In Villa de Reyes, sacred architecture and the history of the haciendas meet bathing facilities throughout the municipality. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between destinations in the town itself and those elsewhere in the municipality: this lets you choose the focus of your trip and take the location of each destination into account.
Sacred Buildings and a Garden in Town
The Parroquia del Valle de San Francisco is dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi. It is considered an important symbol of local faith and a tourist attraction in Villa de Reyes. Another specific historical detail concerns the Santuario de Guadalupe: its dome was closed in 1886. Together, the two sacred buildings offer different points of connection to the town’s cultural history—the parish’s dedication and local significance on the one hand, and a dated architectural detail at the sanctuary on the other.
At the main square, the garden complements this cultural focus with a public place of calm. Its design includes iron benches, and the garden invites visitors to enjoy the tranquility of the place. The sacred buildings and square garden provide a clear focus for anyone who wants to start by exploring the town itself.
Haciendas and Their Cultural Heritage
Several historic sites can also be found throughout the municipality of Villa de Reyes. The Ex-Hacienda de Bledos is a historic site on the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro; it was located on the route’s section toward Guadalajara. Its architecture and history make it a tourist and cultural attraction in the municipality. Its profile also includes film history: the hacienda served as a filming location for movie productions, including the more recent adaptation of “Pedro Páramo.”
The Ex Hacienda de Carranco offers a different historical perspective. Its origins date back to around 1600, and a large part of its original colonial structure has been preserved. The estate includes a chapel designed by Felipe Cleere. Carranco also served as a filming location for the movie “Un dulce olor a muerte.” Thus, Bledos is associated primarily with the Camino Real and film productions, while Carranco stands out for its early date, preserved structure, and the chapel’s design.
The history of Hacienda San Pedro de Gogorrón also began early: its origins date back to 1592. At first, the hacienda was associated with the milling and refining of gold and silver, as well as with agriculture and livestock farming. The Ex Hacienda Gogorrón is also linked to the history of one of the state’s first Spanish settlements and to the country’s first ejido, established in 1915. Its industrial heritage includes a textile and hydroelectric power plant that used the area’s thermal water and hydraulic architecture. Since 1976, Gogorrón has served as a filming location for more than twelve movie productions.
Other details also make Hacienda Calderón an interesting historic site: its aqueduct has a height difference of 12 meters and, together with the Presa de Santa Ana, powered a hydroelectric facility. The Presa is part of the Hacienda Calderón complex and is considered a tourist attraction and a place for sport fishing. Calderón’s chapel also contains two archangel sculptures, each carved from a single piece of wood with an axe. Those interested in the connection between architecture and technology will find different points of interest here than at the sacred buildings in town.
Bathing Facilities with Different Features
The municipality’s bathing facilities differ in their amenities. Balneario Ex Hacienda de Calderón is set amid extensive green spaces, with a large wooded area and gardens. It has water areas for different age groups, as well as two slides and large swimming pools that operate on weekends. Balneario El Centenario has three large swimming pools and warm Roman baths; amenities also include children’s play areas and extensive camping areas.
Centro Vacacional Gogorrón features specific water and recreational facilities: it has five swimming pools with thermal water at 42°C, three slides, and two water tubes. Additional amenities include a dedicated water park for children, tube rides, and soccer, basketball, and volleyball courts. Before planning a trip around these facilities, check the current operating conditions and the stated water temperature.
Other options include Balneario San Diego in the municipality of San Miguel, which offers thermal-water pools, saunas, massages, and health and beauty treatments, and Parque Acuático Woow, with water slides, swimming pools, and relaxation areas. The large pools at Calderón are listed as operating on weekends; factor this into your scheduling and check the latest operating information.
Plan Your Route and Hotel Choice
On February 20, 2025, the SecretarĂa de Turismo of San Luis PotosĂ and the Ayuntamiento de Villa de Reyes presented the first section of the Ruta de las Haciendas. The route begins in the municipality of Villa de Reyes and is intended to highlight the historical and cultural value of the haciendas. If you plan to use this route as the basis for your trip, check whether it is currently operating.
When looking for a hotel in Villa de Reyes, you can first decide what you want to focus on: sacred buildings and the garden in town, hacienda history, or bathing facilities throughout the municipality.
Discover more destinations: San Luis PotosĂ, El Charco De Piedras, Xilitla, RĂo Verde, Salinas De Hidalgo, Carmen, Damián Carmona, Los Puentes
Go to the main travel overview: San Luis PotosĂ.
