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San Leandro

San Leandro is a mid-size city of about 90,000 people (2018) in the San Francisco Bay Area in Northern California in the United States of America.

Understand
San Leandro (known locally as SL) is in Alameda County in the East Bay portion of California's Bay Area. Historically a town with dozens of huge cherry farms and a Spanish missionary ranch, San Leandro today is a rapidly growing city home to prominent business firms and is a suburb of Oakland. Founded in 1872, it is one of the oldest cities in California. San Leandro does not have as much to offer as its neighbors, however its central location may make it a very economical home base for tourists and commuters, and its panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and its hills are worth a trip for visitors.

San Leandro has a diverse population, with Asians forming a plurality at roughly 30% of the population, Whites and Hispanics each at around 27%, African-Americans at 12%, and one of the lower 48 states' larger Pacific Islander populations forming about 1% of the city's population.

Climate
Weather in San Leandro is very comfortable throughout most of the year, ranging from the mid 50s to upper 70s (F). However, early morning weather in the winter (5AM-7AM) can reach as low as the mid 20s with frost, and in high pressure systems in the summer can cause temperatures to reach as high as the mid to upper 90s.

By car
San Leandro is easy to access by car, it is located by two major Bay Area freeways, Interstates 580 and 880. 580 leads to the Civic Center, Downtown, Bayfair Center and the BART station. The exits on 580 to San Leandro include, Grand Avenue/Downtown, 150th Avenue/Fairmont Drive, 164th Avenue/Miramar Avenue and Junction California State Route 238 to Hayward, when traveling westbound, the exits are, Carolyn Street/164th Avenue, Fairmont Drive/150th Avenue, Benedict Drive and Estudillo Avenue/Downtown. Exits on 880 are, Davis Street, Marina Blvd., Washington Avenue and Junction Interstate 238 to 580.

Other highways include Interstate 238, which begins in Castro Valley before arriving into San Leandro at the first exit. 238 connects 580 with 880 and vice versa. Also in San Leandro is an off-ramp to California State Route 238 to Hayward off 580. California State Route 185 is East 14th Street, which leads non-freeway traffic to either Oakland or Hayward. California State Route 112 is Davis Street, which begins in Downtown San Leandro before turning into California State Route 61 (Doolittle Drive) which leads to Alameda. 580 Eastbound leads people to Hayward, Stockton, Fresno and Los Angeles the latter which is via Interstate 5. 580 Westbound leads people to Oakland, San Francisco, Berkeley, Sacramento (via Interstate 80) and San Rafael. 880 Northbound leads people to Oakland, Downtown Oakland, Berkeley (via Interstate 980 to 580) and San Francisco (via Interstate 80). 880 Southbound leads to Hayward, San Jose and Santa Cruz (the latter via California State Route 17).

By public transportation
San Leandro is also easy to access by public transportation. BART, or Bay Area Rapid Transit, is a subway that connects San Francisco, SFO, Concord, Fremont and Pleasanton/Dublin with 2 stations ( and ). San Leandro also has bus services that service throughout the town.

By plane
San Leandro is 5–20 minutes from the Oakland International Airport, and bus services and BART link San Leandro with the airport. San Francisco International Airport is also accessible to San Leandro by BART and bus services and is about 25–30 minutes from San Leandro. San Jose International Airport is the least accessible to San Leandro, because it is not served by BART, so access by car, bus or an expensive taxi ride are the only options, San Jose International Airport to San Leandro is 30–40 minutes.

By train
San Leandro is close to the Oakland Amtrak station and is accessible to San Leandro by BART or bus.

By bus
San Leandro is linked to Bay Area cities by bus services, and has local bus services, Flex Shuttle and LINKS linking parts of town to another.

By ferry
San Leandro's former ferry pier and building have closed and are being threatened with demolition. The closest ferry terminals are in Oakland's Jack London Square and in Alameda. They can be accessed to San Leandro by car or bus. Ferry services also take riders to San Francisco and Sausalito.

By bike
San Leandro's scenes and landscape is best seen by biking around the city and comes in handy in downtown rush hours, when streets are clogged by cars and buses. Miles and miles of bike lanes are found on practically every major street and residents enjoy biking in the city's parks and shoreline.

Get around
Interstates 580, 880 and 238, California State Routes 238, 185, 112 and 61, BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) 2 stations, San Leandro and Bayfair, local bus services and close access to Oakland International Airport. When visiting downtown, the civic center or Wells Fargo Tower parking meters are always likely to be full. Instead, park at the 2-story Estudillo Parking Garage, which is free of charge, but has a time limit of 1 hour, unless you are a Wells Fargo Tower employee.

Traffic
During rush hour on weekdays (8AM-9AM) and (4PM-6:30PM) traffic on all interstates can be terrible. Traffic on 580 is troublesome from Downtown on both sides and at the Bayfair Center on Eastbound 580 at 150th Avenue. 880 and 238 are clogged during these times. On weekends, 580 and 880 fare better while 238 is clogged on Sundays. Traveling on California State Routes 185 and 112 are also troublesome on Sundays.

Festivals
San Leandro has several annual festivals (listed chronologically):

Buy
The sales tax rate in San Leandro is 9.25%.

San Leandro is a shopping hub of the East Bay and is home to various malls:

There are also plenty of shops selling gifts, souvenirs and other merchandise throughout the town. Pelton Plaza is well known for its shops and dining. Located in the heart of downtown, one can enjoy delicious food hailing from various nations, go book shopping at friendly independent stores, buy artisan crafted jewelry, treat oneself to gourmet goods, or take a break with a pint or ice cream cone. Family-friendly Pelton Plaza is a destination for many locals.

Eat
San Leandro has a vast array of restaurant options, including typical American chains such as KFC, Baskin Robbins, McDonald's, Denny's and Chevy's.

Italian

Coffee & tea
Starbucks has nine locations in San Leandro and Jamba Juice can be found at the Bayfair Center and Westgate Center. Other options include:

Stay safe
Despite its suburban characteristics, San Leandro does have its tough neighborhoods at its borders with larger cities. One area to be aware of is the portion of MacArthur Boulevard near the Oakland border. This area is next to the notorious and impoverished "deep" East Oakland, which has some of the Bay Area's highest drug trafficking and murder rates. The area between the Hayward and Ashland borders (just south of the Bayfair Center) is reasonably safe during the day, but gets sketchy after dark. Nevertheless, San Leandro is a safe city with designated crime free zones, including the area near the Castro Valley border at Lake Chabot to the end of Estudillo Avenue (where downtown begins), near the marina, and a large portion of the Washington Manor neighborhood (including the Washington Manor Park and Pool) from Interstate 880 to Farnsworth Avenue. Due to the presence of a juvenile hall, Fairmont Drive in the city's eastern hills is heavily secured between Lake Chabot Park and 152nd Avenue. Police patrols are very frequent and security cameras are hidden on trees and fences.

Stay healthy
As with almost every city in the United States, San Leandro has at least one hospital. The San Leandro Hospital is a health care facility treating the most basic of health needs such as the flu to various surgeries and basic emergencies. If in a dire emergency head to Eden Hospital in Castro Valley as it is a Level 1 trauma center. San Leandro also has another hospital, Kindred Hospital in the hills. The hospital has no emergency service.

 * San Leandro Hospital, 13855 East 14th Street, +1 510 357-6500
 * Kindred Hospital, 2800 Benedict Drive, +1 510 357-8300

Go next

 * Oakland. San Leandro's northern neighbor and a diverse and vibrant city and has been regaining that title due to a growing economy and a general renaissance of the city.
 * Hayward. San Leandro's southern neighbor and boasts of a central bay shoreline, a quaint city center with a small town feel in the city flatlands and hills which overlook the bay.
 * San Francisco. A 20- to 30-minute drive from San Leandro, San Francisco is the dominant city in the Bay Area and features many attractions and sights and boasts many upscale hotels and dining.
 * San Jose. A 25- to 45-minute drive from San Leandro, San Jose is the largest city in the Bay Area and is the center of the famed Silicon Valley.
 * Fremont. Accessible from San Leandro by BART, Fremont features a suburban lifestyle between Oakland and Silicon Valley.
 * Castro Valley. San Leandro's eastern neighbor does not offer much, but has spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay from its hills.

title: San Leandro


text:
San Lorenzo

There's more than one place called San Lorenzo:

Argentina

 * San Lorenzo (Argentina)

Ecuador

 * San Lorenzo (Ecuador)

Honduras

 * San Lorenzo (Honduras)

Panama

 * San Lorenzo (Panama)

Paraguay

 * San Lorenzo (Paraguay)

United States of America

 * San Lorenzo (California)

Venezuela

 * San Lorenzo (Venezuela)

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: San Lorenzo


text:
San Lorenzo (Argentina)

San Lorenzo is a town near Salta, Argentina. The town is very green and home to a lot of nature, and is an easy day trip from Salta.

Get in
You can take the 7E bus from Salta. It costs $7 (November 2017), and the fare must be paid by transit card. If you don't have a Salta transit card, just get on the bus and find another passenger who will let you give them the cash and use their card.

Go next

 * The obvious direction to go is back to Salta, from which you can access plenty of other small towns and natural attractions.

title: San Lorenzo (Argentina)


text:
San Luis

There is more than one place called San Luis:

Argentina

 * San Luis (city, Argentina) — The capital of San Luis Province
 * San Luis (province, Argentina) — A province in the Cuyo region

Mexico

 * San Luis Potosi — The capital city of the state of San Luis Potosi
 * San Luis Potosi (state) — A state in the Bajío region
 * San Luis Rio Colorado — A city in Sonora

Philippines

 * San Luis (Batangas) — A coastal town south of Taal.
 * San Luis (Pampanga)

United States of America

 * San Luis (Arizona) — A town in Arizona.
 * San Luis Obispo — A city in California.

title: San Luis


text:
San Luis (Arizona)

San Luis is a town in Western Arizona. It is across the US-Mexico border from San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora.

