Huasteca Potosina Travel Guide 2025

May 9, 2024

Explore the most underrated region in Mexico with this comprehensive Huasteca Potosina travel guide I’ve compiled, including an itinerary and best spots to visit.

Welcome to the waterworld of Huasteca Potosina! This lush and naturally stunning region is studded with aquamarine waterfalls and swimming holes that look absolutely out of this world. Beyond the falls, Huasteca Potosina is also brimming with vast caves, running rivers, and lush rainforests.

Despite that, Huasteca Potosina is little known outside of Mexico, as it can be tricky to plan a trip here. La Huasteca Potosina sprawls across a large area, with many of its waterfalls spread out across long distances and aren’t served by public transport. It takes some careful planning to work out the best way to approach the region.

Table of Contents

The Ultimate Huasteca Potosina Guide

The Ultimate Huasteca Potosina Guide

Where is Huasteca Potosina?

La Huasteca Potosina is a sub-region located within the state of San Luis Potosi in northeastern Mexico. It spreads across 20 municipalities and covers a big area characterized by stunning waterfalls, natural swimming holes, lush jungles and deep canyons. It’s definitely one of the wildest and most rugged parts of Mexico, with most parts being rural and only accessible by private car.

If you’re already in Mexico, Huasteca Potosina is about a 6-hour drive from Mexico City and a 2.5-hour drive from Guanjuato. Because of how remote the region is, there aren’t a lot of transport connections to Huasteca Potosina. But you can reach Ciudad Valles, the main hub of Huasteca Potosina, by renting a car or taking the bus (more info below).

Hi, I’m Nellie — a lifelong traveler, book author, and adventurous mum. In 2021, we moved our home base to San Miguel de Allende, and absolutely fell in love with Mexico. I created this blog to share my love for Mexico; read more here.

Huasteca Potosina Map

This map includes the entire Huasteca Potosina itinerary and the best spots to visit, as well as places to stay and eat.

How to use this map: Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations, then click on the locations to display further information. To open a larger version in a new tab, click on the top right corner of the map. Star the map to save it to your own Google Maps.

Why Visit Huasteca Potosina?

If there’s only one thing that draws people to la Huasteca Potosina, it’s the waterfalls — dreamy cascades with milky blue natural pools and aquamarine running streams, surrounded by lush sub-tropical rainforests. The waters are so rich in their turquoise hue, thanks to the high calcium content in the surrounding rocks. Read my list of the most stunning Huasteca Potosina waterfalls worth visiting.

In recent years, la Huasteca Potosina has developed into an adventure hub, where you can go hiking, whitewater rafting, canyoning or ziplining. It’s a haven for nature lovers and outdoorsy travelers. Huasteca Potosina has become a popular destination for Mexicans, but it has surprisingly remained a secret outside of Mexico. If you’re looking to veer off the beaten path, this is a great area to explore!

Huasteca Potosina - dreamy cascades with milky blue natural pools and aquamarine running streams

How To Get to Huasteca Potosina

By Air

This is the tricky part – there are no airports in Huasteca Potosina. The nearest airports are in San Luis Potosi and Tampico, which are still a few hours’ drive away. Both airports serve mainly other cities in Mexico and a few destinations in the US. I recommend renting a car from these airports to get around Huasteca Potosina.

San Luis Potosi International Airport (SLP) – Located in San Luis Potosi city, this airport is approximately a 3.5 – 4 hours drive to Ciudad Valles. You can find all the usual car rental places at the airport.

Tampico International Airport (TAM) – In the next-door state of Tamaulipas, this airport is actually closer to Ciudad Valles than San Luis Potosi Airport. It takes around 2.5 hours to drive to Ciudad Valles from Tampico, and the airport has all the usual car rental options too.

By Bus

Most of Mexico is well connected by bus. To get to Huasteca Potosina, you’ll need to find a bus to Ciudad Valles, the biggest town in the region. There are buses from Mexico City (6hours) and San Luis Potosi (4hours) to Ciudad Valles, but note that they don’t leave that regularly. Book your bus tickets here.

