Hidalgo

OpenRoom put together a mini guide of things you might want to know before your trip to Hidalgo! Nevertheless, don't forget to scroll down to the comments to see tips & tricks from travelers who've been there!

HUASCA DE OCAMPO + REAL DEL MONTE

📍 Where to find activities

→ Prismas Basálticos—Towering hexagonal basalt columns formed by the slow cooling of volcanic lava millions of years ago. Waterfalls cascade down the columns into a canyon. First documented by explorer Alexander von Humboldt in 1803. The site is developed as a park with viewpoints, a hanging bridge, a zipline, pools, camping areas, and restaurants. About 4 km from the center of Huasca de Ocampo.

→ Huasca de Ocampo — The first pueblo mágico in Mexico (designated 2001). A small mountain town with cobblestone streets, colorful houses, artisan markets on weekends, and a peaceful atmosphere. Hacienda Santa María Regla and Hacienda San Miguel Regla are former colonial mining estates nearby with history, gardens, and waterfalls.

→ Museo de los Duendes — A small museum dedicated to local folklore about duendes (goblins/elves), with a trail through the forest.

→ Presa de San Antonio — A reservoir near the Prismas where you can take boat rides.

→ Bosque de las Truchas — Trout fishing, ziplines, and cabins in a forested area near Huasca.

→ Real del Monte (Mineral del Monte)—A former silver mining town about 20 minutes from Huasca, founded by Cornish miners from England in the 19th century. Steep cobblestone streets, colonial architecture with a distinctive British influence, and an English cemetery (Panteón Inglés) on the hillside.

→ Pastes — Cornish pasties brought to Real del Monte by English miners. Now a local staple with dozens of fillings. The Museo del Paste tells the story and offers workshops to make your own.

→ Mina de Acosta — A former silver mine converted into a museum where you can descend into the tunnels.

📍 Where to eat

→ Huasca de Ocampo — Barbacoa (slow-cooked lamb), quesadillas, and local mountain food at restaurants around the center and near the Prismas.

→ Real del Monte — Pastes (Cornish-style pasties) everywhere. Multiple paste shops compete for the best in town.

📍 Where to go out

→ Neither Huasca nor Real del Monte has nightlife. These are quiet mountain pueblos. The experience is about nature, history, and food.

📍 Where to find culture

→ The English mining heritage of Real del Monte—The Cornish miners introduced football (soccer) to Mexico, the paste to Mexican cuisine, and left their mark on the architecture and cemetery.

→ Museo del Paste — History of the Cornish pasty and its transformation into a Mexican staple.

→ Haciendas — Former mining estates from the colonial era, some converted into hotels or cultural spaces.

→ Pachuca—The state capital, about 30 minutes from Real del Monte. The Reloj Monumental (a clock tower similar to Big Ben) is the main landmark.

📍 Nearby destinations

→ Pachuca (30 min), Mineral del Chico (pueblo mágico, 30 min — hiking and mountain landscapes), CDMX (2–2.5 hrs)

📍 Climate by season

Huasca (2,100m) and Real del Monte (2,700m) are mountain towns with cool climates.

Dry season (October–April) — Highs around 18–22°C (64–72°F). Lows around 2–8°C (36–46°F). Cold mornings and nights, especially at Real del Monte's altitude. Sunny days.

Rainy season (May–September) — Highs around 18–20°C (64–68°F). Lows around 6–10°C (43–50°F). Afternoon rains and fog. The waterfalls at the Prismas are at their most impressive during and just after the rainy season.

📍 Areas that may not be safe

None found. Nevertheless, make sure to double-check prior to visiting a place that it is safe!

(Picture credit: Fei Wang)