Get in
San Luis is at the southern terminus of US-95.

title: San Luis (Arizona)


text:
San Luis (province, Argentina)

San Luis is a province in the Cuyo region of Argentina. It is located in the western centre of the country. The north is part of the Sierras Pampeanas and is characterized by mountain ranges up to 2,500 m high. The south, on the other hand, is flat and belongs to the dry pampa, which is a barren steppe here.

Cities

 * — the capital, with 150,000 inhabitants. The city has a modern character with some old buildings.
 * — a planned city founded in 2004 north of San Luis with a university, a football stadium, and a largely true-to-original replica of the Cabildo from Buenos Aires in the style of the early 19th century that was built here
 * — a tourist town of 15,000 inhabitants, in the far north, on the wild and romantic mountain range of the Sierra de los Comechingones near the highest mountains in the province
 * — a city of 100,000 inhabitants, in the east, well-known metropolis of folklore music

Other destinations

 * — a traditional summer area of the province, surrounded by hills, gardens, parks, orchards and abundant vegetation
 * — a rough, dry area with strange, reddish colored rock formations is protected here. The park is located in the sparsely populated northwest of the province.

Understand
San Luis consists of two distinctly different parts, in the center and east the border runs roughly along the Río Quinto, the most important river in the region.
 * Pampas in the south
 * Sierra de San Luis in the north

San Luis is ideal for travelers who like to stay away from the destinations of mass tourism. The Sierra de San Luis offers a similar landscape to the much better known Sierras de Córdoba, only more pristine and rougher. Numerous reservoirs and mountain rivers invite you to swim in summer. Most of the small towns in the mountain regions, which are interesting for tourists, have hardly been discovered yet, only in Merlo and some places in the vicinity of the provincial capital (especially Trapiche, El Volcán and Potrero de los Funes ) it can get a bit crowded in summer. The climate in Merlo is known throughout Argentina for its high oxygen content.

Talk
The variant of Spanish spoken in San Luis is similar to that of Córdoba and seems more sung than Spanish from Buenos Aires. Indigenous languages are all but extinct in the region.

Climate
The climate is warm temperate, with hot, relatively humid summers and cool, very dry and sunny winters. In the sierras it can sometimes snow, but it is not enough for winter sports.

Get in
The central part of San Luis has good road and bus connections to all parts of the country thanks to its location on the important transport axis between Buenos Aires and Santiago de Chile. The two small airports of San Luis and Villa Mercedes offer connections to Buenos Aires.

Merlo also has a (completely oversized) airport, Valle del Conlara airport, which has a few scheduled flights on LADe from Buenies Aires Aeroparque Villa Mercedes, San Luis  (as of Aug 2021).

While passenger rail services are being revived in Argentina, San Luis province is still not well served. As of late 2022, there is a once-weekly train from Buenos Aires to the small town of Justo Daract, near the western border with Córdoba.

See
In San Luis you will mainly find natural sights such as the Sierra de Las Quijadas National Park, the Potrero de los Funes reservoir, the gold mining town of Carolina and, above all, the rugged, steep mountain range Sierra de los Comechingones around Merlo. In San Luis and Villa Mercedes you can also visit some historical buildings.

Do
Hiking, mountaineering and paragliding can be found in the area around Merlo. Mountain biking is also possible there, but only for people in good physical condition because of the very steep slopes. In the centrally located Sierra de San Luis, the topography is a little flatter.

Eat
A specialty of the province is goat meat, which is served grilled (chivo a las brasas).

Drink
San Luis and Villa Mercedes have comparatively active cultural and music scenes, as well as several discos and nightclubs. In summer, the otherwise quiet Merlo comes to life.

Stay safe
San Luis is a safe province with a low crime rate and no particular health hazards.

title: San Luis (province, Argentina)


text:
San Luis de Pambil

San Luis de Pambil is a small town in the Guaranda canton of Bolivar Province in the warm Andean Highlands of Ecuador, or at least in the foothills of the Andes mountains as they slope downwards towards the coastal lowlands. The small, laidback town is the main access point to the stunningly beautiful Piedra Blanca region. San Luis is one of many rural agricultural communities in the area, cultivating crops such as plantains, oranges, sugarcane, coffee and cacao (chocolate) in the fertile soil and sub-tropical climate. The area was once all virgin rainforest, which was partly destroyed by the original settlers, around 50 years ago. The remaining forest is threatened by logging, though environmental awareness is gradually increasing and new ecotourism projects are trying to create alternative sources of income and conserve the forests.

Get in
By bus, travel to Zapotal (between Quevedo and Babahoyo, on the main route from Quito or Santo Domingo to Guayaquil). This takes around 5-6 hours from Quito, or about 3 hours from Guayaquil. From Quito take any bus heading towards Guayaquil, from Guayaquil take any bus heading towards Quito and get off at Zapotal. Zapotal is just a small collection of restaurants and shops on the main road - get off here and wait at the T-junction for the local buses to San Luis de Pambil (the journey takes just over one hour, buses depart every hour and the last bus departs around 6pm). The other, far more adventurous, way in is the 2 day hike down from Salinas de Guaranda, in Bolivar Province - go with a local guide.

Get around
On foot. Or hire a horse to explore higher up the valley. Or arrange for a private vehicle to take you to sites of interest. Hitchhiking here is very easy as the locals are all very friendly.

See
Mountain valleys, waterfalls and streams, the rainforest, monkeys, hummingbirds, toucans, local life in an agricultural community in an area of wonderful natural beauty.

A plentitude of rainforest animals, virgin rainforest, waterfalls, ancient stone inscriptions, ancient burial mounds, local markets, indigenous villages, stunning local landscapes, aguardiente farms, organic farms, riverside bathing pools, salt mines, traditional Ecuadorean villages, religious shrines, firework workshops and ancient trekking trade routes.

 * Piedra Blanca is a small community found in a stunningly beautiful rainforest valley in Bolivar Province, Ecuador. Backpackers often rave about the place and most visitors discover the region by word of mouth. The local community is aware of the great tourism potential of the region but tries to keep a low profile (it's not in any guidebooks yet) as it does not want a huge influx of visitors that might overwhelm the community and delicate ecosystems. A community run ecotourism project provides an alternative to logging as the locals accompany tourists to the rainforest, local cultural sites of interest, other local villages and on rafting expeditions of pre-Inca design.

Do
Walk, trek, photograph, bathe in waterfalls, relax, watch birds, hire a horse, visit productive charity projects in local communities...

Go river rafting on a traditional-style balsawood raft.

Trek in the forest or up to the white rock (piedra blanca) with a local guide.

Visit Aguardiente farms and distilleries.

Buy
Not a lot, so make sure you bring anything vitally important with you. Food supplies are easily available, but there is little in the way of souvenirs or luxuries. There is no bank, so bring enough cash for your trip.

Market day in San Luis is every Sunday. Other markets in nearby towns can also be visited.

Eat
There are a handful of simple restaurants in town, most of which are around the plaza. There's also plenty of street food.

Food is basic, mostly made from local ingredients - chicken, beef, rice, plantains, sweetcorn, avocadoes, etc.

Drink
Aguardiente - this 'firewater' is made from sugarcane, which is crushed, fermented and then distilled into a clear, potent 60 proof drink. Bolivar province is well known for having some of the most potent, high quality aguardiente in all South America. CADO, a local cooperative has achieved organic certification for their sugarcane plantations and can take you on a tour to see how aguardiente is made and taste the results.

There are a couple of decent bars in the town, including one beautiful bar overlooking the river.

Sleep
There is one small hotel, Hotel El Pambileno, with eight decent but un-inspiring rooms on the main plaza in San Luis, for about $5 per night. No need to book in advance - there's almost always space. The hotel can arrange guides etc. for you.

Go next
By bus to Quevedo (and change bus to travel onwards to the coast e.g. Manta), or there are plenty of direct buses to Guaranda (~5 hours), Santo Domingo de los Colorados (~3 hours), Guayaquil (3-4 hours) and Quito(~6 hours).

If you are fit and adventurous, take the beautiful two day climb up into the Andes to Salinas de Guaranda. You'll need a guide, and probably a horse to help with your baggage.

title: San Luis de Pambil


text:
San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo is a city in San Luis Obispo County in the Central Coast region of California.

Understand
About half way between Los Angeles (200 miles / 320 km to the south) and San Francisco (230 miles / 370 km to the north), nine small but impressive volcanic peaks march down a valley of the Santa Lucia range to the Pacific Ocean. Nestled around two of these peaks is San Luis Obispo ("SLO", "slow", or "San Luis" to locals), a small college town that also is one of California's oldest communities. San Luis and its neighboring communities boast extraordinary resources for hiking, mountain biking, sea kayaking, swimming and surfing; outstanding natural beauty; a carefully preserved and thriving 19th-century downtown centered around a meticulously restored 18th-century mission; a small but thriving art gallery scene; and a large and growing collection of top-quality wineries.

Getting Oriented
San Luis Obispo is bounded by the imposing line of Cuesta Ridge to the northeast, the Irish Hills to the southwest, dramatic Bishop Peak to the northwest and Islay Hill to the southeast. The town clusters around the feet of the 1,000-foot (300-meter) Cerro San Luis, notably marked with a big white "M" (for Mission High School). Both locals and visitors frequently refer to Cerro San Luis as "Madonna Mountain" and a common misconception is that the "M" represents the surname "Madonna;" the famous Madonna Inn sits at the foot of the mountain and the city of San Luis Obispo negotiated public access to the peak with the Madonna family. Cal Poly sits hard against Cuesta Ridge (with its big white "P") and the downtown area runs from Cerro San Luis roughly toward campus around two parallel streets, Higuera and Monterey. Most restaurants, bars and shops are located on Higuera Street, nearer the Mission and Cerro San Luis; hotels are mostly located on Monterey Street, nearer the university but still within a mile (2 km) of the central downtown. A few restaurants are located in the charming Railroad District, about 5 blocks east of Higuera via Santa Rosa Street, near the train station and youth hostel.

By plane
San Luis Obispo has a one-terminal airport,

Central Coast Shuttle has 7 trips a day between the Los Angeles/LAX and Santa Maria Airport, about 35 miles south. This is a limited option, an Uber or ride from a friend must be procured, but may work in your situation.

