Hidalgo Travel Guide

Plan your itinerary to Hidalgo with the help of this complete travel guide that includes places to visit, activities, must-try food & drink, and tips for safety and health.


Hidalgo is a central state of Mexico teeming with natural beauty and enthralling history. Home to many fascinating and culturally rich towns, it is a land of forever-summer weather and a thriving food and drink scene. If you are planning to travel to Hidalgo, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your vacation:

Introduction to Hidalgo

Hidalgo state is bounded by the states of Veracruz to the north and east, Puebla to the east and south, Tlaxcala and Mexico to the south, Querétaro to the west, and San Luis Potosí to the northwest. Hidalgo’s capital city is Pachuca, an important mining center since the 16th century.

With stunning natural attractions such as Valle del Mezquital and a rich cultural heritage in the form of ancient pyramids and historic towns, this region has something to offer everyone. Whether you love hiking, biking, or exploring ancient ruins, you will find it all in Hidalgo.

List of Places to Visit in Hidalgo

Here are some of the notable places to visit and attractions to explore in Hidalgo:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Toltec ruins of Tula are one of the most important historic sites of Mesoamerica, and the awe-inspiring, 5-meter-tall stone warriors known as Atlantes are must-see sights.
  • The Real del Monte mining town, which has retained its colonial-era architecture, is well worth a visit. Here, you can learn about the Huasteca culture that produced a unique style of embroidery, dance, and music.
  • The are several top museums in Pachuca that offer a glimpse into Hidalgo’s rich history and culture. Some of the most popular ones include the Museo de Minería, the National Photography Museum, and the Art Museum.

Natural Attractions of Hidalgo: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Valle del Mezquital, a 95 km long valley featuring verdant fields dotted with prickly pear cacti, agave and maguey plants, is a must-see natural attraction of Hidalgo.
  • The Parque Nacional El Chico, located 15 km east of Pachuca, provides some of the best hiking adventures for nature lovers. Here, you will find miles of well-marked trails, waterfalls, and scenic vistas of the surrounding mountains.
  • Grutas de Tolantongo is a thermal springs destination increasingly famous for its sky spa. The pools and river are electric blue and turquoise, which gives the river its name.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hidalgo

Hidalgo offers a wide range of hiking and biking routes that run through its diverse terrain and natural beauty. Some of the top trails in the area include:

  • The Real del Monte trail and Pachuca mountain bike course. The Real del Monte trail is considered one of the most challenging routes in the region, whilst the Pachuca mountain bike course is ideal for experienced cyclists.
  • La Colmena, Tuxpan, Mixquiahuala, and Tepeapulco are four small towns in Hidalgo with routes that are ideal for hiking and one-day bike rides. Here, you can experience the whole package from the area’s scenery and culture.

Best Things to Do in Hidalgo: Activities and Tours

  • Take a hot-air balloon ride to see some of the region’s spectacular terrain from above.
  • Visit a traditional indigenous market held every Sunday in Acatlán de Osorio or any other town of the region.
  • Explore Real del Monte by taking a mine tour or exploring the town’s streets on the boardwalks.
  • Take a bike tour of the magnificent Valle del Mezquital.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hidalgo

If you’re planning to visit Hidalgo for a week, here’s a recommended itinerary for making the most of your time:

  • Day 1 to 3: Explore Pachuca and the surrounding area, including the National Photography Museum, the Art Museum, the Monumental Clock and the Parque Nacional El Chico.
  • Day 4 to 5: Visit the Toltec ruins of Tula, explore the ancient pyramids and Atlas statues, and enjoy the surrounding hot springs.
  • Day 6 to 7: Head to Valle del Mezquital for its excellent hiking trails and breathtaking vistas.