Huasteca Potosina - How To Get to Huasteca Potosina

How To Get Around Huasteca Potosina

By Car

Even if you fly into San Luis Potosi or Tampico, you’ll need to rent a car to reach Huasteca Potosina. The remoteness of it all and limited public transportation makes it best explored with your own set of wheels. Most waterfalls aren’t accessible by public transport and there aren’t taxis or uber in these rural areas. We drove our own car from San Miguel de Allende, and found the roads in Huasteca Potosina to be manageable.

For all my car rentals in Mexico, I always book with Discover Cars as they offer the best prices and excellent customer service. An economy rental car with pickup/dropoff at San Luis Potosi Airport costs only $150 for a whole week, which is less than $21 a day. You will need to pay extra for insurance and add-ons, but that’s a really decent price to pay.

Check Car Rental Prices

Huasteca Potosina - How To Get Around Huasteca Potosina

By Tour

If you don’t drive, the most convenient option is to book a tour to Huasteca Potosina. There are a few tour operators that provide adventurous multi-day tours as well as day tours leaving from Ciudad Valles. These days tend to include transport, guide and meals, as well as activities such as ziplining. The only issue is that the guide might not speak much English, but there’s nothing Google Translate can’t help with!

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Multi-Day Tours from Ciudad Valles:

This 3-day adventure trip will bring you whitewater-rafting on the Tampaón River and rappeling down Cascadas Minas Viejas, plus a visit to the Edward James garden in Xilitla and 2 nights of accommodation.

Day Tours from Ciudad Valles:

Huasteca Potosina - ziplining guided tour

Best Time To Visit Huasteca Potosina

The best time to visit Huasteca Potosina is between November and February, when there’s plenty of water and everything is green and lush. You might get some rain, but at least it won’t be too hot. Avoid visiting during Mexican holidays, as it will be busy with families on vacation. We visited at Semana Santa (Holy Week), and the falls were pretty crowded at this time.

The worst time to visit Huasteca Potosina is in the summer. The rainy season stirs up the sediments that turn the normally piercing blue color of the waterfalls a bit murky. The rains also make some waterfalls too strong, so much so you won’t be able to swim in them.

Another excellent time to visit Huasteca Potosina is during Xantolo (1-2 November), the local Day of the Dead celebrations in la Huasteca Potosina. During Xantolo, a sacred festival that links people to their ancestors, whole towns come alive with performers of all ages dancing along the streets and in town squares wearing elaborate costumes.

How Many Days in Huasteca Potosina?

We spent 10 days in Huasteca Potosina, which gave us enough time to see the most impressive waterfalls, do all the activities I mentioned, and explore San Luis Potosi at the end of it.

The Huasteca Potosina waterfalls are rather spread out, and it takes time to get from one to the other. Besides, Huasteca Potosina is a rural and remote region, and roads aren’t the best – so definitely plan for some extra time in case of delay.

Huasteca Potosina - impressive waterfalls

Is It Safe To Travel to Huasteca Potosina?

La Huasteca Potosina is generally safe, especially since it’s so rural and remote. Local authorities in San Luis Potosi, along with the Mexican government, often implement various measures to ensure the safety of tourists. These measures may include increased police presence and collaboration with hotel staff and tour operators to enhance security protocols.

Regardless, it’s important to follow common-sense safety practices, such as avoiding isolated areas at night, securing valuables, and using reputable transportation services. Additionally, staying informed about local developments and consulting recent travel advisories will ensure a smooth-sailing trip.

Huasteca Potosina - Safe To Travel to Huasteca Potosina

Travel Insurance for Huasteca Potosina

Don’t forget to consider purchasing travel insurance before your trip! Whether you’re going to Huasteca Potosina for three days or a month, it’s important to have Mexico travel insurance in case of incidents. It’ll protect you from emergencies, flight cancellation or loss of baggage.

