Stretching south from the Sierra de Tamaulipas hills along the Gulf of Mexico, the La Huasteca region astounds with its cultural and geographical diversity. La Huasteca takes its name from the Huastec people, who thrived here during the Mesoamerican era. Visit La Huasteca to explore caves, jungles and waterfalls, tour archaeological ruins and be part of time-honored rituals.
In the state of San Luis Potosi, tropical Huasteca Potosina offers opportunities for outdoor adventures. Ciudad Valles is an excellent base for visiting the area’s attractions. See the ruins of a Huastec ceremonial center at the Tamtoc Archaeological Zone. Spot jaguars, ocelots and pumas in Sierra del Abra Tanchipa Biosphere Reserve.
Rivers run through the hills of the Sierra Madre Oriental to create postcard-perfect waterfalls. Marvel at the milky-white water of Minas Viejas Waterfall, Puente de Dios and Tamul Waterfall. Peer into the Cave of Swallows, a plunging limestone sinkhole from where hundreds of birds fly skywards at dawn. In Xilitla the surrealist sculptures of Las Pozas resemble a fairytale land.
La Huasteca Ecological Park, set at the base of the Sierra Madre Oriental, is a thrill-seeker’s dream. Scale limestone walls on a via ferrata, hike to the breaking Cave of the Virgin and see a Huichol ceremonial site.
Travel to the Huasteca Querétaro and hear violinists play huapango folk music at the squares of San Joaquin. Gaze at the stalactites and stalagmites of Los Herrera Caves and hike up one of the world’s tallest monoliths, Peña de Bernal. Coastal Tampico is the main hub of Huasteca Tamaulipeca. Experience ancient Huastec customs at Huasteca Culture Museum and Las Flores Pyramids.
Throughout the year, Huastec groups celebrate their centuries-old identity at colorful festivals. Watch concerts and dance shows at Amatitlán’s Encuentro de las Huastecas and Ahuacatlán de Guadalupe’s Festival de Huapango. Zozocolco de Hidalgo is the venue for one of Mexico’s finest Day of the Dead celebrations.
La Huasteca is served by international airports in San Potosi, Santiago de Querétaro and Tampico. Travel around this historical and naturally impressive region by rented car and intercity and local buses.
