Huasteca Potosina: Dive in Mystical Waters and Timeless Treasures (Private / 9 Days Tour)

Overview

Join our 9-day tour from highland Mexico City to tropical La Husateca and see stunning waterfalls, dramatic mountain ranges, lush vegetation, turquoise sea, and other top natural and cultural attractions of 3 Mexican states. This remote geographical region lies along the Gulf of Mexico and roughly coincides with the area occupied by the ancient Huastec civilization. Rich in impressive aquamarine waterfalls and swimming holes, this captivating area offers some of central Mexico's most breathtaking landscapes along with rich cultural and gastronomic heritage.

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 stunning collection of hot spring pools in a picturesque canyon.
• Visit impressive waterfalls and crystal-clear swimming holes in La Huasteca.
• Witness a unique nature show performed by thousands of swifts and parakeets in Sotano De Las Huahuas.

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 dinner and get-together with the rest of the group.

• Transportation: walking
• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Mexico City
• Meals Included: dinner
• Activities Included: welcome meeting

Day 2: Mexico City

Join your group for a walking tour around the historic center of Mexico City and a visit to the National 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.

• Transportation: walking, public transport
• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Mexico City
• Meals Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: walking tour of the Historic Center of Mexico City; guided visit to the National Museum of Anthropology

Day 3: Mexico City - Tula - Grutas de Tolantongo

In the morning, continue our "Mexico: Treasures of La Huasteca" tour visiting the archaeological zone of Tula - a major city of the ancient Toltec culture widely known for its fearsome 4.5m-high stone warrior figures. Afterward, go to enjoy thermal waters and the picturesque mountainous landscapes of Grutas de Tolantongo. 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 Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: orientation walk of Tula; guided visit to Tula Archeological Zone; entrance to Grutas de Tolantongo

Day 4: Grutas de Tolantongo - Zimapán Dam - Zimapán

After breakfast and a morning bath in the thermal waters of Grutas de Tolantongo, go to Zimapan Dam, a wonder of Mexican engineering known for its impressive landscapes. Upon arrival, have optional lunch in one of the small family restaurants and try delicious local fish. Once finished, take a boat tour to navigate the river and see its shining stone walls that run more than 650 feet high. Afterward, go to a "Magic Town" of Zimapan seeing some of the most breathtaking sceneries in the region on your way. Accommodation, orientation walk of the town, optional dinner, and get-together with the rest of the group in the evening.

• Transportation: private vehicle
• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Zimapan
• Meals Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: orientation walk of Zimapan, boat tour on Zimapan Dam

Day 5: Zimapán - Los Mármoles National Park - Xilitla

After breakfast, head to Los Mármoles National Park - a majestic place with virgin nature hidden amid the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains. Once there, try local apple wine that has been produced here by the descendants of English settlers for two centuries. Also, we will see the dramatic ruins of the foundry where parts of the famous Eiffel Tower were forged. Afterward, hike to a "Magent Stone" - a unique Lodestone boulder with magnetic properties, and enjoy stunning views of a local valley. When finished, head to a "Magic town" of Xilitla: check-in at our accommodation, orientation walk of the town, optional dinner, and get-together with the rest of the group.

• Transportation: private vehicle
• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Xilitla
• Meals Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: apple wine tasting and hiking in Los Mármoles National Park; orientation walk of Xilitla

Day 6: Xilitla -  Sotano De Las Huahuas - Aquismon

After breakfast, continue our "Mexico: Treasures of La Huasteca" tour in Las Pozas - a 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 - a large open-air pit cave that is home to a number of birds, including swifts and parakeets. Accommodation in nearby "Magical Town" of Aquismon, orientation walk, optional dinner and get-together with the rest of the group in the evening.

• Transportation: private vehicle
• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Aquismon
• Meals Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: guided visits to Las Pozas and Sotano De Las Huahuas; orientation walk of Aquismon

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

This day, we will visit two wonderful waterfalls (Tamul, Tamasopo) and 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 in eco-cabins near Micos Waterfalls, dinner, and get-together with the rest of the group.

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

Day 8: Micos Waterfalls - Tamtoc Archeological Zone - Tampico

After breakfast and exploration of the beautiful terraces of Micos Waterfalls, go to visit Tamtoc - impressive ruins of ancient Huastec city and one of the most recently opened archeological zones in Mexico. Thereafter, head to Tampico - a historical port city where different architectural styles create a unique and special urban landscape. Check-in at our accommodation, orientation walk of the historic center, optional farewell dinner and get-together with the rest of the group.

• Transportation: private vehicle
• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Tampico
• Meals Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: guided visit of Tamtoc Archeological Zone, orientation walk of Tampico

Day 9: Tampico

Last day of our "Mexico: Treasures of La Huasteca" tour: free program.

• Meals Included: 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.

Logistics

• DEPARTURE/ARRIVAL: We will leave our accommodation in Mexico City on Day 3 morning and arrive in Tampico on Day 8 afternoon.
• AIRPORT TRANSFERS: "Mexico: Treasures of La Huasteca" tour doesn't include airport transfers. Mexico City International Airport is just 12 km away from the center of the city and is easily accessible by both taxis and public transport. Tampico International Airport is 10 km away from the center of the city and is also easily accessible by taxis.
• ACCOMMODATIONS: You will receive a list of accommodations together with trip notes 2 weeks before the tour. Most 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.
• 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 vehicle depends on the size of the group and may involve a car, 7-seater, or minivan. Inside urban areas, walking is the most common way of transportation.
• PHYSICAL CONDITION: This tour involves a decent amount of walking & hiking. Therefore, travelers should have at least moderate physical fitness condition.

Notes

• AGE: Due to the required physical condition, the recommended age of participants in this tour is 12-69 years. However, potential participants outside of the above-mentioned age group can still participate upon request if (1) they are in good physical condition (2) that will allow them to cope with the pace of the group tour.
• FOOD: Meals and Gastronomic Experiences included in this tour 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.
• ACTIVITIES: Participation in all activities is optional - just be sure to be in time for daily departures. Most of the included activities such as walking tours (>2h, normally in historic centers of bigger cities), orientation walks (<2h, normally in smaller towns & villages), guided visits & hikes focus on local nature, history, culture & gastronomy and are led by a Tour Leader. You will receive suggestions for optional activities in trip notes. Extra day tours and activities can be booked by your Tour Leader for an extra fee.
• WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU: Comfortable clothes & shoes; swimming suit & slippers/water shoes; a smaller backpack for daily tours; hat/cap, sunglasses & sunscreen; travel insurance; good mood & curiosity.
• GROUP VS. PRIVATE: Our multi-day tours offer both group and private departures (see pricing at checkout). Group tour - take a scheduled trip with other travelers. Private tour - take a trip on your own, with friends or family. Private tours are customizable (you can depart any day and we can add additional stops & activities on your request) and thus may cost more than group tours.
• PRICING: The price of the tour/person depends on the number of travelers and the room/tour option you choose.