If you’re unsure where to start, Safetywing offers excellent options for travelers. I personally use their Nomad Insurance plan and highly recommend it for comprehensive coverage and peace of mind during your travels. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details.

Who Is Suitable for Huasteca Potosina?

La Huasteca Potosina – with its wealth of natural wonders – is a wild and rugged region suitable for active travelers who are seeking to get outdoors and explore. Many of the San Luis Potosi waterfalls are remote and require some driving or even hiking to get to. Most areas won’t have phone signal or WiFi, so be prepared to get disconnected from the world.

Infrastructure is limited and only a few of the waterfalls have restaurants, bathrooms and facilities. None of them are wheelchair-friendly and suitable for those who are immobile. There aren’t many upscale hotels in the region, and even the pricier ones are set in rural areas.

Huasteca Potosina - wild and rugged region

Things To Do in Huasteca Potosina

Spend a Day at Cascada Tamosopo

Cascada Tamasopo is one of the most developed waterfalls in Huasteca Potosina, having been transformed into a waterpark of sorts. It has three impressive waterfalls and several natural pools and swimming holes, equipped with Tarzan swings, jumping boards and lifeguards. Kids can even challenge themselves to the obstacle courses that hang over the turquoise waters.

It sprawls across a big area, with plenty of restaurants, bars and shops selling waterproof cases, floaties, and swim gear. There are many picnic tables and green spaces, as well as sun loungers perfect for lying out under the sun. Plan to spend the whole day here, as there’s so much to do! We had a great time jumping off the platforms and swimming under the falls here. This is my daughter’s favorite San Luis Potosi waterfalls.

Huasteca Potosina - Spend a Day at Cascada Tamosopo

Go Skybiking and Ziplining over Cascada Micos

Cascadas Micos are the closest waterfalls to Ciudad Valles and – as you’d expect – one of the most popular waterfalls in Huasteca Potosina. Sprawling across 1km of the Micos River, Cascadas Micos is a string of seven small falls and natural pools. The falls aren’t exactly impressive as they’re rather small, but there are a few adventure activities you can do here that make Micos one of the most adventurous and fun waterfalls in San Luis Potosi.

Adventureland Micos offers ziplining tours that will whisk you high above the falls and through the rainforest surrounding the falls. Its newest attraction is Skybiking, where you can bike across the river on cables, with fantastic views of the falls from above. Choose from various packages, with prices starting from 700 MXN (US$41).

Huasteca Potosina - Skybiking and Ziplining over Cascada Micos

Swim in a Cave in Puente de Dios

Just a short 15-minute drive from Cascada Tamasopo is Puente de Dios, a favorite among the daredevils. Translated to mean ‘Bridge of God’, the waterfall is accessible via a steep descent down hundreds of steps into a rugged canyon. It’s made up of a series of small rapids and falls surrounding a big 20m-deep natural pool filled with indigo water – but the star of the show is the cavern that’s you can swim in.

The electric-blue water is crystal clear, and you can see the stalagmites in the cave floor as you swim around them, as well as the stalactites that hang from the ceiling. It reminds me of the cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula! You can actually swim through the cave to the other side, where you’ll find some calmer spots to swim in.

The current in the pool itself is really strong and the use of a life jacket is mandatory. There are life jackets for rent at the carpark. There are also ropes so you can hold on and lifeguards watching over the area. The ground is very slippery so I recommend wearing water shoes.

Huasteca Potosina - Swim in a Cave in Puente de Dios

Take a Boat to Cascada Tamul

Cascading down an impressive drop of 100m, this curtain of waterfalls is the tallest and most impressive of all the San Luis Potosi waterfalls. Sadly, when we were there, Tamul wasn’t flowing as it was diverted to irrigate the fields nearby (which happens from time to time). That said, even when the falls are not flowing, you can still take the boat trip and swim in the surrounding river.

