travel advisory san luis potosi

Update April 12, 2024

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Mexico Travel Advisory

Travel advisory august 22, 2023, mexico - see state summaries.

Reissued after periodic review with general security updates, and the removal of obsolete COVID-19 page links.

Country Summary: Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery – is widespread and common in Mexico. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities.

U.S. citizens are advised to adhere to restrictions on U.S. government employee travel. State-specific restrictions are included in the individual state advisories below. U.S. government employees may not travel between cities after dark, may not hail taxis on the street, and must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber, and regulated taxi stands. U.S. government employees should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas. U.S. government employees may not drive from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from the interior parts of Mexico, except daytime travel within Baja California and between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, and between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Mexico.

Do Not Travel To:

• Colima state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Guerrero state  due to  crime .
• Michoacan state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Sinaloa state due to  crime  and  kidnapping
• Tamaulipas state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping.
• Zacatecas  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Reconsider Travel To:

• Baja California  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Chihuahua state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Durango state  due to  crime .
• Guanajuato state  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• Jalisco state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Morelos state  due to  crime .
• Sonora state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To:

• Aguascalientes  state due to  crime .
• Baja California Sur state  due to  crime .
• Chiapas state  due to  crime .
• Coahuila state  due to  crime .
• Hidalgo state  due to  crime .
• Mexico City  due to  crime .
• Mexico State  due to  crime .
• Nayarit state  due to  crime.
• Nuevo Leon  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Oaxaca state  due to  crime .
• Puebla state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Queretaro state  due to  crime .
• Quintana Roo state  due to  crime .
• San Luis Potosi state  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• Tabasco state  due to  crime .
• Tlaxcala state due to  crime .
• Veracruz state  due to  crime .

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To:

• Campeche state
• Yucatan state

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

If you decide to travel to Mexico:

• Keep traveling companions and family back home informed of your travel plans. If separating from your travel group, send a friend your GPS location. If taking a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and/or license plate and text it to a friend.
• Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
• Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Follow the U.S. Embassy on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Mexico.
• Mariners planning travel to Mexico should check for U.S. maritime  advisories  and  alerts , which include instructions on reporting suspicious activities and attacks to Mexican naval authorities.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information related to your travel. 

Aguascalientes state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Aguascalientes state.

Baja California state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Transnational criminal organizations compete in the border area to establish narco-trafficking and human smuggling routes. Violent crime and gang activity are common. Travelers should remain on main highways and avoid remote locations. Of particular concern is the high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana. Most homicides appeared to be targeted; however, criminal organization assassinations and territorial disputes can result in bystanders being injured or killed. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employees must adhere to the noted restrictions:

• Mexicali Valley:  U.S. government employees should avoid the Mexicali Valley due to the heightened possibility of violence between rival cartel factions.  The boundaries of the restricted area are: to the east, the Baja California/Arizona and Baja California/Sonora borders; to the south, from La Ventana (on Highway 5) due east to the Colorado River; to the west, Highway 5; and to the north, Boulevard Lazaro Cardenas/Highway 92/Highway 1 to Carretera Aeropuerto, from the intersection of Highway 1 and Carretera Aeropuerto due north to the Baja California/California border, and from that point eastward along the Baja California/California border.
• Travelers may use Highways 2 and 2D to transit between Mexicali, Los Algodones, and San Luis Rio Colorado during daylight hours. Travelers may also use Highways 1 and 8 to transit to and from the Mexicali Airport during daylight hours.  Travel on Highway 5 is permissible during daylight hours.

There are no other travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Baja California state. These include high-traffic tourism areas of border and coastal communities, such as  Tijuana ,  Ensenada , and  Rosarito .

Baja California Sur state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Baja California Sur state.

Campeche state – Exercise Normal Precautions

Exercise normal precautions.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Campeche state.

Chiapas state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Chiapas state.

Chihuahua state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Battles for territory between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens and U.S. government employees, including restaurants and malls during daylight hours. Bystanders have been injured or killed in shooting incidents. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employee travel is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

• Ciudad Juarez:  U.S. government employees may travel to the area of Ciudad Juarez bounded to the east by Bulevar Independencia; to the south by De los Montes Urales/Avenida Manuel J Clouthier/Carretera de Juárez; to the west by Via Juan Gabriel/Avenida de los Insurgentes/Calle Miguel Ahumada/Francisco Javier Mina/Melchor Ocampo; and to the north by the U.S.-Mexico border.  Direct travel to the Ciudad Juarez airport (officially called the Abraham González International Airport) and the factories located along Bulevar Independencia and Las Torres is permitted.  Travel to San Jerónimo is permitted only through the United States via the Santa Teresa U.S. Port of Entry; travel via Anapra is prohibited.

U.S. government employees may only travel from Ciudad Juarez to the city of Chihuahua during daylight hours via Federal Highway 45, with stops permitted only at the Guardia Nacional División Caminos station, the Umbral del Milenio overlook area, the border inspection station at KM 35, and the shops and restaurants on Federal Highway 45 in the city of Ahumada.

• U.S. government employees may travel between Ciudad Juarez and Ascension via Highway 2.
• Nuevo Casas Grandes Area (including Nuevo Casas Grandes, Casas Grandes, Mata Ortiz, Colonia Juárez, Colonia LeBaron, Paquimé and San Buenaventura):  U.S. government employees may travel to the Nuevo Casas Grandes area during daylight hours via Mexico Federal Highway 2, and subsequently Federal Highway 10, to Nuevo Casas Grandes.  Employees are permitted to stay overnight in the cities of Nuevo Casas Grandes and Casas Grandes only.
• City of Chihuahua:  U.S. government employees may travel at any time to the area of the city of Chihuahua bounded to the north by Avenida Transformación; to the east by Avenida Tecnológico/Manuel Gómez Morín/Highway 16/Blvd.José Fuentes Mares; to the west by the city boundary; and to the south by Periférico Francisco R. Almada.
• U.S. government employees may travel on Highways 45, 16, and 45D through the city of Chihuahua and to the Chihuahua airport (officially called the General Roberto Fierro Villalobos International Airport). 
• U.S. government employees may travel to Santa Eulalia to the east of the city of Chihuahua, as well as to Juan Aldama via Highway 16 to the northeast.
• U.S. government employees may travel south of the city of Chihuahua on Highway 45 to the southern boundary of Parral, including each town directly connected to Highway 45, including Lázaro Cárdenas, Pedro Meoqui, Santa Cruz de Rosales, Delicias, Camargo, Ciudad Jiménez, and Parral itself.
• U.S. government employees may only travel on official business from the city of Chihuahua on Highway 16 to Ciudad Cuauhtémoc bounded by Highway 21 to the north and east, Highway 5 to the west, and Bulevar Jorge Castillo Cabrera to the south. 
• Ojinaga:  U.S. government employees must travel to Ojinaga via U.S. Highway 67 and enter through the U.S. Port of Entry in Presidio, Texas.
• Palomas:  U.S. government employees may travel to Palomas via U.S. highways through the U.S. Port of Entry in Columbus, New Mexico, or via Highway 2 in Mexico.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Chihuahua, including  Copper Canyon .

Coahuila state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur in parts of Coahuila state. 

U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

• Zaragoza, Morelos, Allende, Nava, Jimenez, Villa Union, Guerrero, and Hidalgo municipalities : U.S. government employees may not travel to these municipalities.
• Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña:  U.S. government employees must travel directly from the United States and observe a curfew from midnight to 6:00 a.m. in both cities.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Coahuila state.

Colima state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.  

Violent crime and gang activity are widespread. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.  

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with noted restrictions: 

• Manzanillo:   U.S. government employee travel is limited to the tourist and port areas of Manzanillo.  
• Employees traveling to Manzanillo from Guadalajara must use Federal Toll Road 54D during daylight hours.  

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Colima state. 

Durango state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime.

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Durango state.

• West and south of Federal Highway 45:  U.S. government employees may not travel to this region of Durango state.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Durango state.

Guanajuato state – Reconsider Travel

Gang violence, often associated with the theft of petroleum and natural gas from the state oil company and other suppliers, occurs in Guanajuato, primarily in the south and central areas of the state.  Of particular concern is the high number of murders in the southern region of the state associated with cartel-related violence. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Areas south of Federal Highway 45D:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area south of and including Federal Highway 45D, Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Guanajuato state, which includes tourist areas in:  San Miguel de Allende ,  Guanajuato City , and  surrounding areas.

Guerrero state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime.

Crime and violence are widespread. Armed groups operate independently of the government in many areas of Guerrero. Members of these groups frequently maintain roadblocks and may use violence towards travelers. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping in previous years.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following area with the noted restrictions:

• Taxco:  U.S. government employees must use Federal Highway 95D, which passes through Cuernavaca, Morelos, and stay within downtown tourist areas of Taxco. Employees may visit Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park during the day with a licensed tour operator.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Guerrero, including to tourist areas in  Acapulco ,  Zihuatanejo , and  Ixtapa .

Hidalgo state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Hidalgo state.

Jalisco state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Jalisco state. In Guadalajara, territorial battles between criminal groups take place in tourist areas. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed innocent bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Jalisco-Michoacan border and Federal Highway 110:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area between Federal Highway 110 and the Jalisco-Michoacan border, nor travel on Federal Highway 110 between Tuxpan, Jalisco, and the Michoacan border.
• Federal Highway 80:  U.S. government employees may not travel on Federal Highway 80 south of Cocula.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Jalisco state which includes tourist areas in:  Guadalajara Metropolitan Area ,  Puerto Vallarta (including neighboring Riviera Nayarit) ,  Chapala , and  Ajijic .

Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico City. Use additional caution, particularly at night, outside of the frequented tourist areas where police and security patrol more routinely. Petty crime occurs frequently in both tourist and non-tourist areas.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico City.

Mexico State (Estado de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico State. Use additional caution in areas outside of the frequented tourist areas, although petty crime occurs frequently in tourist areas as well.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico State.

Michoacan state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Crime and violence are widespread in Michoacan state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

• Federal Highway 15D:   U.S. government employees may travel on Federal Highway 15D to transit the state between Mexico City and Guadalajara.
• Morelia:  U.S. government employees may travel by air and by land using Federal Highways 43 or 48D from Federal Highway 15D.
• Lazaro Cardenas:  U.S. government employees must travel by air only and limit activities to the city center or port areas.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Michoacan, including the portions of the  Monarch Butterfly Reserve  located in Michoacan.

Morelos state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Morelos state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Morelos state.

Nayarit state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout Nayarit state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Nayarit state.

Nuevo Leon state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Nuevo Leon state.

Oaxaca state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state.

U.S. travelers are reminded that U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

• Isthmus region:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area of Oaxaca bounded by Federal Highway 185D to the west, Federal Highway 190 to the north, and the Oaxaca-Chiapas border to the east.  This includes the cities of Juchitan de Zaragoza, Salina Cruz, and San Blas Atempa.  
• Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa:  U.S. government employees may not use Federal Highway 200 between Pinotepa and the Oaxaca-Guerrero border.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees to other parts of Oaxaca state, which include tourist areas in:  Oaxaca City ,  Monte Alban ,  Puerto Escondido,  and  Huatulco .

Puebla state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Puebla state.

Queretaro state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Queretaro state.

Quintana Roo state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur in any location, at any time, including in popular tourist destinations.  Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations. 

While not directed at tourists, shootings between rival gangs have injured innocent bystanders.  Additionally, U.S. citizens have been the victims of both non-violent and violent crimes in tourist and non-tourist areas.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo state. However, personnel are advised to exercise increased situational awareness after dark in downtown areas of Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen, and to remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones.

San Luis Potosi state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.  U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in San Luis Potosi state.

Sinaloa state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime is widespread. Criminal organizations are based in and operating in Sinaloa. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Mazatlan:  U.S. government employees may travel to Mazatlan by air or sea only, are limited to the Zona Dorada and historic town center, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport and sea terminal.
• Los Mochis and Topolobampo:  U.S. government employees may travel to Los Mochis and Topolobampo by air or sea only, are restricted to the city and the port, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Sinaloa state.

Sonora state – Reconsider Travel

Sonora is a key location used by the international drug trade and human trafficking networks. Violent crime is widespread. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. Travelers should maintain a heightened level of awareness of their surroundings in all their travels in Sonora.  Security incidents may occur in any area of Sonora.

• Travel between Hermosillo and Nogales:  U.S. government employees may travel between the U.S. Ports of Entry in Nogales and Hermosillo during daylight hours via Federal Highway 15 only. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures. Travelers should exercise caution and avoid unnecessary stops as security incidents, including sporadic, armed carjackings, and shootings have been reported along this highway during daylight hours. Travelers should have a full tank of gas and inform friends or family members of their planned travel.
• Nogales:  U.S. government employees may not travel in the triangular area north of Avenida Tecnologico, west of Bulevar Luis Donaldo Colosio (Periferico), nor east of Federal Highway 15D (Corredor Fiscal). U.S. government employees also may not travel in the residential and business areas to east of the railroad tracks along Plutarco Elias Calle (HWY 15) and Calle Ruiz Cortino, including the business area around the Morley pedestrian gate port-of-entry. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Nogales due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.  
• Puerto Peñasco:  U.S. government employees may travel between Puerto Peñasco and the Lukeville-Sonoyta U.S. Port of Entry during daylight hours via Federal Highway 8 only. They may not travel on any other route to Puerto Peñasco. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Puerto Peñasco. due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
• Triangular region near Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry:  U.S. government employees may not travel into or through the triangular region west of the Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry, east of Sonoyta, and north of Altar municipality.
• San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea, and Agua Prieta : U.S. government employees may travel directly from the nearest U.S. Port of Entry to San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea (via Douglas Port of Entry), and Agua Prieta, but may not go beyond the city limits. Travel is limited to daylight hours only. Travel between Nogales and Cananea via Imuris is not permitted. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these cities due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
• Eastern and southern Sonora (including San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos):  U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora east of Federal Highway 17, the road between Moctezuma and Sahuaripa, and State Highway 20 between Sahuaripa and the intersection with Federal Highway 16. U.S. government employees may travel to San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos; travel to Alamos is only permitted by air and within city limits.  U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora south of Federal Highway 16 and east of Federal Highway 15 (south of Hermosillo), as well as all points south of Guaymas, including Empalme, Guaymas, Obregon, and Navojoa.  U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these areas due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.

U.S. government employees may travel to other parts of Sonora state in compliance with the above restrictions, including tourist areas in: Hermosillo , Bahia de Kino , and Puerto Penasco .

Tabasco state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tabasco state.

Tamaulipas state – Do Not Travel

Organized crime activity – including gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault – is common along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Criminal groups target public and private passenger buses, as well as private automobiles traveling through Tamaulipas, often taking passengers and demanding ransom payments.

Heavily armed members of criminal groups often patrol areas of the state and operate with impunity particularly along the border region from Reynosa to Nuevo Laredo.  In these areas, local law enforcement has limited capacity to respond to incidents of crime. Law enforcement capacity is greater in the tri-city area of Tampico, Ciudad Madero, and Altamira, which has a lower rate of violent criminal activity compared to the rest of the state.

U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo:  U.S. government employees may only travel within a limited radius around and between the U.S. Consulates in Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros, their homes, the respective U.S. Ports of Entry, and limited downtown sites, subject to an overnight curfew.
• Overland travel in Tamaulipas:  U.S. government employees may not travel between cities in Tamaulipas using interior Mexican highways. Travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey is limited to Federal Highway 85D during daylight hours with prior authorization.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other parts of Tamaulipas state.

Tlaxcala state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tlaxcala state.

Veracruz state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur with increasing frequency in Veracruz, particularly in the center and south near Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos. While most gang-related violence is targeted, violence perpetrated by criminal organizations can affect bystanders. Impromptu roadblocks requiring payment to pass are common.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Veracruz state.

Yucatan state – Exercise Normal Precautions

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Yucatan state, which include tourist areas in:  Chichen Itza ,  Merida ,  Uxmal , and  Valladolid .

