State: San Luis Potosi

Population: 2,300,000
Size: 24,625 square miles
Location: Central Mexico
Borders: States of Nuevo Leon, Zacatecas, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Hidalgo, Queretaro, Guanajuato and Jalisco
Important cities/sites within the state: La Huasteca potosina, Real de Catorce and San Luis Potosi (capital)
Major airport(s): Ponciano Arriaga Intl aka San Luis Potosi Intl. (SLP)
Time zone: Central Standard Time
Web site: www.slp.gob.mx

San Luis Potosi State is set midway between the northeast and center of Mexico, with one of the greatest numbers of neighboring states: Jalisco, Zacatecas, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Hidalgo, Queretaro and Guanajuato. Geographically, San Luis Potosi is extremely varied, ranging from the hot, green plains of La Huasteca to cool, desert-like plateaus. The state has stunning natural sites, ideal for adventure, ecotourism or simply for relaxation. Visitors can explore forests, springs, waterfalls and spas or visit artisans’ villages and discover their traditions, fiestas and customs.

In prehispanic times, San Luis Potosi was occupied by hunter-gatherers and by Huastecs shortly before the arrival of the Spaniards. When silver was discovered in the area, San Luis Potosi quickly developed, and several towns were founded during this period, including Real de Catorce, Villa del Rey, Santa Maria del Rio and the capital itself, San Luis Potosi. San Luis Potosi City was founded as a Franciscan mission in 1592 and became one of the most important cities for Spain in the 16th century due to its vast amount of gold and silver. Mining transformed San Luis Potosi into a main commercial outpost, giving it the necessary wealth to develop architecturally and culturally. The town’s buildings, mansions and churches are a clear reflection of the prosperity of the past. Today, the capital city has preserved its charm and distinctive colonial appearance. Important sites in San Luis Potosi City include the Plaza de Armas - the city center, inundated with architecturally stunning buildings, including the cathedral built between 1660 and 1730, the 19th-century city hall, and the Palacio de Gobierno, completed in 1816. Another charming plaza is the Plaza de Fundadores, where the city first originated, featuring the baroque Church of the Society of Jesus, built in 1675. Other important buildings include the Municipal Palace (1838) and the theatre, “Teatro de la Paz.”

For those interested in exploring museums, the capital city features countless options, including the Museum of Popular Art, the National Mask Museum, the San Potosi Regional Museum and the House of Culture. Not only is San Luis Potosi an industrial center producing textiles and metal, but it is also an important cultural center, with several fiestas and events taking place throughout the year celebrating local traditions. In mid-January, pilgrims flock to the shrine of San Sebastian. Music, theater and dance entertain revelers at the ten-day Festival de las Artes in May. July brings the Festival de la Danza and performances by contemporary dance troupes, while the town's patron saint, San Luis Rey, is commemorated in August with a parade and fiesta.

The state of San Luis Potosi provides the perfect natural setting for adventure and ecotourism. Nestled in the Sierra Madre Oriental, the Huasteca Potosina region is ideal for mountain-biking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, rappelling and camping. The scenery brims with mountains, rivers, lagoons and waterfalls such as the 350-foot high waterfall, Tamul. For those seeking relaxation, about an hour’s drive south of the capital city is El Gogorron National Park, known for its soothing thermal springs. Lourdes Spa, just outside of Santa Maria de Rio, is also famous for its medicinal waters.

The volcanic region in the north of the state is home to the mining town of Real de Catorce. Located at more than 8,000 feet above sea level, Real de Catorce has become one of Mexico’s most famous ghost towns, after the shooting of the film, “The Mexican,” in 2001, starring Julia Roberts and Brad Pitt. With a currently population of 1,000, Real de Catorce was once a bustling mining town of 40,000 back in the 1800s. Despite its current size, good accommodations and hot running water can be found here.

In the southeastern corner of the state is Xilitla, the famous surrealist garden created by deceased eccentric millionaire, Sir Edward James. Over a 20-year period, over 36 surrealistic structures were built in concrete, with staircases leading to nowhere, cement flowers and fountains adorning the landscape of this magnificent site. “El Castillo,” formerly the residence of Edward James, has now been converted into a hotel. Arriving to Xilitla is easiest by way of Tampico, just a two-hour drive from the port city located on the Gulf of Mexico.

Exploring San Luis Potosi’s natural surroundings, rich historical past and artistic and cultural offerings is an enriching adventure, to the delight of locals and international tourists the world over.