The more popular way to get to Tamul is by taking a boat to the falls. This tour for example brings you on a lancha boat close to the falls. You can also drive to where the boats leave – the ’embarcadero’ or pier at La Morena – and join a boat. The boat trips cost 1,000 MXN (US$60) for a group of 5 or 250 MXN ($15) per person if you wait for the boat to fill up.

You’ll need to help paddle and it takes around 1 hour to reach the falls. However, you don’t get super close to the falls as a large rock in the river prevents boats from getting closer. These boat tours usually bring you to a nearby cenote where you’ll get to swim.

Note: Cascada Tamul doesn’t flow all year round. At the time of our visit (April 2024), it was diverted to irrigate agricultural lands. Be sure to check with your hotel before planning your trip.

Huasteca Potosina - Boat to Cascada Tamul

See the World’s Deepest Cave Shaft

Midway between Xilitla and Ciudad Valle, you’ll find the Sótano de las Golondrinas (translates to mean “swallows’ basement”). This remarkable cave is undeniably one of the most awe-inspiring destinations in San Luis Potosí, showcasing an imposing abyss reaching a staggering 512 meters. Beyond its geological marvels, the cave serves as a natural sanctuary for various avian species, including swifts and parrots. Come early, preferably before dawn, to see the birds flock out of the cave.

Huasteca Potosina - Sótano de las Golondrinas World’s Deepest Cave Shaft

Stay in a Glamping Tent by Salto el Meco

The 35m high Salto del Meco is a postcard-perfect waterfall located close to the town of El Naranjo. You can’t really swim in the falls, but you can take a panga (wooden boat) and get close to the falls. The best way to take in the beauty of these falls is staying at Hotel Salto del Meco, with bungalows and an infinity pool overlooking the cerulean waters. We stayed at a glamping tent here and loved waking to the view of the river.

The hotel organizes activities such as a panga boat ride (free for guests), tubing, SUP rental and canyoning. We stayed in a glamping tent and it wasn’t cheap (at US$244/night) – but it was well worth it for the spectacular location.

Marvel at Salto del Agua

With several cascades tumbling 60m into a series of travertine natural pools, Salto del Agua is my absolute favorite San Luis Potosi waterfalls. Because of its remote location, it’s one of the least-developed waterfalls in Huasteca Potosina. You won’t find Tarzan swings, jumping boards and lifeguards here, but you will have the place to yourself.

Even though it’s a short 15-minute drive from the more popular Salto del Meco, this waterfall was surprisingly empty when we were there. We visited Huasteca Potosina at Semana Santa (Easter) and found many falls rather crowded – Salto del Agua was the only falls we had pretty much to ourselves.

Note: Salto del Agua doesn’t flow all year round. In winter, it is diverted into the hydroelectric plant next door; but you’ll still be able to swim in the natural pools surrounding it.

Huasteca Potosina - Salto del Agua waterfalls

See Wildlife at Selva Teenek Ecopark

Right by Cascada Mico is a wildlife rescue center called Selva Teenek, where animals from various parts of Mexico are rescued and rehabilitated. They have a few big cats, including a puma, jaguar, and lynx. Most of their animals were kept as pets and rescued from abuse or mistreatment and cannot be returned to the wild.

The ecopark has accommodation too, in the form of cool glamping tents and more stylish cabins with air-conditioning. We stayed in their uber cool cabins and really enjoyed being surrounded by the thick jungle, with the sounds of animals echoing through the night. Book a stay here.

Huasteca Potosina - Selva Teenek Ecopark

Wander the Edward James Sculpture Park

Located in Xilitla, the mysterious Edward James’ Sculpture Garden is highly worth a visit if you’re in the area. The surrealist garden designed by British poet and artist, Edward James, is a must-see in Huasteca Potosina.

Blending naturally into the forest, his home is a unique sculptural space unlike any other in the world: Columns with gothic arches, dramatic gates, pavilions with undetermined levels and spiral staircases that end abruptly in mid-air. In short, Edward James made concrete flourish along the lush flora and fauna of Xilitla, making surrealist architecture possible.