Zacatecas state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread in Zacatecas state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Zacatecas City : U.S. government employee travel is limited to Zacatecas City proper, and employees may not travel overland to Zacatecas City.
• U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Zacatecas state.

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Is San Luis Potosi Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Mexico : Safety by City

• Aguascalientes
• Cabo San Lucas
• Chichen Itza
• Guadalajara
• Isla Holbox
• Isla Mujeres
• Mexico City
• Nuevo Laredo
• Piedras Negras
• Playa del Carmen
• Puerto Morelos
• Puerto Vallarta
• Queretaro City
• San Luis Potosi
• San Miguel de Allende
• Zihuatanejo

San Luis Potosi is the capital and the most populous city of the Mexican state of San Luis Potosi.

It’s an old colonial city with an orderly industrial center and university seat.

The city lies at an elevation of 1,864 meters.

Now, the city is one of the main industrial centers in central Mexico with a prolific manufacturing industry.

In 2010, the historic center was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site within Camino Real de Tierra Adentro.

Tourists come here to enjoy manicured parks, colonial architecture, visit an impressive theater and excellent museums.

• Warnings & Dangers in San Luis Potosi

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

San Luis Potosi aims to attract tourists, so serious crimes are rare here. There are almost no showdowns of drug gangs in the city, but minor robberies and violations are possible. Be cautioned in crowded places and public transportation.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Public transport can be safe if you do not use it late at night and do not ride on crowded buses. Taxis are safe enough, do not catch them on the streets, use a licensed service.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

The risk of pickpocketing is high enough here. The city is touristy, and travelers are a target for petty crimes. You should do not leave valuables unattended and keep especially important documents and things in the hotel safe.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

The area is liable to landslides and droughts. Check specialized sources for those risks before your trip.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

Mugging risk is high in this area. Since police corrupt, travelers can't feel safe for their belongings. You need to take high-security measures to protect your life and belongings.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

The risk of a terrorist attack is not so high but as usual in Mexico, you should be prepared for anything. Tourists or locals rarely find themselves in a conflict zone.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

In San Luis Potosi you can meet scams with travel entry fees in popular sight. Make sure you buy tickets in a licensed place.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women traveling alone should take precautions. It is safe enough if you use your car and do not appear on the street after sunset.

• So... How Safe Is San Luis Potosi Really?

Cartel violence and highway lawlessness are continuing security concerns.

But travelers will be fine visiting tourist sites in the capital during the daytime.

Strongly recommended keeping away from bars and nightclubs when visiting San Luis Potosi.

Especially ones on the outskirts of town or in dubious barrios.

Violent confrontations and kidnappings are still occurring here.

Travelers will be safe if they do not leave their hotel after 10 pm.

Do not go walking around town at night alone.

The crime rate has increased in recent years, the possibility of being robbed on the street or in public transport is high.

The police are corrupt.

Therefore, precautions must be taken, especially in crowded places.

It is a good idea to have insurance on your property, especially cars and valuables.

There is a risk of being robbed while withdrawing money from ATM, so travelers are advised to withdraw money only in checked and protected places.

The city is developing in the direction of tourism, so serious skirmishes of gangs are rare here.

However, you should always be alert.

As a first step in planning any trip abroad, check the Travel Advisories of US Government site for your intended destination.

• How Does San Luis Potosi Compare?
• Useful Information

No visas required for tourist proposals to enter Mexico for many countries of Europe, US citizens and so on. You should have a valid passport and a tourist permit. The maximum possible of stay is 180 days. For a longer stay or other options, you should visit the Mexican embassy.

The Mexican peso - is the official currency in Mexico. There are one hundred Mexican centavos to every peso. The symbol for the Mexican Peso is $, so you can see MX$ or MN$ in banks and exchange points.

The best time to visit San Luis Potosi is from January to May and September to December. The temperature is pleasant these months and isn't lots of rain.

San Luis Potosi has a Ponciano Arriaga International Airport located just 17 km from the city center. It handles national and international air traffic for the city of San Luis Potosi.

Travel Insurance

The medical travel insurance is required for travelers in any country as well as Mexico. On the border, any traveler may be asked by a customs officer to show insurance.

San Luis Potosi Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

Mexico - Safety by City

• Where to Next?

2 Reviews on San Luis Potosi

I was so Interested in reading this article for more information on San Luis Potosi and looking at best places to visit for an upcoming trip. Was very well put together and risks were outlined with detailed information so I could make the best choice possible. If I were to visit, I would make sure I only go out during the day and use caution and leave my valuables at the hotel. I would want to check out some parks and local colonial architecture or check out some of the museums and theaters.

Not safe at night hell no

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Article Contents

• San Luis Potosi : Safety by City
• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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San Luis Potosi Mexico Travel

Your ultimate guide to san luis potosi mexico, san luis potosi mexico guide contents.

When to Visit | Location | Huasteca Potosina | Getting There | Things to Do  | Tours  | Safety Tips  | FAQ

San Luis Potosi Mexico travel guide

San luis potosi mexico: at a glance.

Beauty, nature and culture abounds in San Luis Potosi, one of the most unique states in Mexico.

Though not as well known as some other Mexico travel destinations, those in the know flock to San Luis Potosi state to escape the crowds, visit the Xilitla Surrealist Gardens, and swim in the Huasteca Potosina waterfalls and pools.

What’s the best time to visit San Luis Potosi Mexico?

San Luis Potosi and all Central Mexico has what is known as the Eternal Spring climate. This means you can expect mild springtime temperatures all year, and it’s never super hot or super cold.

The best time to visit San Luis Potosi Mexico is from October to March , during the dry season. The rainy season is from April to September, and it can rain quite a bit.

What’s the best time to visit Huasteca Potosina?

It depends — If you want to see the waterfalls in all their glory, you need to visit during the rainy season in summer. This is the hottest, most humid time of year, but the crowds are smaller and the waterfalls their most beautiful.

For the best weather, visit during the San Luis Potosi Mexico dry season, from October to March.

San Luis Potosi Mexico: Know before you go

• ✈️ Airport: San Luis Potosi International Airport (code: SLP) ⏰ Time Zone: Central Daylight Time (GMT-5)
• 💰 Currency: Mexican Peso
• 🗣 Language: Spanish, though English is common, and you may even hear some indigenous languages
• 🎫 Mexico Visa: The vast majority of travelers do not need a visa for San Luis Potosi — this includes Americans, Canadians, Japanese and most Europeans. Head here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.
• 🔌 Electricity Socket : You’ll mostly find Type A (two-prong) and Type B (three-prong) — the same as used in the United States. For visitors from other countries, you’ll need this  universal travel adaptor .
• 📲 Mexico SIM Card : Wondering, Do I need a SIM card for Mexico? The answer is yes, every traveler will want a one for the reasons explained in this article all about the best Mexico SIM cards .
• 🚙 Car Rentals : The Mexico rental car process can be a bit daunting, and many people are apprehensive to drive in a foreign country. I get it! Check out this guide to Renting a Car in Mexico for info on the process.

Where is San Luis Potosi Mexico located?

San Luis Potosi state is located in Central Mexico, about five hours north of Mexico City. It is mostly off the beaten path for international tourism, though the gorgeous Huasteca Potosina is fast becoming one of the top Mexico travel destinations, thanks to gorgeous photos on social media and videos on YouTube.

San Luis Potosi Mexico map

What is La Huasteca Potosina?

The Huasteca Potosina (pronounced wass-teck-uh poe-toe-see-nah) is a region , not an actual place — which is why many get confused when trying to plan their Huasteca trip.

It is part of a larger region called Las Huastecas, named after the prehispanic civilization from this area — the Huastec people (also called Huastecos, Huaxtec, Wastek, or Téenek).

The Huasteca Region spans seven states in Mexico: San Luis Potosí, Veracruz, Tamaulipas, Puebla, Hidalgo, Queretaro and Guanajuato. In total, the Huasteca size is about 815 miles (1,300 km). The easiest way to visit is on a Huasteca Potosina multi-day tour .

What’s the best airport for San Luis Potosi Mexico?

There’s one main airport in the state, San Luis Potosi International Airport (code: SLP), located in the capital city.

You likely won’t find direct flights to San Luis Potosi, so many will fly into Mexico City International Airport (code: MEX). From here, you can rent a car and drive to San Luis Potosi, or take a bus .

What’s the best way to get to Huasteca Potosina?

The best way to visit is on this organized La Huasteca Potosina tour , as this region of the country is quite rural.

If not, you’ll need a rental car , and know at least basic Spanish to be able to safely get around. You can also go on your own with a rental car, and you’ll want to rent a hotel in Ciudad Valles, Mexico , the best place to stay for Huasteca Potosina Mexico.

Best places to visit in San Luis Potosi Mexico

Many visitors opt to stay in Ciudad Valles , the most central location for traveling to La Huasteca Potosina. Further north, you’ll find the capital city, San Luis Potosi City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is among the lesser-visited Mexico travel destinations, but a beautiful city not too far from the Mexico ghost town of Real de Catorce.

La Huasteca Potosina , Mexico

The picturesque Huasteca Potosina is a natural wonderland! It’s best known for stunning cascadas (waterfalls), like Tamul , Micos , El Salto del Meco and Tamasopo, and the Xilitla Surrealist Gardens .

Is Huasteca Potosina worth visiting? While no doubt a Mexico off the beaten path destination that’s not super easy to get to — nature lovers won’t find anywhere better than the Huasteca Potosina in Mexico.

Real de Catorce, Mexico

Looking to do some San Luis Potosi travel off the beaten path? Look no further than the most famous Ghost Town in Mexico — Real de Catorce (pronounced ray-al , not real).

This desert town, located way up in the Sierra Cartoce Mountains, provides a unique experience to its visitors. Once ranked among the biggest Mexico silver mining towns, it is now popular for its beautiful decaying look.

Best things to do in San Luis Potosi Mexico

There is a seemingly endless amount of things to do in San Luis Potosi Mexico, one of the best places to visit in Mexico . The majority of them are in or near La Huasteca Potosina , the main tourism hub, but for those who venture off the beaten path, there’s even more to San Luis Potosi.

Click on any image below to learn more ⤵

Las Pozas Xilitla Gardens

Tamul waterfall.

Tamasopo Waterfall

San Luis Potosí City, Mexico

El Salto Waterfall

Best san luis potosi tours.

Tours in San Luis Potosi are a great way to see the main cities and their surrounding areas — and unless you’re planning to rent a car in San Luis Potosi, this is the best way to get around because transportation fees add up quickly.

🚙💨 Note: If you do want to have a car in San Luis Potosi, make sure to check out this guide to Renting a Car in Mexico .

San Luis Potosi mexico travel guide

Is san luis potosi safe for travelers.

According to experts, you are statistically quite safe while visiting San Luis Potosi, and though it’s rather off the beaten path, San Luis Potosi consistently ranks as one of the safer states in Mexico.

Millions of Americans go to Mexico on vacation every year, so if we play the numbers game, the number of incidents is very small… When I’m asked if Mexico is a safe place to go travel on vacation, my response is  yes . —Carlos Barron, FBI Veteran (source:  Forbes )

That’s not to say bad things don’t happen in San Luis Potosi Mexico; they do. As with traveling anywhere, follow general travel safety like not walking home alone at night, watching your alcohol consumption and staying aware of yourself and surroundings.

For an added safety measure, pack these  travel safety items , dress in a way so your Mexico outfits blend in with the locals, and buy a Mexico SIM card .

What’s the best travel insurance for Mexico?

This is a question I get a lot as a Mexico travel writer and Mexico expat. To determine which Mexico travel insurance is best for you , consider factors like the policy’s total cost, your deductible, the coverage you need, your medical benefits, etc.

🏆 In general, I only ever recommend three companies to purchase Mexico travel insurance from:

• World Nomads — For general travelers and adventure travelers.
• SafetyWing — For general travelers and digital nomads in Mexico.
• Travel Insurance Master — Mexico travel insurance search tool, for those who want to compare policies.
• 👉 Click on any of the links above to get a FREE quote on your policy!

San Luis Potosi Mexico: Frequently Asked Questions

Can you drink the water in mexico.

No — Unfiltered Mexico tap water is not safe for human consumption. However, you will need to keep drinking water and to stay extra hydrated, as Mexico is quite close to the Equator. In fact, dehydration is one of the most common ways people get sick in Mexico.

So what can you do?

• If you’re renting a home with a kitchen, you can boil the water before drinking it.
• You can keep buying bottled water — Though this gets expensive, and is horrible for the planet!
• Use the Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle . This refillable bottle not only keeps you hydrated, but also filters your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico, and is good for the planet ♻️ Get 15% OFF with code SOLO15!

The Water-To-Go Bottle has a built-in, three-stage filtration system that removes 99.9999% of all water-borne contaminants. These include bacteria, microplastics, viruses, heavy metals, chemicals and more. I personally own one, as you can drink Mexico water from any source (even the tap), and be completely safe.

🧳 Mexico Packing list

Wondering what else you need on your packing list for Mexico? Check out this guide — Ultimate Packing List for Mexico + FREE Checklist Download !

What’s the San Luis Potosi weather like?

San Luis Potosi state, located in Central Mexico, has what is called the Eternal Spring climate. This means you can expect mild springtime temperatures all year, and it’s never super hot or super cold.

The San Luis Potosi rainy season lasts from about April to September, and it can rain quite a bit, so try to visit from October to March, during the dry season.

☀️ San Luis Potosi weather

☀️ What’s the Huasteca Potosina Weather like?

It’s about the same as the rest of the state, but if you want to see the Huasteca waterfalls in all their glory, you need to visit during the rainy season in summer. This is the hottest, most humid time of year, but the crowds are smaller and the waterfalls their most beautiful.

Is San Luis Potosi Mexico expensive?

No — Your money will stretch quite far in San Luis Potosi state. It is one of the more budget-friendly or even cheap Mexico travel destinations. Even if you’re visiting the top destinations in San Luis Potosi, La Huasteca Potosina and Xilitla secret garden , you can still travel to San Luis Potosi for cheap.

Is San Luis Potosi worth visiting?

Yes — San Luis Potosi is a unique Mexico destination that many types of travelers will love. Nature enthusiasts will adore traveling to the Huasteca Potosina to swim in the pools and waterfalls.

History buffs might want to visit northern San Luis Potosi state, to see the Real de Catorce ghost town and San Luis Potosi City, a Mexico UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How many days do I need in San Luis Potosi Mexico?

To see the Huasteca Potosina, you’ll want 3-5 full days so you can see all the Cave of Swallows, best waterfalls and things to do in Huasteca Potosina.

If you also want to visit Real de Catorce and San Luis Potosi City, you’ll need another three full days . To see all the best sites in San Luis Potosi Mexico, you’ll need 7-10 full days .

🗣 Mexico Language

Mexico Fun Fact : There’s actually no official language of Mexico!

Spanish is the most widely-spoken, so some mistakenly say Spanish is the official language of Mexico. However, the government actually recognizes 68 national languages, including the Nahuatl Aztec language, and the Maya language.

💰 Mexico Currency

Mexican Peso — Exchange rates vary, but have hovered around $18-21 pesos to $1 USD for about the last decade. You will find some places that take U.S. dollars, but usually at an unfavorable rate, so stick to using pesos in Mexico .

☀️ Mexico Weather

Mexico is a big country — the 7th largest on Earth, in fact! It’s hard to generalize the weather in Mexico, because it will vary greatly by where you’re traveling.

In general, temperatures are mostly mild everywhere all year long, though summers on the coast are hot and humid, and winters in Central and Northern Mexico are on the colder side. Throughout the whole country, the rainy season runs from (about) April through September.

✈️ Mexico Busy Season & Slow Season

• Mexico Busy Season: The busy season in Mexico runs October to March, as this is the dry season and you’ll get the best weather. December is the busiest month for tourism in Mexico.

• Mexico Slow Season : If you don’t mind some rain, you’ll often find the best travel deal during the Mexico slow season of April to September. Do keep in mind that June 1-November 1 is Hurricane Season, and Mexico beaches are all susceptible.

• Mexico Shoulder Season : The shoulder season is that magical time when prices are still low and the weather is good. The Mexico shoulder season is from about mid-October to November and January to early-April.

