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Mexico: From The Urban Jungle To Surrealist Gardens

Mexico City is a megalopolis full of history, art and people. This capital is so intense and brimming with fun things to do and see, it can leave you a little exhausted. That’s why I was excited for an excursion outside of the city to explore more of what Mexico has to offer.

A busy market is Mexico City

Moon temple, Mexico

A man serving tacos in Mexico

A pastor taco on a plate

The tour I chose in Mexico is called, La Huasteca Potosina. This area is still relatively unknown by backpackers and among locals it is still far from being a tourist magnet. La Huasteca Potosina is located in central-eastern Mexico and is known for its jungles, beautiful rivers, cascades, natural swimming holes and mighty waterfalls. From Mexico City you can reach the town of Ciudad Valles where the tour begins in about eight hours. The five-day tour is tightly scheduled but enough time to see some great places. Upon arrival we set out straight for the Tamul Waterfall.

A morning rowing workout upriver can be a fun challenge, but after just an hour of paddling along a turquoise-coloured river with pretty natural surroundings, we reached the great Tamul falls and the reward was well worth the effort.

People walking to Tamul Falls, Mexico

People rowing on a small boat on a blue river

Tamul Falls Mexico

On the way back we stopped at a small cave, and jumped into the icy water which was as refreshing as the snacks we had on the way there: freshly sliced mango with lime juice and a little chili salt. After a long day, I was really looking forward to snuggling up in my bed at the Eco-Village.

 

A woman putting lime of fresh fruits and vegetables

A woman preparing fresh coconut

The next day, as we drove towards the town of Xilitla, I was able to learn a little bit of Spanish and practice speaking with our local guides with the help of some hand gestures and other tour members. In Xilitla, we made a visit to Las Pozas, a surrealist sculpture garden and former home of Sir Edward James, a friend of Salvador Dali. This fantasy city was built in the 1960’s in the middle of the rainforest with abstract staircases rising in the air and gardens resembling the Garden of Eden, abundantly planted with exotic species of orchids among other beautiful plants.

 

Sir Edward James Castle structures

Sir Edward James Castle spiral structures

tropical plants

Sir Edward James Castle  in the jungle

The last day of the trip, we visited some of the pristine waterfalls in the region making a stop along the way for a hot coffee boiled on an open fire and a refreshing drink made from traditionally pressed sugar cane. Everything I encountered was so authentic and much less touristy than anything I had experienced on my previous trips.

 

An elderly woman cooking with fire

Dishes to be washed

A man stoaking a fire

A man with a hat pouring a drink

Before leaving, I took my last swim in the river and thought, “What a shame I didn’t plan to stay longer!” I packed up my belongings and boarded my night bus back to Mexico City that evening with the great memories of an incredible experience in La Huasteca Potosina.

 

A man diving in to water at La Huasteca Potosina.

A man swinging in to a river at La Huasteca Potosina.

A trip to La Huasteca Potosina makes a wonderful combination with a visit to the Mexican capital. If you have some extra time to spare, don’t hesitate to plan a trip here and enjoy the region extensively on this tour! It is well worth it!


Travel to the 100% off-the-beaten-path Huasteca Potosina with Bamba Experience. Explore this amazing natural region with turquoise coloured rivers cascading down lush green canyons on a 5 or 6-day tour:


“Blog & Images Courtesy of STA Travel”