This tour aims to get you as close to nature as possible by enabling you to swim in crystal clear rivers, bird watch at sunrise, and hike through the cloud forests of the Sierra Gorda. Accompanied by our experienced local guides, you will have the chance to discover the secrets of Mexico’s most eco-diverse natural protected area.

    Day 1

    Our journey will start in the old mining town of Pinal de Amoles, nestled high in the mountains. There you will meet your local guide who will take you to the nearby community of Cuatro Palos. From there we will take a short walk to the breathtaking lookout of the Cerro de la Media Luna (Half Moon Mountain in Spanish). After enjoying stunning landscape, we will return to have lunch in one of the traditional small restaurants (fondas) along the Flavor Trail.

    After lunch, we will travel to Chuvejé Waterfall, a nearly 30-metre drop into the crystal-clear rock pools. It is perfect for swimming on a warm day. We will then continue to the heart of the Sierra Gorda­ – the historic town of Jalpan de Serra, where you will catch your first glimpse of one of the region’s five UNESCO World Heritage-listed Franciscan Missions. Explore the town before dining in one of the Jalpan’s traditional restaurants.

    Accommodation: Sierra Gorda Cabins in Jalpan de Serra.

    Day 2

    We will start our day with a delicious breakfast in one of the traditional restaurants (fondas) along the Flavor Trail. Then we will travel to Adjuntas, where we will begin our riverside walk to Poza de Los Arquitos. Once there, you will be able to swim or observe some of the region’s water birds.

    Afterwards, we will travel to La Casita Ecológica, where we will enjoy a hearty organic lunch. We will also show you how the incredible “cob-style” house was built by using bio-construction techniques and recycled and locally available materials. From there, we will drive to the small mountain town of San Juan de los Durán that is surrounded by beautiful pine-oak forest. We will check into the eco-cabins in time for dinner and bonfire.

    Accommodation: Eco-cabins in San Juan de los Durán

    Day 3

    We will wake up early and set out towards the Sótano de las Golondrinas (Cave of Swallows in Spanish), a spectacular vertical cave, featuring a 370-meter free fall. After walking down the long staircase, we will arrive in time to marvel at the cave’s sheer walls that are home to thousands of birds (including the white-collared swifts and green parakeets), which leave their cave nests and spiral out into the sky in search of food as the sun rises.

    We will then proceed to have breakfast at Fonda Aquismón, before driving to Xilitla. There we will step into the magic and madness of Las Pozas, the lush surrealist sculpture gardens created by Sir Edward James. After exploring the stories-high monuments, rock pools, and waterfalls of Las Pozas, we will have lunch in the center of Xilitla and then travel to the old growth forests of Trinidad. Once you settle into your eco-cabin, you will have time for a short hike that will allow you to marvel at the sunset. You will finish your day with a traditional dinner.

    Accommodation: La Trinidad Cabins

    Day 4

    We will have breakfast in the cabins’ dining room, surrounded by beautiful forests that show the past splendor of the Sierra Madre. Afterwards, we will begin our hike to the region’s cloud forests. These forests have exceptionally diverse flora and fauna and represent the region’s most biodiverse ecosystems.

    We will then enjoy lunch at Trinidad before returning to the historic center of Jalpan de Serra, where we will conclude our tour.

    trinidad-san-luis-potosi

    VISITED SITES AND LODGING