Huasteca Potosina - Edward James Sculpture Park

Visit the Museo Leonora Carrington

Another famous surrealist artist who left her mark in San Luis Potosi is Leonora Carrington, a British-born painter and novelist who lived most of her adult life in Mexico City and was one of the last surviving participants in the surrealist movement of the 1930s. She was a close friend of Edward James and contributed a lot to his sculpture garden.

The Museum of Leonora Carrington in the downtown Xilitla is dedicated to the artist and holds a collection of her sculptures, drawings and lithographic prints. It’s small but very interesting, giving insights to her surrealistic art work.

Huasteca Potosina - Museo Leonora Carrington

Stay in the Unique Hobbiton Hotel

Perched on the hilltops of Xilitla is a whimsical place that resembles Hobbiton in ‘Lord of the Rings’. Hotel Tapasoli is one of the most unique places to stay in Mexico, with cute little Hobbit huts strewn on the hills overlooking Xilitla. Step through the pastel-colored hobbit holes and you’ll find yourself in comfortable, family-friendly rooms that open to gorgeous views of the valley.

The hobbit holes overlook several dreamy pools, that you can actually swim in (if you don’t mind the cold water). For Lord of the Ring fans, staying here is truly a dream come true. It’s not cheap to stay here (we paid $200+/night), but it’s definitely one of the most unique hotels we’ve stayed at.

Huasteca Potosina - Unique Hobbiton Hotel

Huasteca Potosina Itinerary

One of the challenges we faced when planning our Huasteca Potosina trip, was figuring where each waterfall was and which to visit first. To make things easier for you, I’m sharing our Huasteca Potosina itinerary below. Feel free to bookmark this article or print it out and refer to it during your trip!

Basically, there are three main towns in Huasteca Potosina that you can use as your base – Xilitla, Ciudad Valles and El Naranjo. I recommend spending the first two days in Xilitla, the next 4 days in Ciudad Valles, and the last 3 days in El Naranjo. From these bases, you can easily drive to the various waterfalls named below.

Day 1: Explore Xilitla
Day 2: See Edward James Gardens + Museums
Day 3: Drive to Ciudad Valle (stop at Sotano de las Golondrinas)
Day 4: Cascada Micos + Cascada El Aguacate + Selva Teenak
Day 5: Cascada Tamul (1 hour away)
Day 6: Cascada Tamasopo + Puente de Dios
Day 7: Drive to El Naranjo
Day 8: Salto del Meco
Day 9: Salto del Agua
Day 10: Drive to San Luis Potosi

Where to Stay in Huasteca Potosina

The three main towns in Huasteca Potosina have a good variety of restaurants and hotels, and basic tourist infrastructure. But they’re small and rural, and will give you insights into simple provincial life in backcountry Mexico – just don’t expect to find 5-star hotel chains or Starbucks!

Xilitla Travel Guide

In the southern part of la Huasteca Potosina, Xilitla is a funky pueblo mágico (magic town) surrounded by mountains covered in lush verdant rainforest. The town is set on a hill top, so if you’re driving, prepare to navigate lots of steep cement roads. The main draw of Xilitla is the Edward James Sculpture Garden, and we recommend staying near there for a more lush jungle setting.

Where to Stay in Xilitla

Budget: Casa Caracol

Casa Caracol offers unique accommodation in the form of tipi tents set amidst their beautiful gardens. The hostel also has communal areas where travelers can socialize and relax after exploring Xilitla’s attractions. Check rates here.

Midrange: Posada El Castillo

Posada El Castillo is a charming midrange hotel located near the center of Xilitla. The hotel features cozy rooms with traditional Mexican decor and modern amenities. Check rates here.

Luxury: Hotel Tapasoli

Perched on the hilltops of Xilitla is a whimsical place that resembles Hobbiton in ‘Lord of the Rings’. Step through the pastel-colored hobbit holes here and you’ll find yourself in comfortable rooms that open to gorgeous views of the valley. Read reviews here.