🧳 Download your FREE Mexico Packing Checklist here!

Check out this Ultimate Packing List for Mexico — so you know what to pack and what NOT to pack for Mexico! This article offers advice on packing for Mexico cities, and packing for a Mexico beach vacation.

Beyond what Mexico outfits and clothing you’ll want to bring, here are a few extra things to consider:

• Filterable Water Bottle: Mexico is close to the Equator, so you’ll need to stay extra hydrated. In fact, dehydration is one of the most common ways people get sick in Mexico.

A filterable, refillable water bottle not only keeps you hydrated, but also filters your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico.

The Water-To-Go Bottle has a built-in, three-stage filtration system that removes 99.9999% of all water-borne contaminants. These include bacteria, microplastics, viruses, heavy metals and chemicals.

• Mexico SIM Card: Want to be able to use your phone in Mexico?! Of course you do! Pick up a TELCEL Mexico SIM card before your trip, and swap it out on the plane while you’re waiting to exit, so you have phone and data service the second you arrive in Mexico.

•  Anti-Hangover Meds: Planning to party hardy?! Make sure you’re not wasting any of your precious travel time with a hangover. Liquid I.V. has about 70,000 reviews on Amazon, and is considered the best defense against a hangover.

•  Sun Hat: No matter if you’re headed to the beach or a city, you’ll want to wear a hat to shield yourself from the strong Mexican sun. This cute sun hat is the perfect stylish and practical accessory for your Mexico vacation.

•   Sunscreen: As you’ll want to reapply a few times throughout the day, a light, Mineral-Based Sunscreen is ideal.

Headed to the beach? Do your part to practice responsible tourism in Mexico by only using an eco-friendly reef safe sunscreen while swimming. You can even ditch the sunscreen altogether and opt for a long sleeve swimsuit (AKA rash guard) instead.

•   Bug Repellent: Mosquitoes are common throughout Mexico — especially on the beaches! REPEL Insect Repellent is an eco-friendly brand that’s DEET-free and plant based, with a pleasant lemon and eucalyptus scent. Don’t want to use a spray? Pick up some Mosquito Repellent Bracelets .

The vast majority of travelers do not need a visa for Mexico — this includes Americans, Canadians, and most Europeans. Head here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.

🤔 What is the mexico FMM ?

When you go through Customs & Immigration to enter the country, you’ll receive your Forma Migratoria Multiple , or FMM Tourist Card (sometimes listed as FMT). If you’re coming by plane or cruise ship, there is no charge; for those driving across the border, the FMM costs about $30USD.

In most circumstances, all visitors get a 180-day (six month) visa — so you can legally stay up to six months!

🚨 Have your FMM on you at all times

Keep in mind that though it’s called an FMM card , it’s actually just a small piece of paper. Keep your FMM on you at all times in your wallet, as this proves your legal status in Mexico. It’s rare, but if an officer stops you, they can ask to see your FMM.

🎫 Don’t lose your FMM!

You need to have your FMM on you at all times, as proof of your legal status in the country.

Be sure to keep track of your FMM, as you’ll have to give it back to an Immigration officer at the airport, cruise port, or land crossing when you’re leaving the country.

If you lose your FMM, there is a $600 peso ($30 USD) cost to replace it, and some paperwork you’ll need to fill out before you can leave the country.

If you’re flying home, plan to arrive at the airport about one hour earlier than you normally would to do the paperwork and pay the fine.

As this question doesn’t have a yes/no answer ( I wish it did! ), I do my best to answer it in depth in this article, Is Mexico Safe for Travelers Right Now ? However, for the most part, Mexico is actually statistically quite safe for all travelers — including solo travelers.

Check my Solo Female Mexico Travel page for more info.

💃 Mexico solo travel guides

Mexico is a big country, and it has plenty of amazing solo female travel destinations — like the ones featured in this article, Mexico Solo Travel: 20 Safe Destinations for Female Travelers .

In it, you’ll get recommendations of places to visit in Mexico, from solo travelers who have actually been to them.

🎧 solo travel podcasts

• Ep. 34 |  Planning your first Mexico solo trip • Ep. 40 | Tips for safe solo travel in Mexico • Ep. 53 | 30 Solo female travel tips, Pt. 1

To answer the question, Is it safe to drive in Mexico? — YES , it’s considered safe to rent a car and drive in Mexico.

As the country is quite large, road trips are a great way to see a lot in a little time, and especially popular in the Yucatan Peninsula and Baja California Peninsula.

The one caveat to Mexico driving safety is that you’ll be in a foreign country, unfamiliar with their laws and customs. Head here for a complete guide to Renting A Car in Mexico: Everything You Need to Know , where you’ll also get 10 useful Mexico driving tips!

🚙💨 Looking for the best Mexico car rental company? Discover Cars works with both local Mexican companies and international companies to get you the best rates. Not only do I recommend them — I also use them!

As a general rule, you’ll want to know at least a few words of Spanish when visiting anywhere in Mexico. This is both a sign of respect, and will also help you have a better, smoother trip.

If you stick to the more touristic places in Mexico, you should be fine with basic Spanish. For those planning to venture off the beaten path, be advised most people in pueblos  (small towns) speak little to no English.

🗣 Here are some options:

• Brush up on your Spanish: Use a language-learning program like Rocket Spanish , so you’re confident, and conversational, before your trip.
• Download the Google Translate App: For this to work at all times, you’ll need a Mexico SIM card with data — as the app won’t work when you’re off-WiFi.
• Travel with a Mexico phrasebook: This Lonely Planet Spanish Phrasebook is an Amazon best seller, and a great non-digital language assistant!
• Save this infographic an image on your phone. This way, you have access to these common words, phrases and questions, even when you’re off-WiFi.

WannaTravel

Ariana Mitchell

The 2023 Travel Guide to Sightseeing San Luis Potosi Mexico

Cover photo: https://depositphotos.com/348042472/stock-photo-boat-river-milky-way-stars.html

Caption: Buckle up for an out-of-the-ordinary adventure in the magnificent San Luis Potosi, Mexico!

Take the road less traveled and prepare for a fantastic adventure discovering San Luis Potosí! The San Luis Potosí state isn’t all that popular for international tourism compared to other regions of Mexico, especially its coastal zones. But after traveling across San Luis Potosí and being exposed to so many amazing sights and experiences, it’s hard to believe that this state has remained off the radar for mainstream travel. 

Where is San Luis Potosi?

About five hours north of Mexico City, you’ll find the centrally located state of San Luis Potosí. San Luis Potosí is entirely landlocked and bordered by seven other states, including Nuevo León, Zacatecas, Veracruz, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Queretaro, and Tamaulipas. 

Though this inland state might not be among Mexico’s top tourist destinations, it’s an incredible part of the country to explore for taking in beautiful landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history. Before getting into the must-sees of San Luis Potosí, there are a few basics to get familiar with:

• Weather in San Luis Potosi: Thanks to its central location and topography, San Luis Potosi has pleasant, spring-like weather practically year-round. But although the state doesn’t get extreme temperatures, San Luis Potosi has distinct wet and dry months—good to know for trip planning! The rainy season lasts from April to September, and the rest of the year, roughly October to March, is dry. 
• Airports in San Luis Potosi: San Luis Potosi International Airport (code: SLP) is the primary airport located in San Luis Potosi city. Since this airport is on the smaller side, you’ll only find direct flights between a select few cities here. The best way of getting to San Luis Potosi is to fly into a larger Mexican airport and take a connecting flight to SLP—or fly into Mexico City International Airport (code: MEX), rent a car, and road trip to San Luis Potosi. 
• Languages in San Luis Potosi : Across Mexico, San Luis Potosi included, Spanish is the most widely spoken language. Interestingly, certain native languages, like Nahuatl, still thrive within the state’s indigenous communities. You may be able to get by using English in touristy areas and at popular attractions, but it helps to have some basic knowledge of Spanish for everyday interactions. 
• Currency in San Luis Potosi: The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso, so during your visit to San Luis Potosi, you’ll be paying in local tender. A perk to visiting this state is that it’s an excellent region to travel to for an inexpensive vacation. SLP, Mexico is one of the more budget-friendly Mexican destinations, making it the ideal state to travel to if you want the most bang for your buck!

What state is San Luis Potosi in?

As you probably could have guessed, San Luis Potosí is located in the San Luis Potosí state with the same name. The city of San Luis Potosí is the state’s capital and most populous municipality. What’s fascinating about this capital city is its blend of cultural influences that come together, interweaving a colonial past, indigenous heritage, and economic history into its atmosphere.

Exploring the beautiful San Luis Potosí city is an integral part of any trip around the central Mexico state (more on that later)—but it’s only one pitstop among the region’s many incredible attractions, which we’ll get into next! 

20 Things to do in San Luis Potosi

Exploring San Luis Potosi, Mexico, is like a gift that keeps giving. There are plenty of remarkable sites to see, and while it’d be impossible to tour every ounce of San Luis Potosi while on vacation, you should try to hit as many hotspots as you have time for. To get you started, these are the best things to do in San Luis Potosi to add to your itinerary: 

• Visit the ghost town of Real de Catorce

The San Luis Potosi state has a long history of gold and silver mining. Across the state, there are several old mining villages, including Real de Catorce. The former mining town is set on a desert plateau, which creates a spectacular landscape. The real highlight here isn’t just the desert scenery, though—it’s the other-worldly feeling of being in a ghost town!

In its prime, Real de Catorce was a thriving silver mining hub during the late 18th century and one of the country’s most significant mining towns. Miners have long left the village vacant, but the lively spirit of the past can still be felt pulsing through the crumbling buildings and historic fortresses that remain. It’s hard to put the magic of Real de Catorce into words; it’s more of a spiritual energy that you have to experience in person to really capture the essence of.

• Sightsee the capital of San Luis Potosi 

Photo: https://depositphotos.com/309252656/stock-photo-basilica-church-san-francisco-san.html

Caption: Check out the wonders in store by exploring the state capital, San Luis Potosí city.

It wouldn’t be a trip to San Luis Potosi without hitting the state’s capital city! We mentioned a little about San Luis Potosi city previously, but now, we can get into a more detailed look at what the city of San Luis Potosi has to offer and why it’s worth visiting.

Walking around San Luis Potosi city is like being transported to colonial-era Mexico. The charming city towers over 6,000 feet above sea level and is decked out in beautiful architecture—most famously, the pink quarry buildings that add bursts of rosy color around town. 

On top of the quintessential Spanish colonial-style feel that so many Mexican cities exude, San Luis Potosi has an interesting history tied to mining. The capital was once a crucial stop along Mexico’s historic Silver Road, a route for transporting precious silver metal from Mexican mines to Spain. Today, San Luis Potosi holds a UNESCO World Heritage Site title thanks to its rich history.

• Dive into the history of masks at Museo Nacional de la Máscara 

While exploring the capital city, stop at the Museo Nacional de la Máscara. The National Mask Museum is in the city’s Plaza del Carmen square, right in the Centro Historico district. Unlike your stereotypical museum, visiting the National Mask Museum is a fascinating walk through the unique subject of Mexico’s masked dance and ritual practices. 

Inside the museum, there’s a collection of over 1,300 masks, which is quite diverse and impressive. There are masks that embody everything from saints to demons to mythical creatures and even conquistador figures. The exhibit focuses on showcasing masks from across the country, but there are even a few from other parts of the world.

• Have a peek inside the Templo del Carmen

Also in the Plaza del Carmen of San Luis Potosi city is the Catholic Church of Templo del Carmen. Templo del Carmen is the city’s most well-recognized architectural gem. As a relic of the 18th century, the church’s exterior features carved stone sculptures of angels, adding to the facade’s allure.

Don’t pass by without taking a look inside! The interior of Templo del Carmen is just as divine. Looking around, you can fixate your eyes on the wealth of decorative elements that ornament the inside of the church. Catholic icons harmonized with indigenous aesthetics encapsulate the soul of San Luis Potosi. 

• Soak in the thermal waters of Laguna Media Luna

Unlike some other states in Mexico, San Luis Potosi doesn’t have coastline access. But that doesn’t mean there’s nowhere to go for a swim! Laguna Media Luna is a phenomenal thermal lagoon perfect for enjoying a family-friendly day of relaxation or even a few-day camping affair.

The naturally heated waters of the lake stay within a toasty temperature range, between about 80 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Though this lake is open year-round, the secret is to come during the cooler months. When the air is colder, you can see the steam rise from the waters, which is truly a mystical sight! 

Regardless of what time of year you visit, you’ll be graced with gorgeous surroundings at Laguna Media Luna. There’s lush greenery throughout the lagoon complex, mountains on the horizon, and the underwater world here is just as breathtaking as above. Since the water is crystal clear, there’s full visibility into the lake’s aquatic environment. 

• Get lost in the gardens of Las Pozas 

Photo: https://depositphotos.com/51698579/stock-photo-concrete-structure-with-stairs-surrounded.html

Caption: Walking around Las Pozas is a fairytale-like attraction unique to the San Luis Potosí state.

One of the most magnificent attractions in San Luis de Potosi is, hands down, Las Pozas. This enchanted garden hidden within the jungle of Xilitla is the dreamy creation of Edward James, a British poet known for his patronage of surrealist arts. Casting his vision, James spent nearly 40 years constructing an elaborate fantasy landscape before his passing. 

No matter how you build your San Luis Potosi itinerary, you won’t want to miss exploring the wonderland of Las Pozas—and you certainly won’t regret it! Wandering the dreamlike terrain of the Las Pozas grounds, all sorts of unexpected surprises await. “Las Pozas” translates to “The Pools”, which is a nod to the nine pools found on the property. But apart from the beautiful water pools, Las Pozas is adorned with towering concrete sculptures that help define the whimsical vibe. 

• Take a swim in the Puente de Dios sinkhole

Only a 10-minute drive from the small town of Tamasopo, Puente de Dios is a fabulous sinkhole whose name translates to “Bridge of God”. Though this might seem like a big name to live up to, this sinkhole hits the mark. In the foreground of the angelic-looking background, there’s a wooden bridge you can walk across to feel the full effect of the surrounding beauty. 

You can spend time in this SLP, Mexico oasis swimming around the turquoise waters of Puente de Dios and relishing the panoramic nature views—and if you get lucky with low enough water levels, you can check out and explore the inside of the connected cave that’s embellished with stalagmites and stalactites. 

• Discover the gateway to the Huastecas region via Ciudad Valles

After the city of San Luis, Mexico, Ciudad Valles is the next biggest in the San Luis Potosi state. Ciudad Valles has many incredible qualities, namely that it’s the gateway to La Huasteca Potosina. Huasteca Potosina is an area of the country that spans seven different states. The Huastecas region covers more than 800 miles of beauty, with its trademark being the many waterfalls you can find throughout.

Ciudad Valles is the door to exploring Huasteca Potosina, so it’s an excellent central base to stay at if you plan on checking out the region’s naturescapes. Besides having a wealth of natural scenery nearby, Ciudad Valles is also a historic destination flourishing with Mexican heritage. The city, founded in 1533, fuses colonial and indigenous history into its atmosphere, which you can delve deeper into by strolling around and unearthing the city’s wonders. 

Two attractions you won’t want to miss in Ciudad Valles are visiting Luis Donaldo Colosio Park and the Huasteco Joaquin Meade Regional Museum. The park will give you an alluring view of the Valles River, and the museum is a great way to pass some time, scoping out the collection of over 8,000 archeological artifacts. 

• Marvel at the magnificent Tamul waterfall

Photo: https://depositphotos.com/347991584/stock-photo-river-amazing-crystalline-blue-water.html

Caption: Witness the biggest waterfall, Tamul, in San Luis Potosí in person during your trip!

The Tamul waterfall is a perfect example of some of the knockout nature scenes San Luis Potosi state offers. Standing tall at an imposing 345 feet high, it’s honestly astonishing to see the state’s tallest waterfall in front of your eyes, splashing into the Tampaon River below. 

You can take a classic boat tour of the Tamul waterfall or a canoe tour of the cascades. If you choose the canoe tour, make sure you’re energized! It takes a two-hour upstream paddle by canoe to reach Tamul waterfall, which is not a journey for the faint of heart! Regardless of how you get there, the waterfall views are fantastic—bonus points if you visit between October and May when the waters turn a pretty turquoise color. 

• Feel the heart-racing thrill of Tampaon River rafting

Touring the Tampaon River by boat is the usual approach, which is a good way to see the diverse landscapes from the water. But if you prefer to take a more hands-on, adventurous way of sightseeing the area, book a river rafting tour!

Rafting takes Tampaon River exploration to the next level. Don’t worry if you’re a novice at rafting—there are different tours you can take, many of which are great for families and nature lovers who want a thrilling yet easy-going San Luis Potosi attraction. Besides that, a knowledgeable guide is there every step of the way to help you out and give you the inside scoop on the Tampaon River habitat. 

• Check out the Centro de las Artes 

In San Luis Potosi city, be sure to check out the Centro de las Artes. The Center of the Arts is a former prison that has been remodeled and now serves as an institution for promoting a variety of artistic disciplines. Dance, music, visual arts, and sculpture are just a few art forms the building is now used for showcasing.

Touring the inside of the Centro de las Artes is a treasure trove for art buffs. With many different mediums and artworks on display, you’ll be able to see pieces from some of the best artists between local and international creators. Some exhibits even feature interactive components, which provide a highly immersive experience. 

• Regenerate at the Health Castle of Beto Ramón 

Visiting the eccentric and playful-looking Castle of Health is a one-of-a-kind experience that you can encounter in San Luis Potosi. Located in Axtla de Terrazas, the surreal castle was built by Nahuatl doctor Beto Ramón in 1974 and is a realm where mysticism meets herbal medicine. 

The colorful health castle has been a healing sanctuary for generations, with a legacy of holistic plant-based philosophy that lives on today. Many of the castle’s quarters depict artistic themes with spiritual symbology, and there’s a sprawling botanical garden for harvesting medicinal plants you can tour. The on-site shop sells remedies made from the plants grown on castle grounds, and you can even take part in a traditional Nahuatl cleansing ritual led by a shaman. 

• Wander around the magic town of Aquismon

If you’re not already familiar with Mexico’s pueblos magicos (magic towns), they’re towns officially recognized by the government for their aspects of individuality, history, heritage, or culture. The Potosi Mexico state has a few magic towns, including Aquismon, previously mentioned Real de Catorce, and Xilita, which we’ll mention soon. 

Though small, Aquismon is filled with culture and nature. Huatesco-speaking people, the Teenek, predominantly inhabit the town. But while walking around, if you keep your ears open, you can catch blurbs of other indigenous languages like Nahuatl or Pame. While roaming around, you’ll quickly realize that Aquismon is the ideal town to connect with Mexico’s native roots, from perusing the handmade local goods to sightseeing nearby nature scenes that are largely untouched. 

• Go rappelling in Sotano de las Golondrinas

A fair warning—this recommendation is for daredevils only! Sotano de las Golondrinas (Cave of Swallows) is an enigmatic, pit-like cavern near Aquismon. This cave is one of the deepest pits in the world, at over 1,200 feet deep. The thought of the pit’s depth is enough to send chills up your spine, but if you dare, you can get an extreme dose of adrenaline by rappelling down it.

While the Cave of Swallows could certainly swallow you whole, its name actually refers to the thousands of birds that call the cave environment home. White-collared swifts that nest inside the cave can be spotted at dusk and dawn as flocks soar around the pit’s opening, putting on a glorious performance for all to see. 

• Jungle hike to Sotano de las Huahuas

Sotano de las Huahuas (Cave of Swifts) looks similar to Sotano de las Golondrinas, but it’s the better option to visit for a less touristy experience. This dark cavernous pit lies in the middle of the jungle of San Luis Potosi and requires a brief jungle hike to get to, which is part of the fun! 

As you trek through the jungle, you get to bask in the sights and sounds of the local wildlife. Your guide will lead you through the lush terrain to the 1,568-foot-deep sinkhole, where you can enjoy the thrilling views of the cave. In any case, you’ll want to plan your tour of Sotano de las Huahuas around dawn or dusk not to miss the spectacle that the native swifts and parrots perform. 

• Explore the Xilitla pueblo magico 

Mexico’s pueblos magicos are truly something special. Though they’re all magical in some way or another, each one provides a different and totally unique experience. Xilitla, one of the magic towns of San Luis Potosi, Mexico, is best known for its association with the nearby surrealist paradise of Las Pozas. 

Beyond the Las Pozas gardens, the town is a place where native Teenek and Nahua cultures come to life, and it’s the place to be if you’re a coffee lover! Xilitla is renowned for its locally grown coffee. The aroma of coffee floods the streets of Xilitla in the morning and noon hours, and those who love the smell of freshly brewed coffee beans won’t be able to resist taste-testing a delicious cup of authentic San Luis Potosi joe.  

• Swim the waters of the Cascadas de Minas Viejas 

Just 48 miles from Ciudad Valles, the Cascadas de Minas Viejas are a set of waterfalls with brilliantly blue-colored waters. While you can always stop by the cascades for a few hours, it’s easy to spend an entire day swimming in the turquoise pools. 

The water is pretty chilly here, but it’s the perfect temperature for taking a refreshing dip or plunging into the water off the terrace. As a natural haven, anyone who’s a nature enthusiast will enjoy their time at Cascadas de Minas Viejas. There’s a small fee for admission into the complex, but you can always stay overnight at the park at no additional cost!

• Make a pilgrimage to Templo De La Purísima Concepción

The Templo De La Purísima Concepción is a monumental church designed in a neoclassical style. Not only is this church aesthetically striking, it has special significance to the thousands of pilgrims who journey to see the St. Francis of Assisi statue each year. 

The famous statue of St. Francis is thought to work miracles and cleanse sins, making it a popular pilgrimage site for followers of the faith. If you don’t consider yourself religious or follow a different belief system, visiting the Templo De La Purísima Concepción is a worthwhile activity—even just to admire the beauty of the holy site and learn about the history of the Roman Catholic saint.  

• Fall in love with the Micos waterfalls

By now, you can probably tell that there are quite a few stunning cascades in the San Luis de Potosi region—but we can’t leave out mentioning the Micos waterfalls! The Micos waterfalls are a series of seven extraordinary falls staggering at different heights and nosediving into the riverbed at the surface. 

You can visit and view the Micos waterfalls in a few different ways, but whichever way you choose to go about it, the experience is guaranteed to capture your heart. A boat tour is an idyllic and leisurely course to see the waterfalls for everyone. But a personal favorite is doing a jumping expedition, where you can plummet down the falls for an unforgettable thrill.

• Get your art fix at Museo Frederico Silva

You don’t have to have an outdoorsy personality to enjoy your time in the San Luis Potosi state. The benefit to visiting this region of Mexico is that even art lovers will find things to do in San Luis Potosi, for example, checking out the Museo Frederico Silva. 

Nestled in San Luis Potosi city, Museo Frederico Silva has a pretty elaborate past. The building that now makes up the museum once functioned as a school; before that, the structure was originally a hospital. Today, you can go inside and tour the curated collection of artworks, where the biggest hits are the sculpture pieces. 

Is San Luis Potosi safe?

Even though San Luis Potosi, Mexico is largely off the beaten path, it’s surprisingly safe for tourism. Incidents of violent crime in San Luis Potosi are rare. The majority of criminal activity targeting tourists is related to pickpocketing and theft. Still, safety is a broad concept, and there are several factors and details that go into San Luis Potosi safety. Here’s what to know: 

• General safety

To better understand San Luis Potosi safety, check the latest Mexico Travel Advisory update. The US Department of State issues a scale of 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to 4 (Do Not Travel). There’s a score for each Mexican state, so you can always view the current status for San Luis Potosi—which at the moment is a level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution). 

SLP, Mexico isn’t considered a particularly dangerous region, getting the green light for international tourism. Despite that, you should always stay cautious when abroad and follow standard safety practices during your trip. Keep these travel safety tips in mind while visiting the San Luis Potosi state:

• Keep valuables out of sight: The best way to avoid being a target of the most prevalent type of criminal activity is to avoid flashing expensive items. Keep your essentials secure but leave the high-value belongings at home. 
• Don’t walk alone at night: Leave solo walking for the daytime hours! Keep nighttime exploration to a minimum, but if you’re out after dark, stick to well-lit, populated areas and stay off deserted streets. 
• Use trusted transportation: Verify it’s a trusted ride service before entering a vehicle. Take only licensed cabs and official rideshare services to avoid scams and kidnapping schemes. 
• Stay connected: Keep in touch with family and friends about your travel plans. Buying a SIM card on arrival will ensure that you always have access to phone and internet service. 
• Respect local customs: As with traveling anywhere, learning about local customs and laws in San Luis Potosi is essential. Doing as the locals do and being respectful of traditions will go a long way in keeping you out of trouble.
• Transportation safety

Touring San Luis Potosi by car is the most popular way to sightsee the state. If you plan on renting a car and road-tripping across the region (highly recommended!), you’ll want to study Mexican driving laws and ensure your rental is adequately insured. Driving conditions are pretty decent, but you should always drive cautiously, especially at night when visibility is more limited. 

Even without a car, you can use other transportation methods to get around many parts of the state. Guided tours are a safe way to explore San Luis Potosi’s most famous sites, but there are also local and regional bus lines if you prefer to venture out solo. Though public transportation is generally secure, stay aware and watch out for pickpockets while in transit. Taking taxis and rideshare services is also a safe way of getting from place to place as long as you use a trusted cab service or app like Uber!

• Health & medical safety 

No one plans on visiting a hospital or clinic while on vacation. But in case of unforeseen circumstances, you’ll be in good hands in San Luis Potosi. San Luis Potosi has a widespread medical care system with quality hospitals. You can find public and private hospitals statewide and 24-hour emergency service departments. 

The biggest piece of advice is to buy a comprehensive travel insurance plan before your trip to San Luis Potosi. While medical care is readily accessible if needed, paying out of pocket can get costly, so it’s always best to safeguard yourself with a travel insurance policy that covers medical expenses. 

• Natural disaster safety

Natural disasters can happen anywhere in the world, including in Mexico. Like other parts of Mexico, San Luis Potosi can experience the brunt of nature’s forces, from forest fires to earthquakes. But of all natural disaster types, San Luis Potosi is particularly susceptible to occurrences of flash flooding during its wet season. 

Though there isn’t anything anyone can do to entirely prevent a natural disaster from happening, you can prioritize your safety by staying informed. Checking local news outlets, weather reports, and announcements from official sources can help you stay in the know about potential threats and offer guidance in an emergency situation—a good place to start is the Centro Nacional de Prevención de Desastres website.

Final thoughts: Why is San Luis Potosi famous?

Colonial architecture, natural landscapes, and a strong sense of indigenous heritage are what make San Luis Potosí, Mexico so famous. Despite these incredible attributes, the Mexican state has yet to gain traction as a popular international tourism hub—but that’s part of the beauty of visiting this region of the country! Being an off-the-beaten-track destination, San Luis Potosí is an attractive vacation pick for those who love adventure-based travel, cultural discovery, and outdoor scenery. And now that you know the basics of San Luis Potosí state travel and what to do, you’re all set to embark on the escape of a lifetime.

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San Luis Potosí Travel Guide

Mexico › San Luis Potosí Updated: March 2, 2022

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San Luis Potosí is another less-visited gem that’s one of our favorite cities in the Bajío. Dripping with historic charm, the old center is known for its colonial churches, hotels, and enticing art museums.

Frequently Asked Questions about San Luis Potosí

Where is san luis potosí.

San Luis Potosí is the capital city of the Mexican state of San Luis Potosí, in the region of central Mexico known as the Bajío.

The city lies about 400 km northwest of Mexico City, 330 km northeast of Guadalajara, and 175 km north of San Miguel de Allende. Non-stop flights to San Luis Potosí take 1 hour 15 minutes from Mexico City, 1 hour 55 minutes from Houston, 2 hours from Dallas, 2 hours 10 minutes from Cancún, and 2 hours 40 minutes from Tijuana.

How big is San Luis Potosí?

San Luis Potosí has a greater metro population of just over 1.2 million, with the main part of the city covering a circular area some 14km across.

What is the history of San Luis Potosí?

Built on land once inhabited by the Chichimeca, San Luis Potosí traces its roots to the foundation of a Franciscan mission in the 1580s, but the city was formally established in 1592 as a supply camp for nearby gold and silver mines. The city grew rapidly, becoming one of the wealthiest and most beautiful in Mexico. San Luis is still prosperous today – most of the silver is gone but working mines churn out zinc and lead – with a considerable modern industrial base.

How do I get to San Luis Potosí?

San Luis Potosí is connected to Tijuana, Dallas, and Houston by non-stop flights, plus several other cities within Mexico. Most flights from Canada or Europe route through the US or Mexico City. The airport is around 25km north of downtown. Take a taxi into the city (pay at the dedicated kiosks before you get in, credit cards accepted). Rates are set according to a zone system, with most trips around 350 pesos.

Within Mexico, first-class long-distance buses are an economical and comfortable alternative to flying – buses to San Luis Potosí from Monterrey (6 hours) and Mexico City (5 to 6 hours) operate hourly. The city’s bus station, the Terminal Terrestre Potosina (or TTP), is around 3km east of the city center on Hwy-57; take a taxi to your hotel (buy a ticket before you leave the bus station, around 50 pesos).

Can I use Uber in San Luis Potosí?

Uber does operate in San Luis Potosí (assuming phones have roaming, and the app works), but drivers can be reluctant to pick-up from the airport due to hostility from the airport taxi union. However, you should be able to get an Uber back to the airport for as low as 150 pesos. Once in the city, getting an Uber should be no problem, though rates are comparable with regular taxis (and more expensive during rush hour).

Can I drive to San Luis Potosí?

Driving to San Luis Potosí from down from the US border is relatively straightforward – the main highways are good, and virtually empty outside the towns. However, the Mexican border states of Nuevo León and Tamaulipas have been affected by drug cartel violence – driving at night is definitely a bad idea. Check the latest travel advisories at travel.state.gov or ask your hotel. You’ll also need a Mexican “Temporary Importation of Vehicle Permit”.

From Brownsville, Texas the drive is around 410 miles (660 km) and takes around 8 hours non-stop. San Luis Potosí is also 535 miles (860 km) from Laredo, Texas (8 to 9 hours).

If you are renting a vehicle, it’s much easier to do this once across the Mexican border, as taking US rental vehicles into Mexico comes with all sorts of restrictions.

Do I need a car in San Luis Potosí?

You can explore most of the city center of San Luis Potosí on foot making cars unnecessary; if you’d rather not walk, call an Uber or take a local taxi (all taxis have meters and are easy to hale on the street). The city has an excellent public bus system (fares 9.80 pesos) but you are unlikely to need it.

When is the best time to go to San Luis Potosí?

San Luis Potosí boasts a year-round temperate climate, with the driest and sunniest months October to April. Rain is most common June to September. There’s no real “bad” time to visit, though it can actually get chilly December to January. March through June is probably best, when the weather is pleasantly warm, the days generally dry, and crowds low-key.

Where should I stay in San Luis Potosí?

Right in the historic heart of San Luis Potosí (the centro histórico) is the best place to stay, close to all the sights, best restaurants, and attractions. Modern business hotels and cheaper motels line the highways on the outskirts of the city, but these are all a long way from the action and it can be hassle shuttling back and forwards. We love Santosí by Inmense , a lavish contemporary conversion of an old colonial mansion.

For a real treat stay at the Museo Palacio de San Agustín , a luxury hotel carved out of a Spanish-era monastery. We also like the budget Hikuri Eco Hostal , a hostel housed in another beautiful colonial building incorporating lots of recycled materials.

What are the best things to do in San Luis Potosí?

