photo credit: Christian Von Wissel

Xilitla, a pueblo magico (magical town), is located in the Huasteca region of San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Xilitla (pronounced ‘he leet la’) has a large indigenous population and many of the people who live there speak a Huastec or Nahuatl dialect as their first language.

The area is home to a number of natural springs, caves and caverns as well as Las Posas (The Pools). Created by Edward James, an English surrealist artist who wanted to build a ‘Garden of Eden’, Las Posas was constructed between 1949 and 1984.

A series of massive concrete Surrealist sculptures and buildings merge with over 80 acres of jungle, natural pools and waterfalls.

After James’ death, Fondo Xilitla was set up to conserve and protect the magnificently eccentric gardens.

I have not yet been to Xilitla or Las Posas but am a 6-8 hour drive away so hope to get there soon. I am a sucker for Surrealism and the gardens in particular have facsinated me since the first day I learned of their existence.

If it tickles your fancy, have a look at the documentary about Edward James and his whimsically fantastic gardens.