Air Charter or air taxi is another alternative, where you can catch flights to San Diego for the weekend, or to any large or small airport. Air charters and air taxis fly point-to-point, at the departure time, departure airport, and arrival airport of the passengers' choosing. Prices start around $150 for a seat on flights that might already be going to your destination, or go from $1,000 to $10,000 or more for a custom-chartered flight where you hire the aircraft to fly you directly to your destination, any time you want to go. On-demand flights, and seats on flights already chartered to/from San Luis Obispo are offered by Pacific Air Taxi. Air taxi flights have a much shorter check-in time (typically just 15 minutes) than larger airlines, so you can just arrive and go. Travel time for an air taxi flight is usually 80 minutes from SLO to Sacramento.

By train

 * Routes stopping in San Luis Obispo:
 * Coast Starlight operates daily between Seattle and Los Angeles. Stops include Tacoma, Lacey, Centralia, Kelso, Vancouver, WA, Portland, Salem, Albany, Eugene, Klamath Falls, Dunsmuir, Redding, Chico, Sacramento, Davis, Martinez, San Francisco (Emeryville), Oakland, San Jose, Salinas, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Oxnard, Simi Valley, Van Nuys, and Burbank. Northbound and southbound trains meet in San Luis Obispo at about 3:30PM each day. The Coast Starlight offers particular treats to travellers from both north and south. Those coming from San Francisco will penetrate the Santa Lucia range through the eight tunnels of the Cuesta Grade, the longest railroad grade west of the Rockies, just before disembarking at San Luis Osbispo. From Los Angeles, the route traverses the wild coastline of Vandenburg Air Force Base, which is otherwise inaccessible to civilians. During the winter,  Coast Starlight travelers should enjoy great sunset views after departing San Luis Osbispo southbound.
 * Pacific Surfliner operates daily between San Luis Obispo and San Diego via Los Angeles.
 * Pacific Surfliner operates daily between San Luis Obispo and San Diego via Los Angeles.

By bus

 * Amtrak offers its Thruway bus service to San Luis Obispo from areas statewide including the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and the Central Valley.
 * Flixbus offers bus routes into SLO from Los Angeles and San Francisco.
 * San Luis Obispo County's Regional Transit Authority provides countywide bus transportation from as far south as Santa Maria up to Morro Bay/San Simeon and Paso Robles/San Miguel in the north.
 * Greyhound stops in Santa Maria, about 30 miles south.

By car
Since San Luis Obispo is home to the first ever motel (The Milestone Mo-Tel) it is definitely a car town. Both Highway 101 and Highway 1 run through town, with the two overlapping from San Luis Obispo until they split again further south in Pismo Beach. San Luis Obispo is the south end of dramatic Big Sur stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway (California Highway 1), inasmuch as the PCH rejoins Highway 101 in town. Highway 101 turns inland from San Luis, traversing the historic Cuesta Grade over the Santa Lucia Range to Atascadero and Paso Robles, then onward through the Salinas Valley to the San Francisco Bay Area. Travellers opting for the very worthwhile scenery of Big Sur via the PCH should be aware that driving times are much longer than by the 101.

Get around
Car is the easiest way to get around town and the larger region, but many locals opt to travel by bike or to walk within the city.

By bus
SLO Transit Services are reliable and cover most points of interest, but end at 11PM on weekdays and 8PM on the weekends. A trolley links some of the hotels on Monterey Street to the downtown area. Click here for more information

Regional Transit Authority The county bus system. Mainly intended for travel to neighboring cities, with limited service inside SLO, but check if the stops and schedules work for you.

By foot
Walking is a great way to get around, especially if you're staying close to downtown.

By bike
SLO keeps improving its bike infrastructure every year. Several bike shops offer rentals and some hotels have bike available for use by guests.

By pedicab
SLO Pedicab San Luis Obispo now has pedicab service.

By taxi
Taxi service is available from 234 Taxi (805-234-TAXI) but you certainly won't be able to hail a cab from a street corner; call for pick-up.

See

 * Take some time to walk around the downtown area. It's changed rapidly over the past decade with the introduction of new developments and larger chain restaurants/stores, but still maintains a wonderful small town feel with the addition of pedestrian corridors between streets where you'll find locals hanging out.
 * Take a look at Bubble Gum Alley and leave some of your own chewed gum behind. Located on the south side of Higuera Street between Broad St. and Garden St.
 * Depending on the season, college basketball, baseball, volleyball, soccer, and football games can be seen at the California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), in the hills on the northern end of town. Games are generally $5 for non-Cal Poly students.
 * Check out the eclectic Madonna Inn to see the Pink Room and the famous men's bathroom's waterfall (the women's bathroom next door in the hotel's basement is equally flamboyant and at least as pink as the Pink Room). Located just south of downtown, it can be reached either by the Madonna Rd. exit off the 101 or by taking Higuera Rd south and turning right onto Madonna Rd.
 * Take a look at Bubble Gum Alley and leave some of your own chewed gum behind. Located on the south side of Higuera Street between Broad St. and Garden St.
 * Depending on the season, college basketball, baseball, volleyball, soccer, and football games can be seen at the California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), in the hills on the northern end of town. Games are generally $5 for non-Cal Poly students.
 * Check out the eclectic Madonna Inn to see the Pink Room and the famous men's bathroom's waterfall (the women's bathroom next door in the hotel's basement is equally flamboyant and at least as pink as the Pink Room). Located just south of downtown, it can be reached either by the Madonna Rd. exit off the 101 or by taking Higuera Rd south and turning right onto Madonna Rd.

Do

 * There are many places to hike and mountain bike in San Luis Obispo. The Santa Lucia mountains and the "Nine Sisters" offer many beautiful views of the city and the countryside. The two most popular hikes are Bishop Peak (no bikes allowed) and Cerro San Luis (multiple biking trails). If you're interested in other mountain biking trails around the county check out the list at CCCMB, a volunteer organization that creates and maintains trails countywide.
 * Visit Montana de Oro State Park. Take Los Osos Valley Road 10 miles west of town to a park named one of the state's best-kept secrets by the L.A. Times a few years back, and with good reason; it's filled with an abundance of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails both along the ocean along the bluffs and inland into the coastal peaks; a dramatic cove with caves that kids and adults love; and miles of sandy beach and tidal pools. Trails range from casual ambles along the bluffs to the steep climbs up Valencia and Oats Peaks. Oats is the longer hike (about 5.5 miles / 9 km) but more rewarding, as it offers views of Valencia against the Pacific, as well as northward and eastward to the Nine Sisters and Cuesta Ridge; the trail also is less steep. A terrific nine-mile (14-km) loop can be made by continuing over the summit to the Coon Creek trail, then crossing back in front of the range along Rattlesnake Flats Trail. Take water! The "Mountain of Gold" also reigns as a popular out-and-back destination for the many road cyclists in the county, but cyclists ride westward early as strong winds pick up through Los Osos Valley in the early afternoon.
 * Walk or bike to Poly Canyon. Located on the north east side of the Cal Poly campus. Poly Canyon is a hilly, open, grassy area where many Cal Poly engineering and architecture students have constructed senior projects. The road up can be reached by taking the main road towards the Poly Canyon Village housing complex and taking a right before the road dips down the hill on a smaller road with a gate that quickly turns to dirt/gravel. Public vehicles are not allowed to drive on it, though be alert for university vehicles travelling up and down on occasion and student runners/cyclists.
 * Kayaks and other outdoor gear can be rented at reasonable prices by students and the public from Poly Escapes on the Cal Poly campus. Kayaking is possible in many places in the county, but the most exciting place to kayak is between Shell Beach and Pismo Beach where there are sea caves you can explore. There are guided tours of the so-called "Dinosaur Caves" available from several kayak rental shops in Pismo Beach.
 * See a movie downtown at the Fremont Theatre or The Palm Theater. The Fremont is located downtown on Monterey St and has become an instantly recognizable landmark with its vivid neon signage. The beautiful classic main theatre room is used primarily for the largest movie being screened while the rest are shown in smaller modern theaters built in a hidden addition. The Palm Theatre is a local movie theatre that instead showcases the very best of independent, foreign, art house, and mainstream cinema. Located downtown on the corner of Palm and Broad, it is an easy walk and located next to two of the main parking garage facilities. The theater also boasts being one of the first fully solar-powered and plays host the annual San Luis Obispo International Film Festival.
 * See a movie downtown at the Fremont Theatre or The Palm Theater. The Fremont is located downtown on Monterey St and has become an instantly recognizable landmark with its vivid neon signage. The beautiful classic main theatre room is used primarily for the largest movie being screened while the rest are shown in smaller modern theaters built in a hidden addition. The Palm Theatre is a local movie theatre that instead showcases the very best of independent, foreign, art house, and mainstream cinema. Located downtown on the corner of Palm and Broad, it is an easy walk and located next to two of the main parking garage facilities. The theater also boasts being one of the first fully solar-powered and plays host the annual San Luis Obispo International Film Festival.
 * See a movie downtown at the Fremont Theatre or The Palm Theater. The Fremont is located downtown on Monterey St and has become an instantly recognizable landmark with its vivid neon signage. The beautiful classic main theatre room is used primarily for the largest movie being screened while the rest are shown in smaller modern theaters built in a hidden addition. The Palm Theatre is a local movie theatre that instead showcases the very best of independent, foreign, art house, and mainstream cinema. Located downtown on the corner of Palm and Broad, it is an easy walk and located next to two of the main parking garage facilities. The theater also boasts being one of the first fully solar-powered and plays host the annual San Luis Obispo International Film Festival.

Buy
San Luis Obispo has a wide range of both local and chain stores at which to shop. In general the majority of local stores can be found downtown mixed in with smaller chains, while the larger box stores can be found in the two sprawling developments near the corner of Madonna Rd and Los Osos Valley Rd.

 * Downtown San Luis Obispo has many chain stores located along the main Higuera St and the pedestrian developments that branch off including The Gap, Pottery Barn, Victoria's Secret, The Apple Store, Sephora, Urban Outfitters, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Banana Republic.