The best things to do in San Luis Potosí is to soak up the city’s colonial charm and history, and take in some of the museums. Sip coffee at an outdoor café and take in the scene on San Luis Potosí’s main square, the Plaza de Armas (aka Jardín Hidalgo), also the location of the city’s impressive 18th-century cathedral. The best of the city’s huge cache of colonial churches is the Templo del Carmen in nearby Plaza del Carmen, with a multicolored tiled dome and ornate Baroque façade.

Like many cities in the Bajío, San Luis Potosí is crammed with absorbing museums. The best of the bunch is the Museo Nacional de la Máscara , a grand mansion now a museum dedicated to the art of making masks, everything from pre-Hispanic pieces to Spanish-style masks still worn during fiestas today. Also worth checking out is the Museo Federico Silva , a showcase for the work of Federico Silva, one of Mexico’s most beloved sculptors, and the Museo Regional Potosino on Plaza de Aranzazú, which chronicles the history of San Luis Potosí state. Just outside the center (but still walkable), the Centro de las Artes is an arts center built inside the former state prison. Revolving art exhibitions take place here, but you can also see the cell where ex-president Francisco Madero was held in 1910. Also here, the Museo Leonora Carrington San Luis Potosí is a tribute to the English-born Mexican surrealist painter.

What are the best things to do around San Luis Potosí?

San Luis Potosí makes a good base to explore the surrounding area. With a car (easy to rent in the city or through your hotel) you can visit several of the grand haciendas that ring the city, including the Ex-hacienda Gogorrón outside Villa de Reyes, prime location for the 2005 movie Legend of Zorro, and Hacienda Peotillos, once frequented by Emperor Maximilian. With more time you can explore the hilly Huasteca Potosina region to the east of the city, riddled with waterfalls, mountain torrents, and secluded hiking trails. Visit recommended tour operator Huaxteca for more information.

What are the restaurants like in San Luis Potosí?

Restaurants in Potosí showcase local specialties including deep-fried enchiladas Potosinos (or Huastecas ), made with masa (corn dough) infused with chili peppers and stuffed with cheese. The main market, Mercado Hidalgo has cheap and cheerful food stalls that serve them for a few pesos (they are especially good for breakfast). Another solid choice for Mexican food is Antojitos El Pozole (Carmona 205), part of a local chain celebrated for its pozole (a tasty chicken stew with corn and spices). For a treat, head over to La Gran Via (Carranza 560), an elegant, old-fashioned restaurant that specializes in Spanish seafood. Another one of our favorites is Cielo Tinto (Carranza 700), which serves gourmet Mexican food but also features a colonial courtyard perfect for coffee and pastries.

What currency is used in San Luis Potosí?

The Mexican peso (often prefixed with a “$” sign) is the currency of San Luis Potosí and the whole of Mexico. Most major shops and restaurants in San Luis Potosí accept credit cards, but it is a good idea to have some peso cash on hand for museum entry and small purchases like bottled water and snacks. ATMs and banks are easy to find in central San Luis Potosí – you’ll generally get a better rate of exchange at ATMs than at casas de cambio.

Is San Luis Potosí expensive?

It’s easy to visit San Luis Potosí on a modest budget. To save cash, stay in the cheaper B&Bs or hostels (budget Airbnb deals are also a viable option), and eat at local restaurants and taco stalls. Buses and taxis are cheap, and museum entry is rarely more than US$2–3.

Is San Luis Potosí safe?

San Luis Potosí has generally avoided the drug violence that has affected other parts of Mexico. Take the usual precautions, especially at night, and keep your valuables in room safes.

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US travelers warned of 'kidnapping risk' in some parts of Mexico

The U.S. State Department issued an updated Travel Advisory  Wednesday for U.S. travelers visiting Mexico, including new state-level advice and information on "kidnapping risk." 

The agency cited an "increased risk of crime and kidnapping" in certain areas of Mexico. 

A spokesperson for the State Department told USA TODAY in an email that the agency regularly reviews all Travel Advisories to ensure U.S. citizens have the most relevant and timely information to make the most informed decisions regarding their safety and security when traveling overseas. 

Last week, the State Department issued an alert to U.S. citizens when reports of "multiple vehicle fires, roadblocks, and heavy police activity" surfaced in Tijuana and the surrounding area. On Monday in a press briefing, Department spokesperson Ned Price said there were no reports to share on U.S. citizens being injured or killed in the incident.

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Not everyone wants to come to the US: Gun violence, safety concerns are keeping travelers away

The updated Travel Advisory includes new information on the Coahuila, Mexico, Nayarit, and Zacatecas states. Travelers should "exercise increased caution when traveling to" Coahuila, Mexico and Nayarit and "not travel to" Zacatecas. 

There is also updated information on the "kidnapping risk" for the states of Colima, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Baja California, Chihuahua, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Sonora, Nuevo Leon, Puebla, Quintana Roo and San Luis Potosi.

According to the advisory, "U.S. citizens are advised to adhere to restrictions on U.S. government employee travel." Some restrictions include not hailing taxis from the street but rather using a rideshare service like Uber or regulated taxi stands, and to not travel alone. 

If a U.S. citizen still decides to travel to a Mexican state with a Level 4, or "do not travel to," Travel Advisory or Level 3, "reconsider travel to," Travel Advisory, they are urged to read the State Department's information on high-risk travel.

Aileen Teague, assistant professor at The Bush School of Government & Public Service at Texas A&M University, reminds people that while organized crime does exist in parts of northeastern Mexico, there are also "beautiful places that are dependent on tourism and relatively safe." 

"Use caution when traveling to Mexico as you would to any other country, but also don't let some of these media headlines of violence and criminality undermine the wonderful things that Mexico has to offer and its rich history," she said. "It's a shame for people to only focus on the aspect of crime and violence that take place."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also determined Mexico to be  Level 3 , or High, for COVID-19.

Earlier this year, Americans were warned to "avoid travel to Mexico" after recent security incidents in tourist destinations like Cancun and Playa Del Carmen. The entire list of state-level advisories can be found online .

Is San Luis Potosi, Mexico Safe? Insights and Precautions

Safety is a top priority when choosing a place to live or travel, whether in the hustle of a modern capital or the tranquility of the mountains.

This article will analyze the safety of San Luis Potosi, a breathtaking region in Mexico famed for its silver mines, delicious traditional food, and vibrant music scene.

We will explore the safety aspect and the intriguing blend of traditional and modern design in its architecture, lively fashion and shopping opportunities, and bustling nightlife.

Through exploring these facets, we aim to provide our readers with an encompassing view of this region. We will also touch on the influence of religion in the area’s culture and lifestyle, offering you all the necessary information to make informed decisions about this potential destination.

Table of Contents

Understanding San Luis Potosi

The Landscape of San Luis Potosi

San Luis Potosi is a flourishing state in Mexico known for its magnificent geographical diversity, ranging from semi-desert areas to lush mountainous landscapes. Its rich history, fascinating culture, and stunning natural beauty make it a choice destination for travelers from across the globe.

The People and Culture

The people of San Luis Potosi are friendly, warm, and welcoming. They are known for their cultural richness and hospitality, which adds to the charm of this Mexican state.

Analyzing Safety in San Luis Potosi

Regarding safety, it’s essential to look at the bigger picture, which includes socio-economic factors, crime rates, and local advice.

Socio-Economic Factors

Like most areas, the socio-economic factors in San Luis Potosi play a significant role in determining safety. However, the state has made commendable strides in economic development, boasting of a vibrant economy primarily driven by manufacturing, mining, and tourism.

While petty crimes such as pickpocketing and theft can occur, particularly in touristic areas, violent crimes targeting tourists are relatively uncommon in San Luis Potosi.

According to data from Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía (INEGI), San Luis Potosi’s crime rate is on par with other regions of Mexico.

Local Advice

The local populace is one of the most reliable sources of information about safety in a place. In addition, local advice often gives you a more nuanced understanding of safety than broad statistical measures.

Practical Safety Tips

Maintaining vigilance and adhering to safety precautions is crucial regardless of where you travel. Here are some safety tips for travelers:

• First, always stay in populated areas, especially at night.
• Second, keep your belongings secure and avoid showing off expensive items in public.
• Third, use official taxi services or reliable ride-sharing apps.
• Fourth, stay updated with news about the local area.
• Finally, follow the advice from local authorities.

Comparing San Luis Potosi to Other Mexican States

To give a more balanced perspective, let’s briefly compare the safety of San Luis Potosi to other states in Mexico:

Yucatan: Recognized as one of the safest states in Mexico, according to the World Population Review.

Tamaulipas: Currently facing significant safety challenges related to organized crime, as reported by the U.S. Department of State .

Quintana Roo: Popular for its tourism, Quintana Roo’s safety levels vary depending on specific locations.

Compared to these states, San Luis Potosi has a moderate safety ranking. It does not face significant safety issues in Tamaulipas but is less safe than Yucatan.

Delving Deeper: The Safety Aspects of San Luis Potosi

Health and medical safety.

San Luis Potosi has an intelligent healthcare system with numerous public and private hospitals and clinics offering various medical services. In addition, emergency services are readily accessible.

However, travelers should have a comprehensive health insurance policy, as out-of-pocket medical costs can be high, particularly in private facilities.

San Luis Potosi has safe drinking water and hygiene standards regarding general health safety. However, as is typical advice for travelers to any new location, it’s wise to stick to bottled water.

Transportation Safety

Public transportation in San Luis Potosi is widely used by locals and tourists alike. While generally safe, it is always wise to remain alert for pickpockets, especially in crowded situations. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber are popular and secure modes of transport.

Driving conditions in San Luis Potosi are fairly good, but visitors unfamiliar with local driving habits and road conditions should be cautious, particularly at night. In addition, rental cars should be properly insured, and drivers should familiarize themselves with Mexican driving laws.

Natural Disaster Safety

Like any region, San Luis Potosi can be subject to natural disasters. Residents and travelers must know potential hazards, like hurricanes and earthquakes, and understand how to respond.

Keeping abreast of local news and weather reports and guidance from local authorities can help ensure your safety. Websites such as  Centro Nacional de Prevención de Desastres offer helpful information and updates.

Travel Advisory Information

For the most accurate and up-to-date safety information, checking your country’s travel advisories before traveling is always recommended.

For instance, U.S. citizens can refer to the U.S. Department of State’s Mexico Travel Advisory. Always make sure to stay informed and heed any travel advisories or warnings.

Broadening the Perspective: Safety Beyond San Luis Potosi

While this article focuses on the safety of San Luis Potosi, it’s crucial to remember that security is not limited to a single location.

Every state in Mexico offers a unique mix of culture, history, and experiences, each with safety considerations. So, let’s briefly examine some other popular conditions in Mexico and their safety aspects.

Mexico City: Despite being the largest city in the country, Mexico City has many safe neighborhoods and is generally safe for tourists who exercise standard precautions. It is a bustling hub of arts, culture, and history that should be noticed.

Jalisco: Home to the famous city of Guadalajara and the birthplace of tequila, Jalisco is another Mexican state that attracts many tourists. It has areas of concern and many safe, vibrant communities to explore.

Oaxaca: Known for its indigenous cultures and culinary excellence, Oaxaca is considered one of the safest states in Mexico, with friendly locals and a relaxed atmosphere.

Baja California: This state, home to Tijuana and the beautiful beach city of Ensenada, offers various safety levels, depending on where you go and how aware you are of your surroundings.

The Bigger Picture: Safety is Subjective

Safety is subjective and can be influenced by personal experiences, cultural background, and risk tolerance.

Therefore, while this article provides a detailed analysis of security in San Luis Potosi, it’s essential to understand that personal experiences may vary.

Suppose you plan to travel or move to San Luis Potosi or any other part of Mexico. In that case, staying informed, remaining vigilant, and maintaining high situational awareness are crucial. Follow local news, be aware of your surroundings, and always listen to your instincts.

Practical Safety Strategies for Travelers to San Luis Potosi

In the spirit of empowering you to navigate San Luis Potosi safely and confidently, here are some practical safety strategies:

Travel Insurance

Investing in a comprehensive travel insurance policy is essential for any traveler. Such insurance can cover medical emergencies, travel disruptions, and even lost or stolen goods, providing additional security for your journey.

Use Technology

Leverage technology to enhance your safety. Use reliable map services to stay on known routes, keep emergency numbers on your phone, and use travel apps to stay informed about your location’s safety. Apps such as  AlertCops can be handy.

Respect Local Customs and Laws

Familiarize yourself with the customs, traditions, and laws of San Luis Potosi before your visit. Not only will this help avoid inadvertently offending, but it also demonstrates respect for the local culture, which is often appreciated by locals and can lead to more positive interactions.

Group Travel

Consider traveling with others, especially when exploring less crowded or familiar areas. There’s safety in numbers, and it’s also a great way to share the experience with others.

Stay Connected

Regularly update your loved ones about your whereabouts and travel plans. Keeping someone informed of your movements can be very beneficial in the unlikely event of an emergency.

Expert Safety Tips for Visitors to San Luis Potosi

Beyond general safety advice, certain expert tips can help you navigate San Luis Potosi with even more confidence. Here are a few:

Plan Your Travel Itinerary Carefully

Before your trip, plan your itinerary, highlighting the places you want to visit and familiarize yourself with those areas. It’s also wise to check attractions’ opening hours and peak times to avoid large crowds or sites that may be unsafe after dark.

Learn Basic Spanish Phrases

While English is spoken in many tourist areas, learning basic Spanish phrases can go a long way. Not only will this help in routine interactions, but it’s also useful in emergencies.

Stay Vigilant in Crowded Places

In crowded places, such as public transportation hubs or popular tourist attractions, always be aware of your belongings to avoid pickpocketing or petty theft.

Use Authorized Transport Services

Always use authorized transport services. Whether hailing a taxi or using a rideshare app, ensure the service is licensed and reputable to avoid scams or security issues.

Living in San Luis Potosi: Safety Considerations

For those considering a move to San Luis Potosi, it’s essential to understand the safety of travelers and the considerations for longer-term residents.

Community and Neighbourhood Safety

Like any city, San Luis Potosi has safer and riskier neighborhoods. Do your research to understand the safety profile of various areas. Local forums, real estate websites, and community groups can be good sources of information.

Emergency Services

San Luis Potosi has a reliable network of emergency services, including police, medical services, and fire departments. First, however, it’s important to understand how these services operate, their availability, and how to contact them in an emergency.

Local Laws and Regulations

Living in a new city involves adapting to its laws and regulations. Understanding local rules related to housing, taxation, driving, and civil conduct can help avoid legal complications and enhance your safety.

Health Care Services

While San Luis Potosi boasts decent healthcare services, understanding the local healthcare system is crucial, especially for those with specific medical needs. This includes knowledge of local hospitals, pharmacies, insurance procedures, and emergency medical services.

Concluding Remarks: The Road to Safe Travels

This comprehensive safety guide for San Luis Potosi aims to equip you with essential knowledge and strategies to ensure a safe and rewarding experience, whether you are planning a short visit or contemplating a more permanent move.

While risks exist, they should not overshadow San Luis Potosi’s remarkable experiences. From its rich history and cultural diversity to its stunning natural beauty, the city promises unforgettable experiences for those willing to explore it.

Understanding safety is the first step in your journey to San Luis Potosi. But remember, the real magic of travel lies in the unexpected joys, cultural exchanges, and personal growth it fosters.

So, armed with the right knowledge and a spirit of adventure, confidently embark on your journey to San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

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Is San Luis Potosi safe for travelers?

San Luis Potosi is generally considered safe for tourists. The Mexican government has tried to improve security in recent years, particularly in popular tourist cities like Guanajuato and Monterrey.

However, as with any destination, it’s essential to remain cautious and take standard safety precautions to ensure a pleasant trip.

What are the top tourist destinations in San Luis Potosi?

San Luis Potosi offers various attractions, from historic towns like Real de Catorce, with its fascinating mining history and colonial buildings, to the picturesque waterfalls in Xilitla. The state capital city, San Luis Potosi, is a hub of cultural activities, museums, and excellent restaurants.

What is the primary language spoken in San Luis Potosi?

San Luis Potosi’s official language and the rest of Mexico’s official language is Spanish. However, in some areas, especially indigenous communities, you may encounter Nahuatl, spoken by a significant portion of the population.

