Tour: Edward James Sculpture Garden and Sótano de Huahuas

If you’re considering a day trip that blends art, nature, and adventure, this tour to the Edward James Sculpture Garden in Xilitla and the amazing Sótano de Huahuas might just be the right choice. While we haven’t taken it ourselves, the detailed reviews and itinerary give a clear picture of what you can expect from this full-day journey.

What really catches our eye are two things: First, the chance to wander through Edward James’s surrealist masterpiece, which feels like stepping into a dream with its whimsical sculptures and lush jungle setting. And second, the spectacle of hundreds of birds returning to the Sótano at sunset, creating a mesmerizing scene you won’t forget. That said, a potential consideration is that the tour involves some physical effort — mainly a 1.5 km hike with about 300 steps — so it’s best suited for those comfortable with moderate activity.

This experience seems perfect for nature lovers, art enthusiasts, and curious explorers who enjoy a mix of cultural insight and outdoor adventure. If you’re traveling with children around 3 years old and up, it could work, but keep in mind the physical demand.

Key Points

• Rich cultural experience with a guided tour of Edward James’s surrealist garden.
• Stunning sights and wildlife, culminating in the bird spectacle at Sótano de Huahuas.
• Includes regional food, making it more than just sightseeing.
• Active day, requiring about 2 hours of walking and hiking.
• Great value at $98, with transportation, guides, and entrance fees included.
• Flexible cancellation policy, with full refunds if you change your mind 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction: A Day of Art and Adventure in Zacatecas State

This tour offers a fantastic mix of visual art, lush landscapes, and outdoor excitement. It’s highlighted by a visit to the famous open-air Sculpture Garden designed by Edward James, a colorful and surreal space that feels like wandering through a living art installation. Later, you’ll experience one of Mexico’s most thrilling natural phenomena — the descent of thousands of birds into the Sótano de Huahuas, a deep limestone pit.

We love that this tour combines cultural discovery with wildlife watching, giving you a rounded experience of the region’s unique appeal. Plus, there’s the promise of regional Huasteca cuisine, which means you’ll get to enjoy authentic flavors that complement the day’s adventures.

One thing to consider is that the tour involves moderate physical effort — mainly the hike to the Sótano — so it’s best suited for those in decent shape or travelers eager for a bit of activity. It’s also a full 10-hour commitment, which might be a long day if you’re not used to big excursions.

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers, art lovers, or those simply wanting to see something off the beaten path. It offers a good balance of structured guided visits and outdoor exploration, making it perfect for curious souls who like a bit of everything.

The Itinerary — Breaking Down the Day

Starting Point and Pickup: The adventure begins at 9:00 am in Ciudad Valles, where your guide will pick you up from your hotel or lodging. From there, it’s about a two-hour drive to Xilitla.

Visit to Las Pozas: Once in Xilitla, the first stop is the Las Pozas sculpture garden, where Sir Edward James created a surreal landscape of interconnected concrete structures amidst the jungle. Expect about 1.5 hours here, during which you’ll enjoy a guided tour and plenty of photo opportunities.

What to Expect at Las Pozas: This garden is a playful, fantastical environment — think giant staircases, waterfalls, and sculptures blending seamlessly into the environment. It’s like walking through a dream, and many find the scale and creativity of James’s work utterly inspiring. According to reviews, the guide’s attentiveness and explanations enhance the experience, helping you appreciate the artistic vision behind the site.

Regional Lunch: Next, you’ll stop at a local restaurant for about an hour and a half, where regional Huasteca dishes are served buffet-style. The food is generally well-received, adding to the authenticity of this cultural trip.

Hiking to Sótano de las Huahuas: After lunch, it’s around a 30-minute drive to the Sótano. The highlight here is the spectacular descent of hundreds of birds, including swifts and parrots, into the abyss at sunset. The walk to the Sótano is about 1.5 km, with roughly 300 steps, so be prepared for some physical effort.

What to Expect at Sótano de las Huahuas: This isn’t just a scenic spot; it’s a wildlife event. We loved the way visitors described the scene — a captivating spectacle of birds flocking into the depths of the limestone hole. Several reviews mention that, while you might not see every species expected, the sight of the parrots and the sheer size of the abyss make it worth the effort.