Huasteca Potosina - Where to Stay in Xilitla

Where to Eat in Xilitla

La Cabañitas – This simple eatery on a street corner is a local’s favorite, serving affordable Huasteca Potosina food in generous portions. We loved the fried fish that was served with rice, beans, and salad. Click for location.
El Humo – In the evening, this barbecue joint becomes very lively with people enjoying cheladas (beer with lime juice) and grilled meat. The steak and seafood are really good here and they’re pretty good on the pocket too. Click for location.
Cervecería James – If you’re craving more international flavors, head to the James Brewery right by the Edward James Sculpture Garden. Order their beer flight to sample all their home-brewed beer as well as their nachos and steak. Read reviews here.

Ciudad Valles Travel Guide

In the heart of Huasteca Potosina lies Ciudad Valles, a relatively large and modern city. It’s the main hub of the Huasteca Potosina region, and it is in close proximity to most of the impressive San Luis Potosi waterfalls.

The city isn’t exactly attractive, but it has lots of accommodation, dining and transport options. You can even find American chain stores here like Sams Club and Carls’ Junior. We spent more nights here than the other two towns, and really enjoyed eating out here as they’ve got really good and affordable restaurants.

Where to Stay in Ciudad Valles

Budget: Hotel Taninul

Hotel Taninul offers a comfortable midrange accommodation option surrounded by nature, approximately 15 minutes outside of Ciudad Valles. The hotel features spacious rooms with rustic charm and modern amenities, including air conditioning and private bathrooms. Check rates here.

Mid Range: Hotel Valles

Hotel Valles is a beautiful hacienda-style hotel surrounded by lush gardens and a welcoming pool. The hotel offers simple yet comfortable rooms equipped with essential amenities such as free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and cable TV. Book a stay here.

Luxury: Selva Teenek Eco-Park

We stayed at a cool, stylish cabins located within the Selva Teenek Eco-Park and loved sleeping in the middle of the jungle. The cabins are tastefully designed and decorated. Check rates here.

Huasteca Potosina - Where to Stay in Ciudad Valles

Where to Eat in Ciudad Valles

Punta Nayar – This hip seafood joint serves a wide range of modern Mexican seafood dishes like aguachile, shrimp tacos, and seafood tower. Prices are great and the atmosphere under the palapa roof is excellent! Read reviews here.
El Acueducto – With a colorful shark sculpture outside its main door, El Acueducto is a funky sushi-seafood bar, with lots of affordable sushi rolls and seafood dishes on offer. I loved their shrimp molcajete and mango roll. Read reviews here.
La Fundacíon Restaurante – Known as the fanciest place in town, this restaurant is famous for its steaks and Huasteca regional dishes. Prices are high and service isn’t the best, but the food is good. Read reviews here.

El Naranjo Travel Guide

Located in the northern part of Huasteca Potosina, El Naranjo is the smallest town of the three. The dusty enclave is essentially concentrated around the main road, with a few side streets running perpendicular to it. We didn’t spend much time in this town, because we stayed at a hotel right by the river and did all our activities there. But the town is a short drive from three spectacular waterfalls, that are all worthwhile to visit.

Where to Stay in El Naranjo

Budget: Hotel del Valle

Hotel del Valle is a budget-friendly option located in the heart of El Naranjo. It offers simple yet comfortable rooms equipped with essential amenities such as free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and private bathrooms. Check rates here.

Midrange: Bel-Há Ecoparque

With rustic palapa-roofed huts perched by the riverfront, this eco-lodge is a great option for travelers to immerse in the natural environment without spending too much. Check rates here.

Luxury: Hotel Salto del Meco

Located right by the Salto del Meco waterfalls, this sprawling hotel is perched right along the river, with bungalows and an infinity pool overlooking the spearmint water. We stayed in a glamping tent that was very clean and comfortable (with AC) but it was definitely expensive (at US$200 per night). Check rates here.

