Located in the municipality of Santa María del Río, Ojo Caliente is a community that has gained popularity as a unique tourist destination thanks to its blend of natural beauty, cultural traditions, and historical attractions. It is located 45 kilometers from the capital of San Luis Potosí. Among its main attractions are the spas, religious architecture, delicious local cuisine, and hiking trails.
La Noria Spa
La Noria Spa is located 30 minutes from San Luis Potosí, in the heart of the town’s main square. It has been a regional landmark for more than five decades, offering visitors a unique experience of relaxation, fun, and connection with local traditions. Miguel Ángel Arias Díaz, owner, tells the story of this place, which is a popular tourist destination and an important driver of the local economy. Admission is 140 pesos for adults and 70 pesos for children.
This place was originally fed by a waterwheel that existed on the property, so the name has become etched in the community’s memory. Founded approximately 55 years ago by the renowned sculptor Joaquín Arias Méndez, it emerged as a response to a local crisis: the flood that destroyed the region’s public hot springs. Faced with the loss of this resource, he decided to use the land to create a spa that would continue to provide local residents with a space for enjoyment and relaxation.
It is open regularly from March to September, taking advantage of the warm weather and tourist demand. During the off-season, from October to March, it closes for maintenance.
In an effort to diversify the spa’s offerings, Miguel Ángel and his son, Joaquín Arias Mirabal, decided to add three cabins. These are available year-round and offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy a comfortable stay with all the amenities. With capacity for three to eight people, they feature fully equipped kitchens, private bathrooms, and spacious accommodations, making them an ideal option for family groups or friends looking to spend a weekend or a full vacation in the area.
Cabins for 8 people cost 2,950 pesos Monday through Thursday, 3,450 pesos Friday through Sunday, and cabins for 13 people cost 4,950 pesos during the week and 5,600 pesos on weekends.
In the heart of Ojo Caliente, there is a family workshop located in the private home of the resort’s owners and a small museum, which pay tribute to the work of a man whose passion for sculpture and dedication to the community have made him immortal. There are photographs, sketches, and small projects that were later transformed into large-scale projects by Joaquín Arias.
Originally operating as a foundry, it now houses a collection of unpublished sculptures and molds of great artistic value. Sculptor Joaquín Arias Méndez, father of Miguel Ángel Arias, left an indelible mark on Mexican monumental sculpture, with works in 12 locations throughout Mexico, including San Luis Potosí, Ciudad Valles, Monterrey, and Guadalajara. The most emblematic is the Monument to the Revolution, located in the capital of San Luis Potosí.
He worked on projects commissioned by various governments. His work includes the Monumental Zapata in Ciudad Valles and an 11-meter-high Virgin in Los Mochis, Sinaloa. These miniature pieces and some monumental sculptures can be seen in his family museum, some of which are even for sale.
The museum is not formally open to the public; those interested in learning more about the family’s works and history can request private tours through the Santa María del Río City Council.
On Ojo Caliente Hill, there is a Virgin of Guadalupe left by Mexican sculptor Joaquín Arias in 1994, which represents the love and devotion of a family to its people. At the top of the town, it is erected in bronze, 3.5 meters high, mounted on a 1.5-meter pedestal, resulting in an imposing figure of 5 meters. Reaching it takes a 45-minute walk, or at least 15 minutes by car.
It stands as a symbol of devotion and pride for the town’s residents, being the center of the December 12th celebrations, the day commemorating the feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Beforehand, on December 11th, people participate in a cavalcade of 300 or 400 horsemen.
The architectural heritage is reflected in the Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, located at Juárez No. 5, a renovated church that continues to be an important spiritual center for the local community. It is not only a religious point of interest but also a cultural one, as it is the setting for various festivities and celebrations that bring together the locals. Its classic architecture and solemn atmosphere are a symbol of the town’s religious devotion and a must-visit for those seeking to learn more about the local culture.
The local food is part of the cultural experience offered by the town. Among the most notable dishes are the giant sopes, a delicious example of traditional Mexican cuisine. These appetizers are made with corn dough and accompanied by a variety of fresh and flavorful ingredients.
Located at 13 Carlos Díez Gutiérrez Street, La Nueva Rosita restaurant is a true gem that has endured for more than six decades, becoming a benchmark of local cuisine and an emblem of family effort and perseverance. Martha Alicia Lara, the third generation of this tradition, shares the story of how a business that began with carnitas and gorditas has grown to become famous for its iconic giant sopes, which have won over the palates of Potosí residents and tourists alike.
Ojo Caliente, a natural and cultural tourist refuge
Since 1960, Martha’s grandparents, Julio Ruiz and Aurelia Sánchez, decided to open the business. As the area’s popularity grew, so did the demand for local food, and they adapted. Gorditas were the next step in the menu’s evolution; Apolonia Ruiz Sánchez made them the star of the place. They weren’t like the traditional ones: people started ordering them in larger sizes, and thus, the Potosina pizza was born, a variety of giant sope that is now one of the main attractions for visiting this place.
The giant sopes, priced at 130 pesos, are approximately 30 cm in diameter and characterized by their impressive size. They also offer giant quesadillas for the same price. Their side dish, café de olla, costs 40 pesos. This dish consists of beans, cheese, and cream, accompanied by various stews ranging from the traditional asado de boda to more modern options such as pastor or arrachera. Additionally, some customers choose to add a fried egg or even more than one stew to their sope, adapting it to their personal tastes. Martha says that people are surprised by the size of the sopes, especially those unused to these large dishes. In places like Mexico City, giant sopes are more common, but at Ojo Caliente, they have gained considerable fame under the name of Mexican pizza.
There is now a fourth generation in charge, and both cooks feel a great responsibility to preserve the traditional recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation, while continuing to innovate to maintain the interest of new ones.
Source: oem
