Ciudad del Maíz

What Makes It Magical

Ciudad del Maíz—literally “corn city”—is a quite unique and interesting place, as its history goes back to nomadic peoples in the prehistoric period. Objects such as obsidian artifacts, like knives, scrapers, and arrowheads have been found here, as well as cave paintings that do not belong to the current Huasteca culture. As time passed, the area was inhabited by the indigenous Pame people, who named it M’Pu ‘N’Tjua, meaning “Valle del Maíz” (Valley of Corn).

Ciudad del Maíz is set in the northwest portion of the state, about 90 miles from the city of San Luis Potosí. The municipality borders Tamaulipas to its north; El Naranjo to the east; the municipality of Alaquines to the south; and on the west side are the municipalities of Rioverde, Villa Juárez, Cerritos, and Guadalcázar.

Chief among its attractions is the Purísima Concepción church. Named for the Immaculate Conception, it is an architectural gem from the colonial period that has been standing for over 300 years. Its late baroque-style cupola has become a symbol of the city. The church holds several relics and an image of the Immaculate Conception.

Also, Plaza de Armas is home to a gazebo that was one of the first to be imported from Europe to Mexico. It is an ironwork structure with a very French style. This plaza is also home to a bust of the Generalísimo de las Américas, revolutionary leader Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla.

Similarly, the Ayuntamiento building is a key piece of local architecture. Formerly the home of the Barragán family, its arched passageway was added in the beginning of the 20^th century.

The town’s cuisine stars borracho stew. The name, meaning drunkard, refers to its use of the traditional booze, pulque. To make it, several kinds of meat and vegetables are cooked in the brew. The gorditas are fat corn patties stuffed with a number of stewed fillings. Options include nopal cactus, squash, chochas (yucca flowers), prickly pear, and fresh requesón cheese.

Here, regional Potosina enchiladas have their own spin. Flat tortillas are piled with red chili peppers, diced potato and carrot, chorizo, tomatoes, onion, lettuce, cheese, and salsa. Tender tamales are steamed in corn husks after being filled with pork, chicken, beans, or goat cheese.

Why You Should Go

Its Falls and Lakes

• Laguna de Patos lake.
• Laguna Agua Zarca lake.
• Sabinito, Las Abritas, El Porvenir, and Los Perales springs.

At the Very Least

Visit Cueva Vetada de San Bartolo, an incredible cave with a waterfall.

Don’t Miss

1. The church, where you can admire its neoclassical altar covered in gold.
2. 18^th-century mansion Casona Barragueña.
3. Rancho Nuevo river.
4. The celebrations held through the year.