Mexico is more than bougie beach resorts: it’s an extraordinary destination with unparalleled opportunities to enjoy art, culture, culinary wonders and breathtaking natural landscapes.
Adventurous travelers looking to travel off the beaten track will find unforgettable destinations across the vast country. Las Pozas, a surreal sculpture park located in the rainforest, is one of those places. Las Pozas is located in the region Huasteca Potosina in the Mexican state of San Luis Potosi, known for its natural beauty. This hidden gem destination is ideal for art lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
A visit to Las Pozas feels like wandering through a dream. Created by famed surrealist artist Edward James, it features massive concrete sculptures spread throughout lush jungle gardens. In 2012, Las Pozas was declared one Artistic Monument of the Nation, and it has since been considered the most important surrealist art exhibition in Mexico. The once private complex was opened tourists in 1991and you can explore the imaginative gardens, picturesque pools, waterfalls and stunning architecture on a guided tour.
Creating a dream landscape
Edward James came in first Huasteca Potosina in the 1940s. By then, the British artist, millionaire and poet was known as an eccentric patron of surrealist art. The beauty of the Sierra Madre jungle quickly captured his heart and imagination. He bought around 100 hectares to create Las Pozas, meaning ‘the pools’, where he would next live and work 40 years.
Las Pozas was originally founded to house the home of Edward James exotic pets, including birds, snakes, ocelots and his orchid collection. When the orchids died, he began construction of his beautiful sculptures, which included colorful cement flowers that would not succumb to frost as easily as his beloved orchids. The imaginative project expanded to include thirty buildings with mysterious names like “The Cinematographer,” “The Staircase to Heaven” and “The Three-Story House That Will Actually Have Five, Four or Six.”
Over the years, more than 150 people have contributed to the creation of the garden. Construction continued at the site until Edward James passed away in 1984. Since then, the jungle has eroded the sculptures, creating the impression of a dreamy lost civilization.
Preparing your trip
La Pozas is about an eight-hour drive from Mexico City. There are plenty of accommodation options in the nearby village of Xilitla, from approx $50 per night. You can visit Las Pozas all year round. Reservations can be made online and basic admission costs are around $9 per adult.
Private tours with exclusive access are offered daily for groups of up to seven people for $140 to $190. Las Pozas is the perfect place to take some incredible photos, and for around $360 photographers can book the garden for photo shoots. Access to sites off-limits to the general public is available for an additional fee.
