Santa María del Río
The fabulous desert town of the reboso shawls is also a well-known for its spas and hot springs.
Santa María del Río is just two hours north of Querétaro across the state line in San Luis Potosí. The river in question is known as the Río Santa María and the town has long been famous for the rebosos, the shawls of such stunning quality that they are worn all across central Mexico. The Franciscans who arrived here in the 16th century quickly instructed the locals on weaving and selling them. And the artistry is everywhere evident. The same Franciscans may have named the town for their own monastery here. More likely, the town is named for the mass baptisms they performed here for the Otomí and Guachichil peoples who long called the area home.
Today, visitors arrive especially for the hot springs and the related spas in and around Ojo Caliente just north of the Santa Maria center. The spas go into and out of business with no predictable logic, but one can always count on someone taking advantage of the natural hot springs in the area. The El Salto cascade, on the other side of Santa Maria, is veritably untouched and just beyond the Señor del Amparo chapel.
In town, visitors take in the Casa del Rebozo Museum that highlights the tradition and artistry of the local textile manufacture. The Asunción church, clock tower, and the Martín Bautista Plaza are not to be missed, but so is the local public market. You can eat the local asado de boda, stuffed gorditas, campechanas, and lots more that remains unforgettable. This is in addition to more of the rebosos that hang at nearly every corner.
Every August, the Reboso Fair sets up shop and takes over most of the center of town for the first half of the month. But the town is also well-known for the variety of hotels and places to stay. Convenient, walkable, and always lively, long weekends can quickly be extended to complete vacations.
Several bus companies, including Primera Plus, Senda, ETN Turistar, and Flecha Amarilla offer service from the Mexico City Terminal del Norte direct to Santa María del Río. The trip can take about five hours. Service is more frequent and faster from either Querétaro or from San Luis Potosí.
