Tamuín
The extraordinary origins of the Huasteca are spread across a few enchanted valleys and deeply resonant springs, waterfalls, and verdant rivers that call from long before the modern age.
Tamuín is wonderful town and municipality on the banks of the Tampaón River in the very heart of the famous and beloved Huasteca Region of San Luis Potosi. The unofficial title of Capital of the Huasteca usually goes to neighboring and bigger Ciudad Valles. But as the Huasteca is a fantastic and primarily rural region, Tamuín may be the more appropriate introduction. Hugged by the Abra-Tanchipa mountain range, the town is a first stop on a trip to see the many archaeological sites and the dreamy and inviting spas, waterfalls, and forst interiors.
Tamtoc is likely the most famous and important of the nearby archaeological sites. Roughly 30 minutes southwest of the little town, it was a principal ancient site in the area. But closer still is the site known as Tamohí meaning place of effervescence, or more simply as El Consuelo for the ranch where the excavations really began. This was the site where Adolescente huasteco sculpture was found in 1917. It stands today in the Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City.
Roughly in between Tamuín and Ciudad Valles, the Nacimiento Taninul Balneario is one of the most famous natural spa settings anywhere in the area. And it is the sort of place that lends its very reputation to the entirety of the Huasteca region. Referred to as the Birth of Tamuín, the natural springs coming out from the cave system make for the perfect swimming spot and a natural area of tremendous beauty, color, and harmony.
Still within town, you get all of the advantages of a traditional and largely indigenous population of some 17,000 permanent residents. Food of all kinds including local favorites are for sale within the giant local market, named for former governor and revolutionary, Gonzalo N. Santos. The town is extraordinary, colorful, and home to some very inviting hotels and other lodgings.
People get to Tamuín from Ciudad Valles. Roughly a 40-minute-drive will get you there, although there is frequent service from the main bus station in Cd. Valles. Check with Vencedor or Autonaves. From the Tampico airport, the trip takes a little more than two hours.