Eat
Due in large part to the dearth of affordable ethnic eateries (SLO is a very white town), dining in town will set you back a few dollars. None of the local restaurants stands out with a consistently good menu (with the possible exception of the pricey Koberl) although several have some great dishes. Consequently, a fun and satisfying way to explore downtown is to have an itinerant dinner, sampling appetizers, salads, and a main course or two at a variety of eateries.

Drink

 * Bars The downtown area has many bars along Higuera street south of Santa Rosa ave, owing to the large student population. They are all an easy walk (or stumble) from one another. These start to become active around 10PM and on weekends will generally be quite busy up until 2AM. Options range from Martini lounge to Irish pub to wannabe LA nightclub.
 * Wine Tasting There are several award-winning wineries in SLO county, many of which offer free wine tasting. Brochures to guide you through the area are available all over town, but they are actually unnecessary. Drive on 101 into Paso Robles and turn on Highway 46 (either direction). There will be wineries on either side of the road. There are also a number of wine tasting bars in downtown SLO.

Sleep
Hotels along the entire California coast get booked up every weekend during the summer. Be sure to make reservations if you intend to stay in San Luis Obispo on a weekend in the summer.

Go next

 * Avila Beach - Avila Beach is a small coastal community 10 miles (16 km) southwest of San Luis Obispo that offers a number of quaint inns, spas and resorts. Point San Luis, accessible via a scenic docent-led hike or by trolley, is home to a lighthouse that dates back to 1890 and is the only surviving Prairie Victorian on the West Coast. Visitors looking for relaxation can soak in nearby mineral hot springs or lounge on the sandy beach that gives the town its name.
 * Carrizo Plain National Monument - 75 miles (120 km) east of San Luis Obispo, this remote national monument is home to the largest remaining native grassland in California. During wet years it boasts spectacular wildflowers in the spring, and Soda Lake is an important wintering area for waterfowl when precipitation is sufficient to flood the seasonal lakebed. The park is also home to Painted Rock, a Native American site that has been adorned with pictographs over thousands of years. Services are extremely limited, with just a small visitor center, two primitive campgrounds, and a handful of marked trails available.
 * Los Osos - gateway to Montana Del Oro State Park.
 * Morro Bay - 13 miles (21 km) northwest of San Luis Obispo, this coastal town is best known for the massive 581-foot (177 m) volcanic rock that dominates its harbor, but is also a great spot to see marine mammals and is home to one of California's oldest fine art and craft shows.
 * Paso Robles - Paso Robles is a historical resort town known for its hot springs that is 31 miles (50 km) north of San Luis Obispo. This city's major industry is wine production, with vineyards located throughout the surrounding area.
 * Pismo Beach - This tourism-focused coastal town is located 13 miles (21 km) south of San Luis Obispo. It has more than 65 restaurants and 30 lodging options, and draws visitors with its beautiful coastline, annual clam festival, and the thousands of monarch butterflies that gather to spend the winter in a grove at the edge of town.
 * San Simeon - 42 miles (68 km) northwest of San Luis Obispo, San Simeon is home to Hearst Castle, the impressive residence of the former media tycoon William Randolph Hearst, now managed as a state park with tours available daily. A massive colony of more than 20,000 elephant seals can be viewed onshore just north of town every winter.

title: San Luis Obispo


text:
San Luis Obispo County

San Luis Obispo County is in the Central Coast of California in the United States of America. The county seat is San Luis Obispo (population 46,000), home to California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) with 20,000 students. The county is the third largest wine producer in California, behind Sonoma and Napa counties. It has a number of coastal towns. A major attraction is Hearst Castle at San Simeon.

Cities

 * - Lying exactly half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco, this small college town and its neighboring communities boast extraordinary resources for hiking, mountain biking, sea kayaking, swimming and surfing, outstanding natural beauty, a carefully preserved and thriving 19th-century downtown centered around a meticulously restored 18th-century mission, a small but thriving art gallery scene, and a large and growing collection of top-quality wineries.
 * Five Cities Metro Area
 * (including Shell Beach) - This tourism-focused coastal town has more than 65 restaurants and 30 lodging options, and draws visitors with its beautiful coastline, annual clam festival, and the thousands of monarch butterflies that gather to spend the winter in a grove at the edge of town.
 * (including Shell Beach) - This tourism-focused coastal town has more than 65 restaurants and 30 lodging options, and draws visitors with its beautiful coastline, annual clam festival, and the thousands of monarch butterflies that gather to spend the winter in a grove at the edge of town.
 * (including Shell Beach) - This tourism-focused coastal town has more than 65 restaurants and 30 lodging options, and draws visitors with its beautiful coastline, annual clam festival, and the thousands of monarch butterflies that gather to spend the winter in a grove at the edge of town.
 * (including Shell Beach) - This tourism-focused coastal town has more than 65 restaurants and 30 lodging options, and draws visitors with its beautiful coastline, annual clam festival, and the thousands of monarch butterflies that gather to spend the winter in a grove at the edge of town.

 * - Atascadero was founded in 1913 to be a utopian colony, complete with an Italian Renaissance-style town hall surrounded by an expansive Sunken Gardens. The town hall and gardens remain today, and have been joined by the tiny Charles Paddock Zoo, home to 45 species including a pair of red pandas, Malayan tiger, and lemurs.
 * - Avila Beach is a small coastal community that offers a number of quaint inns, spas and resorts. Point San Luis, accessible via a scenic docent-led hike or by trolley, is home to a lighthouse that dates back to 1890 and is the only surviving Prairie Victorian on the West Coast.  Visitors looking for relaxation can soak in nearby mineral hot springs or lounge on the sandy beach that gives the town its name.
 * - Cambria offers an abundance of inns and hotels for those seeking a quiet weekend away, and is an excellent place to stay for visitors planning to see Hearst Castle in neighboring San Simeon. Within Cambria travelers will find a scenic shoreline that includes Moonstone Beach, home to tide pools and the semi-precious stones that give the beach its name. The town is also home to Nitt Witt Ridge, a historic residence built over many years out of rocks, abalone shells, wood, beer cans, tile, car parts and other assorted junk.
 * - This coastal town is best known for the massive 581-foot (177 m) volcanic rock that dominates its harbor, but is also a great spot to see marine mammals. It is home to one of California's oldest fine art and craft shows as well as a small aquarium and a natural history museum focused on the ecology of Morro Bay.
 * - Paso Robles is a historical resort town known for its hot springs. This city's major industry is wine production, with vineyards throughout the surrounding area.
 * - Home to Hearst Castle, the impressive residence of the former media tycoon William Randolph Hearst, now managed as a state park and open for guided tours. A massive colony of more than 20,000 elephant seals can be viewed onshore just north of town every winter.
 * - Paso Robles is a historical resort town known for its hot springs. This city's major industry is wine production, with vineyards throughout the surrounding area.
 * - Home to Hearst Castle, the impressive residence of the former media tycoon William Randolph Hearst, now managed as a state park and open for guided tours. A massive colony of more than 20,000 elephant seals can be viewed onshore just north of town every winter.
 * - Home to Hearst Castle, the impressive residence of the former media tycoon William Randolph Hearst, now managed as a state park and open for guided tours. A massive colony of more than 20,000 elephant seals can be viewed onshore just north of town every winter.

Other destinations

 * - This remote national monument is home to the largest remaining native grassland in California. During wet years it boasts spectacular wildflowers in the spring, and Soda Lake is an important wintering area for waterfowl when precipitation is sufficient to flood the seasonal lakebed. The park is also home to Painted Rock, a Native American site that has been adorned with pictographs over thousands of years. Services are extremely limited, with just a small visitor center, two primitive campgrounds, and a handful of marked trails available.

Understand
San Luis Obispo County is in central, coastal California, halfway between the metropolitan hubs of San Francisco and Los Angeles. The county is known for its fast-growing wine scene, centered on Paso Robles, and, to a lesser extent, its food. With a generally mild climate and a host of outdoor activities, San Luis County makes for a year-round, family-friendly destination. Its central location makes it a popular extended weekend getaway for people from the San Francisco Bay Area and greater Los Angeles area.

San Luis Obispo County's largest city is San Luis Obispo, home to California Polytechnic State University ("Cal Poly"). To the south of San Luis Obispo is the unincorporated community of Avila Beach and the towns of Arroyo Grande and Pismo Beach. To the north of San Luis Obispo are Morro Bay and Los Osos on the coast, and Atascadero and Paso Robles along with the county's fast-growing wine country.

By car
Highway 101 is the main north-south highway through the county, traversing the inland portions of the county and providing the fastest route for travelers. Travelers looking for a more scenic route will enjoy the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1), which runs at a slower pace along the coast and offers scenic views out onto the ocean.

El Camino Real (The Royal Road), a historic route connecting all of California's 21 Spanish missions, passes through the county, roughly following Highway 101

By plane
The San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport operates service to several western hubs.

By bus
Amtrak stops in Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, and Grover Beach. Several Thruway bus routes traverse SLO County as well.

Flixbus runs between San Luis Obispo and Los Angeles.

Greyhound stops in Santa Maria. To reach SLO County, take the RTA route 10.

Get around
San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority provides bus service between cities and is an affordable way to travel, but service is limited at night and on the weekends.

Taking Amtrak can be a fun way to travel or sightsee, but check timetables as the trains only run a few times a day.

