which still carefully preserve their traditions. Accommodation, optional dinner & get-together with the rest of the group in Pahuatlán.

• Transportation: private vehicle
• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Pahuatlán
• Meals & Drinks: breakfast
• Activities: walking tours in Pahuatlán & Xicotepec

Day 12: Pahuatlán - Mirador de Ahíla - Basaltic Prisms of Santa María Regla - Huasca de Ocampo

After breakfast and a short tour around Pahuatlán, we will go to visit Mirador de Ahíla - a viewpoint that offers breathtaking views of immense rock formations of  Sierra Madre Oriental mountains, pierced by numerous caves and valleys. Afterward, we will continue to Basaltic Prisms of Santa María Regla - an imposing 40-meter geological structure made of shining rocks formed thousands of years ago and washed by four waterfalls. Finally, we will finish the day in Huasca de Ocampo - a charming "Magic Town" at the edge of the mountains where the bonanza of old times still reverberates, times when several ranches were built to make the Count of Regla the richest man of his time. Accommodation, walking tour, optional dinner & get-together with the rest of the group in Huasca de Ocampo.

• Transportation: private vehicle
• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Huasca de Ocampo
• Meals & Drinks: breakfast
• Activities: walking tour in Huasca de Ocampo; visits to Mirador de Ahíla & Basaltic Prisms of Santa María Regla

Day 13: Huasca de Ocampo - El Chico National Park - Mineral del Chico

Firstly, in the morning, go hiking in El Chico National Park - one of the oldest protected areas in Mexico founded in 1898. After this, move to a nearby Mineral del Chico - a "Magical Town" whose rich nature and mining history will heighten your senses and fill you with energy as you walk along its steep narrow streets: walking tour around the town, optional dinner & get-together with the rest of the group.

• Transportation: private vehicle
• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Mineral del Chico
• Meals & Drinks: breakfast
• Activities/visits: El Chico National Park (entrance & hiking); walking tour in Mineral del Chico

Day 14: Mineral del Chico - Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque - Pachuca

In the morning, go to see UNESCO-listed Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque - an impressive construction built between 1553 and 1570 that stretches for 45 km. Afterward, we will go to our last destination - Pachuca. Known as "La Bella Airosa", this city preserves the splendor of its rich gold mining past and witnesses influences of Mexican, Spanish and English architecture. Walking tour around the city, optional farewell dinner & get-together with the rest of the group.

• Transportation: private vehicle
• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Pachuca
• Meals & Drinks: breakfast
• Activities/visits: Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque; walking tour in Pachuca

Day 15: Pachuca - Mexico City

Breakfast and departure to Mexico City. If you decide to extend your vacations, we can always book you extra nights, or even take you on our next adventure.

• Transportation: private vehicle
• Meals & Drinks: breakfast

Why go with us

• Small groups of up to 13 travelers: closer communication, easier coordination, more adventures & fun!
• Off-the-beaten-track tours with maximum immersion in local nature, culture, and traditions.
• The easy-going atmosphere of our tours is perfect for informal travel & making new friends among co-travelers and locals.

• DEPARTURE: We will leave our accommodation in Mexico City on Day 3 morning.
• ARRIVAL: We will be back in Mexico City on Day 15 afternoon.
• ACCOMMODATIONS: An exact list of accommodations is sent together with trip notes 2 weeks before the departure date. Most of the accommodations are centrally located, tourist-class, locally-owned properties with private facilities in each room (unless otherwise specified in the itinerary). We can arrange pre- & post-tour accommodations but not earlier than 2 weeks before the departure when we send you final trip notes. However, this time is normally enough to arrange it with normal pricing & enough availability.

• ROOM TYPES: 

  • Shared Twin Room: Single bed in a twin room shared with another co-traveler of the same gender. This option is specifically designed for solo travelers and applies just to group departures.

  • Double/Twin Room: Private room for 2 people. You can choose between 1 double bed or 2 single beds.

  • Triple Room: Private room for 3 people. It normally has 1 double bed for 2 people and 1 single bed for 1 person.

  • Quad Room: Private room for 4 people. It normally has 2 double beds for 2 people each.

  • If none of the room types above fits you, please contact us and we will send you a personalized quote.

• TRANSPORT: The type of private vehicle for inter-city transfers depends on the size of the group and may include car, 7-seater, minivan. Inside urban areas, walking is the most common way of transportation.
• ACTIVITIES: Participation in all activities is optional - just be sure to be in time for departures. Both walking tours (>2h, normally in historic centers of bigger cities) and orientation walks (<2h, normally in smaller towns & villages) focus on local history, culture & gastronomy and are led by a Tour Leader.
• FOOD: Food & drinks included in the tour (be it breakfasts at our accommodations, Market Food Experiences, lunches, or dinners) can normally meet most of the common dietary restrictions. However, due to the active program of the tour and different menus in each place, satisfying a special diet or food preferences of a particular traveler will depend on circumstances and cannot be fully guaranteed.
• PHYSICAL CONDITION: This tour involves a decent amount of hiking & walking. Therefore, travelers should have at least moderate physical fitness condition.
• WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU: Comfortable clothes & (preferably hiking) shoes; swimming suit & slippers; a smaller backpack for daily tours; hat/cap, sunglasses & sunscreen; travel insurance; good mood & curiosity.
• PRICING: The price of the tour/person depends on the number of travelers & room option you choose.
• GROUP VS. PRIVATE TOUR: Group Tour: take a trip with other travelers. Private Tour: take a trip on your own, with friends, couple, or family. While offering more privacy and exclusivity such tours may cost more than group ones. If you wanna take a private tour with a group that is bigger than 4, please contact us and we will send you a personalized offer. For private tours, the dates of departure (and in some cases the itinerary & activities) can be customized to your request.