What are the significant historical aspects of San Luis Potosi?

San Luis Potosi has a rich mining heritage, particularly in Real de Catorce, where you can explore old mines and learn about the region’s silver and gold mining history.

The state’s name comes from the Spanish word for silver, reflecting its historical significance in the mining industry.

How can I travel to San Luis Potosi? Are there direct flights available?

San Luis Potosi is well-connected by air, and direct flights are available from various cities in Mexico and some international destinations. You can find flights to the state capital city and other major cities like Ciudad Valles, Zacatecas, and Veracruz, making planning your visit to this beautiful region easy.

San Luis Potosi Map

Neighborhoods:  Privadas del Pedregal, Juan del Jarro

Population:   824,229 (2015)

Elevation:   1,864 m (6,115 ft)

Founded:   November 3, 1592

Please note that the above information on San Luis Potosi will be used only as a guide. If you notice any errors in the map or the population of San Luis Potosi. is incorrect, please get in touch with us.

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Carlos Hernandez

Meet Carlos Hernandez, a seasoned blogger and your go-to authority on all matters related to Mexico's safety. With years of experience and an unwavering passion for the country, Carlos has dedicated his career to unraveling the truth behind Mexico's safety concerns. Carlos's unique perspective stems from his deep understanding of Mexico's history, culture, and regional dynamics. He sheds light on both the challenges and triumphs, dispelling common misconceptions and highlighting the untold stories that paint a more accurate picture of Mexico's safety situation.

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What are the 4 levels of travel advisory? What to know about spring break trips to Mexico

The U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Mexico issued a spring break travel advisory on Feb. 26.

Violent crime is widespread and common in Mexico , according to the U.S. State Department . Crimes such as carjacking, homicide, kidnapping and robbery are prevalent.

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Here's what you need to know about U.S. State Department travel advisories:

Is Mexico safe 2024?

According to the spring break travel advisory , there is list of safety concerns to consider:

• Arrests: Drunk and disorderly behavior, public urination, and open alcohol containers in vehicles are illegal in Mexico.  If you break Mexican law, you can be arrested.
• Crime:  Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations. Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations. See the  Mexico Travel Advisory   for specific information for each Mexican state. U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in the downtown areas of popular spring break locations including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark.
• Drowning: Some beaches have strong undercurrents and rip tides. Beaches may lack lifeguards, warnings, or signs of unsafe conditions.
• Drugs: Drug possession and use, including medical marijuana, is illegal in Mexico and may result in a lengthy jail sentence. U.S. citizens have become seriously ill or died in Mexico after using synthetic drugs or adulterated prescription pills.
• Guns and Ammunition:  All guns and even small amounts of ammunition are illegal in Mexico.  Firearms and other weapons violations may result in lengthy jail time.
• Immigration:   Violating the terms of your stay in Mexico can result in steep fines and detention.
• Medical Emergencies: An illness or accident could result in the need to seek medical treatment or hospitalization in Mexico. Private hospital prices can be higher than those in the United States. Many facilities require payment (sometimes only in cash) either before providing treatment or before discharging a patient.
• Pharmaceuticals:  Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients.  Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
• Sexual Assault: U.S. citizens have been victims of rape and sexual assault. Perpetrators may target inebriated or isolated individuals or may employ drugs that alter the victim’s physical or mental state.
• Unregulated Alcohol: Unregulated alcohol may be contaminated, and U.S. citizens have reported losing consciousness or becoming injured after consuming alcohol that was possibly tainted.

Mexico spring break travel advisory 2024

According to the spring break travel advisory , there is a list of actions travelers should take:

• Avoid strong currents and do not swim after drinking or when warning flags note unsafe conditions.
• Be aware of your safety and protect your personal possessions when using public transportation. Use radio taxis or those from “sitio” taxi stands. Application-based car services such as Uber and Cabify are available in many Mexican cities, and generally offer another relatively safe alternative to taxis.
• Call 911 in an emergency. Although there may be English-speaking operators available, it is best to seek the assistance of a Spanish speaker to place the call.
• Consider downloading the “Guest Assist” application on your smart phone if traveling to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel, or other areas in the state of Quintana Roo. The Mexican government provides information on emergency services and assistance for tourists via the app and their  website .
• Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate if you need assistance.
• Drink responsibly and always watch your drink. If you begin to feel ill, seek medical attention immediately. Report cases of suspected unregulated or contaminated alcohol to the Mexican Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risk (COFEPRIS) by  filing a report online   at the COFEPRIS website, call the COFEPRIS call center at +52 01-8—033-5050, or visit a COFEPRIS office.
• Enroll in the State Department’s  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program   to receive up-to-date information on safety conditions in Mexico and to help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency.
• Keep friends and family at home informed of your travel plans, especially if traveling alone.
• Keep your passport and entry permit (FMM), if applicable, in a safe place. Confirm the date you must depart Mexico.
• Know your drinking companions and stay in a group of friends who have your safety in mind when you are in clubs and bars, walking in dimly lit areas, or in a taxi at night. Obey Mexican law and remember Mexican laws may differ from U.S. laws.
• Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage in Mexico, or purchase travel insurance that covers you in Mexico. Seek coverage that includes medical evacuation.  Confirm costs of medical treatment in advance, when possible.
• Read the  Mexico Travel Advisory  and  Country Information Page  for details on travel throughout Mexico, including entry requirements.
• Regularly monitor your credit or debit card accounts to ensure there are no unauthorized transactions. Limit the amount of cash you carry in public, exercise caution when withdrawing cash, and avoid ATMs in isolated or unlit areas.
• See our  advice for cruise passengers  , particularly those with underlying health conditions.

U.S. State Department Travel Warnings for Mexico

Here are the travel warnins from the U.S. State Department :

Do Not Travel To In Mexico

• Colima state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Guerrero state  due to  crime .
• Michoacan state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Sinaloa state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping
• Tamaulipas state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping.
• Zacatecas  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Reconsider Travel To in Mexico:

• Baja California  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Chihuahua state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Durango state  due to  crime .
• Guanajuato state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Jalisco state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Morelos state  due to  crime .
• Sonora state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To in Mexico

• Aguascalientes  state due to  crime .
• Baja California Sur state  due to  crime .
• Chiapas state  due to  crime .
• Coahuila state  due to  crime .
• Hidalgo state  due to  crime .
• Mexico City  due to  crime .
• Mexico State  due to  crime .
• Nayarit state  due to  crime.
• Nuevo Leon  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Oaxaca state  due to  crime .
• Puebla state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Queretaro state  due to  crime .
• Quintana Roo state  due to  crime .
• San Luis Potosi state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Tabasco state  due to  crime .
• Tlaxcala state  due to  crime .
• Veracruz state  due to  crime .

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To In Mexico

• Campeche state
• Yucatan state

Is Cancun safe in Mexico?

The Quintana Roo state − where Cancun is located − is under a Level 2 travel advisory, warning travelers to exercise increased caution due to crime.

According to the State Department, criminal activity and violence may occur at any time in any location, including in popular tourist spots. Maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations. 

Travel advisory tips for Mexico trips

According to the State Department, consider these things when traveling to Mexico:

If you decide to travel to Mexico:

• Keep traveling companions and family back home informed of your travel plans. If separating from your travel group, send a friend your GPS location. If taking a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and/or license plate and text it to a friend.
• Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
• Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Follow the U.S. Embassy on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Mexico.
• Mariners planning travel to Mexico should check for U.S. maritime  advisories  and  alerts , which include instructions on reporting suspicious activities and attacks to Mexican naval authorities.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the  CDC page  for the latest travel health information related to your travel. 

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What are the 4 levels of travel advisory?

Here are the four levels of travel advisory , according to the U.S. State Department:

Travel Advisory Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions

• This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. There is some risk in any international travel. Conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States and may change at any time.

Travel Advisory Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution

• Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The Departments of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.

Travel Advisory Level 3 - Reconsider Travel

• Avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.

Travel Advisory Level 4 – Do Not Travel  

• This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. During an emergency, the U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance. The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.

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What countries have a Level 4 travel warning?

• Afghanistan
• Burkina Faso
• Central African Republic
• North Korea
• South Sudan

What countries have a Level 3 travel warning?

• El Salvador
• Guinea-Bissau
• Papau New Guinea
• Saudi Arabia
• Trinidad & Tobago

Travel advisory tips for high-risk areas

The State Department recommends three websites for information on travel safety tips :

• Bureau of Consular Affairs  
• The Overseas Security Advisory Council  
• The Federal Bureau of Investigation

Chris Sims is a digital producer for Gannett. Follow him on Twitter:  @ChrisFSims .

Getty Images/EyeEm

San Luis Potosí

A grand old dame of a colonial city, San Luis Potosí was once a revolutionary hotbed, an important mining town and a seat of government to boot. Today the city has maintained its poise as the prosperous state capital, orderly industrial center and university seat, though it sees relatively few visitors.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real San Luis Potosí. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Museo Federico Silva

This excellent museum devoted to the work of Mexican artist Federico Silva (b 1923) should not be missed. The 17th-century building was once a hospital…

Museo Nacional de la Máscara

This superb museum displays a fascinating collection of ceremonial masks from across Mexico and around the world, and does a good job at explaining the…

Museo Regional Potosino

This fetching museum was originally part of a Franciscan monastery founded in 1590. The ground floor – part of which is housed in the small Capilla de San…

Museo del Ferrocarril

Once an important stop on two of Mexico's main train lines, San Luis Potosí has cleverly brought the past to life in this museum housed inside its…

Centro de las Artes Centenario

Up until 1999, this striking building was a prison believed to have briefly held Francisco Madero. Ten years later, it was transformed – without losing…

Templo del Carmen

The Churrigueresque Templo del Carmen (1749−64) is San Luis's most spectacular structure. On the vividly carved stone facade, hovering angels show the…

This impressive three-nave baroque cathedral was built between 1660 and 1730. Originally it had just one tower; the northern tower was added in the 20th…

Jardín de San Francisco (Jardín Guerrero)

Dominated by the bulk of the Templo de San Francisco and convent, and with a lovely fountain gracing its interior, this square is one of the city's most…

Plan with a local

Experience the real Mexico

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

Latest stories from San Luis Potosí

Festivals & Events

Sep 5, 2019 • 7 min read

During Xantolo, a sacred festival that links people to their ancestors, whole towns come alive with performers of all ages dancing along the streets and in…

Mar 8, 2019 • 5 min read

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Department of State issues travel advisory to Mexico due to risk of crime and kidnapping

Violent crime, such as homicides and kidnapping, are "widespread."

The U.S. Department of State has issued a travel advisory to Mexico because of an increased risk of violent crime in some parts of the country.

Violent crime, such as homicides , kidnappings, carjackings and robbery, are "widespread" and the U.S. government "has limited ability to provide emergency services" to Americans in many areas, according to the advisory .

(MORE: Teen survivor recalls horrifying details of ambush in Mexico that killed 9)

Americans are being advised not to travel to the states of Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa and Tamaulipas due to crime.

In Guerrero state, armed groups operate independently of the government in many areas and frequently maintain roadblocks and may use violence toward travelers, according to the U.S. government. Criminal organizations are operating in Sinaloa state, where violent crime is widespread. In Tamaulipas state, organized crime activity, including gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping , has led to disappearances, extortion and sexual assault.

The State Department is also advising U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to the states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Jalisco, Mexico state, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi, Sonora and Zacatecas due to crime.

If Americans travel to Mexico, they are advised to keep their traveling companions and family back home informed of their travel plans, and if separated from their travel group, to send a GPS location. If taking a taxi alone, text a photo of the taxi number and license plate to a friend or family member.

(MORE: Arkansas medical school student says he 'blacked out' before kidnapping, friend's killing)

The State Department also recommends using toll roads when possible and avoid driving at night, as police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital.

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Americans should also exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs and casinos and avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry. In addition, they are advised to be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.

As an extra precaution, the Department of State recommends that travelers enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive alerts and make it easier to be located in an emergency as well as preparing a contingency plan for emergency situations.

(MORE: Missing North Carolina teacher found shot to death on dirt road, Mexican officials say)

Travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or significantly restricted. Government workers may not travel between cities after dark, hail taxis on the street and must rely cars from app-based services like Uber or from regulated cab stands, according to the advisory. They also may not drive from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from interior parts of the country, with the exception of daytime travel within some parts of Baja California.

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San Luis Potosi Mexico Travel Guide

by Asdghik Ashley Melkonian

Table of Contents

San Luis Potosi Mexico Map

Flights to san luis potosi from mexico city, flights to san luis potosi from the us, flights from chicago to san luis potosi, san luis potosi weather & best time to visit, la huasteca potosina region, tamul waterfall, visit the real de catorce ghost town, roam the gardens at las pozas xilitla, discover the cave of swallows & nearby ciudad valles, visit rio verde, take a day trip to matehuala, go mezcal tasting, shop handmade arts & crafts at the craftsman house, buy hand woven rebozos (traditional mexican scarves) at santa maría del río, tamazunchale, san ciro de acosta, soledad de graciano sánchez, tamul waterfall and water cave on a wooden canoe tour, private tour of the mezcal route with ancestral drinks, cascada el salto and cascada el meco tour, surrealist garden of edward james, castle of health, and xilitla nativity, budget: la posada hotel y suites, mid-range: gran hotel concordia san luis potosi, luxury: hotel museo palacio de san agustin, is san luis potosi safe, what is san luis potosí famous for, is san luis potosí worth visiting.

San Luis Potosi in Mexico is not exactly a destination that comes to mind when thinking about the birthplace of mezcal and chocolate. The coastal part of the country attracts millions of tourists every year. Cities like Tulum and Cancun are synonymous with spring break and Mayan ruins, but the central part of the country is just as magical.

San Luis Potosi and its capital city are a great addition to any Mexico itinerary. There are so many breathtaking attractions and a long list of unique destinations to choose from. The state itself is divided into four regions: Altiplano, Central, Middle, and La Huasteca Potosina. Each region offers visitors a window into the precolonial history of the country and the memorable traditions kept alive by its people.

How to get to San Luis Potosi

Planning a trip to central Mexico is not complete without ironing out all the details including traveling and accommodation. If you prefer to fly into the city of San Luis Potosi instead of taking the bus, then you will be pleased to know that the state has its very own airport. San Luis Potosi airport is approximately 20 minutes away from Centro Historico by car.

San Luis Potosi occupies a large area in north-central Mexico and is surrounded by seven other states. If you look at the map, then you will notice that the eastern part is painted with a tropical green brush compared to the eastern region. If you zoom in, you will notice many attractions highlighted on the map such as the Cave of Swallows and Tamul Waterfall.

Aeromexico offers several nonstop flights from Mexico City to San Luis Potosi (SLP) every day. The schedule includes morning, afternoon, and evening flights making it possible to arrive early and catch a guided tour before dinner. Flight time from Mexico to San Luis Potosi is around 1 hour and 22 minutes.

You can fly to San Luis Potosi from two major cities in the United States: Houston and Dallas via American Airlines or United.  American Airlines offers direct flights to SLP from Dallas/Fort Worth Airport while United offers direct flights to SLP from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

There are no direct flights from Chicago to SLP but there are several airlines that offer indirect flights to San Luis Potosi International Airport. Aeromexico operates several flights to SLP but with a layover in Mexico City. American Airlines has a layover in Dallas while United offers indirect flights with a layover in Houston.

The weather in San Luis Potosi is pleasant, especially during the spring. If you plan on visiting La Huasteca Potosina region then it is best to travel during winter or anytime between March and June. Rainfall during the summer floods the rivers and strengthens the water current making it impossible to go rafting or kayaking.

Best Things to Do in San Luis Potosi

There is so much to do and experience in San Luis Potosi. Visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to attractions and local flavors. There is a little something for everyone here.

Explore the San Luis Potosi Waterfalls

The coastal plains of Mexico are known for their tropical beaches and mellow vibes but San Luis Potosi takes escapism to a whole new level. The waterfalls in the La Huasteca Potosina region will make your troubles melt away.

