San Luis Potosí debuts at ANATO with a diverse proposal and is betting on the Colombian market

What are San Luis Potosí's objectives in its first participation in ANATO?

This is our first time here, and we are very pleased to present the Colombian market with all that San Luis Potosí has ​​to offer in tourism. We want to give you some geographical context: we are located in north-central Mexico, near Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, with excellent air and land connections. We are a diverse destination, boasting a colonial city that is a World Heritage Site, six Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Towns), and unique natural attractions.

We also have the Huasteca Potosina, a region of semi-tropical rainforest with rivers and waterfalls, and the world's only surrealist garden, the Edward James Sculpture Garden, named after the patron of the surrealist movement who supported artists such as Dalí and Magritte. This artistic heritage is part of the cultural legacy we can offer visitors today.

What feedback are you receiving from the Colombian public?

We've noticed a lot of interest. Many Colombians are already familiar with traditional Mexican destinations like Puerto Vallarta or Mexico City, but they're discovering that San Luis Potosí is very close to other iconic spots like Guanajuato and Querétaro. In fact, we're known as "the neighbor of the ten states" because we're surrounded by ten states.

They're surprised that in the same state you can go from desert to jungle in just three hours. Furthermore, our traditions generate a lot of curiosity, like the Chantolo in the Huasteca Potosina region, our version of the Day of the Dead. Unlike other regions, here they organize troupes that parade through the streets, compete against each other, and fill the towns with music, dance, and celebration. It's a distinct and very authentic cultural experience.

This is a special year because of the World Cup. What opportunity does this represent for the destination?

Mexico will host matches in Mexico City and Guadalajara, and we have flights to both destinations. Starting June 1st, Volaris will inaugurate the Guadalajara–San Luis Potosí flight, making travel even easier.

The World Cup is a great opportunity for those traveling to the matches to explore other destinations along the way. From Mexico City, you can visit Querétaro, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, and then travel to San Luis Potosí, all by road or public transportation. In each destination, we have certified guides and tour operators who can enhance your experience, for example, with the Mezcal Route in the capital of San Luis Potosí.

We can't talk about Mexico without mentioning its gastronomy. What distinguishes San Luis Potosí?

Mexico has a very diverse culinary scene, and San Luis Potosí is no exception. We're known as the state of enchiladas potosinas, a type of small fried quesadilla filled with cheese and onion, served with guacamole or beans.

In the Huasteca region, tamales, Huasteca-style enchiladas with cecina (dried, salted meat), and the famous zacahuitl—an enormous tamale that can feed up to 150 people and is a centerpiece of local celebrations—are highlights. In the highlands, we have cabrito (roasted kid goat), dulce de leche (caramelized milk), and traditional chocolates like those from Constanzo. We also have renowned vineyards and our own mezcal brands, with distinctive characteristics compared to other regions of Mexico.

San Luis Potosí is definitely a destination that must be experienced to understand its natural, cultural, and gastronomic richness.