Tour: Edward James Sculpture Garden and Sótano de Huahuas

If you’re seeking a day packed with eye-opening art, lush scenery, and a touch of adventure, this tour of the Edward James Sculpture Garden and the Sótano de Huahuas promises just that. We haven’t taken the trip ourselves, but based on reviews and detailed descriptions, it’s a package that offers a fascinating blend of surrealist architecture and nature’s breathtaking spectacles.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the chance to walk among the over 30 sculptures crafted by the eccentric English patron Edward James, whose vision transformed a jungle into a living art collection. Second, the unforgettable moment when hundreds of birds, swifts, and parrots descend into the deep abyss of the Sótano de Huahuas, creating a natural show you won’t forget.

A possible consideration is the physical effort involved. The tour includes a 1.5 km hike with around 300 steps leading into the Sótano — so it’s best suited for those comfortable with moderate activity. Still, most travelers who enjoy exploring on foot, combined with a love for ecotourism or art, will find this tour well worth the effort.

This trip is ideal for adventurous travelers, art enthusiasts, and nature lovers wanting a full day of discovery in the Huasteca Potosina region.

Key Points

• Unique blend of art and nature: Visit a surrealist sculpture garden and witness a natural bird spectacle.
• Expert guides: Learn about Edward James and the sculptures from knowledgeable hosts.
• Physical activity involved: Expect a 1.5 km hike with stairs, suitable for those in moderate shape.
• Excellent value: For $98, you get transportation, guided tours, regional food, and entrance fees.
• Authentic regional cuisine: Enjoy traditional Huasteca flavors at a local restaurant.
• Memorable wildlife viewing: Observe hundreds of birds returning to the Sótano, creating a dramatic scene.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting the Day: From Ciudad Valles to Xilitla

The adventure begins early, with pickup at 9:00 am from Ciudad Valles. The ride to Xilitla takes around two hours, giving you time to settle in and get a feel for the landscape rolling past your window. It’s a scenic journey through the Huasteca Potosina — expect lush greenery, maybe a few glimpses of local farms, and the anticipation of what’s to come.

Exploring Las Pozas: Edward James’s Surrealist Masterpiece

Your first stop is the famed Las Pozas, a sprawling open-air sculpture garden built in 1962. It’s a space where architecture and nature blend seamlessly, with gigantic concrete structures resembling waterfalls, towers, and bridges, all intertwined with thick jungle foliage.

Walking through Las Pozas feels like stepping into a fantasy world—quirky, whimsical, and at times, mysterious. The sculptures are created by Edward James, who was inspired by Surrealist art and wanted to craft a dreamscape in the middle of the jungle.

Our guides typically explain the story behind James’s vision — that he wanted to create a Garden of Eden–like place—adding context to the sculptures and buildings that seem almost alive. The reviews highlight that the guides are very attentive and eager to share stories, which greatly enhances the experience.

Most visitors spend about an hour and a half here, enough to snap plenty of photos, soak in the details, and appreciate the blend of imagination and craftsmanship. Some may find that the area of the main waterfall was closed during a recent visit due to rain, but even then, the remaining sculptures are impressive enough to captivate.

Lunch: Tasting Regional Flavors

After exploring Las Pozas, it’s time for a break. You’ll enjoy a regional meal—most likely a buffet featuring local Huastec dishes. The food is praised as delicious and authentic, offering a much-appreciated taste of the region’s culinary traditions.

This is a good moment to relax, chat with your fellow travelers, and prepare for the afternoon’s adventure. The meal lasts about an hour and a half, giving you time to savor the flavors and perhaps reflect on what you’ve seen so far.

The Sótano de Huahuas: Nature’s Hidden Drama

The afternoon takes you to Sótano de Huahuas, an extraordinary natural formation—one of the deepest abysses in Mexico. The descent into the Sótano involves a 1.5 km hike with roughly 300 steps, so comfortable footwear and a moderate level of fitness are important.

What makes the Sótano so captivating is the scene that unfolds as hundreds of swifts and parrots return to their nesting sites. Travelers have described it as a “magical place”, where the birds descend in a swirling mass, filling the sky with motion and sound. Although some recent visitors noted they only saw a few parakeets (and not the expected huahuas), the spectacle of the birds returning remains a highlight.

The guides are typically very knowledgeable, explaining the significance of the site and the behavior of the birds. Many reviews mention that the wildlife viewing alone makes this part of the tour worthwhile. The entire visit here lasts about two hours, including the walk and observation time.

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Return Journey and Reflection

After the birdwatching, you’ll head back to Ciudad Valles, with the ride lasting around 1.5 hours. This gives you one last chance to enjoy the scenic landscape or chat with fellow travelers about the highlights of the day.

At $98 per person, this tour covers a lot of ground — transportation, guided tours, regional food, entrance fees, and even a photographic package. When you consider the combination of art, natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural insights, it offers considerable value.

The inclusion of professional guides who are attentive and knowledgeable enhances the experience, making the stories behind the sculptures and the natural phenomena more meaningful. The regional cuisine adds authentic flavor, turning the day into a well-rounded cultural experience.

While the physical activity involved may not suit everyone, most travelers in moderate shape will find the hike manageable, especially given the stunning sights along the way.

• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking and hiking.
• Bring a change of clothes in case of rain or dirt.
• Use biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent to protect yourself and the environment.
• Carry cash for tips or souvenirs, though most meals and entrance fees are included.
• Pack a camera — the scenery and sculptures are highly photogenic.
• Be prepared for intermediate physical effort; this isn’t a casual stroll but a full-day adventure.

This tour offers a compelling mix of artistic wonder and the raw beauty of nature. The visit to Edward James’s Las Pozas is a rare chance to walk through a surrealist sculpture garden in the heart of the jungle. Meanwhile, the Sótano de Huahuas provides a spectacular display of wildlife behavior that feels almost magical.

It’s a trip that rewards curious travelers with a passion for exploration, culture, and wildlife. The attentiveness of guides, the quality of regional food, and the unforgettable views make it a well-rounded experience at a reasonable price.

If you’re drawn to quirky art, love birdwatching, or simply seek a full-day adventure filled with unexpected delights, this tour is a smart choice. Just come prepared for a bit of physical activity and be ready to enjoy a day that’s as inspiring as it is scenic.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts about 10 hours, from pickup at 9:00 am to return to Ciudad Valles in the early evening.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes transportation from and back to Ciudad Valles, with a comfortable van ride throughout the day.

What should I bring?
Pack comfortable shoes, a change of clothes, biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellent, cash, and your camera for photos.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s recommended for children from 3 years old, but keep in mind the physical effort involved in the hike.

Are entrance fees included?
Absolutely, the price covers entrance fees to Las Pozas and the Sótano de Huahuas, along with guided tours.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility to plan ahead or adapt your itinerary.

This experience offers a satisfying mix of art, adventure, and nature. It’s perfect for travelers eager to see a unique side of the Huasteca region, especially if you appreciate surrealist art and wildlife encounters. Well-organized, reasonably priced, and packed with memorable sights, it’s a day that promises plenty of stories to tell long after returning home.

You can check availability for your dates here: