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The city of San Luis Potosí in the state of the same name definitely doesn’t enjoy the same fame as Mexico City, Guadalajara or Monterrey, but there are more things to do in San Luis Potosí than meets the eye. If you know how to plan your trip, a few days in San Luis Potosí will leave you with some excellent memories.
With its mixed Spanish and French roots (the city is named after King Louis IX of France), there are plenty of things that might surprise you about this city which is too often dismissed as an industrial center. That history, influenced by indigenous cultures and colonizers, has left a wonderful mixture of artistic and architectural styles, similar to the much more popular San Miguel de Allende.
San Luis Potosí lays claim to more honors than one might think, including being the birthplace of Francisco González Bocanegra, the famed poet who wrote the Mexican national anthem. Let’s explore the best of what’s on offer in this underrated city.
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Getting to San Luis Potosí
San Luis Potosí is serviced by San Luis Potosí Airport (SLP). There are direct flights between SLP and Dallas (DFW), Houston (IAH) in the U.S., and Tijuana (TIJ), Monterrey (MTY), Cancun (CUN) and, of course, Mexico City.
San Luis Potosí sits right in the middle of the triangle formed of Mexico City to the south, Guadalajara to the west and Monterrey to the north. One of the best ways to save money in reaching San Luis Potosí is to take advantage of this prime position and take a much cheaper private car or bus from Mexico City.
The travel hack for San Luis Potosí is to fly into León (BJX) in neighboring Guanajuato state and then take a bus from León directly to San Luis Potosí which is just two hours, less than half the time it will take from Mexico City. And, just for good measure, flights to León are much more frequent and usually cheaper because it is a much bigger airport.
Where to stay in San Luis Potosí
The first thing to say is don’t make the mistake of staying outside the historical center. The centro historico of San Luis Potosí is an architectural gem and is best appreciated by being local to the action and walking around. By far and away the best boutique hotel in San Luis Potosí is Hotel Museo Palacio de San Agustin near Plaza de Aranzazu. It’s got everything you could want out of your time in this city, from beautifully decorated interiors, an incredible terrace, a great restaurant, and an unrivaled location.
In truth, most other hotels pale in comparison to Hotel Museo. The only others that we would confidently put our name to are Hotel Casa Aranzazu and Casa Maka (which also boasts an awesome bar and lounge to wind down in the evenings). These are the best places to stay in San Luis Potosí, particularly for a weekend getaway with all of the charm you want.
If you prefer to stay at a more known brand but still have an excellent hacienda-like experience, the Hilton neat Tangamanga Park is a great option. Be aware that it is outside of the historical center and is a 15- to 20-minute drive into the center. Having said that, it is quite close to a few of the best restaurants in San Luis Potosí – and that’s always an important decision-making factor.
We wouldn’t recommend the Hyatt Regency as it lacks the charm that makes San Luis Potosí so special. Stick to one of the boutiques we’ve recommended.
Best things to do in San Luis Potosí
1. Peruse the National Mask Museum
The Museo Nacional de la Máscara located right in the heart of San Luis Potosí is a stunning sight to visit even before you pass through its doors. The museum is located in a former mansion built in the Neo Classical style which itself is awe-inspiring to look at. Within its walls is one of the best testaments to Mexican dance and ritual heritage that you’ll find within the country, including some of the best explanations of that rich tapestry of intersecting cultures.
Anyone that has been to Mexico knows that masks have a symbolic and cultural value that runs deep into the veins of the country. The multiplicity of ethnic traditions in the country means you’ll see masks representing everything from folk gods, pre-Christian idols, devil-like creatures, the Spanish conquistadores and fantastical creatures that sometimes can be quite confronting.
While you’re walking through the city, make sure to stop through the museum and learn a little bit about the connection between Mexico and masks. It’s more than just luche libre, I promise.
2. Experience the Mezcal Route
For the uninitiated, mezcal is the Mexican spirit made of agave (it’s very similar to tequila, except for the characteristic smoky flavor that mezcal gets from being pit-roasted). There are quite a few tours that will take you on the so-called Mezcal Route of San Luis Potosí but the best of these tours will also include a stop to try pulque, a pre-Hispanic drink with a very distinct flavor. You might also get the chance to try honey water which is as sweet as it sounds.
