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Southwest Center

SWC Travel Series: San Luis Potosi 2026

MEXICO'S HIDDEN GEM: CULTURAL AND NATURAL WONDERS

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 a three-day 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

💰 Cost: $3,300/person, $3,600 in single occupancy. Airfare not included. Cost covers:
  • $600 donation to the Southwest Center
  • All lodging and in-country ground transportation
  • All breakfasts, lunches, and five dinners
  • Site admissions, expert guides and cultural programming
  • Donations to cultural organizations and artisans
🗓️ Dates: October 26-November 3, 2026
🧳 Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
📍 Base Locations: Hotel City Centro by Marriott in San Luis Potosí; Hotel Sierra Linda in Xilitla
👥 Group Size: Limited to ~15 participants
🚐 Designed for: Curious travelers, friends of the Southwest Center, and lifelong learners
📩 Contact and reservations: cquinteroh@arizona.edu

Itinerary highlights

🗓️ Day 1 –  October 26: 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 – October 27: 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 – October 28: 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 – October 29: The Edward James Universe and the Heart of Xilitla
Surrealist day with a tour of the Edward James Sculpture Garden, walking at a leisurely pace along its paths and among its 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 – October 30: Monumental Chasms and Natural Springs
A day dedicated to discovering the great geological wonders of the Huasteca region. In the morning, we will visit the viewpoints at Sótano de las Huahuas and the area surrounding Sótano de las Golondrinas, monumental natural chasms set amidst coffee plantations, where you can watch thousands of birds in flight and gaze into the depths of the earth from safe viewing platforms. We  conclude at the Santa María River Canyon to admire the scale and the impressive 105-meter drop of the Tamul Waterfall, enjoying the scenery in a relaxed, contemplative atmosphere
🗓️ Day 6 – October 31: 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 7 – November 1: Downtown Architecture 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 site for understanding the city's devotion and religiosity.
🗓️ Day 8 – November 2: 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 9 – November 4: Departure Day
Enjoy a quiet morning for final strolls or packing before airport transfers begin.

FAQs

You can connect from any U.S. city to daily nonstop flights to San Luis Potosí from Dallas and Houston. Here are the available schedules as of July 2026:

Table with cities, flight numbers and schedules, from US to San Luis Potosi

We recommend waiting until the trip is confirmed (expected by August 12) before purchasing your tickets (see Payment and Cancellations below.)

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 each traveler's responsibility. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover health issues and any other unforeseen circumstances. 

We don't endorse any particular provider, but you can check any of these traditional, reliable travel insurance companies:

A $300 deposit secures your spot on the trip. The remaining balance is due by September 7, 2026.

Cancellation by the traveler

  • Cancellations received before September 21: full refund
  • Cancellations between September 21 and October 22: 50% refund
  • Cancellations after October 22: no refund

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect against unexpected changes to your plans.

Cancellation by the Southwest Center

This tour requires a minimum number of participants to operate. We expect to confirm whether the trip will proceed by August 12. We strongly recommend that travelers wait until the trip is confirmed before purchasing airfare, or purchase tickets that are refundable or allow changes. If the Southwest Center cancels the tour due to insufficient enrollment, all tour payments made to the Southwest Center will be refunded in full. The Southwest Center cannot reimburse airfare or other travel expenses purchased independently.

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.

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

This trip requires a moderate level of activity. Expect a fair amount of walking each day, including stairs, cobblestones, and the occasionally uneven sidewalks that come with any historic Mexican city, and you should be comfortable handling your own suitcase for a few blocks at a time. During our days in the Huasteca Potosina, some activities involve steps and natural terrain, but travelers can always opt for a more relaxed alternative. No special fitness is required; if you can enjoy a full day of exploring on foot, you'll do fine.
Keep in mind that San Luis Potosí sits at an elevation of approximately 6,115 feet (1,864 meters). Most travelers adapt quickly and without any problem, but the altitude is worth keeping in mind; take it easy on your first strolls around the city and stay well hydrated.

You will be here:

Map of Mexico with square including San Luis Potosi and Xilitla

San Luis Potosí 2025