Xilitla Surrealistic Garden & Huahuas Abyss Day Trip

Summary

Wander surreal gardens in Xilitla then watch swallows swirl above Huahuas Abyss on a day trip from Ciudad Valles with local flavors and stories

You’ll start your day with hotel pickup in Ciudad Valles and fresh cinnamon bread on the road to Xilitla’s surrealistic garden. Wander mossy paths and hidden pools before lunch in town, then head out to Huahuas Abyss for an unforgettable swirl of swallows overhead. It’s a day full of small surprises — and sights you won’t forget soon.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I’d only seen photos of Edward James’ garden in Xilitla before — all those mossy arches and twisting stairways looked like something out of a dream. But standing there, with the air thick and green after the drive from Ciudad Valles, it felt weirder and better than I expected. Our guide (Miguel, who grew up nearby) told us James used to swim naked in the pools here — which made me laugh, picturing this English guy wandering around in the jungle. The stones were still slick from last night’s rain, so we moved slow. At one point I stopped just to listen: birds, distant water, someone’s radio echoing from the town below.

The drive out had its own rhythm. We piled into a van just after breakfast — not too early, which I appreciated — and somewhere along the way Miguel pulled over for pan de canela. It was warm, soft inside, dusted with cinnamon sugar. I’m not even a bread person but I ate two pieces (no regrets). In Xilitla town we had lunch at a spot Miguel swore was “the best,” and honestly he might be right — chicken with mole that tasted like it took hours to make. There was time to wander off alone after; I ended up watching two old men play dominoes outside a shop while a stray dog tried to nap under my chair.

Later came Huahuas Abyss — which sounded dramatic but is really this wild sinkhole hidden by trees. The walk there was longer than I thought (about 1 km? maybe more if you count my zig-zagging), but worth it for what happened next: suddenly thousands of swallows started swirling overhead, dipping into the abyss like someone had flipped a switch. The sound was sharp and alive — wings everywhere, people around me just staring up with their mouths open. I tried to film it but honestly you can’t catch that feeling on a phone.

We stopped for ice cream on the way back (El Palmar — coconut for me), legs tired but everyone sort of glowing from the day. It’s funny how places you barely knew existed can stick with you like that. Sometimes when things get noisy at home I remember standing by that abyss, listening to nothing but wings.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Xilitla garden and Huahuas Abyss tour

• Pick up from hotel or meet at office
• Travel 81 km in air-conditioned van
• Stop for cinnamon bread and coffee
• Tour surrealistic garden Las Pozas for 2 hours
• Drive to Xilitla town
• Lunch at best restaurant in town
• Free time for personal sightseeing
• Travel 40 minutes to Huahuas Abyss
• Stop for homemade ice cream at El Palmar
• Trek 1.2 km and sightsee for 1.5 hours
• Enjoy small snack
• Return 1 hour to Ciudad Valles

Top questions

How long is the drive from Ciudad Valles to Xilitla?

It’s about 81 km by van, usually taking around 2 hours depending on road conditions.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off from Ciudad Valles are included.

What kind of food is served for lunch?

You’ll have lunch at a local restaurant in Xilitla; dishes may include regional specialties like chicken mole.

How much walking is involved at Huahuas Abyss?

The walk is about 1.2 km each way on uneven terrain; moderate fitness is recommended.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the tour?

A snack is included later in the day; you can also buy pan de canela and coffee during morning stops.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

What time does the tour start?

The tour departs around 8:50 am from Ciudad Valles.

Do guides speak English?

The main guide speaks Spanish; English may be available upon request but isn’t guaranteed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Ciudad Valles, all transportation by air-conditioned van, entry to Las Pozas surrealistic garden in Xilitla, snacks along the way (including a stop for homemade ice cream), a traditional lunch in town, plus guidance throughout from someone who knows these places by heart before returning together in the evening.