Las Pozas Mexico is one of the most unique and beautiful destinations. Located in the region of Huastecas Potosinas near San Luis Potosi, Mexico. This surrealist garden in the jungle is like no other place you’ll visit in Mexico.
After enjoying an awesome canoe ride toย Tamul waterfallย we went on our second excursion in the area; driving two hours to visit Las Pozas in Xilitla Mexico. If you’re wanting to visit Las Pozas Mexico this guide will tell you what to expect, how to visit, and things to know before you go.
About Las Pozas
Las Pozas Mexico is formally known as El Jardรญn Escultรณrio Edward James. The garden is located on the outskirts of Xilitila, a Pueblo Magico.
Las Pozas was created by Edward James a British poet and artist. After visiting Xilitla in the mid 1900โs he decided to grow a beautiful garden of orchids and exotic plants in the area. However, after an extremely cold winter wiped out his garden. He decided to create a concrete garden that could withstand time and temperature.
His vision took over 20 years to complete and $5 million dollars to build employing over 140 local villagers.ย Las Pozas means โthe poolsโ in Spanish. And is a tribute to the beautiful man-made pools that can be enjoyed throughout the property. His garden truly is a magical place with a wide variety of butterflies, flowers, plants, waterfalls, and of course, sculptures.
Las Pozas was classified as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. This title helps protect and preserve the site through a private fund and support from the World Monuments Fund and Friends of Heritage Preservation.
What to bring
Las Pozas, Mexico does not allow food to be brought into the gardens. There is a restaurant on-site if you get hungry. You can bring water bottles but camera equipment is limited to just one handheld camera and lens. You cannot bring professional filming equipment which would include tripods, monopods, gimbals, or microphones.
If you have any of these items upon arrival, donโt leave them in your car. Instead, check them at the reception area. As they will put your belongings in a secure room for safekeeping.
Visiting Las Pozas
Xilitla is an old colonial town. The streets are extremely steep, very narrow, and windy. We do not recommend bringing a big vehicle here like an RV or large truck. Since this area of Mexico isn’t well visited by international tourists, you’ll likely need your own transportation to get here. If you don’t have your own vehicle though, you can take the public bus (collectivo), or pay for a taxi.
Xilitla Mexico is a mountainous town in the temperate jungle. While the elevation is high, it can be very hot and humid. We suggest you wear lightweight, breathable clothing. Meaning the earlier you come the less humid and hot it will be. The peak time for visitors, including tour guides is around 12:00, so early morning is typically best.
Entry to Las Pozas is $100 Mexican pesos per adult, and there may be an โattendantโ who will ask you to pay a $30 peso parking fee. We were advised that the attendant was actually not associated with the actual park. So don’t feel obligated to pay any attendants.
In the past, you were able to walk onto almost all of the structures. However, recent changes were made to better preserve the buildings. Now walking on the sculptures in many areas is prohibited. There areย formal toursย you can take to Las Pozas that give you a lot of background information and history about the gardens. But we opted for no tour guide and enjoyed the freedom of walking on our own.
The gardens were designed to be an elaborate maze perfect for roaming or getting lost in. Many people actually wore bathing suits and took a dip in the pools scattered throughout the garden. If you do plan on visiting Las Pozas come without an agenda or schedule. It will make your visit much more enjoyable.