Go next

 * - Located north of San Luis Obispo County, Monterey County is what many people think of when they think of the Central Coast - the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the beautiful 17-Mile Drive, Cannery Row, Pebble Beach golf course, and the rugged beauty of Big Sur. The northern part of the county contains every manner of amenity for travelers, ranging from chain motels to five star resorts, while the southern portion of the county is remote and accessible mainly by the Pacific Coast Highway or on foot by hikers.
 * - Located northeast of San Luis Obispo County, rural Kings County is responsible for billions of dollars of annual agricultural production, much of it from the dairy industry. Travelers passing through on Interstate 5 may find the area lacking in attractions, although there are a few hotels and other amenities in the county's small towns.
 * - Bordering San Luis Obispo County to the east, Kern County extends across a number of geographic regions: the western portion is in the San Joaquin Valley, the northeastern portion is in the Sierra Nevada mountains, and the southeastern part is in the Desert. Visitors to the county are most likely to be heading to Bakersfield, one of California's largest cities, or traveling along Interstate 5 past oil fields and agricultural areas.
 * - While to some extent it is an extension of the Los Angeles metropolitan area, San Luis Obispo County's neighbor to the southeast is home to rural getaways like the town of Ojai that share more with the remote Central Coast region than they do with the massive cities to the south. While the county is heavily populated (with services to match), the Los Padres National Forest dominates the northern part of this county and provides recreational opportunities for those who want to spend time outdoors.
 * - San Luis Obispo County's southern neighbor is most famous for the town of Santa Barbara and is sometimes considered the northern boundary of Southern California. While mountains run through the region, the county is well served by a network of highways, making road trips to the many beautiful wineries a popular activity. The Danish town of Solvang is a popular destination, and rocket launches can sometimes be viewed near Vandenberg Air Force base, America's west coast spaceport.

title: San Luis Obispo County


text:
San Luis Potosi

San Luis Potosí is state capital of the San Luis Potosí state in the Bajío in Mexico. Its position along the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, one of the "royal" roads that led all the way up to Santa Fe, New Mexico, has given the city UNESCO World Heritage status. The city has colonial architecture, churches, government buildings, modern museums and attractions to explore.

Understand
San Luis Potosi's name is derived from the combination of its patron saint, Louis IX of France, and Potosi, in reference to the silver city of Bolivia, because of San Luis Potosi's own silver lode in nearby Cerro de San Pedro. It was founded in 1592 by Miguel Caldera and the conquistador Juan Onate, after the Spanish crown gave the indigenous peoples like the Otomi and Chichimeca the boot (after about 100 years).

SLP briefly served as capital of the country under Benito Juarez during the French invasion in 1863. Then it also featured as the place where Mexico's revolution against its dictator Porfirio Diaz began in 1910, after Diaz's opponent Francisco Madero fled imprisonment and called on Mexican statesmen to take up arms.

SLP sits on a high plain at around 1864 m, so be prepared for a little nip in the air on winter evenings. It isn't even unheard-of for some snow to fall. But the city has colonial architecture, churches and government buildings among others, plus museums and modern day attractions to explore.

For questions ask the official tourist information on their Facebook page. They answer quite quickly.

Talk
A conversational understanding of Spanish will aid you greatly during your visit, as few SLP citizens will fluently speak English. Indeed, it is a very chic city for learning the Spanish language without being distracted by the English of tourists.

By plane
San Luis Potosí has a small airport with a handful of routes. If you can't find a direct flight, consider flying to a nearby city and taking an intercity bus to San Luis Potosi. Nearby cities within several hours by bus include Querétaro, León, Aguascalientes, and possibly even Mexico City.

By carpooling
There are shared rides offered on Blablacar, which are about 30-50% cheaper than intercity buses.

Some examples with the approximate price (as of March 2022): • Querétaro: M$180 • León: M$160 • Guanajuato: M$160 • Zacatecas: M$170 • Ciudad Valles: M$250 • Aguascalientes: M$150

By bus
The (Terminal Terrestre Potosína) is fairly large with frequent service to major destinations, including Mexico City to the south and Monterrey to the north, both about 5 hours away. Inside the bus station is a Banorte ATM opposite of the taxi counter. There is a right next to the entrance of Building B (Edificio B). It offers a main dish for M$75 (March 2022).

Several buses per day make the trip from Monterrey. Executive class tickets departing Central de Autobuses in Monterrey to Terminal SLP cost from M$800 to M$900 (August 2022) on lines like Grupo Senda, Omnibus de Mexico, or Futura Plus. Other options cost less, for example:
 * Apolo Platinum for M$400 (March 2022). This first-class bus departs in Monterrey near the bus station, next to the Hotel Salvador. The departures are at 10am and in the evening. Ask the bus company on whatsapp (+525565788344) for the 10am departure if it's not shown on the website. The is near the central bus station next to Hotel Sand's.
 * An alternative is the second class bus Touristica Riveria for M$450 (March 2022) with A/C. It departs from Monterrey at 5pm, 7pm and 9pm daily near the central bus station at Hotel Victoria. In San Luis Potosí the buses arrive around midnight near the bus station at Hotel Real de Minas.

Primera Plus is a first-class bus line that operates services to SLP from Aeropuerto Mexico, Celaya, Cuautitlan, Guadalajara, Irapuato, La Penita, La Piedad, Lagos De Moreno, León, Mexico City (terminal norte), Mexico Observatorio, Morelia, Moroleon, Puerto Vallarta, Queretaro, San Juan De Los Lagos, Silao, Tapotzoltan, Toluca, Uruapan, Zamora de Hidalgo and Zapopan (western Guadalajara).

Overnight buses leave Austin, San Antonio or Laredo each night. They arrive in SLP around lunch time the next day. Most popular international line would be Grupo Senda/ Turimex -- a 5-minute cab ride from Austin Airport.

From the bus terminals to the center
Both the bus station and the Apolo Platinum Terminal are from the center, so you will need to catch a taxi or city bus to the center. From both terminals any bus marked 'Centro' or 'Alamada' will take you there. The yellow buses bring you to the, in the south-eastern part of the old-town. The price is M$10 (March 2022).

From the central bus station the depart from the other side of the highway in front of the Mobil Diesel. To go there pass the pedestrian bridge. From the Apolo Platinum Terminal the can be flagged down at the street in front of the Brazza y Fogo.

If you take a taxi from the central station buy a ticket from the booth inside the bus station. The price into the historical center is M$73 (March 2022).

On foot
You can get around a great portion of the city on foot.

By public transport
To go from A to B, Moovit covers the city. Most of the city bus lines are yellow, the other ones are blue (operated by Transporte Tangamanga). Buses must be flaged down at dedicated bus stops. Moovit don't always show the correct position of the bus stops. Have a look where other people wait for the bus or ask a local nearby. Only a few city bus lines go inside the centro historico, others go around it. The price is M$10 (March 2022) and is paid to the driver when entering the bus. The buses operate until 10pm.

By e-hailing
Uber covers the city.

By taxi
Taxis are cheap.

By sightseeing tour
The city has trollies at very inexpensive prices.

Do
Stroll through the Centro Histórico while the sun is fading and you will be able to take amazing photos of the beautiful architecture. During holiday periods (Christmas and Easter) there are twilight light shows in Plaza de Armas and Plaza de los Fundadores. It is a festival atmosphere with lots of people mingling in the plazas and surrounding streets. Stall holders sell colourful balloons and Mexican street snacks like corn-on-the-cob with cheese, butter, salt and lime.

Hiking

 * . It's a 20 min hike uphill to the mountain top. There it's a really nice view over the city. You can easily spot the cathedral. Also you see the whole Parque Tangamanga from above. The starts on the Calle Lic Ricardo Diaz de Leon. Use the satellite view of Google Maps, that trail is not shown on OpenStreetMap (for apps like OsmAnd or Mapy.cz). City buses go from the north and west of the center and from Alameda to the nearby Hospital del Niño y la Mujer. At the Hospital is an Oxxo to buy some water for the hike. After finishing the hike, there are some eateries around the Oxxo.
 * . On this track you can see cacti, goats, a stream and maybe bovine. From the bus stop to the triangle it's around 30 min hiking. At the triangle is only one tree far and wide. It's near the track to Cerro de la Pepsi, so it starts from the same hospital. This trail is shown on OpenStreetMap. It goes through a neighborhood of simple housing. It made a safe impression, anyway don't show your possessions too openly.

Out of town trips

 * – 20 km. It's a trip to a village in the beautiful mountains. There you can walk over a dam, see a lake, hike to a viewpoint on a mountain, see different cacti, see a church and visit a zoo. It's not touristy at all. Coming from the center it's convenient to join a at Jardín de Santiago. For more information have a look into the Get In section of the Mexquitic article. The last buses back to SLP depart at 8pm. At Jardín Santiago check if there is  in the park. The tacos are delicious and with meat which you may not have tried before. In front of the Jardín de Santiago depart city buses frequently back to Alameda.
 * – 22 km. Also a village in the mountains. Take bus line 39 from Alameda to Zapatilla. From there a taxi for the remaining 4 km.
 * – 40 km. The only entrance into the crater is on the south western spot. There you can also find a tourist center. To the crater goes a dirt road from the village La Purisima. Or you hike 1 hour from the village Estación Ventura. The hiking path is shown on OpenStreetMap. From the SLP bus station (Building B) go the Autobuses Cerritenses through Estación Ventura (on its way to Cerritos). The departures are daily 7:15, 9:00, 13:00, 14:15, 16:30 and 19:00, on Sunday without the departures at 7:15 and 14:15 (March 2022). Estación Ventura lies between SLP and Monterrey, so you can ask if intercity buses like Senda and Frontera stop there as well.

Buy
ATMs with low withdrawal fees in the center are: • Caja Popular Mexicana • BanCoppel in the north of the center • BanBajío • Banco Azteca in the electra stores, one is in the south of the center • citibanamex in the middle of the center • Santander in the middle of the center

For buying groceries in the center there are Oxxo, minimarkets (tiendas), the Farmacias Guadalajara, the Mercado Hidalgo and Waldo's around. A bigger choice of bread have the Expendido Bimbo stores. A bigger variety of groceries has the Bodega Aurrera in the north of the center. Somewhat more far away are the large supermarkets Soriana and Chedraui.

Centro Histórico SLP has many shops and markets where you can buy Mexican handicrafts, fresh produce and pretty much anything else.

Start at Plaza de Las Armas and walk north along Miguel Hidalgo. There is pedestrian mall followed by the Mercado Hidalgo.

Eat
San Luis Potosí has many good restaurants in the downtown area. Walk up Venustiano Carranza and you will find many of the city's top culinary gems. One of the entrees the city is uniquely known for is its enchiladas potosinas, which are enchiladas made with ancho peppers and corn dough.

Street Food
San Luis Potosí has some street-food, either bicycles, small carts, or even trucks.

There is every day on the north-western spot of the Alameda park. In Google Maps one of the stalls is shown with its name Antojitos Mexicanos "Doña Mary". Offered are: • enchiladas potosinas • tacos rojos • chalupas • quesadillas • flautas • tostadas It's typical to order 5 pieces for M$50 altogether (April 2022). Included are potatoes and a salad on your dish. Other offers are: • pambazos for M$30 (April 2022) • pollo frito • gorditas

– They are offered in the center in front of the Farmacia Guadalajara Ignacio Zaragoza 515. They cost M$20 (March 2022) and the street cart is there until 9:30pm.

In other parts of the city this street food is typically offered:

 * Gorditas de Horno. Baked version of tamales. These are stuffed with tasty savory fillings and soaked in a hot salsa. Look for the yellow tricycles with a fish tank full of gorditas in the front.
 * Tacos sudados. Tacos prepared very early in the morning are put in big thermal containers to keep them warm and sold for breakfast or lunch. You will see a cloud of people moving around the good places, all of them outside the city center: Benigno Arriaga and  on Av Himno Nacional 2695.
 * Tamales. Imagine corn meal with a savory or sweet filling, wrapped corn husks and steamed. As they are thoroughly cooked and covered, tamales would be a safer choice among meals since no hand would be touching them until the husks are peeled off by the diner and the content consumed.
 * Corn. Either on the cob or loose this is all different from the yellow corn you are used to. Mexican corn is white is not sweet, but has a delicious flavor of its own. You can get it with a combination of the following ingredients: butter, cream, cheese, mayonnaise, lime, powder chili and salt. You can just ask for a recommendation to the seller.

In the city center

 * . You get delicious burritos for M$12 (March 2022) gorditas, molletes, and a comida corrida for M$80 (March 2022). It's open M-F until 4pm.
 * Comida China. There are some Chinese restaurants. For example, or . A main dish with one kind of meat costs M$65-70 (March 2022).
 * . You get tasty gorditas and burritos for M$10 and tortas from M$15 (March 2022).
 * . When staying in the south of the center and being hungry for tacos in the evening: This place is for you. It offers four different kinds of meat. Prices are M$12 each (April 2022).
 * . When staying in the south of the center and being hungry for tacos in the evening: This place is for you. It offers four different kinds of meat. Prices are M$12 each (April 2022).

Off downtown

 * , Calle del Arbol (about number 11, one block away from Gorditas de Morales). Open only on weekends. Arrive early as the queue can be very long at times. These gorditas are thick and cooked in an oven. Different from the ones sold in bicycle stands. This are not served in a bag full of salsa, but they are way softer and richer in flavor (not necessarily spicy).

Drink
Be sure to find La Calle San Francisco (near the church by the same name) in the city's downtown sector. There are some outstanding cafes and clubs in this area. Look for those with the rooftop locations. They have the charm of brick-covered alleys and spectacular starlit views in the evening. Some also feature live music.

 * Cafe Luna
 * Callejon San Francisco, Universidad 169

Sleep
Inexpensive independent hotels are mostly downtown. For true budget travellers the area between the cathedral and the Train museum (museo del ferrocarril) has many cheap hotels. For example the basic Hotel Alameda is for M$300 (March 2022).

Go next
To get from Alameda to the bus station catch a city bus marked 'Central TTP' running east along Av. Universidad. Or use Moovit to find a connection from any place in town. From the west and north of the historical center (along the street Reforma) go the bus lines 17 and 19 to the central bus station.

Your next destination for staying can be:

To the east

 * Ciudad Valles – 290km. From there to Xilitla

To the north

 * Real de Catorce – 210 km. A ghost town and pueblo magico. Due to its distance, it's more convenient to stay there at least one night instead of making just a day-trip. Inside the village are several hotels.
 * Matehuala – 190 km. On the way to Saltillo and Monterrey.
 * Saltillo – 450 km
 * Monterrey – 510 km

To the south

 * Guanajuato – 190 km
 * San Miguel de Allende – 170 km
 * Querétaro – 210 km

To the west

 * Zacatecas – 190 km

title: San Luis Potosi


text:
San Luis Potosi (state)

San Luis Potosí is a state in the Bajío, in Central Mexico. The state lies mostly on the Mexican Plateau, with the eastern part descending into the tropical valley of the Tampaon River. The state has relied largely on mining through its history, and its agricultural sector produces large crops of wheat, maize, beans and cotton in the uplands. In the low tropical valleys, sugar, coffee, tobacco, peppers and fruit are staple products. Livestock is also an important industry.

Regions
San Luis Potosí has four distinct regions each with a different climate, culture and history.

Cities

 * - State capital
 * - Large dusty city in the north, gateway to Real de Catorce
 * - Old silver mining community, now a ghost town popular with artists
 * - Charming small town that calls itself the birthplace of the rebozo
 * - Small town in the heart of the Huasteca
 * - Largest city of the Huasteca region and commercial and cultural center.
 * - Large town on the Rio Moctezuma and at the foot of the Sierra Madre
 * - Edward James created the surrealistic Las Pozas here

Archaeological sites
Both of the archeological parks are located near the town of Tamuín, just east of Ciudad Valles.

 * Tamohi (also known as El Consuelo - an older Huastec site with a large number of excavated structures.

Central Plateau

 * Wirikuta: the place of pilgrimage for the Huichol (Wirrárika).
 * Sierra de la Mojonera
 * Real de Guadalcázar: the largest variety of cactus on the American continent.

Capital city

 * Ejido San Juan de Guadalupe
 * Paseo de la Presa San José
 * Parque Nacional El Gogorrón
 * Reserva Forestal y de la Fauna Sierra de Álvarez
 * Parque Nacional El Potosí extends from Santa María to Río Verde Valley.

Huasteca Potosina

 * Reserva de Tancojol
 * Reserva Forestal Nacional Porción Boscosa del Estado de San Luis Potosí
 * Reserva de la Biosfera Sierra El Abra Tanchipa

By plane
Ponciano Arriaga International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional Pociano Arriaga) is the only airport in the city of San Luis Potosí. It is a really small airport for a medium city. Having only 2 gates and only two international inbound/outbound destinations (Dallas and Houston) and only one daily national destination (Mexico City) and twice weekly service to Monterrey. It is served by Aeromexico, Aerolitoral, American Airlines, and United.

The closest large airport to the eastern part of the state is Tampico. Both have car rentals.

There is a smaller airport in Tamuin just east of Ciudad Valles. Tamuin offers flights to the border and San Luis Potosí.

By car
The major highways are the Old Pan American Highway (85) that runs along the coastal plain and through Ciudad Valles. Another is the Olympic Highway from Laredo to Mexico City which travels the central plateau and passes through San Luis Potosí. Highway 70 runs from San Luis Potosí to Rioverde and the remaining part to Ciudad Valles.

By train
A major railroad runs north-south through San Luis Potosí. Another railroad connects Ciudad Valles to Tampico and to San Luis Potosí in the other direction. These are freight railroads, but a lot of migrants from Central America hitch rides on the train on their journey north to the U.S. If you're adventurous you could join the campesinos.

By bus
There is extensive bus service running both major north-south highways as well as local buses and taxis. You can use Greyhound in the USA to get to San Luis Potosi cheaply, especially if coming from the regions that border Mexico. Bus companies:

 * Transpaís (01-800) 713-1000
 * Transportes Venecedor (01-800) 640-9354
 * Omnibus de México (01-800) 640-9354
 * ETN (01-800) 800-0386
 * Autobuses del Noreste (01-800) 280-1010
 * Flecha Amarilla (01-800) 375-7587
 * Grupo Estrella Blanca (01-800) 507-5500
 * Grupo Senda (01-800) 890-9090

Get around
Within the state, bus, automobile, and taxis are the primary source of travel. Buses are listed above. Rental Cars are available only in the city of San Luis Potosí. Taxis are available throughout the state.

Museums

 * Huasteca Potosina
 * Ciudad Valles
 * Museo de las Culturas de la Huasteca Potosina Tamuatzán
 * Museo Regional Huasteco
 * Tamuín
 * Museo Universitario Lariab de Historia Antigua de la Huaxteca
 * Xilitla
 * Museo Edward James

Central Plateau

 * Festival del Desierto del Altiplano Potosino (April - May) Music, dance and theater in towns throughout the Altiplano.

Capital City

 * Encuentro Bianual de Decimistas y Versadores de Latinamérica y el Caribe (October) - Open air concerts, recitals, lectures and round tables of genres from Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe.
 * Festival de Danzas Étnicas de la Huasteca Potosina (December) - Festival of the ethnic dances of the Huasteca Potosina
 * Festival del Son (March) - Promotes the musical form son.
 * Festival de Música Antigua y Barroca (November) - Celebration of the founding of the city of San Luis Potosí featuring Medieval, Renaissance, Colonial, Arab, Andalusian and Baroque music.
 * Festival de Música Vernácula (March) - Festival of regional and popular music.
 * Festival de San Luis (April - May) - Festival of art and culture.
 * Festival Internacional Letras en San Luis (May) - Festival of literature.
 * Festival Internacional de Danza Contemporánea de San Luis Potosí Lila López (September - October) - Festival of contemporary dance.
 * Muestra Anual del Folklor (December) - Exhibition of folk dance.
 * Muestra International de Folklore y Artes Tradicionales (September) - Exhibition of folk music and folk dance of Mexico and other countries.

Huasteca Potosina

 * Feria Nacional de la Huasteca Potosina (FENAHUAP): March in Ciudad Valles
 * Xantolo (Huastec version of Day of the Dead): October

Río Verde Valley
Pame festivals

 * Candlemas or Purification of the Virgin Day (February 2)
 * Saint Joseph's Day (March 19)
 * Holy Week (Semana Santa): Most important celebration
 * Holy Cross Day (May 3)
 * The Assumption of the Virgin Mary (August 15)
 * Day of the Dead (All Souls' Day)
 * Christmas

Protected historical areas
The center of the city of San Luis Potosí has been declared a "centro de monumentos históricos." Some of the buildings that have been preserved are the Museo Federico Silva (modern sculpture), the Museo Nacional de la Máscara (National Museum of the Mask), the old Penitenciaría and the Teatro de la Paz (Peace Theatre).

