Located in central Mexico, Hidalgo has a temperate climate, many natural areas, and towns with an impressive cultural heritage. In this state, you can visit Real del Monte, an old mining town that has picturesque houses and buildings with red tile roofs, which is why it is part of the Tourism Secretariat’s Magical Towns of Mexico program. Here you can visit some old mines like the Mina de Acosta, where they are still extracting small quantities of precious metals. In the surrounding areas, you’ll find the town of Huasca de Ocampo, which is near former mining haciendas San Miguel and Santa Maria Regla. These haciendas have been converted into luxurious hotels. During your stay there you can visit the Prismas Basalticos, the Capilla de la Virgen Negra, the San Antonio Dam and El Chico Natural Park, which has recreational areas where you can go camping and rock climbing.

In the city of Pachuca, the state capital, you can check out Baroque and neoclassic buildings, such as the Capilla de Nuestra Señora de la Luz and the Ex-Convent of San Francisco, which currently houses one of Latin America’s most important photo collections. Many of the shots are images of the Mexican Revolution.

In western Hidalgo, known for its excellent cuisine, you can try the region’s famous pastes (English-style turnovers) and baked barbacoa (a popular mutton dish). There you can also visit the Tula archaeological site, one of ancient Mexico’s most important ceremonial centers. At the ruins you’ll see figures called atlantes, 4-meter (15-foot) sculptures which are considered important symbols of the state of Hidalgo.

PACHUCA
The city of Pachuca, known as the Windy City due to its strong afternoon winds, lies 97 km (60 mi) north of Mexico City, off Highway 130. The city has a moderate semi-cold climate, with an average year-round temperature of 24º C (75º F).

In this city of beautiful baroque- and neoclassical-style buildings you can admire such edifices as the Capilla de Nuestra Señora de la Luz and the Ex-Convent of San Francisco, which houses one of Latin America’s most important photo archives. The ex-convent, which faces the main plaza, has a striking public clock that was modeled after England’s famous Big Ben. As for contemporary architecture, important examples include the Teatro de la Ciudad, which ranks among the top seven theaters in Latin America, and the Estadio Hidalgo, Mexico’s most modern stadium.

In the Windy City’s surrounding areas you can enjoy El Chico National Park, home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. It’s also a great place to do various adventure sports, such as rappelling, climbing and camping. Nearby you’ll find Mineral del Chico, Real del Monte and Huasca de Ocampo, picturesque towns known for their gorgeous 19th-century architecture, cobblestone streets, parks with beautiful gardens, and white houses with red tile roofs. In Huasca de Ocampo you can visit the gorgeous ex-haciendas of Santa Maria Regla and San Miguel Regla, as well as the famous Prismas Basalticos (basaltic rock formations).

When it comes to food, Pachuca offers some of the state of Hidalgo’s most traditional dishes, such as pastes, turnovers stuffed with potatoes, beef, chicken, pineapple or leeks, among other ingredients.

During the month of October, be sure to visit the Pachuca Fair, the state of Hidalgo’s most important cultural event. There you can enjoy numerous activities for the whole family, including a food fair, livestock and industry expositions and live performance by world-famous artists.