The region, named after the indigenous Huastec people, is a popular ecotourism hub and a magnet for hikers, bird watchers, and adventure seekers. The landscape in this nature reserve is incredibly diverse and features an array of caves, lagoons, rivers, canyons, and waterfalls that were beautifully crafted by mother nature.

Tamasopo Waterfalls

The limestone blue waters at Tamasopo waterfall encourage you to relax and soak up the tropical atmosphere around you. The waterfalls are fed by a river with the same name and are a great starting point for your San Luis Potosi adventure. Swimming, cliff jumping, and spending quality time with family and friends are a common theme in this area.

Cascada El Meco

This turquoise-blue paradise consists of a group of waterfalls that feed an equally stunning pool where visitors can go on boat rides or take Instagram-worthy pictures from a terrace overlooking the cascading waters. The area is incredibly tranquil and ideal for picnics.

Tamul waterfall is the tallest in the area and is considered the jewel of the Potosina waterfalls. Tamul originates from the Gallinas River and thunders down into the Tampaon River. Legend has it that the gods once used pitchers to pour water over the rivers, creating this magnificent waterfall in the process. Rafting and rappelling are two of the most popular activities in the area.

No visit to San Luis Potosi is complete without exploring the mystical ghost town of Real de Catorce. The town was built in 1772, back when silver mining was a lucrative industry. Nowadays, visitors can explore the town on horseback -Wild West style, or walk in the ancient footsteps of the miners who once lived in this remote corner of the Sierra Catorce Mountain range.

The Edward James Sculpture Garden offers a unique window into the imagination of the Irish American businessman and poet who created it. Nestled deep in the jungle, the Las Posas Xilitla garden features surrealist sculptures and spiral staircases that invite you to wander through its mazelike landscape. A guided tour of the garden takes around one hour and thirty minutes to complete.

The Cave of Swallows is one of the deepest caves in the world and looks incredibly mysterious and foreboding from above. Many bird watchers travel all the way to the cave to witness a flock of white-collared swifts emerging from its mouth every morning. The cave is 1220 feet deep which makes it a popular spelunking and base-jumping destination. Ciudad Valles, which is an hour away, is a great place to learn more about the Teenek and Nahua natives and buy their handmade souvenirs.

Rio Verde is a small town east of San Luis Potosi famous for its thermal spring. Media Luna Lagoon attracts many visitors especially during the weekends due to its refreshingly warm water and surrounding camping grounds. The lagoon is sprinkled with lotus flowers and is home to many species of fish and turtles that can be easily spotted while snorkeling or scuba diving.

The Guachichiles tribe once used the word ‘Matehuala’ as their signature war cry but the city that exists today is known for its charming main square and tasty tortas. The town is located in the Altiplano region and is known for its beautiful gothic cathedral and its annual Desert Festival that takes place in May.

Mezcal would not exist without the agave plant that grows exclusively in Mexico. The best way to enjoy mezcal is by going on a tour to learn more about its history and different types. San Luis Potosi has some of the best factories where you can sample this traditional drink and try other local delicacies such as wine, honey, and agave syrup.

The Craftsman House in San Luis Potosi is where visitors can purchase handmade souvenirs to support the local communities. The shop is filled with all kinds of goods such as handwoven baskets, shoes, silverware, scarves, and furniture too. The house is located on Jardin Colon Street right across from the garden with the same name.

Santa Maria del Rio is one of Mexico’s Magical Towns and the birthplace of the Rebozo. This scarf carries so much symbolism and history within its dyed fabric. In Santa Maria del Rio, the rebozo is made using a technique called the Ikat. Both practical and fashionable, the rebozo is sold all over the city.  

Plan Road Trips to Beautiful Nearby Cities

The convenient location of San Luis Potosi and its capital makes it the ideal starting point for many fun day trips. Below are some of the most beautiful cities that are within driving distance of The City of Gardens.

First on the list is Tamazunchale which is 5 hours away from San Luis Potosi by car. The city is home to the Nahua native people and is surrounded by the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range. Quaint and slow-paced, Tamazunchale is the ideal destination for those interested in learning about the culture and history of the La Huasteca Potosina region.

Cerritos is approximately an hour away from San Luis Potosi by car. The town has a small population and is known for its annual festival which is held in honor of San Juan Bautista. Cerritos has an old railway station and a beautiful sunflower field where visitors can take memorable pictures before returning to the capital.

San Ciro de Acosta is approximately 3 hours away by car from the capital. The small charming town hosts an annual regional fair that lasts for 10 days. Many visitors flock to the town during this event to dance and take part in the festivities. Much like its neighbors, San Ciro de Acosta is lined with picturesque colonial houses and has a kid-friendly main square. It also has a panoramic lookout point guarded by the statue of Christ the Redeemer.  

The final town on the list is also the closest to San Luis Potosi. Soledad de Graciano Sanchez is only 11 minutes away by car. Many tourists pass by the town on their way to La Joya Honda Crater.

Best San Luis Potosi Tours

This tour is all about exploring the turquoise Tamul waterfall and nearby Cueva del Agua. Booking this tour allows you to paddle down the Tampaon river and take breathtaking pictures on top of the rocks sprinkled across the waterfall basin. You will also get the chance to swim inside a spectacular limestone cave.

Treat your tastebuds to this mezcal-flavored tour where you’ll get the chance to learn all about mezcal and sample some of the best locally crafted beverages in the San Luis Potosi region. You’ll visit family-owned businesses that take pride in making their ancestral mezcal and pulque from scratch.

This tour invites you to bask in the serene atmosphere of Cascada el Salto and Meco Waterfall. Cascada el Salto is a cozy swimming spot that does not attract large crowds, unlike the other waterfalls in the area. You will also get to visit neighboring Cascada el Meco where you can paddle or swim through the limestone blue waters.

This tour combines several themes into one soothing package. The first theme is surrealism which can be explored at the Edward James Garden. Next on the tour is the Castle of Health where you will learn about the medicinal plants that grow in this region. The tour includes a visit to a Huasteca shaman who is an expert when it comes to spiritual cleansing. The final stop will be at a spring called El Nacimiento.

Where to Stay: Hotels in San Luis Potosi

There is no shortage of affordable places to stay in San Luis Potosi. If you look at the city map then you will notice an abundance of hotels to choose from. There is no need to waste time comparing prices or reading reviews. Below are the three best hotels in the city.

This 4-star hotel is located on Valle Dorado Street and is approximately 9 minutes away from Centro Historico by car. It’s also close to the central bus station and offers free parking to its guests.

This is also a 4-star hotel, but it is conveniently located in downtown San Luis Potosi. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a fitness center.

This excellent 4-star hotel is an actual 17 th -century mansion with an on-site museum that offers horse-drawn carriage tours of the city. It is also located in the city center and is within walking distance of many restaurants and attractions.

San Luis Potosi FAQs

San Luis Potosi is safe for travelers and overall a very welcoming place. That being said, exercise basic travel precautions when visiting and keep your valuables stored in a secure location.  

It is hard to sum up all the things San Luis Potosi is famous for. It has a rich and diverse landscape that includes tropical jungles, canyons, and waterfalls. It is the birthplace of the Rebozo and Enchiladas Potosinas and its historic center is on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Absolutely. San Luis Potosi is located in the heart of Mexico where you’ll get to see a different side of the country. One that does not exist in the coastal, more touristy areas. You can explore each of the four regions separately or plan an epic road trip across the state.

San Luis Potosí: The Ultimate Guide

Last Updated on: 31st January 2024, 11:05 am

Photos alone can’t truly convey what a place is like, and without visiting, it can be hard to tell many of Mexico’s old colonial cities apart. But San Luis Potosí’s historic center is arguably the largest and most immersive of them all. Despite being a city of a million inhabitants, it’s also one of the country’s most beautiful, which is really saying something. The following San Luis Potosí guide covers what it is that makes this city so special.

Puzzlingly, SLP remains well off the tourist and expat radar, even as people continue to flock to Querétaro , San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato . While it’s surely just a matter of time before people catch on, for now, San Luis Potosí is a great place to avoid other tourists.

Originally founded as a mining town, its unique name comes from a combination of Saint Louis (Louis IX of France) and Potosí, Bolivia, which was already known as a thriving mining town at the time SLP was established in 1592.

As you will also see at other former towns in the Bajío region, much of the wealth earned through mining was reinvested to create beautiful architecture throughout the city. But in stark contrast to Guanajuato or Zacatecas, San Luis Potosí’s historical center is totally flat. 

With its wide sidewalks and numerous pedestrian-only avenues, San Luis Potosí is easily the most walkable major city in Mexico and is a joy to explore on foot.

Following a summary of the main attractions, at the very end of this San Luis Potosí guide, you can learn more details about reaching the city and the best places to stay.

Around the Historic Center

The bulk of this San Luis Potosí Guide focuses on the historic center, simply called Centro by locals. As mentioned, it’s possibly the largest of all the historical centers in Mexico, though no official data seems to exist. 

While at least a few days in town is ideal, you could stay for weeks and continually discover new things.

The Plaza & Templo del Carmen

The Plaza del Carmen isn’t San Luis Potosí largest plaza, but it’s perhaps its most beautiful. You’ll find a fountain, well-manicured gardens, and plenty of benches, making this the perfect place to people-watch on a sunny day.

Facing it stands the Templo del Carmen, a beautiful example of Churrigueresque architecture. It was founded in the 1740s, with construction taking place over the next few decades.

The church remains functional to this day, while the former Carmelite convent now serves as the Museo del Virreinato which tells the story of San Luis Potosí throughout the Spanish colonial period.

One particularly interesting exhibit features various early sketches and blueprints of colonial cities and churches in San Luis Potosí, Zacatecas and Mexico City. A lot of these cities, of course, were meticulously planned and laid out before any major construction began.

Other exhibits showcase typical art during the colonial period, while you can also find summaries of the various Catholic orders that were present in San Luis Potosí. You’ll even find some interesting examples of pre-Hispanic art as well.

Coming back outside and walking through Plaza del Carmen, it’s interesting to consider how this space originally served as the monastery’s orchard!

Teatro de la Paz

Just south of the Plaza del Carmen, you’ll find two more important city landmarks. One is the stunning Teatro de la Paz, a 19th-century theater built in the Neoclassical style. While I didn’t go inside, it still regularly hosts events.

National Museum of the Mask

Just across from the theater is what many consider to be San Luis Potosí’s top museum: the National Museum of the Mask. As the name suggests, it’s entirely dedicated to traditional masks, both from San Luis Potosí state and Mexico as a whole.

The National Museum of the Mask isn’t the only mask museum in Mexico. In fact, quite a few cities have them. But this one must be the largest and most comprehensive museum of its nature.

As you’ll learn during your tour of the museum, masks played an important role in the culture of both pre-Hispanic and colonial-era Mexico, and they still do in many traditional festivals across the country.

The importance of masks could be traced back to the jade funerary masks the Olmec , Maya , Teotihuacano and Aztec elite. These masks were believed to help guide and protect the deceased’s spirit through the underworld, with the ultimate goal of achieving immortality of the soul.

In Aztec times, elite groups of warriors would also don eagle and jaguar masks. But with the old hierarchy eliminated, it was only from colonial times that commoners would begin wearing masks as well.

And during the colonial era, during which all pagan religious customs were officially banned, many of the old traditions and symbols were discretely preserved in mask form.

One of Mexico’s most remarkable mask-producing regions is the state of Guerrero. And a lot of fascinating masks from this Pacific state can be found at the museum, such as one from the Danza de Tlacololoros, recognizable for its giant afro.

Tiger masks are another common theme of Guerrero, and they’re used in the traditional Dance of the Tiger (despite there being no tigers in Mexico!). 

In addition to being visually pleasing, the bilingual signage of the museum also explains interesting aspects of local belief systems, such as the traditional emphasis on the concept of dualism.

It also explains how the symbolism of certain animals from pre-Hispanic times, such as bats, represented the underworld. And they continued to play such a role in colonial-era dances like the Dance of the Bats.

Various dances throughout Mexico also retell the story of the Spanish conquest. And of course, plenty of Christian imagery, such as angels, devils and certain saints, have been commonly used as well.

While, as mentioned, the museum features masks from all over Mexico, there are indeed some rooms which focus on masks from San Luis Potosí state – particularly the Huasteca Potosina region to the east. 

You’ll also find traditional costumes from the area near Real de Catorce in the northern part of the state. And a small section of the museum even features international masks, including a small collection from Asia.

All in all, the National Museum of the Mask is a local treasure that is a must for anyone with the slightest interest in Mexican anthropology, crafts or folklore. And it’s arguably the most essential destination in this San Luis Potosí guide.

Capilla de Aranzuzu & the Regional Museum

The Capilla de Aranzazu, in the western part of the historical center, is a beautiful yellow church dating to 17th century that was established by the Franciscans. Its wide plaza and well-preserved fountain are popular gathering spots for locals.

And along the alley next to it, you’ll find street vendors selling a wide variety of crafts and handmade goods. The church itself, meanwhile, is now host to the San Luis Potosí Regional Museum.

The small Regional Museum of San Luis Potosí is managed by INAH, or the Mexican government’s anthropology and historical institute. It’s open daily except Mondays, while it cost $70 MXN to enter at the time of my visit.

Compared with Central Mexico, the Bajío region as a whole contains relatively few archaeological sites. And the reason for that is because before the arrival of the Spanish, this general area was inhabited by a semi-nomadic people known as the Chichimecas.

A prominent indigenous group called the Huastecas, however, did inhabit what’s now the eastern part of the state, and they tended to build more permanent settlements.

While I have yet to visit, one such Huastec archaeological site is known as Tamuín, which is where a statue in the center of the museum was found. The man represents a priest of Quetzalcoatl, while a baby on his back is believed to represent the sun.

This is actually a replica, with the original being located in the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City . I also happened to come across yet another replica at the Querétaro Regional Museum !

Other parts of the museum focus on the colonial era, wile you can also walk up to view some of the ornately decorated altars of the Capilla de Aranzazu.

During my stay, a large portion of the museum was closed for renovations, so hopefully there will be a lot more to see by the time of your visit.

On the other side of the museum, you’ll find the Templo de San Francisco, yet another exquisite Baroque church that happens to remain in active use. 

This church too features its own well-manicured plaza, complete with a large fountain. It seems to be a popular place for locals to chat and relax.

Plaza de Armas

In the ‘center of the center’ is the city’s largest and most prominent plaza, Plaza de Armas. In addition to gardens in the middle, the plaza is flanked on either side by two important structures.

To the west is the Municipal Palace, which dates to the 19th century. It still continues to host the San Luis Potosí state government to this day.

To the east, meanwhile, is the Metropolitan Cathedral, which continues to serve as the seat of the archdiocese. Like the others mentioned above, it too is a Baroque-style cathedral established in the 17th century.

Given its huge size and the trees placed across from the entrance, it’s a very difficult structure to photograph, but it does indeed look stunning in person.

Museo Federico Silva

Another unique destination in the historic center is the Museo Federico Silva, housed in what was a former hospital constructed in the 17th century.

Federico Silva (1923-2022) originally began his career as a painter before shifting his focus to sculpture from the 1960s. And after decades as a sculptor, the artist himself founded this museum in 2003.

It houses nearly 70 of his sculptures, many of which take on a blocky, minimalistic aesthetic.

While not obvious at first glance, Silva was heavily inspired by pre-Hispanic art, with several of his sculptures being representations of deities like Quetzalcoatl and Tlaloc .

What’s more, the museum even features a replica of an underground ‘tomb,’ meant to evoke the feeling of entering the tomb of Pakal the Great in Palenque or Egypt’s Valley of the Kings . 

On the upper floor, meanwhile, you’ll find exhibitions focusing on other contemporary artists.

At the time of writing, entry costs just $30 MXN, while the museum is open Tue.-Sun.

The Contemporary Art Museum

Not far from the Federico Silva Museum in the northeastern part of the center is the Contemporary Art Museum, which focuses on local talent. 

Like many such museums, it’s rather hit or miss, but I did indeed find some very interesting paintings on display.

