A guide to visiting Las Pozas in Xilitla Mexico

The region of Huastecas Potosino near San Luis Potosi, Mexico is most popular for their ecotourism. They have numerous waterfalls, rivers, and caves to explore, in addition to an extremely unique surrealist garden in the jungle called Las Pozas. After enjoying an awesome canoe ride to Tamul waterfall we went on our second excursion in the area, which was driving two hours to visit Las Pozas in Xilitla Mexico. We’re so glad we went out of our way for this activity and share some tips on what to expect when visiting Las Pozas.

About Las Pozas in Xilitla Mexico

Las Pozas is formally known in Mexico as El Jardín Escultório Edward James and is located on the outskirts of Xilitila, one of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos. Las Pozas was created by Edward James a British poet and artist. After visiting Xilitla in the mid 1900’s 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, and his vision and mission of building this surrealist garden employed over 140 local villagers. 

Las Pozas means “the pools” 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 varieties of butterflies, flowers, plants, waterfalls, and of course, sculptures.

What to bring

Las Pozas is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is protected and preserved through the efforts of the a private fund and support from the World Monuments Fund and Friends of Heritage Preservation. For this reason, there are limitations to what you can bring inside. They do not allowed food, although there is a restaurant on site. You can bring water bottles, but camera equipment is limited to one hand held camera and lens. No tripods, monopods, gimbals, or microphones will be allowed. If you have any of these items upon arrival, don’t leave them in your car, instead check them at the reception area where they will be put in a secure room for safekeeping. 
  • Water
  • 1 camera and lens (no professional equipment like monopod, tripod, additional lenses, or microphones allowed)

visiting las pozas

Xilitla Mexico is a mountainous town in the temperate jungle. While the elevation is high, it can be very hot and humid. Visitors headed to Las Pozas are suggested to wear light weight, breathable clothing. The earlier you come the less humid and hot it will be. 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 “attendant” who will ask you to pay a $30 peso parking fee. We were advised (after paying) that the attendant was actually not associated with the actual park, so you are not required to pay by any means.

In the past, you were able to walk onto almost all of the structures. However, recent changes have been made to better preserve the buildings and many have restricted areas.

There are formal tours 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. It feels like 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.

0 Comments

Liz & Dennis

Liz & Dennis

ESRV Team

We’re two travel-loving, real estate investing, foodies exploring North America as full-time RV’ers. This blog is where we share our lessons learned, tips and tricks, and favorite places to eat, see, and RV across North America! We hope it helps you find your wanderlust, plan and prepare for RV life, and get out on the road!

 

New Blog Posts

12 Must-Have Items For RVing in Mexico

12 Must-Have Items for RVing in MexicoDo you dream of RVing in Mexico for to escape the cold next winter? There’s no shortage of fantastic beaches, activities, food, and fun waiting for you in Mexico. But this isn’t a trip you can do without proper planning. RVing in...

Complete Travel Guide to Valle de Guadalupe

Complete Travel Guide to Valle de GuadalupeJust an hour and half south of San Diego nestled in the mountains of Ensenada, Baja California Norte, is Valle de Guadalupe. This under-the-radar destination is Mexico’s largest region producing around 80% to 90% of all...

Top Things to Do, See, and Eat in San Cristobal de Las Casas

Top Things to Do, See, and Eat in San Cristobal de Las CasasLocated in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas, San Cristobal de Las Casas is one of Mexico’s most charming, unique, and vibrant cities. This pueblo magico has a distinct character and multifaceted culture...

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Visiting Veracruz Mexico

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Visiting Veracruz MexicoVeracruz, Mexico Veracruz, Mexico is the largest city in the state of Veracruz. Being the oldest and largest port in Mexico, Veracruz is full of crumbling colonial style buildings. But don't let the architectural...

8 Things You Need For Crossing the Mexican Border

Check and make sure you have everything you need to have with you when crossing the Mexico border.

Mexico Travel Made Easy: The Ultimate Guide to Traveling Mexico

A look at everything you should know about Mexico travel. We’re sharing our Mexico travel guide so you can find everything you need to know.

We’re associates

Get a quote for Mexican liability insurance, which is required to drive your vehicle in Mexico!

RV Mexico Travel Guide 2020 Edition

Get our 70-page digital guide to RVing Mexico!

Current Location ?

  Default View