Huasteca Potosina Turquoise Waterfalls Loop
A road trip looping through Media Luna Lagoon, Tamul Waterfall, Cave of Swallows, and the surrealist gardens of Xilitla.
Rent a car in San Luis Potosí and drive down the mountains. Explore the water features of Tamasopo from west to east, use Ciudad Valles as a base to take a lancha boat to Tamul Waterfall, catch the sunrise at the Cave of Swallows, and spend two nights in Xilitla. The water color is best during peak season, but weekends can be crowded. This route excludes the northern El Meco area to minimize driving, making it ideal for active travelers who don't mind early mornings.
From Jun–Oct, the rivers can become muddy and boat trips to Tamul may be suspended; Easter week is extremely crowded.
Day by day
Day 1 · Down the Mountain via Media Luna Lagoon
Huasteca Potosina（Laguna de la Media Luna）
Pick up your car at the airport and drive east on Highway 70 to Media Luna Lagoon (about 2 hours), then continue to Tamasopo (about 2 hours).
There are no standard car rental agencies in Ciudad Valles; you must rent your car in San Luis Potosí.
Stay: Tamasopo
Day 2 · Puente de Dios & Micos Waterfalls
Huasteca Potosina（Puente de Dios、Cascadas de Tamasopo、Cascadas de Micos）
Swim at Tamasopo in the morning, then drive to Ciudad Valles in the afternoon (about 1 hour) and continue to Micos (about 30 minutes).
Puente de Dios is closed on Mondays; try to arrive early.
Stay: Ciudad Valles
Day 3 · Lancha Boat to Tamul Waterfall
Huasteca Potosina（Cascada de Tamul、Cueva del Agua）
Drive to the pier (about 1 hour) and paddle a traditional wooden lancha upstream for about 3 km (takes over half a day round trip).
The pier only accepts cash; fill up your gas tank and withdraw cash in Ciudad Valles before departing.
Stay: Ciudad Valles
Day 4 · Cave of Swallows Sunrise & Transfer to Xilitla
Huasteca Potosina（Sótano de las Golondrinas、Nacimiento de Huichihuayán）
Depart Ciudad Valles before 4:30 AM to catch the sunrise at the Cave of Swallows. Head south to Xilitla around midday (about 1 hour).
The birds mostly finish exiting the cave by 8:00 AM. The mountain roads can be very foggy; drive with caution.
Stay: Xilitla
Day 5 · Las Pozas Surrealist Garden in Xilitla
Huasteca Potosina（Las Pozas, Xilitla、Xilitla）
Walk or take a short taxi ride from town to the garden. Spend the afternoon strolling around the town. No driving is needed today.
The garden is closed on Tuesdays and entry is by timed guided tours; book tickets well in advance.
Stay: Xilitla
Day 6 · Return to San Luis Potosí
Depart in the morning via Ciudad Valles and take Highway 70 back to San Luis Potosí Airport (about 5–6 hours).
Book a late afternoon or evening flight to avoid driving on mountain roads after dark.