A major reason to visit is to check out some sculptures on the terrace, from which you can also enjoy some great views of the surrounding area.

Like the other museums in this San Luis Potosí guide, the museum is open daily except Mondays, and entry cost 20 pesos at the time of my visit.

The Pedestrian Avenues

As you’ll notice throughout your explorations of San Luis Potosí’s historic center, the city is home to a plethora of pedestrian-only avenues. While it’s common for Mexican cities to have one or two, San Luis Potosí takes it to another level.

As they’re often lined with shops, some of these streets can indeed get crowded. But if you’ve grown frustrated with the narrow and oddly shaped sidewalks that are so common in Mexico, walking through San Luis Potosí is a breath of fresh air.

While, as demonstrated by this San Luis Potosí guide, the city has no shortage of landmarks, but simply going out and walking has to be one of the best things to do in town.

Calzada de Guadalupe

San Luis Potosí’s historical and cultural landmarks aren’t just restricted to Centro. To the south of the center, you’ll encounter the Calzada de Guadalupe, a long pedestrian-friendly road with numerous landmarks to check out along the way.

Caja de Agua

As you begin your walk, the Caja de Agua is one of the first landmarks you’ll encounter. It dates to the 19th century and has become one of San Luis Potosí’s prominent symbols.

But what is it? Essentially, it’s just a water tank that was built above one of the main aqueducts that brought water to the city from afar.

It just goes to show that not too long ago, things were built to be both functional and beautiful. Could you imagine a water tank being built in such an ornate style today?

Museo Leonora Carrington

Not many are aware that during and after World War II, Mexico saw a major influx of Surrealist artists from Europe. And many of them stayed well beyond the war. One such artist was Leonora Carrington, whose museum can be found in a massive former prison.

Officially, the building is known as the San Luis Potosí Centenario Arts Center, and it was originally constructed in the 19th century. As with the nearby water tank, even things like prisons were beautifully built back then, which is why it doesn’t seem out of place as an art venue today.

The Museo Leonora Carrington is quite new, however. It only opened in 2018 after the building underwent extensive restorations throughout the 2000s and 2010s.

It costs $50 MXN at the time of writing and is open every day except Mondays.

In addition to hosting a plethora of Carrington’s works – both large and small – the museum details the history of the Surrealist movement and its founding by André Breton in the years following World War I.

Unfortunately, the signage is in Spanish only, but what follows is an overview of Carrington’s life and her connection to Mexico.

Born in 1917 in Lancashire, England, Carrington was introduced to Surrealism at a young age. And against her parents’ wishes, she went on to pursue a career in art.

In the 1930s, she’d start a relationship with prominent Surrealist painter Max Ernst, and the two would move to southern France. But upon the outbreak of World War II, Ernst was arrested in Germany while Carrington managed to escape to Spain.

There, she suffered a mental breakdown and was interred at a psychiatric hospital in Santander. Later, her parents decided to send her to a sanatorium in South Africa. Stopping in Lisbon en route, she quickly married a Mexican diplomat named Renato Leduc who helped her escape to New York.

Then, after they amicably divorced, Carrington moved south to Mexico. While she’d later move back to New York for a few years plus some time in Chicago, she’d end up spending most of the remainder of her life in Mexico.

She based herself in Mexico City, where she made connections with a multitude of artists and writers – both local and foreign.

Those who’ve been to Mexico City’s National Museum of Anthropology should recognize her painting El Mundo Mágico de Los Mayas on display in the Mayan section. And her sculpture How Doth the Little Crocodile can be found on Paseo de la Reforma.

But what, you may be wondering, was Carrington’s connection with San Luis Potosí? While she never lived here, one of her main patrons, Edward James, did reside in the state. The Englishman was a good friend of Salvador Dalí and one of the most avid collectors of Surrealist art.

He was also an aspiring (yet largely unsuccessful) artist himself. He spent time in the United States and Mexico during the war and would end up buying lots of rural land around the town of Xilitla in San Luis Potosí’s Huasteca Potosina region.

There, he’d begin building something of a Surrealist playground known as Las Pozas that can still be visited today. James and Carrington were friends, and she frequently went to visit him in Xilitla.

And in 2018, this museum’s sister museum, simply called Museo Leonora Carrington Xilitla, was established there.

Carrington is known for both her sculptures and her paintings, and her style could best be described as ‘magical realism,’ as it blends both fantastical and autobiographical elements.

While I am indeed a fan of Surrealist art, I wouldn’t consider Carrington one of my favorites. Nevertheless, this museum is fascinating to visit both for its content and setting and is a must-do while in San Luis Potosí.

The entire complex is huge, and beyond Carrington’s section, additional rooms showcase the works of other artists from Mexico and abroad.

Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

The Calzada de Guadalupe culminates at the Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. As you could probably guess, it’s yet another stunning Baroque church from the colonial era. Construction commenced in the 1770s, however – a bit later than the others.

My stay in the city coincided with the lead-up to the Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day Celebration. Before and during the festival, replicas of the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe are brought via elaborate processions to particular churches.

And the procession I happened to witness along the Calzada de Guadalupe was quite the spectacle, complete with loud drumming and dancers dressed in traditional costume, revealing how many of the ancient traditions have become syncretized with Christianity.

Parque Tangamanga & Beyond

If San Luis Potosí had a major downside, it would be the lack of easy access to nature (at least when using the historical center as your base).

While hardly essential to the short-term visitor, those doing longer stays may want to visit the massive Parque Tangamanga to the south of the city. In addition to a lake, you’ll find plenty of tranquil walking and running trails.

But does the area around San Luis Potosí city have anything to offer hikers?

Further south of the city, I intended to do a hiking trail called La Piedrota which is said to take a few hours roundtrip. Unfortunately, I made the long journey there only to find it completely fenced off and closed, and with no other access to the trail.

But checking recent reviews, it seems to be open again, so hopefully you’ll have better luck.

Additional Info

For a city of its size, San Luis Potosí is a bit isolated geographically. While located within the dense Bajío region, it’s still a few hours away by bus or car from many nearby towns.

If you’re not able to rent a car , the small Aeropuerto de San Luis Potosí has direct flights from other major cities in Mexico, along with a few cities in the US.

Most people, however, will probably be coming by bus. From within the Bajío region, most cities big and small will have direct routes to San Luis Potosí. You can also find direct buses from Monterrey, Mexico City and Guadalajara.

In my case, I was coming from Puebla . And while there was indeed a direct connection, buses to SLP don’t depart from the main CAPU station. Rather, I needed to walk to the station simply called CAP a few blocks to the south. After figuring things out, the 6.5 hour journey with Apolo Platinum was smooth and uneventful.

Arriving in San Luis Potosí by bus, Centro will be too far to walk. Luckily, Uber, Didi and other ridesharing services work very well throughout the city.

If possible, I’d highly recommend staying within the historic center. While many of the surrounding neighborhoods are nice from what I saw, as you can tell from the San Luis Potosí guide above, just about all of the major attractions are located in Centro.

If you have the money to spend on a special experience in a colonial-era hotel, try the Hotel Museo Palacio de San Agustin .

Popular midrange options that are also in colonial-era building (albeit with modern interiors) are Gran Hotel Concordia San Luis Potosi and Palacio La Embajada .

For budget travelers, the highly-rated Capital O San Jose seems like a great option.

In my case, I spent an entire month in the historic center, so Airbnb was the way to go. Just be sure to carefully check the location of your rental apartment before booking if you go that route.

Travel | Mexico danger map: Six states under ‘do not…

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Travel | Mexico danger map: Six states under ‘do not travel’ warning

Amid announcements of new safety concerns in Mexico at the start of 2023, the official U.S. State Department travel advisories remained as they had been for several months, with six states in the “do not travel” classification.

The map above shows the advisory level for each Mexican state.

Level 4 : The six states with the “do not travel” advisory, because of kidnappings and other crimes, are the northern border state of Tamaulipas, the central state of Zacatecas and the Pacific coast states of Sinaloa, Colima, Michoacán and Guerrero.

Level 3 : The seven states for which visitors are advised to “reconsider travel” because of crime are Baja California (Norte), Sonora, Chihuahua, Durango, Guanajuato, Jalisco and Morelos.

Level 2 : Except for the two Level 1 states, travelers to all the rest are advised to “exercise increased caution.” They are: Aguascalientes, Baja California Sur, Chiapas, Coahuila, Hidalgo, state of Mexico, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretara, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi, Tabasco, Tlaxcala and Veracruz. Mexico City (Distrito Federal) is Level 2.

Level 1: The State Department advises “normal precautions” when traveling to Campeche or Yucatán, shown in green.

In addition to the general tourist warnings, specific prohibitions are issued to U.S. government employees staying or traveling in Mexico. The State Department advises that all U.S. travelers adhere to those rules.

On Jan. 12, 2023, Mexico City’s mayor announced that more than 6,000 National Guard officers would be posted in the city’s subway system after a series of accidents that officials said could be due to sabotage. The previous week, in-person services were suspended at the U.S. Consular Agency in Mazatlán because of violence across Sinaloa .

Click here for the full document on the warnings.

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Hyatt Regency San Luis Potosí

Find Luxury Among the Beauty and History of San Luis Potosí

Experience the best of San Luis Potosí from luxury accommodations in the heart of the exclusive Las Lomas neighborhood. Stay in spaces inspired by local history, each thoughtfully designed for the modern traveler and located close to some of the city’s trendiest dining and shopping. At Hyatt Regency San Luis Potosí, enjoy three in-house restaurants each with a spirit of culinary invention, a lobby lounge created by visionary bar owner and consultant, Javier de las Muelas, a beautifully landscaped outdoor pool, and 10,000 square feet of dynamic event space. Treat yourself to an energizing Mexico retreat offering peace of mind and productivity.

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Check into one of our 134 modern rooms and suites featuring dramatic views of the city and luxurious touches like marble bathrooms. Upgrade to a Regency Club room and enjoy breakfast and midday refreshments Monday through Thursday in our Regency Club lounge.

Dry Martini

At our hotel’s magnificent lobby lounge, Dry Martini, enjoy regional yet elevated small bites and snacks like, pizza, beef tacos, tapas and salads. The classic European-style lounge is a collaborative effort with Javier de las Muelas of Spain—who designed our space and has opened cocktail lounge bars worldwide focusing on the perfect martini.

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Savor each bite of delicious Mexican-Californian specialties at this full-service restaurant, which serves up both traditional offerings and inventive takes on the local classics.

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Meat is the star at our in-house barbecue restaurant where expertly seasoned and grilled beef is a tempting option for lunch or dinner.

La Gran Vía Cava Baja San Luis Potosí

Stop by our Mediterranean restaurant for a healthy lunch or try a complex, flavorful pasta for dinner.

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From a delicious breakfast to a pleasant dinner or an after-midnight snack, dine in the privacy and convenience of your guest room with our in-room service, offering an array of delightful menu options available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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Meetings & events.

Host up to 360 guests in our ultramodern Frida Kahlo Hall for a memorable conference or convention. Or for small, intimate gatherings, host your meeting in the 28-person Diego Rivera Boardroom.

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Make your dream wedding a reality in our modern event spaces and arrange catering from the kitchens of our signature on-site restaurants.

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Things to do.

Delve into Mexican history at Museo Federico Silva and San Luis Potosí Cathedral. Relax in Tangamanga Park I, indulge in delicious local fare and shop at one of the many plazas in the city, all with Hyatt Regency San Luis Potosí as your home base.

Plaza San Luis

0.75 Miles away

Museo Nacional de la Máscara

3.68 Miles away

Casa Altero

0.7 Miles away

Plaza Citadella

1.8 Miles away

Is San Luis Potosi Safe for Travel in 2024?

Mexico : Safety by City

• Aguascalientes
• Cabo San Lucas
• Chichen Itza
• Guadalajara
• Mexico City
• Playa del Carmen
• Puerto Vallarta
• Queretaro City
• San Luis Potosi
• San Miguel de Allende
• Zihuatanejo

San Luis Potosí the Free and Sovereign State of San Luis Potosí, is one of the 32 states which compose the Federal Entities of Mexico. It is divided into 58 municipalities and its capital city is San Luis Potosí City.

Warnings & Dangers in San Luis Potosi

OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM

San Luis Potosi is not the safest place for travelers, but if you use common sense and take precautions, you can avoid most of the troubles.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : LOW

Public transport is well-developed and safe. Taxis are convenient for getting around, but sometimes drivers can rip off tourists at exorbitant prices. Make sure the taxi has a taximeter.

PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM

Pickpocketing happens just like everywhere else - in the area of train stations, in the main squares, and in places where tourists gather. Always keep track of your belongings, do not leave your wallet and phone unattended.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM

The area is liable to landslides and droughts. Check specialized sources for those risks before your trip.

MUGGING RISK : HIGH

Attacks and kidnappings can take place in districts of the city center. Avoid places like this. Travel in a group at night, don't be alone. Use a taxi to return to your hotel.

TERRORISM RISK : MEDIUM

The risk of a terrorist attack is not so high but as usual in Mexico, you should be prepared for anything. Tourists or locals rarely find themselves in a conflict zone.

SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM

Fraud is commonly associated with street vendors offering counterfeit goods to tourists. Don't buy them even if the price is very attractive. Also, only withdraw money from ATMs at banks with cameras to avoid skimming your card.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : MEDIUM

Women traveling alone in San Luis Potosí should avoid late-night walks and be very discreet on the city streets. Heightened precautions won't hurt.

How Safe Is San Luis Potosi for Tourists?

San Luis Potosí is not the safest place to travel.

The crime index here is at an average level.

The main problems are related to corruption and petty crime.

In this city, from time to time, showdowns of cartels break out. However, they usually occur far from the city center and do not affect tourists.

It is highly recommended to stay away from the bars and nightclubs when visiting San Luis Potosí.

Especially on the outskirts of the city or in questionable neighborhoods.

Avoid staying in such places until late and avoid interacting with suspicious strangers.

Especially if they offer you drinks for free.

Violent clashes and kidnappings still take place here.

After dark, it’s best not to walk the streets and take a taxi to your hotel.

Try not to be alone in the city at all.

Especially if you are a woman.

The crime rate has increased in recent years, the likelihood of robbery on the street or on public transport is high.

Precautions must be taken, especially in crowded areas.

There is a risk of being robbed when withdrawing money from an ATM, so travelers are advised to withdraw money only in trusted and secure locations.

Always keep an eye on your belongings and your surroundings.

This is what can help you get out of trouble.

Do I Need a Visa to Visit San Luis Potosi?

No visas are required for tourist proposals to enter Mexico for many countries of Europe, US citizens, and so on. You should have a valid passport and a tourist permit. The maximum possible stay is 180 days. For a longer stay or other options, you should visit the Mexican embassy.

Which Currency Is Used in San Luis Potosi?

The Mexican peso – is the official currency in Mexico. There are one hundred Mexican centavos to every peso. The symbol for the Mexican Peso is $, so you can see MX$ or MN$ in banks and exchange points.

How's the Weather like in San Luis Potosi?

In San Luis Potosí, the summers are short and warm, the winters are short and cool, and it is dry and partly cloudy. The best time of year to visit San Luis Potosí for warm-weather activities is from late April to mid-June.

What Do I Need to Know about Airports in San Luis Potosi?

Ponciano Arriaga International Airport is an international airport located in San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. It serves the domestic and international air traffic of the city of San Luis Potosi.

Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?

A travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country or city. Make sure you got it before starting your journey; the customs officer may ask for it.

What Are Some Things to Do in San Luis Potosi?

Venture north of Mexico City, and you will find yourself in beautiful San Luis Potosí. It’s wholly landlocked and filled with fascinating cities, mystical waterfalls, and lagoons, bursting with culture and history. Its capital, San Luis Potosí, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. It’s a popular destination for visitors looking for adventure and ecotourism.

Is the Water in San Luis Potosi Safe to Drink?

Tap water is not drinkable in San Luis Potosi. You should buy bottled water or boil tap water.

Is Uber Safe in San Luis Potosi?

There is an Uber taxi in the city; you can call a taxi from your smartphone application. The fare will depend on the time of day, and the distance traveled.

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