Villa de Reyes: Churches and Hacienda Heritage

Villa de Reyes brings together religious buildings in town, the history of its haciendas, and water attractions throughout the municipality. When planning your trip, it helps to distinguish between these highlights: would you like to explore the town’s history, or are you especially interested in bathing facilities and other destinations in the municipality?

Churches and a quiet moment in the main square

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. The Santuario de Guadalupe also offers a specific historical connection: its dome was completed in 1886. In the main square, the garden, with its iron benches, invites you to enjoy the town’s tranquility. Together, the religious buildings and the garden offer a glimpse of different sides of the town.

Haciendas: architecture, history, and film

Nearby, the chapel of Hacienda de Pardo preserves original 16th-century bells. The chapel of Ex Hacienda de Pardo was completed in 1722. It is home to the venerated image of San Salvador de Burgos, a figure of Christ that the founder, Don Matías Pardo, brought directly from Spain.

Within the municipality lies Ex-Hacienda de Bledos, a historic site on the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro. It was located on the route’s section toward Guadalajara and is considered a tourist and cultural attraction for its architecture and history. Film productions have also used Bledos as a filming location, including the more recent adaptation of “Pedro Páramo.”

Ex Hacienda de Carranco dates back to around 1600 and preserves much of its original colonial structure. Its chapel was designed by Felipe Cleere; the hacienda also served as a filming location for “Un dulce olor a muerte.” At Hacienda Calderón, buildings also tell the story of water engineering: the aqueduct has a height difference of 12 meters and, together with Presa de Santa Ana, powered a hydroelectric plant. The main courtyard preserves a Cantera stone fountain and a wheat mill. The chapel at Calderón contains two archangel sculptures, each carved from a single piece of wood with a hatchet.

Ex Hacienda Gogorrón preserves the industrial heritage of a textile and hydroelectric factory that used the area’s thermal waters and hydraulic architecture. Its history is connected to one of the first Spanish settlements in the state, as well as to the country’s first ejido, established in 1915. Since 1976, the hacienda has served as a filming location for more than twelve film productions.

Water attractions within the municipality

The bathing facilities offer different amenities. Balneario Ex Hacienda de Calderón has water areas for different age groups, two slides, and large swimming pools that operate on weekends. The complex is set amid extensive green spaces, with a large wooded area and gardens. Hacienda Calderón is also home to Presa de Santa Ana, considered both a tourist attraction and a place for sport fishing.

Balneario El Centenario has three large swimming pools and warm Roman baths. Children’s play areas and extensive camping areas round out its offerings. Centro Vacacional Gogorrón has five swimming pools with thermal water at 42°C, three slides, and two water tubes. The complex also includes a dedicated children’s water park, water-tube play features, and soccer, basketball, and volleyball courts. Check operating conditions and the stated water temperature before your trip.

Other options offer different experiences: Balneario San Diego in San Miguel has thermal water pools, saunas, massages, and health and beauty treatments. Parque Acuático Woow has water slides, swimming pools, and relaxation areas. You can choose based on the type of water attraction you want to make the focus of your trip planning.

Choose a vacation rental to suit your travel focus

When looking for a vacation rental in Villa de Reyes, first consider whether you want to focus on the buildings and garden in town, or on particular haciendas and water facilities elsewhere in the municipality. Compare the location of your preferred accommodation with the places you are interested in visiting. This will help you plan around the actual priorities of your trip.

Discover more destinations

Xilitla, Herradura, El Mastranto, Tanchachín, Refugio, Los Puentes, Pozos, Tamasopo

For the main travel overview: San Luis Potosí.