• THE BEST OF THE SIERRA GORDA

Experience the best of the Sierra Gorda’s nature and culture in only three days. Witness swifts taking off at sunrise from the Cave of Swallows, marvel at the sculptures of Edward James’s Las Pozas in Xilitla, and explore 18th century Franciscan Missions.

Day 1

Our journey will start in the town of Jalpan de Serra, the heart of Sierra Gorda. From there we will travel to nearby community of Cuatro Palos to 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. We will then continue to 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 begin our activities with a visit to the Tancama Archaeological Zone, we will tour the three plazas that make up this vestige of the Huastecan culture in the Sierra Gorda and then travel to the charming little town of Landa de Matamoros, where we will explore the Regional Community Museum and the second of the Franciscan Missions.

Later we will depart to the community of San Juan de los Durán.

Once in San Juan de los Durán, we will have time check into their eco-cabins and enjoy typical lunch. We will then take a walk in a neighboring forest and take in the beautiful surroundings.

After the walk, dinner will be served and we will make a 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 and 512-meter total depth. The cave’s sheer walls are home to thousands of birds (including the white-collared swifts and green parakeets) that 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 head back to Jalpan de Serra, where we will complete our tour.