Central Plateau

 * San Juan de Vanegas

Capital City

 * El Gogorrón

Huasteca Potosina
There are many springs. Taninul is a warm springs that has been developed into a swimming pool with a resort hotel. There is also a small cave with some climbing routes. Often, the springs are called nacimientos or ojos.

 * Nacimiento de Huichihuayan

Río Verde Valley
Laguna de la Media Luna (Lake of the Half Moon) is a clear spring-fed lake. Scuba diving and camping are available. Other springs are

 * Ojo Caliente

Huasteca Potosina
Sótano de los Golondrinas (Pit Cave of the Swallows) is the most well-known cave. The swallows spiral up out of the cave every morning and return every evening. For cavers it is a vertical descent to the floor of the cave. There are many caves in this area including

 * Sótano de las Huahuas (or La Hoya de las Huahuas)
 * Cuevas de Mantetzulel
 * Cuevas Sagradas del Viento y la Fertilidad en Chununtzen I
 * Grutas los Sabinos

Río Verde Valley
Grutas de Catedral is the most well-known cave and does not require special equipment. Other caves

 * El Ángel

Huasteca Potosina
Cascada de Tamul is a 100-m (345-foot) waterfall where the Río Gallinas pours over the canyon wall into the Río Santa Maria, forming the Río Tampoan. Travertine forms many waterfalls in this region, including

 * Cascadas Minas Viejas
 * Cascadas Micos
 * Cascada El Meco
 * Cascada El Salto

Río Verde Valley

 * Cascada La Llovisnosa (The Big Mist Waterfall) is the largest of three waterfalls on the Río Verde. The volcanic rock in this area forms these waterfalls and other interesting formations such as the narrow gorge at Pinihuan.

Capital city
Valle de los Fantasmas (Valley of the Ghosts) is a rock formation that has a ghostly look under a full moon. It is near the highway from San Luis Potosí to Rioverde.

Huasteca Potosina
Puente de Dios, El Trampolín and Balneario Cascadas de Tamasopo is an area of springs, grottos and waterfalls.

Puente de Dios (Río Tampoan) is a travertine bridge a short distance upstream of the mouth of the Río Tampoan. A short paddle (or swim) on flatwater or raft trip through the canyon allows access to the travertine bridge and the pools that form on top for about half the year.

Do
Many activities are possible at attractions listed under See, such as hiking, caving, rappelling, kayaking, swimming, and tubing.

Eat
The enchiladas potosinas, the meat "Cesina", and "Pipian".

Drink
The capital of San Luis Potosi is awesome for night life. There are great clubs such as Mantra, Play, Roush.

title: San Luis Potosi (state)


text:
San Luis Rio Colorado

San Luis Rio Colorado is a city of 177,000 people (2020) in the state of Sonora, Mexico. It's on the United States border, opposite San Luis, Arizona.

Understand
Awarded city status in July 1958, San Luis Río Colorado serves as the administrative center for the surrounding municipality of the same name. The city is located on a mesa, characterized by a flat and sandy terrain. On Easter Sunday 2010, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the region. The Sears department store (formerly Dorian's) and 5 schools were destroyed, affecting approximately 30,000 people in the region. San Luis Río Colorado was once an important inland port for steamers traveling the Colorado from the Gulf of California. Since the early 1900s the Colorado has been completely or nearly completely drained for irrigation. The once-formidable Colorado is usually dry or a small stream.

Climate
San Luis Río Colorado has a desert climate, with extremely hot summers and mild winters. Winter is mild to cold and there are usually a few frosts per year. It is one of the hottest and driest cities in Mexico.

By plane
San Luis Río Colorado Airport is the general aviation airport serving this city. The nearest international airport to San Luis Río Colorado is General Rodolfo Sánchez Taboada International Airport near Mexicali.

By car
San Luis Río Colorado has highway connections to other parts of Mexico and the United States.

By bus
Several intercity bus companies (including TUFESA) stop at the San Luis Río Colorado bus station.

Do

 * Fiestas del Desierto celebrates the culture, biodiversity, cuisine and sports of the Sonoran Desert Region in early November.
 * Pinacate Reserve and Gran Desierto de Altar: within the territory of San Luis Río Colorado is the El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar National Biosphere Reserve, which covers an area of 715,000 ha, made up of volcanic craters, areas of dunes and cinder cones and lava spills. The region has a cultural history of 20,000 years. The El Pinacate reserve is reached by federal highway No. 2, to the city of Sonoyta, from there it goes south on the road that leads to Puerto Peñasco, and at kilometer 8 is the entrance to the natural area.
 * Reserve of the Upper Gulf of California and Cienega de Santa Clara: the reserve involves communities and natural resources in the states of Sonora and Baja California. The residents of Ejido Luis Encinas Johnson, in the core area of the reserve, offer canoe rides and tours of sites of majestic natural beauty found in the Ciénega de Santa Clara, an extensive area of wetlands and tulares where you can appreciate more than 80 species of migratory and resident birds.
 * In the southwest region of the municipality is the Sea of Cortez, which with its warm waters bathes the town of Golfo de Santa Clara, a quiet point of tourist interest 108 km from the border, which is visited by thousands of American tourists, Canadians and Mexicans. The most characteristic attraction of the fishing village is the harmonious combination that the desert and the sea achieve when they merge into a wide expanse of clean and fine beaches that cover more than 50 km.

Events

 * In March the international off-road race takes place: the Sonora Rally, which begins in Hermosillo and ends in San Luis Río Colorado crossing the Great Altar Desert, which gives the winner a qualifying ticket for the famous Dakar Rally.
 * Also in March, the Taco Expo takes place in the Municipal Esplanade of the historic center, where in an atmosphere of music and party, local restaurants and merchants show a great variety of tacos.
 * At the end of March or the beginning of April, the Easter celebrations take place in the town of Golfo de Santa Clara, where thousands of visitors crowd the beaches.
 * In May, the Viva la Cheve event, which offers a wide variety of craft and commercial beers, with presentations by national artists. In the same month, the Desert Hawks Biker Festival is held, which is celebrated in the Tourist Walk on Third Street, and is attended by thousands of motorcyclists from both sides of the border and nearby states. The month ends with the Curvina Festival in the Gulf of Santa Clara * In July, in the town of Ejido Nuevo Michoacán, the Riito Patron Festivities are celebrated, with live music, fireworks, popular festival, horse race and worship of the figure of a virgin with more 100 years old, from the European continent.
 * In August, the Gulf of Santa Clara is filled with visitors during the San Luis on the Beach festivities.
 * National festivities are held on the esplanade of the municipal palace during the night of September 15 on the occasion of the anniversary of the Grito de Dolores, by burning a castle that contains fireworks.
 * In October, in the Sultán Lagoon in the agricultural valley of San Luis, the Harvest Dinner Tour of the Date is celebrated, offering a tour of the date plantations, live music, open bar of cocktails and pairing dinner.
 * At the end of October, the Cotton Fair for two weeks offer gastronomy, rides, contests, artistic presentations, concerts by artists of national and international stature.
 * In November, the main festival in the region, the Tierra Sonora Festival, for four days offers a artistic presentations, books, cinema, paintings, murals, gastronomic area and concerts with local artists on the Tourist Walkway of Third Street and Municipal Esplanade.
 * At the beginning of December, the Corn Festival takes place in the municipal esplanade, which consists of a sample of the foods that are produced with the appreciated corn. On the second Saturday of December, the Emigrate Day is celebrated with the Fiesta al Emigrado also on the municipal esplanade, with live music and a gastronomic option, in order to celebrate Mexican workers in the agricultural fields of the United States.
 * On December 12 the Virgin of Guadalupe is celebrated in the different Catholic churches of the city with games, food, artists and a mass.

Sleep
Many hotels cluster along MEX-2 close to the border crossing. Most are basic budget properties.

Go next

 * El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar National Biosphere Reserve
 * Puerto Peñasco
 * Mexicali
 * Valle de Guadalupe

title: San Luis Rio Colorado


text:
San Marcos

There is more than one place called San Marcos:

Colombia

 * San Marcos (Antioquia)
 * San Marcos (Sucre)

Costa Rica

 * San Marcos (Costa Rica)

Guatemala

 * San Marcos (department, Guatemala)
 * San Marcos, capital of San Marcos department
 * San Marcos La Laguna

Honduras

 * San Marcos (Honduras)

Mexico

 * San Marcos (Jalisco)
 * San Marcos (Guerrero)
 * San Marcos (Baja California Sur)

Nicaragua

 * San Marcos (Nicaragua)

Peru

 * San Marcos (Peru)

United States of America

 * San Marcos (California)
 * San Marcos (Texas)

title: San Marcos


text:
San Marcos (California)

San Marcos is a city in San Diego County in Southern California.

Get in
San Marcos is located on Highway 78 between Oceanside and Escondido. It is roughly 35 miles north of San Diego via Interstate 5 or Interstate 15 to Highway 78. The nearest major airport is San Diego. The nearest minor airport is Palomar Airport in Carlsbad.

The Sprinter, a light rail which runs between Oceanside and Escondido has two stops within the city limits, at and.

Get around
Breeze is the local bus system, with the Sprinter Oceanside-Escondido light rail line stopping in San Marcos as well. You can also dial 511 in the San Diego area for regional traffic, transit, and commute info.

Eat

 * Restaurant Row offers a selection of different restaurants, including Indian, Thai, Mexican, Greek, Seafood, Brewpub, Steak, Pizza, as well as several chains.

Sleep
There is a pretty limited selection of lodging in San Marcos. More options can be found in neighboring Carlsbad.

Go next

 * Vista
 * Escondido
 * Carlsbad

title: San Marcos (California)


text:
San Marcos (Texas)

San Marcos is a college town in the Central Hill Country region of Texas in the United States of America, about half an hour's drive south of the state's capital, Austin. The site of human habitation for over 10,000 years, it was settled in 1808 by Mexican families, and is now the home to Texas State University-San Marcos. In 2020, it had a population of 58,000 people.

Understand
San Marcos is often considered a college town, with the huge percentage of the population attending or supporting Texas State University-San Marcos. Most bars, restaurants, and attractions are centered around services to a college crowd. There is also a considerable conservationist mindset associated with the local rivers and endangered species. Several species live only in the headwaters of the San Marcos River.

Get in
San Marcos is located along interstate 35 (I-35) in between Austin and San Antonio.

From Austin, take I-35 South about 23 miles. You can take exits 206-204 to access the town. The university is on the West (right) side of I-35 coming from the direction of Austin.

From San Antonio, take I-35 North approximately 46 miles. You may take exits 204 thru 206 to access the town. Texas State University and the town square are on the West (left) side of the freeway coming from San Antonio.

Notably, San Marcos is a popular shopping destination, as it hosts large outlet malls South of the town about 5 miles, in the direction of San Antonio. You cannot miss them from I-35 (on the East side of the freeway).

To get to San Marcos from Houston, take IH-10 west to Luling (exit 632, about two hours), turn right (on to SH-80) and go through Luling. Continue on SH-80 north (the designated highway turns left, just after the railroad tracks). Beware of the speed traps in Martindale, just before San Marcos.

By car
Travel in most American cities, especially outside of major metro areas, is primarily by private vehicle. Parking is almost always abundant and free. (There are a few lots close to the city square where the owners tow aggressively; be sure to watch for parking signs.) The average tourist would be well-advised to rent a car from a rental agency if they don't already have their own vehicle. Traffic is usually light.

Take caution at some low water bridges. Never drive through a flooded low water crossing. Even a couple of inches of water can wash your car into the river. You then stand a good chance of losing your life.

By bus
Capital Area Rural Transportation System offers limited bus service. The fare is 50 cents.

By bicycle
Most attractions are very close to the down town and campus areas. While the hills sometimes get steep and can present an athletic challenge, many destinations are a very short ride away.

Events

 * Hill Country Jazz Festival at Texas State University in February.
 * Eddie Durham Day Festival, September.
 * Hill Country Jazz Festival at Texas State University in February.
 * Eddie Durham Day Festival, September.
 * Eddie Durham Day Festival, September.

Drink
Downtown San Marcos is surrounded by what the locals call "The Square." There are more than enough bars next to and around each other to "bar hop" until you find an establishment that is right for you.

Bars
All the bars are open until 2AM every night now, and you are allowed to smoke cigarettes inside

Stay safe
San Marcos is a small city, and tends to be very safe. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, so it's not necessary to carry large amounts of cash.

Emergency services such as police, fire, and medical can be reached by calling 911.

There are many places to swim in the local rivers. Some are often crowded, some are very secluded. Regardless of where you swim, always use the buddy system, and always have a way to contact emergency services (note that cell phones often lose service in the low area immediately about the river, so check the signal at your designated "towel spot" before swimming if you will rely on your cell phone for calling emergency services).

Go next

 * Comal River, a popular tubing destination.
 * Guadalupe River, tubing and canoeing.
 * Hill Country
 * Bastrop
 * Austin
 * Luling
 * San Antonio
 * New Braunfels - Located 19 miles southwest of San Marcos, this town is best known for its German culture and heritage, not to mention the Schlitterbahn, persistent in being voted the world's best waterpark.

title: San Marcos (Texas)


text:
San Marcos La Laguna

San Marcos La Laguna is a quiet town on Lake Atitlán in Guatemala. The town has become a resort for all things spiritual, with several meditation, yoga, and massage centers. It's one of the most beautiful spots on the lake, and quite easy to lose a few days in.

Get in
Take a shuttle boat from the public dock at Panajachel (Q20, 45 minutes).

If flying from outside of the country, the most effective and practical way to get to San Marcos is by means of plane then either bus or car. Fly into Guatemala City (known by the locals as 'Guate') then proceed to drive 3.5 hours. The major highways that are in route are mostly updated. When exiting, take caution to the windy, dirt road that leads to the small town of San Marcos.

There is also a shuttle from San Cristobal, Mexico. The shuttle provides a traveler with a rich cultural experience by traveling in what the locals refer to as a "chicken bus". The "chicken bus" will drop you off in Panajachel and from there you can take a lancha (small boat) to San Marcos.

If traveling from Antigua, a popular tourist destination in Guatemala, a two-and-a-half-hour ride to Panajachel, there are 12-person van services leaving from backpacker hostels, which cost about Q50/Q70 depending on the time you want to leave.

Get around
The most striking feature of this town is that it has practically no roads — everything is reached by thin foot paths through trees and between buildings. Handmade signs direct you to the most common destinations at any intersection.

The homemade paths have a very intimate feel to them. They are shaped by the plants and flowers that create almost fences that guide you in the correct path.

There are few streetlights and not many signs so pay attention to where you are going and don't be scared to ask for directions if you are lost. Many of the roads are narrow and curvy.

Most of the modern infrastructure resides in San Pedro where streets are paved and there are more signs dedicated to the comprehension of lost tourists.

Majority of the travel within the area around Lake Atitlan is by boat. There are fifteen 'major' pueblos or small towns surrounding the lake, San Marcos included. From San Marcos, there are boats leaving every twenty to thirty minutes to each of these individual towns. Some of the rates are as follows: from San Marcos to San Pedro it costs 10Q (US$1.25), from San Marcos to Panajachel it costs Q20-25 (US$2.50-3.50).

See
The lake provides natural entertainment and great scenic views. If you are adventurous, climb some of the dormant volcanoes. At some of the highest peaks you are able to see the lake and all of the small pueblos that surround it. From the top looking down there is one of the most beautiful views in Guatemala.

Do

 * Rock Jumping - There are a series of rocks that can be accessed by foot via the shore of the lake. From there, its a long way down to the water. Swiping of wallets, cameras, and pants have been known to occur, so come with minimal items. To the right from the jumping platforms foreigners usually go skinny dipping. This seems to have been accepted by the local community.
 * Yoga - Many places run early morning yoga programs, that are of minimal cost or free. Hatha dominates here.

San Marcos is the 'spiritual heaven'! There are enough yoga retreats and spiritual centers to fulfill anyones spiritual needs. San Marcos is the perfect location for pure bliss and relaxation. Majority of the activities are based around relaxation and connection with your spiritual self. It has a very laid back feel and culture with no obvious worries. It has been described as a place that "takes life as it comes".

There is still a very strong and authentic Mayan culture in existence within the town of San Marcos. Their culture is best known for its bright colors in its clothing, artwork and food.

San Marcos is also great for outdoor adventure. Because of the lake there is a very rich ecological reservation of many endangered species. The lake also provides direct pleasure with swimming, sailing, kayaking, and even cliff jumping. The most popular cliff jumping site is a ten minute walk from the center of San Marcos. If you are an adventurous type, there is a lot of hiking up and down volcanos, enjoying beautiful scenery of the lake from a high point and also great bird watching. Scuba is also available if you are feeling adventuresome.

This is a great place for some who is interested in culinary tourism: travelling around to find the freshest produce and cooking up delicious feasts with the use of only local items. San Marcos and the surrounding towns have many open air markets that provide fresh fruits and vegetables of all kind to the locals and tourists. The market Microdyn is particularly recommended.

Facilities
San Marcos offers a wide variety of studios catered to the pure relaxation of the tourist. Many of the studios include yoga, reiki and massage. Many yogis often travel to San Marcos to practice their yoga at the highest level of peace and harmony. Las Pirámides del Ka is an example of a yoga/massage/mediation 'camp', where the main focus is to get in-touch with your spiritual self and live in harmony.

For those workoutaholics, there is a local gym that accepts a monthly membership for 150Q or $22 American dollars per month.

San Marcos also houses one of the most harmonious massage clinics in all of Guatemala. It is located right next to the lake, so that massage clients can hear the sound of the water to make their experience more relaxing. The San Marcos Holistic Cottage is one of the most popular massage clinics in the area.

Buy
There is a sustained Mayan culture in the town of San Marcos. The local Mayan culture in infamous for its brightly colored clothing and its rich cultural heritage.

Eat

 * Moonfish- Excellent mostly vegi fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Chai tea, the best, house-roasted coffee in the world, brownies made with their own cacao, sandwiches for Q25-30 (including grilled tofu or falafel), pizzas, salads from their garden, and more. Fresh fruit pancakes for Q10.
 * Lush Atitlán- serves a continental breakfast from 8AM-10AM daily, on a balcony overlooking the garden and the lake for 50Q.
 * Las Pirámides del Ka- The retreat has a great little veggie restaurant open to non-guests.
 * A number of health-food and pizza restaurants have popped up along the walk from the docks to the square, mostly catering to the foreign travelers.
 * On the way from the dock to the square, there is a small fruit shop on the left, with fruit on display near the curb. Inside, a lady makes tasty sandwiches for Q10, and sometimes other simple foods. It's one of the cheapest options in San Marcos. They don't always have food - you'll have to drop by and see.

San Marcos is known for its vegetarian cuisine. The open air markets provide great, fresh produce for very cheap so if your interested you are able to find an array of ingredients to cook a home cooked meal.

The street food is also very delicious. The vendors take full advantage of the local produce so majority of the offered dishes are vegetarian and all are fresh.

Sleep

There are many hotels that provide spa or yoga packages to ensure that relaxation is established. These hotel packages may include yoga sessions, meditation hours, and even massage and spa services.

Hostels are also another option for stay in San Marcos. The hostels have been described as 'original and cozy'.

Pasajcap Campground is also another option for board while staying in San Marcos especially for those traveling in a group of maybe three or more. Pasaj Cap offers travelers to rent out houses outside of San Marcos. The houses are very beautiful and private. The windows are described as 'open' where the "scenery is in your room". From these private homes, it is a twenty minute walk to San Marcos. On the way there the walk is down hill but on the way home it is uphill. Wear sneakers so that you don't slip on the rugged terrain.

title: San Marcos La Laguna