Turning 40 in San Luis Potosí, Mexico — a photographer’s week in the jungle
Gabe and I call ourselves waterfall chasers. We got hooked on the thrill of the hidden wild years ago, when we tackled an unforgettable adventure to Havasupai Falls in the Grand Canyon for Gabe’s 40th birthday. Ever since then, chasing these powerful natural wonders has been built into our DNA.
Running our own business takes an incredible amount of creative output, and escaping into the wilderness isn’t a luxury for us—it’s essential maintenance for our peace of mind. We thrive in the quiet, away from the noise. So, when my own 40th birthday arrived, Gabe gave me the ultimate gift: a wild, off-the-grid escape that we planned entirely together.
I packed my camera and went looking for turquoise water with my favorite creative partner and best friend by my side.
Our destination was Huasteca Potosina, a lush corner of San Luis Potosí, Mexico, overflowing with waterfalls, rivers, and dense jungle. We went to push our boundaries, try new things, and collect memories that would outlast any physical object.
Because my birthday fell during the pandemic, the journey took on a surreal, ghostly quality. At nearly every world-famous waterfall, surrealist garden, and village plaza, we were completely alone. Having these iconic, breathtaking spaces entirely to ourselves felt beautifully eerie—and absolutely unforgettable.
Our home base was a beautiful jungle eco-lodge made of thatched bamboo cabañas—quiet, slow, and exactly my speed. Mornings there were unforgettable, waking up to the powerful, raw roars of the rescued pumas and jaguars at the sanctuary.
Every day started with an exceptionally authentic regional breakfast that felt both fresh and incredibly inspirational. In a time of so much global uncertainty, we were incredibly well taken care of and felt entirely safe. It was the perfect sanctuary to just breathe and be.
A vibrant Pueblo Mágico, and the ultimate destination for any photographer. This is home to Las Pozas—Edward James’s surrealist concrete garden, seamlessly swallowed by the wild Mexican jungle. Edward James was a visionary who loved fashion, art, and sharing his eccentric passions with his inner circle. He built this hidden jungle paradise to host exclusive gatherings, creating a private world where creativity and wild nature could collide.
We opted for the private tour, which included permission to shoot both photo and video. For two hours, we explored a landscape unlike anything I have ever seen. As someone who absolutely loves plants, seeing those towering, eccentric concrete sculptures completely enveloped by the lush, untamed green of the jungle was incredible. Because we were on a private tour, we were even able to step inside structures that are normally closed to the public.
La Huasteca Potosina (Cascadas de Micos)
On our way to the mystery waterfall, we pulled over to see Micos. This is a bucket-list spot that everyone wants to visit, famous for its adventure activities where you can swim and jump off the limestone water hills. But sometimes you don’t need a tour—just standing there, quietly taking in how overwhelmingly beautiful the water looked, was absolutely perfect.
Cascada El Salto (El Naranjo): Raw, Real, and Worth Every Mile
On our journey through the Huasteca region, we encountered Salto del Agua. It is an incredibly beautiful and unique landscape, defined by a breathtaking series of natural pools filled with vibrant, turquoise-emerald colored water. Standing there taking in those brilliant colors felt entirely otherworldly.
Getting to Salto del Agua isn’t necessarily a difficult trek, but it isn’t the easiest logistically either—it’s a bit of a drive. To make it out here, you will definitely need your own vehicle to Ciudad Valles or El Naranjo.
If you know us, you know that off-grid, out-of-the-ordinary adventures are exactly what we live for. To call the full journey an adventure would be an understatement. This was raw, unfiltered exploration. Gabe and I wound our way through tiny, vibrant villages, chasing the rumor of the hidden falls. With no paved roads to guide us, we plunged straight into the jungle. I’ll admit—the deep, untamed green was intimidating, and fear definitely crept in. But we leaned into the mystery together. When the trees finally opened up to reveal this hidden gem, every ounce of doubt vanished. It was absolutely, breathtakingly worth it.
Look at the beauty!
San Luis Potosí
To finish out our journey, we transitioned from the depths of the jungle to the historic downtown of San Luis Potosí. We stayed at the elegant Gran Hotel Concordia and spent our final day slowing down and soaking in the beautiful, quiet, historic atmosphere of the Plaza.
As photographers, we couldn’t leave without capturing the light of this incredible region one last time. We woke up super early to watch the sunrise over the distant mountains.
Standing there watching the sun rise over the jungle canopy was the perfect final frame for a milestone birthday—a quiet reminder of why we choose to chase the unknown, take the long road, and see the world through our own eyes.
San Luis Potosí made a massive, lasting impression on me. The raw beauty, the vibrant culture, and the pure thrill of the unknown completely stole my heart, and these wild adventures will live in it forever.
I’m a photographer in the Chicagoland area who believes getting away is part of a good life — and a healthy business. Follow along for the next adventure, or reach out if you’re a fellow business owner trying to build a little more balance into yours. Get in touch · Instagram
Want to see more of our off-the-grid adventures and behind-the-scenes moments? Follow our travel journey on Instagram @twocreativetravelers! 🌿✨