Huasteca Potosina - Where to Stay in El Naranjo

Where to Eat in El Naranjo

Enchiladas Tere – Popular among locals in El Naranjo, this simple local joint serves delicious enchiladas potosinas, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Check for location.
Restaurante el Mirador del Salto del Meco – Perched by the mirador (viewpoint), this is the restaurant with the best views of the waterfalls. As it was part of the hotel we stayed at, we had breakfast and dinner here everyday, enjoying the glorious views of the falls as we ate. Food is pretty decent and reasonably-priced here too. Click for location.

Cost of Travel in Huasteca Potosina

Because Huasteca Potosina is still relatively under-visited, it remains an affordable destination. Prices here are much more affordable than other parts of Mexico – comparable to Chiapas and Veracruz. You can get a proper meal in a Mexican restaurant for around 150 MXN (US$10).

We did pay quite a lot for some hotels in Huasteca Potosina – mainly because we visited during Semana Santa (high season). But also due to the remoteness of the region, there’s little tourism infrastructure, so accommodation options are limited and therefore the few good hotels here tend to charge quite a lot.

Rules for San Luis Potosi Waterfalls

Most San Luis Potosi waterfalls are privately owned by ejidos (farm land owners) and therefore have different rules and entrance fees. But these rules apply to most waterfalls in general:

Smoking is not allowed anywhere near the waterfalls.
Stay within the designated areas.
You can climb and jump off from platforms only if there are signs indicating that it’s ok.
Do not litter.
Pets are not allowed (except in Cascada Tamasopo)
Carry sunscreen, preferably biodegradable.
Bring repellent, there are a lot of mosquitoes especially in the evening.

san luis potosi waterfalls - jumping off the falls

What to Pack for Huasteca Potosina

Most waterfalls in la Huasteca Potosina have slippery surfaces so you’ll NEED water shoes. If you don’t have water shoes, sandals or KEEN shoes will suffice. I wore my Teva sandals inside the falls and to climb up to the jumping platforms.

You’ll also need a waterproof phone holder if you’re planning to take photos. I bought one for 100 MXN (US$6) in one of the shops at Cascadas Tamasopo, but it’s not the best quality.

Be sure to read my guide on what to pack for Mexico for more details.

Packing List for Huasteca Potosina

Tips for Visiting Huasteca Potosina

If you’re going to one of these waterfalls in Mexico, here’s a list of tips you should follow to have the best experience on your adventure:

Respect the rules — Always make sure to read the rules at the park entrance, whether that is wearing a floating vest all the time, not diving, or not climbing certain places. All of it is for your own safety.
Prepare to climb lots of steps — Most of the waterfalls are accessible via hundreds of steps, so get ready for a workout!
Wear sunscreen — Apply some sunscreen before your adventure and again after you’ve been swimming or practicing any kind of water activity. You don’t want to end up sunburnt the next day, trust me, it could ruin your vacation!
Drink enough water — A nice swim may freshen you up after the long hike some of these waterfall sites need you to do to get to them, but don’t forget to bring your own water bottle and drink enough so you don’t dehydrate.
Keep an eye on your belongings — There are no security cameras or anything in these waterfalls. Keep an eye on your belongings and try not to bring anything valuable.

san luis potosi waterfalls - steps to the falls

Enjoy Your Trip to Huasteca Potosina!

Thank you for reading this far! La Huasteca Potosina is so rugged and wild that there isn’t a lot of information out there. I hope that by sharing everything I learned from traveling here, you’ll be able to plan your own adventure.

Let me know if you have any questions in the comments field below. I’ll be more than happy to answer them!

For those who are planning to travel more of Mexico, check out some of these articles:

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. if you book a stay through one of my links, I get a small commission at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you for your support!

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Nellie Huang

Nellie is a book author, travel blogger and worldschooling mum. Having traveled to over 150 countries, she currently lives in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, with her digital nomad family. She started this Mexico travel blog to share her love for her adopted home. Read more about her and get real-time updates from her on Facebook and Instagram.