Return Trip: After about two hours exploring the Sótano, your guide will take you back to Ciudad Valles, with a stopover for a quick rest or refreshments along the way.

Overall Duration: The entire day lasts about 10 hours, so be prepared for a full day of sightseeing, walking, and natural beauty.

What’s Included & What’s Not

Included in the Tour:
– Professional guides who know the area well.
– Entrance fees for the Sculpture Garden and Sótano.
– Transportation from and back to Ciudad Valles.
– Typical regional food, mostly buffet.
– Safety gear and a photographic package to capture the memories.
– Medical insurance, which adds peace of mind.

Not Included:
– Lodging or overnight stays.
– Breakfast and dinner (though the tour includes a regional lunch).
– Transportation from your home location to Ciudad Valles.

Pricing & Value: At $98 per person, this tour offers a lot — guided visits, transportation, entrance fees, food, and a memorable wildlife spectacle. It’s a fair price considering the full day of activities and the unique sights you’ll see.

What to Bring & Practical Tips

Make sure to pack:
– Comfortable shoes — you’ll be doing quite a bit of walking and hiking.
– Change of clothes — the environment can be humid and muddy at times.
– Biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent — protect yourself without harming the environment.
– Cash — for small purchases or tips.
– A camera or smartphone — to capture the surreal sculptures and the bird spectacle.

For safety and respect:
– Avoid bright colors, jewelry, and sharp objects.
– Stay on marked paths, especially at the Sótano, for your safety.
– Remember that touching plants or littering is not allowed.

More Great Tours Nearby

Best Time to Go

The tour is most recommended from October to July, avoiding the rainy season (July to September). Weather can impact the visibility of the bird spectacle and the accessibility of the hiking trail.

Reviews — Honest Feedback from Travelers

The few reviews available are quite positive. For example, Maria Fernanda shared, “Everything was excellent. The guide was very attentive throughout the tour, explaining many things to us, and the photos he helped us take along the way were very good.” This highlights the value of a knowledgeable guide in enriching the experience.

Verónica mentioned that rain affected the visit to the sculpture garden, which was closed at the main waterfall, but still found the sculptures and structures exceptional. She also appreciated the impressive nature of the Sótano even if she didn’t see all the birds she hoped for, calling it a “magic place”.

Another traveler emphasized the “extraordinary experience” thanks to the guide, noting that the places visited couldn’t have been better without their assistance.

Final Thoughts — Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for those who enjoy a mix of art, nature, and physical activity. If you’re after a leisurely, purely scenic day, some parts might be a bit demanding, especially the hike to the Sótano. But if you’re keen to see one of Mexico’s most captivating natural phenomena and explore a surrealist art site, this tour hits the mark.

Travelers who appreciate authentic regional food, enjoy guided learning, and want to settle for a well-organized full-day adventure will find tremendous value here. The combination of stunning sculptures, wildlife, and local flavors offers a rich, memorable experience.

In summary, this tour provides a beautiful balance of cultural insight and outdoor adventure, with the kind of sights that stick with you long after the day ends. For curious explorers and nature fans alike, it’s a solid pick that captures the spirit of the Huasteca region.

FAQ — Practical Questions Answered

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

How long is the tour?
The full experience lasts around 10 hours.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are essential. Wear casual, breathable clothes suitable for walking and bring a change of clothes just in case.

Will I see the birds at Sótano de las Huahuas?
While many reviews mention seeing swifts and parrots, there’s a chance you might not see every species, especially during rainy weather.

What’s included in the price?
Guided tours, transportation, entrance fees, regional food, safety gear, and a photographic package.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
The tour involves walking and a hike with steps, so it may not be suitable for wheelchair users.

How physically demanding is the hike?
It’s considered an intermediate effort — expect about 1.5 km of walking with 300 steps.

What kind of food is served during the lunch stop?
Typical regional Huasteca dishes, usually buffet style, generally well-reviewed.

Is there an age limit for participation?
There’s no strict age limit, but younger children and those with mobility issues should consider their comfort level with walking.

This tour offers a chance to combine art, wildlife, and outdoor activity in a way that feels both enriching and exciting. Whether you’re looking to tick off a surrealist site or marvel at one of Mexico’s natural wonders, it’s a day that promises plenty of moments worth remembering.

You can check availability for your dates here: