Culture and Traditions
Destinations
Adventure and Nature
Magical Towns
Information
MICE tourism
Culture and Traditions
Destinations
Adventure and Nature
Magical Towns
Information
MICE tourism
WATERFALLS, CAVES, CANYONS, AND RIVERS
Aquismón is a municipality in San Luis Potosí and is one of the largest in the country. Its name comes from the Huastec language and means "place that drips."
During the pre-Hispanic era, the Huastec people settled in this territory, and its colonial history began with the construction of the Franciscan mission in the 16th century. The current population's consolidation started in the 19th century with the construction of the San Luis Potosí - Tampico railway.
It is a place with unique natural beauties, including waterfalls, caves, canyons, rivers, and mountains. A unique place to connect with nature.
Among its handicrafts, you can find textiles made from durable fibers, masks, as well as palm-woven objects like chairs and blowers.
Aquismón is located 52 km (one hour) from Ciudad Valles, 339 km (4 and a half hours) from the city of San Luis Potosí, and 173 km (2 hours and 45 minutes) from Tampico.
Aquismón
What to See in Aquismón
Tourist Attractions of Aquismón
Templo de San Miguel Arcángel en Tamapatz (Temple)
One of the most representative buildings in this town, constructed on a pre-Hispanic base.
La Cascada de Talmud (Waterfall)
The largest waterfall in all of San Luis Potosí, with a height of 105 meters and a width of 300 meters. Access to it is through the Tampaón River, one of the most beautiful in Huasteca Potosina. You can paddle down the river in wooden boats called "pangas" (small motorless rafts) to reach this canyon between two towering rock walls adorned with hanging gardens of palms and ferns. You can climb up the waterfall on a rocky wall with a wooden staircase, but it's recommended to do so with caution as most of the rocks are sharp and slippery.
Sótano de las Golondrinas (Cave of Swallows)
Located just 11 kilometers west of Aquismón, it is one of the deepest and most breathtaking abysses on the planet. In fact, it is the second deepest in Mexico and ranks eleventh worldwide. It has a depth of 512 meters, a diameter of 60 meters, and a vertical drop of 370 meters, making descending and ascending through rappelling or climbing an unforgettable experience. Besides the adrenaline rush, you can also admire interesting cave paintings, which is why it has been declared one of the 13 natural wonders of Mexico.
Another attraction is the spiral aerial flight of birds that soar over the cave during sunrise and sunset. Several species, such as hummingbirds, swifts, and parrots, inhabit this cave, locally known as "huahuas," giving the place its name.
Sótano de las Huahuas (Cave of Huahuas)
Another cave created as a result of the collapse of a limestone floor. It measures 478 meters in depth and has a diameter of 60 meters. It is home to hundreds of white-chested swifts and green parakeets, also known as "huahuas," hence the name of the place.
Cuevas de Mantetzulel (Caves of Mantetzulel)
This large cave is divided into four parts and is located in the middle of a jungle, providing a great variety of biodiversity. It is situated 8 km from the municipal center, and to access it, you must ascend stairs surrounded by abundant vegetation.
At the entrance, there are several pools where water filtered through the rocks from the mountain flows, making it completely drinkable. Once inside, you can let your imagination run wild and discover figures that can be distinguished in the rock formations, such as an eagle, a turtle, a gorilla, or a skull.
The Cueva del Sol (Cave of the Sun) offers a marvelous spectacle when sunlight penetrates through an opening, illuminating the rocks and reflecting in the puddles. This cave is home to the figure of San Jerónimo, one of the most sacred places for the locals. The temperature inside the cavern is quite low, so it is advisable to dress warmly and wear boots that cover your feet well.
El Nacimiento de Tambaque (Tambaque Spring)
Located a few kilometers northwest of Aquismón's municipal center, this beautiful natural spot is where the Coy River, a tributary of the Tampaon River, originates. The place has some rustic huts and a cobblestone path that runs through the forest to reach the river. Once there, you can observe water sprouting from between the rocks, creating natural pools of crystal-clear water.
Puente de Dios (God's bridge)
A natural wonder surrounded by other enchanting places, Puente de Dios is formed by a water current, turquoise-colored natural pools, and a cave.
Its name comes from a natural formation created by water erosion, which shaped a tunnel or bridge in the natural rock surrounding the pools. One of its greatest attractions is the effect produced by sunlight filtering through the cracks inside the cave, mainly on the rock formations and the water mirror, creating a rare impression of artificial lighting. The pool next to the cave is surrounded by dense vegetation and has a beautiful turquoise color, with a depth of 20 meters.
What to Do in Aquismón
Select your Adventure in San Luis Potosí
UNMISSABLE EXPERIENCES IN AQUISMÓN
Visit the Cathedral of San Luis Potosí
Visit the Leonora Carrington Museum
Enjoy a ride on the San Luis Rey Tourist Tram
Enjoy ecotourism adventures
The local community offers thematic tours about the flora and fauna in the area. If you're into more thrilling adventures, you can try spelunking, rappelling, and hiking.
There are several options for nature exploration, and to reach each of Aquismón's natural attractions, there are various trails offering different levels of difficulty.
You can camp with confidence in the vicinity of the Sótano de las Golondrinas. Exploring the cave requires descending and ascending approximately 568 steps.
Visit the Cuevas de Mantetzulel, and for this adventure, it is recommended to hire the services of an experienced guide.
In Puente de Dios, you can immerse yourself in the turquoise waters and explore the cave to be amazed by its turquoise shades.
Disfruta de un balneario
El Balneario de Tambaque ofrece actividades acuáticas en áreas permitidas.
Explore other destinations in San Luis Potosí
Ciudad Valles
Real de Catorce
Xilitla