IF YOU'RE NOT FROM MEXICO, there's a good chance you've never heard of Huasteca. People tend to stick with the tried and true vacation spots they've heard of such as Cancun and Cabo when traveling to Mexico. More intrepid travelers might visit Oaxaca, Mexico City and San Miguel Allende. However, one of the most beautiful spots in the entire country is only a two-and- a-half hour drive from Tampico or a 12-hour drive from Houston. This secret oasis remains almost unknown to American tourism. It is called Huasteca, San Luis Potosí.

The word "Huasteca" comes from the Indian tribes of the same name who lived in the Gulf region of Mexico. Technically the area extends from the Texas border to Veracruz. However, it's the area in the state of SLP that most locals refer to when they use the word Huasteca. The area is green, mountainous, full of waterfalls, caves, forests, and ancient ruins. It is the Bali of Mexico and is full of incredible sites that awe its visitors.