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Southwest Center

SWC Travel Series: San Luis Potosi 2026

MEXICO'S HIDDEN GEM: A CULTURAL JOURNEY IN SAN LUIS POTOSÍ

October 26 - November 3, 2026

Headed by Jennifer Jenkins and Luis Coronado Guel

We return to the beautiful colonial city of San Luis Potosí to explore Potosino arts, architecture, culture, distinctive barrios, mezcal, foodways, and syncretic Day of the Dead traditions dating back to the 16th century.  San Luis Potosí is bisected by the Sierra Madre Oriental, with the capital and mining areas in high desert on the west, and jungle and coastal petroleum industry on the east. This visit includes an overnight getaway to la Huasteca Potosina, the subtropical rainforest of winding rivers, towering karst canyons, and stunning turquoise waterfalls and pools. The Huasteca is also home to a truly surreal compound of Surrealist art, built in (and now returning to) the jungle by the British expatriate Edward James in the final third of the 20th century. With Jennifer Jenkins and Luis Coronado Guel, we are guided by doctors Adriana Corral and David Vázquez, historians at the prestigious Colegio de San Luis.

The Basics

🗓️ Dates: October 26-November 3, 2026
🧳 Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
📍 Base Location: Hotel City Centro by Marriott, San Luis Potosí
👥 Group Size: Limited to ~15 participants
🚐 Designed for: Curious travelers, friends of the Southwest Center, and lifelong learners
📩 Contact and questions: cquinteroh@arizona.edu

Itinerary highlights

🗓️ Day 1 – Arrival 
Registration, settling in, and free time to rest from the trip or take a gentle stroll through the illuminated portals of downtown. Dinner at history-rich Posada del Vierrey.
🗓️ Day 2 – Arts and nature in San Luis Potosí
Introductory day oriented towards comfort, landscape, and literary value, with visits to an ecological park, a historical bookstore, and a private chocolate tasting.
🗓️ Day 3 – Heading to the Huasteca and Mountain Traditions
Arrival at Tancanhuitz. Visit to the community of Tamaletom to listen to traditional flute music and witness the Voladores ritual (Intangible Cultural Heritage).  Regional lunch to taste local flavors based on cecina, black beans, and fresh cheese, and arrival in Xilitla.
🗓️ Day 4 – The Edward James Universe and the Heart of Xilitla
Surrealist day with a tour through the Edward James Sculpture Garden, walking at a leisurely pace among its paths and structures surrounded by the jungle. Visit to the James Museum and Center, exploring the labyrinth, the pool area, and the James Brewery. Visit to the Leonora Carrington museum.
🗓️ Day 5 – Mountain Landscapes and Return to the Capital
Stop at the Micos or Tamasopo site to enjoy a contemplative view of the spectacular waterfalls from safe and accessible viewpoints. Arrival in San Luis Potosí in time to enjoy the lights, altars, and preparations for Dia de Muertos.
🗓️ Day 6 – Downtown Architecture and and museums
Visit historic churches, plazas, and the Museo Nacional de la Máscara, reflecting on how traditions of mourning and memory continue to shape Mexican identity. Visit to the monumental Guadalupe Sanctuary, a key piece for understanding the devotion and religiosity of the city.
🗓️ Day 7 – Day of the Dead Tradition and Neighborhood Life
Visit to the Saucito Temple and Cemetery (State Cultural Heritage). An opportunity to experience the Day of the Dead festivities in its urban setting, appreciating popular devotion, music, and funerary quarry architecture. Afternoon for a relaxed stroll through the emblematic neighborhoods of Santiago or San Miguelito.
🗓️ Day 8 – Day of the Dead Tradition and Neighborhood Life
Visit to the prestigious Mezcalería Júrame. Tour through the Salmiana maguey plantations and the colonial facilities of the ancient hacienda where this multi-award-winning artisanal mezcal is produced, learning about the cooking process in masonry ovens and distillation. Includes a guided tasting.
🗓️ Day 9 – Departure Day
Enjoy a quiet morning for final strolls or packing before airport transfers begin.

FAQs

You can easily connect from any U.S. city to daily nonstop flights to San Luis Potosí from Dallas and Houston. Here are the available options for October 26:

San Luis Potosí sits at an elevation of approximately 6,115 feet (1,864 meters). While this elevation is higher than many travelers may be used to, the acclimation process is quick, and you should not expect any problem adapting. Still, you have to keep it in mind and be cautious with your first strolls around the city.

None is required flying from the US. Just make sure you bring with you:

  • ✅ Proof of return ticket
  • ✅ Sufficient funds for your trip
  • ✅ 6+ months validity on your passport

San Luis Potosí is home to excellent hospitals and medical facilities, so travelers can feel confident knowing quality care is available if needed. However, health coverage while abroad is the responsibility of each traveler. We strongly recommend checking with your U.S. health insurance provider to confirm whether your policy includes international coverage. If not, you may wish to purchase short-term travel insurance that includes medical protection.

Some traditional, reliable travel insurance providers are:

Yes. The donation portion of your trip fare is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. After your payment is processed, you will receive an official acknowledgment letter from the University of Arizona Foundation indicating the tax-deductible amount of your contribution. This letter can be used for your tax records.

If you have specific questions about how this applies to your personal tax situation, we recommend consulting a tax advisor.

San Luis Potosí 2025