You’ll usually get picked up in San Luis Potosí and then your tour guide will take you to some incredible locations. One thing to note is that San Luis Potosí boasts the highest level of diversity of cacti in the world, so a trip on the road through San Luis Potosí on your way to try mezcal is itself an exciting endeavor.
After your five hours on the Mezcal route, you’ll realize you’ve just touched the surface of mezcal production and the history and significance of the spirit. You won’t yet be a wise mezcalero just yet, but you’ll graduate with a newfound appreciation for this unique spirit.
3. Go church hopping in the center
There are no fewer than eight churches in the center of town. Quite a few of these were built in the Spanish Catholic Baroque-style of architecture with stunning columns and beautiful halls. These are generally around the three plazas of San Luis Potosí. Templo San Francisco de Asís and Capilla de Aranzazu just next to Plaza de Aranzazu are beautiful to look at, particularly the capilla with its bright yellow building.
One of the churches you shouldn’t miss is Nuestra Señora Del Carmen just between Plaza del Carmen and Alameda Juan Sarabia. It’s the perfect example of that Baroque style, with intricate detailing and awe-inspiring paintings and sculptures.
The star of the (religious) show in San Luis Potosí is Catedral Metropolitana de San Luis Potosí, the most famous and likely the most beautiful of all of the churches in the center. The architecture of the building would give some of the finest churches in Europe a run for their money. It’s not often you see this level of ornate without the crowds – and you should take full advantage of it.
Unlike going through churches in European cities, you’ll have this church to yourself so you can take the time to see the beauty within it. You won’t have to worry about being kicked out because your time is up. But you will need to be conscious of the churchgoers who are actually using the space as a house of prayer.
4. Go on a walking tour
The historic center of the city is perfectly walkable, and while you’re walking around you’ll spot plenty of strange sculptures and interesting buildings with seemingly no explanation. The only way to discover and uncover what you see before your eyes is to get on this walking tour of the town which takes you through all of the beautiful places.
Ultimately, this is a city with over four centuries of history and influences from indigenous cultures, the French and Spanish. The expression of this rich history lays within the architecture of the town and the streets, alleyways and plazas surrounding it. In my humble opinion, the best way to experience that is a walking tour. And don’t be afraid to ask about the sculptures as you pass them.
It probably goes without mentioning but any good walking tour should start with a great meal, and there are plenty of options for breakfast in San Luis Potosí.
5. Take a day trip
If you’ve got a bit more time to spend in San Luis Potosí and are willing to take a long drive, make a decision you won’t regret and go visit Aquismón or Xilitla (or both!). These cities, both of which have been designated magical towns of Mexico or pueblos mágicos de México, offer a chance to experience the charm that makes Mexico such an incredible place to visit.
Aside from some of the beautiful features of San Luis Potosí’s historic center, the city is really the gateway to the undiscovered forest and desert within the state.
The best way to get Aquismón and Xititla is by hiring a car in San Luis Potosí and driving the four hours yourself. If that isn’t an option, there is a direct and comfortable bus from San Luis Potosí to Xilitla but there is no direct bus to Aquismón. You’d have to take a local bus from Xititla or get a taxi from Xilitla to Aquismón which is about an hour’s drive.
Aquismón
For our adventurous travelers, Aquismón has all the adventure sports of your dreams: hiking, climbing, abseiling, parachuting, kayaking, paddling – it’s all here. A visit will necessarily the majestic Tamul waterfall with its 105-meter drop over the Santa María River, and El Aguacate, the scene for many mystical rituals of Mexico’s indigenous peoples.
Make sure you visit Mercado de la Mora where you can find women of the Teenek community embroidering their elaborate patterns into stunning textile pieces.
Xilitla
Famous for the Edward James Surrealist Garden and Las Pozas, a visit to Xilitla is uniquely beautiful, full of adventure and a great way to get back in touch with nature. There are quite a few great tours offering to take you to the best of what’s on offer in Xilitla, but the best way to experience it is to do it yourself. Ultimately, you just don’t want to be rushed while you’re trying to enjoy spectacular scenery.
Yes, you can go to Xilitla with the intention of only seeing Las Pozas (and it really is a spectacular sight), but this is a region with stunning panoramic landscapes that is begging to be explored. We highly recommend getting on the round and enjoying the scenery beyond the main attractions.