West of San Luis Potosí, this mountain town has an 18th-century San Miguel Arcángel temple, desert hiking trails, and hosts the annual FEREMEX fair with mariachi and local food.
Mexquitic de Carmona lies 22 kilometers west of San Luis Potosí, where desert mountains rise above adobe houses and narrow streets. Local women sell fresh tortillas and tamales near the 18th-century San Miguel Arcángel temple, while mountain trails wind up to Cerro La Campana's summit. Each September, the FEREMEX fair fills the main plaza with mariachi bands, folk dancers, and food stalls serving regional dishes like enchiladas potosinas.
Getting to Mexquitic de Carmona
The town sits 2,020 meters above sea level, 22 kilometers from San Luis Potosí city. You'll need a car to reach Mexquitic, as buses run infrequently. The drive from San Luis Potosí takes about 30 minutes along Highway 49. Most visitors come on day trips since the nearest hotels are in San Luis Potosí.
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Mexquitic de Carmona has a semi-arid climate with clear skies most of the year. Temperatures average 17.2°C annually, climbing to 40°C in May and dropping to 8.5°C in January. The dry air and minimal rainfall make hiking possible year-round, though you should start before 8 AM during summer to avoid peak heat.
Mountain Hiking Trails
Three main trails lead into the surrounding mountains. The beginner-friendly path to Cerro La Campana (2,186 meters) covers 3.1 kilometers through cacti and desert shrubs, with occasional shade under mesquite trees. The moderate Cerro El Cerrito trail (2,081 meters) stretches 4.2 kilometers across loose rocks and requires sturdy boots. For experienced hikers, the steep 4.9-kilometer climb up Cerro La Santa Cruz (2,160 meters) includes scrambling over boulders. Bring at least 2 liters of water per person.
Local Festivals and Events
FEREMEX transforms the town each September with three stages for live music, ranging from mariachi to rock bands. Local dance groups perform regional dances like huapango, while food vendors set up around the plaza selling gorditas and traditional candies. During Holy Week, residents create alfombras (carpets) from colored sawdust for religious processions. Day of the Dead brings elaborate altar displays to homes and the cemetery. On Independence Day (September 16) and Revolution Day (November 20), early morning flag ceremonies precede evening gatherings with music and food in the main plaza.
Nearby Villages
In Milpillas, 4 kilometers southwest, you can watch local cheese-making at small family farms and buy directly from producers. The 608 residents maintain traditional ranching practices, visible during morning cattle drives. Colonia Bellavista, 2 kilometers northeast, has 55 residents who grow corn and beans in terraced fields. Both villages have evening markets where farmers sell their produce.
