We left Queretaro on Friday at midnight and made the six hour drive to la Huasteca, I slept most of the trip until we began ascending this mountain so our bus was making this very tight curbs on this narrow road, I looked through my window and even though it was dark I could see the edge of the road and the cliff we were driving on.
We arrived at Xilitla at 6:23 a.m., the buses parked and we headed off to an early breakfast, but I guess they really wanted us to be hungry because we had to climb this steep street that seems to go on forever in order to get to the restaurant, which was called Cayos, I guess that's what you ended up on your feet after climbing that street. The food was great, and the view was just breathtaking.
Balcony of Cayo Restaurante.
With full tummies we got back on the bus, and headed towards Castillo Surrealista de Sir Edward James. The Castillo was like something out of the jungle book, it was built by Edward James between 1949 y 1984 and is approximately 35 acres of forest, and this was his house! We spent all morning there and it was still not enough. The only bad thing is that we were so many that we had little time to really enjoy the place, I am mostly sad that I didn’t get to climb the "escaleras sin fin" but I will next time! (I am planning to return and bring Jeremy with me). Within the Castillo there is a private river with a small waterfall, I stayed and watch as the others swim. I really didn't feel like swimming but I put my feet in the water.
For lunch ,we had to walk that horrible mountain-like street to clim to get to the plaza of Xilitla. We walked around the little town's plaza, visited the church and there were holding mass so we stayed and I said my prayers. There was really not much to do and had little time until lunch. Lunch was at Cayos Restaurant and once again the food was fantastic! even homemade cheesecake. If you ever go to Xilitla that is the place to eat.
Back on the bus! Destination Aquismon to visit el Sótano de las Golondrinas. When we arrived we got in the back of these rather beaten up trucks and made the one hour drive up the mountain. The drive was fun and a really good way to see how people live everyday in this small town. On our way up, it started to rain but we were hoping that it would stop or that at least not follow us, we were not that lucky. We had a short hike to get to the gigantic cave, which made you feel insignificant compared to its magnitude. From this cave there were thousands of Golondrinas, green parrots flying all around us. The guides would tie this rope to you and you can look down the cave, I was next in line when out of nowhere it began to pour down on us. As most people were freaking out trying to run from the rain, which let’s face it is not only dangerous up there but also impossible since there was no place to hide, I instead stood there letting the rain drops hit my face, and enjoyed the moment. After a slippery hike back and being absolutely soaked it was back to our trucks,and headed to our hotel.
traveling with style.
Sótano de las GolondrinasOur hotel was Quinta Mar, and it was a really nice hotel. Our room had this terrace type entrance facing the pool. We had another great and filling dinner at the hotel and enjoyed some dancers that preformed native dances. The best part where the comfy beds, it was very hard to get up in the morning.
view from our room.
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