Food and Drink Scene of Hidalgo

Hidalgo is known for its culinary treats, famous for comfort food and artisanal mezcal. Here’s what you should try:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Barbecue: This dish is a popular staple of local cuisine, and the grilled meat is often served with beans and guacamole.
  • Pastes: This savory pastry originating from the mining towns of Real del Monte is similar in shape to a Cornish pasty, but with spicy filling.
  • Pulque: This milky alcoholic beverage made from fermented agave is unique to Hidalgo and surrounding area.

Local Beverages

  • Mezcal: Every mezcal in Hidalgo is crafted by small producers with quality recipes to offer a wide range of distinctive tastes.
  • Tequila: This fantastic drink, one of the most famous alcoholic drinks, is native to Jalisco, but Hidalgo has its tequilas with its own flavors.

Where to Stay in Hidalgo: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hidalgo provides a host of lodging options to suit every taste and budget. Some of the top accommodation options include:

  • Pachuca Resort: This luxury hotel provides an unforgettable experience in a fascinating city, surrounded by beautiful mountains and world-class customer service.
  • Posada La Victoria: This guesthouse is situated in the heart of Real de Monte, an ideal spot for visitors to explore the town and its mines.
  • Hospedaje La Carreta: This hostel is an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers, providing comfortable and clean accommodations.

What to Buy in Hidalgo: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are a few souvenir ideas:

  • Handmade embroidery
  • Artisanal bread
  • Regional crafts

Local Culture and Customs of Hidalgo

Hidalgo is a region rich in tradition, and its culture is celebrated regularly in museums, music, and dance events.

Best Time to Visit Hidalgo

The best time to visit Hidalgo is from September to December when the weather is mild, and the town’s many festivals are in full swing, often celebrating the legends, mining culture, and crafts of the area.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hidalgo

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs
  • Respect natural habitats and wildlife
  • Speak Spanish whenever possible, but many people speak some English

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothing in public areas such as churches or plazas.
  • Leave litter or damage cultural or historic sites.
  • Drink tap water.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hidalgo

Hidalgo ranks relatively safe for travelers, but you should exercise caution in big cities like Pachuca. It is always a good idea to carry a copy of your passport and photo ID, leave your valuables in the hotel safe, and avoid walking alone at night in big cities.

Health in Hidalgo

It is advisable to take precautions to avoid health problems, especially if you’re exploring rural areas. Drink bottled water, use insect repellant, and make sure to wash hands regularly.

Getting to Hidalgo: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Hidalgo

Pachuca National Airport is the closest airport to Hidalgo and serves several major airlines. Toluca City Airport, located approximately 85 km from Pachuca, is another option.

Bus Stations Near Hidalgo

Plenty of bus connections are available from several Mexico City bus stations to Pachuca. There are also direct bus services to Pachuca from other places in the region, including Toluca and Querétaro, among others.

Other Options

Renting an automobile is a popular option, particularly for those wishing to explore the countryside. There are also taxis, shared shuttle services, and private car services for tourists available in Pachuca.

How to Get Around in Hidalgo

There are plenty of options to get around in Hidalgo, including taxis, buses, rental cars, and cycling or hiking. Public transportation services are excellent and cost-effective, making it easy to get around the region. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car from a reputable car-rental company.

Where to Go Next from Hidalgo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Mexico City is only 1.5 hours away and is widely regarded as one of the best tourist destinations in the country, featuring a rich history, food, and vibrant nightlife.
  • Puebla is another town that is popular amongst tourists and lies roughly four hours to the southeast. It offers visitors world-class museums, buzzing markets, and architectural wonders that range from a stunning cathedral to well-preserved colonial streets and buildings.

Conclusion

Hidalgo is a region that is rich in both culture and natural beauty. With a mixture of history, outdoor activities, and authentic cuisine, Hidalgo is an ideal destination for anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable experience. Use this travel guide to plan your exploration and enjoy everything Hidalgo has to offer.

Waterfall over the Basaltic Prisms of Santa María Regla, Huasca de Ocampo Waterfall over the Basaltic Prisms of Santa María Regla, Huasca de Ocampo


    Mineral del Monte
    Pachuca
    Tula de Allende