Many people say we’re crazy when they hear that we’re spending years driving through the Americas on our little road trip. However, our Trans-Americas Journey often takes us to places where crazy (in a good way) is truly defined, like Las Pozas (The Pools) outside a tiny town called Xilitla, Mexico.

One of the first things you see at Las Pozas, Edward James’ jungle garden in Mexico, is this aptly named structure: Stairway to the Sky.
Exploring the crazytechture of Las Pozas
Created by English aristocrat (he was rumored to be the grandson of King Edward VII) and art-lover (he is said to have bankrolled Dalí and Magritte) Edward James between 1949 and 1984, the concrete buildings, sculptures and spaces have been called surrealistic, magical, fantastical, a folly, and, yes, crazy.

Just another stairway to nowhere in the concrete other-world created in Mexico by eccentric Edward James.
Started more than 60 years ago, Las Pozas eventually sprawled to cover 80 acres (32 hectares) with almost 40 different structures. It is ramshackle and free of guard rails and feels wonderfully unfinished. There is also a touch of darkness to the place and not just because most of the paint has long since peeled off.
The uncertain future of Las Pozas
James died in 1984 and there’s no denying that his creation has fallen into disrepair and it’s a real shame that they don’ t seem to be renting out the handful of guest rooms on the site, for example, and restoring some of the original color to the place would be exciting. Cemex, Mexico’s cement company, is now the owner of Las Pozas and is rumored to be bankrolling some maintenance on the place. We hope they don’t fix it up too much though. It seems fitting that Las Pozas is being slowly engulfed by the jungle that inspired it.
We’re going to let the photos tell the rest of the story since words (including crazy) don’t do this place justice.

Organic shapes and geometric shapes mingle freely. The place used to also be brightly painted–some color remains on these arches.

The natural centerpiece of Edward James’ off-kilter Las Pozas is a gorgeous waterfall which has been built up into a series of descending swimming pools.

Perhaps the most “normal” thing at Las Pozas are these reminders that the place was built with the hands of two men: Edward James and his Mexican cohort, Plutcaro Gastelum.
Wow…those hands- never heard of this place- what a find!
I’d never heard of this place, but it sounds amazing. I love unusual architecture. Looks like a really fun place to wander around and take photographs.
Cool spot! I have actually heard commercials for this town on the radio but I have never been there. It looks very cool! Your trip sounds amazing! I can’t wait to read more about it. Isn’t Mexico amazing? It is like a 2nd home to me. I’m sure you are having a fabulous time.
Wow, this place looks amazing! I need to put this place in my Mexico’s places to visit list!
Gorgeous photos! Thank you for sharing them.
And fwiw, I tend to believe when someone thinks you’re crazy for doing something, it usually means you’re on the right track.
I visited there a few months ago, it truly is a magical place! Have you seen the documentary about Edward James? I think it’s called Builder of Dreams, it gives a wonderful background about this place and the artists ideas.
We haven’t seen the documentary, but we’d love to. I only learned of its existence on the Las Pozas site after we visited.
I love concrete architecture with amazing ideas and I want to visit this place.
thanks for sharing them.
I like looking at old concrete architecture. Thanks for the pics.
This site is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Hopefully it will receive the inscription soon.
I’ve never heard of this place, but it looks SO cool!! Really fascinating displays!
I wish they’d restore it! How serene to live in that jungle in that Alice in Wonderland-worthy house.
Wow what an amazing place, I love the organic forms. Reminds me of the Angkor temples in a strange way. I do hope they don’t let it completely fall into ruin.
I hope you have trademarked that term :-)
Wow, amazingly creepy. I agree with you that it would be totally fitting to let the jungle slowly over take the place…. bringing the art truly to life.