Guide To San Luis Potosi

About San Luis Potosi

San Luis Potosi, is one of a group of old Silver Mining cities, which includes San Miguel, Queretaro, Guanajuato, Zacatecas and Alamos. You can discover all these places individually with Mexperience as part of the Colonial Cities section.

These cities all lie north-west of Mexico City. Each has its own unique character, features and atmosphere - but together they make up some of Mexico's best inland travel experiences. These cities are friendly places; the areas are not overwhelmed with tourists as some of the coastal areas can be.

It is in the colonial cities that the real Mexico begins to emerge. You'll see real people living real lives; experience magnificent scenery; stay at wonderful colonial hotels that offer terrific value for money; savor local foods and flavors as colorful and diverse as the cultures that created them.

The road network in this region is well developed, and traveling through it is fast and efficient in most places. These cities are safe: Crime is low and its a great region to consider if you want to treat your family to a real cultural experience in Mexico.

San Luis Potosi was twice the Capital of Mexico as Benito Juarez ran a parallel government in different cities, mostly in the north, while Maximilian was emperor installed by the French in 1864. It was in San Luis Potosi where Juarez handed down Maximilian's death sentence three years later in 1867. (Maximilian was executed in Queretaro).

Like the other 'Silver Cities', San Luis Potosi's wealth was derived from the silver mines in the area. This was the largest and most developed of the silver cities; modern industry has caused the city to expand far away from its mining wealth and the colonial architecture that followed it, although most of the architecture can still be enjoyed today.

San Luis Potosi is a charming colonial city with an elegant colonial city center that has been well preserved and remains true to its roots. It is also one of Mexico's most important colonial cities owing that so much of Mexico's formative history revolves around it and this region.

San Luis Potosi hosts one of Mexico's main universities, so it's a lively, young and very vibrant town - features that complement its culture well. At 2000m (6,000 feet) above sea level, it's one of Mexico's highest cities, and lies at the heart of the interior plateau in Mexico. Read the related article about getting used to altitude with Mexperience.

There is plenty to see and do here; the architecture is wonderful, the rich history is prevalent throughout the colonial centre, and the city's geography makes the city an ideal place to stop at during a colonial tour, or as part of a wider exploration of Mexico's inland destinations.

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Key Attractions

Colonial Center

The centre of the city has been excellently preserved and is a has a great colonial feel and atmosphere about it.

The colonial centre is mainly closed off to traffic, making it very pedestrian-friendly. The Plaza de Armas is the main square, hosting the city's amazing Cathedral, and the Palacio de Gobierno, which is where Benito Juarez Governed Mexico from twice; once in 1863 and again in 1867. Both are a 'must' visit in San Luis Potosi.

The Palacio Municipal, with its striking arches, started life as a safe haven for priceless art and sculpture. The city's violent history put paid to all of that, and after passing through noble hands a couple of times, it finally ended up belonging to the state and today plays the role of city hall.

The city has several noteworthy plazas, including Plaza de los Fundadores (Founder's Plaza), Plaza de San Francisco and Plaza del Carmen.

The city's main park, Alameda, is a great place to rest and cool down with a cold drink in the shade of the tress, after having discovered and explored the colonial centre's attractions.

Look up San Luis Potosi in the mainstream Guidebooks for more information about these colonial attractions, or consult the local Tourist Information Office (see Practical Information).

Museums & Art

There are several art and history museums in San Luis Potosi. The main ones include: 

Museo Nacional de La Mascara (National Mask Museum) offering permanent and temporary exhibits of masks and other national art.

For Mexican crafts, art and archaeological finds, visit Casa de la Cultura, located on the west side of the city - you'll need to take a cab.

For International art, as well as local exhibitions, visit the Sala German Gedovius, which is adjacent to Teatro de la Paz, the city's main Theatre

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Getting There & Around

Getting There

By Air - You can fly to San Luis Potosi from the US and and other points in Mexico including Mexico City, Guadalajara and Leon.

Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for Airlines.

By Bus - You can travel to San Luis Potosi on a luxury bus from Mexico City, Guadalajara, Leon, Monterrey and Aguascalientes.

Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for National Buses.

By Car - Driving to San Luis Potosi is very fast and efficient on the inter-city highways that connect this region. See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico's Toll Roads on Mexperience.

Getting Around

From the Airport - The airport is just 7 miles from the city centre and official taxis can be hired from the arrivals area.

Taxis - San Luis Potosi's Taxis are not metered, so agree your price before you get in. Your hotel can arrange taxis for you; some post their rates on a board in the lobby. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a better price! Another good reason to Learn Spanish!

Rent a Car - San Luis Potosi is very accessible by road, and there is plenty to see and do in the surrounding areas - including no less than 3 other major colonial cities! Renting a car would be a smart option if you're thinking about traveling around this region, as it will give you the freedom and flexibility to see more of the area and its surrounding attractions.

See the Mexperience Travel Center for Car Rental in San Luis Potosi

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Local Events Calendar

Easter Week: Celebrations will take place all week, including special concerts, parties and exhibitions. Check with your local hotel or the tourist office (see Practical Information, below) for details.

Other local festivals include the Festival Nacional de Danza (National Dance Festival) during the last two weeks of July; San Luis Potosi's Feria Nacional (National Fair) takes place during the last two weeks of August; and the Festival de Arte Primavera (Spring Art Festival) takes place during the last two weeks of May - but check with the local tourist office, as this event is not annual.

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Practical Information

Telephone: Connect to the Communications in Mexico Page on Mexperience for full information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines are found throughout the downtown area of San Luis Potosi, especially in the area around the main plaza. During business hours, they and the local Casas de Cambio will buy traveler's cheques and cash from you as well. Read about currency exchange in Mexperience's Money Section.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical cover and/or travel assistance cover when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Internet Access: Internet cafes are commonplace in Mexico - new ones open and old ones close all the time - but you won't have to look too hard to find one downtown and in the main tourist areas.

Local Tourist Office: Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for details of the nearest Tourist Information office.

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Accommodation

• Find a Hotel in San Luis Potosi

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Restaurants

We have no specific restaurant recommendations at this time.

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When Night Falls

San Luis Potosi has a selection of good night spots to suit those looking for culture and those looking for a party!

Locally Hosted Parties - Check with yours and other Local Hotels about public parties they may be hosting during your stay. Traditional Mexican theme night parties are popular with the locals, and there's a chance you could join a really special night out - the real Mexican way, and certainly on the eve of September 16th - Mexico's Independence Day! Hosted parties usually include dinner, dancing, a show and / or live music (usually authentic Mexican Mariachis) plus all drinks for a fixed fee and are always excellent value for money! Ask at your hotel to find out what is happening locally.

Night Bars / Restaurants - There's a good variety of Late Night Entertainment in San Luis Potosi to keep you happy and entertained into the early hours.

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What to Buy in San Luis Potosi

Milk-based, sugary sweets are a specialty here; and you'll be able to buy a variety of these almost everywhere in San Luis Potosi. There are several arts and craft centers, including FONART, a government sponsored artisan centre where you will get your hands on high quality authentic Mexican arts and crafts.

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Local Climate

San Luis Potosi enjoys year-round, warm & generally dry weather. Because of its altitude, the climate is spring-like all year. The climate is ideal for taking part in a variety of outdoor sports and activities and for taking in the local culture, architecture and scenery. Rain is seldom a feature here; April thru November is the 'rainy season', but as with most monsoon areas, rains tend to be fierce and brief in the late afternoon, leaving the evenings dry and cooled off. You may want to pack a wool pullover for the cooler evenings, especially in the winter months.

Live Weather Report:

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