San Luis Potosí is a state in the Bajío, in Central Mexico. The state lies mostly on the Mexican Plateau, with the eastern part descending into the tropical valley of the Tampaon River. The state has relied largely on mining through its history, and its agricultural sector produces large crops of wheat, maize, beans and cotton in the uplands. In the low tropical valleys, sugar, coffee, tobacco, peppers and fruit are staple products. Livestock is also an important industry.
San Luis Potosí has four distinct regions each with a different climate, culture and history.
This region has a rich mining tradition in gold, silver and zinc. The railroad later brought development and a strong participation in the national politics of Mexico.
Includes the capital city with the Seven Historical Neighborhoods (Siete Barrios) that formed the original city, the historical center with colonial architecture and the commercial and political center of the state.
Río Verde Valley (Region Medio)
A rich agricultural region of mostly rural character.
Coastal plains and the eastern reach of the Sierra Madre with a distinct culture greatly influenced by the Huastec Indians.
Both of the archeological parks are located near the town of Tamuín, just east of Ciudad Valles.
Ponciano Arriaga International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional Pociano Arriaga) (IATA: SLP) is the only airport in the city of San Luis Potosí. It is a really small airport for a medium city. Having only 2 gates and only two international inbound/outbound destinations (Dallas and Houston) and only one daily national destination (Mexico City) and twice weekly service to Monterrey. It is served by Aeromexico, Aerolitoral, American Airlines, and United.
The closest large airport to the eastern part of the state is Tampico. Both have car rentals.
There is a smaller airport in Tamuin just east of Ciudad Valles. Tamuin offers flights to the border and San Luis Potosí.
The major highways are the Old Pan American Highway (85) that runs along the coastal plain and through Ciudad Valles. Another is the Olympic Highway from Laredo to Mexico City which travels the central plateau and passes through San Luis Potosí. Highway 70 runs from San Luis Potosí to Rioverde and the remaining part to Ciudad Valles.
A major railroad runs north-south through San Luis Potosí. Another railroad connects Ciudad Valles to Tampico and to San Luis Potosí in the other direction. These are freight railroads, but a lot of migrants from Central America hitch rides on the train on their journey north to the U.S. If you're adventurous you could join the campesinos.
There is extensive bus service running both major north-south highways as well as local buses and taxis. You can use Greyhound in the USA to get to San Luis Potosi cheaply, especially if coming from the regions that border Mexico. Bus companies:
Within the state, bus, automobile, and taxis are the primary source of travel. Buses are listed above. Rental Cars (dead link: December 2020) are available only in the city of San Luis Potosí. Taxis are available throughout the state.
Pame festivals
The center of the city of San Luis Potosí has been declared a "centro de monumentos históricos." Some of the buildings that have been preserved are the Museo Federico Silva (modern sculpture), the Museo Nacional de la Máscara (National Museum of the Mask), the old Penitenciaría and the Teatro de la Paz (Peace Theatre).
There are many springs. Taninul is a warm springs that has been developed into a swimming pool with a resort hotel. There is also a small cave with some climbing routes. Often, the springs are called nacimientos or ojos.
Laguna de la Media Luna (Lake of the Half Moon) is a clear spring-fed lake. Scuba diving and camping are available. Other springs are
Sótano de los Golondrinas (Pit Cave of the Swallows) is the most well-known cave. The swallows spiral up out of the cave every morning and return every evening. For cavers it is a vertical descent to the floor of the cave. There are many caves in this area including
Grutas de Catedral is the most well-known cave and does not require special equipment. Other caves
Cascada de Tamul is a 100-m (345-foot) waterfall where the Río Gallinas pours over the canyon wall into the Río Santa Maria, forming the Río Tampoan. Travertine forms many waterfalls in this region, including
Valle de los Fantasmas (Valley of the Ghosts) is a rock formation that has a ghostly look under a full moon. It is near the highway from San Luis Potosí to Rioverde.
Puente de Dios, El Trampolín and Balneario Cascadas de Tamasopo is an area of springs, grottos and waterfalls.
Puente de Dios (Río Tampoan) is a travertine bridge a short distance upstream of the mouth of the Río Tampoan. A short paddle (or swim) on flatwater or raft trip through the canyon allows access to the travertine bridge and the pools that form on top for about half the year.
Many activities are possible at attractions listed under See, such as hiking, caving, rappelling, kayaking, swimming, and tubing.
The enchiladas potosinas, the meat "Cesina", and "Pipian".
The capital of San Luis Potosi is awesome for night life. There are great clubs such as Mantra, Play, Roush.