October-November 2011

Only at 10 minutes from the city of Pachuca in Hidalgo, there is a place that, surrounded by a pine and Sacred Fir forest, is synonym of mysticism and warmth. Located close to Real del Monte, Mineral del Chico is covered with rocky formations, green lagoons, a crystal-clear river, beautiful landscapes and a mining town.


Fresh Air

This place, also known as El Chico and which became in the new Magic Town of Mexico, takes advantage of the nature and mysticism given to it by the mist to charm its visitors.

One of its most beautiful places is Río El Milagro, which starts up above in the mountain, feeing a stream that runs down between rocks to arrive to a few meters of the town. We can fish delightful trout and prepare it with local recipes and ingredients.

Another perfect spot that gift us unique flavors is the Ecological Park El Cedral, that besides of trout fishing, allows camping, taking boat rides through the reservoir and riding in horse through the zone.

National Park El Chico forms part of the compelled tour through this Magic Town. This protected natural area is the perfect spot in order adventurers and those quieter to practice different activities. Extreme sports such as mountain biking, rock climbing or rappel, gotcha games or zip line are options for those who seek emotion and adrenaline.

For a quieter day, walking through the green valleys of the park, horse riding or enjoying the contact with nature, are activities rewarding us with pure air.

Besides allowing all these activities, Peña El Cuervo is a sighting place offering a great view of the municipality and the National Park. Here, watching endemic species in the middle of coniferous and sacred firs is also possible.

Now, if you want camping, Valle de las Ventanas (Valley of the Windows), Valle de los Enamorados (Valley of the Fallen in Love) or Llano Largo (Long Valley) are ideal prairies. In the same manner, the place Las Monjas, which presumes being the symbol of the municipality, is another beautiful place which will make our stay more pleasant, and which has its origin in an old legend and which has served as inspiration for both painters and poets.


Tradition and Gastronomy

At the center of the municipality, there is the main square or Plaza de Armas, which features rocky roads and a cast iron fountain from the late nineteenth century. These symbols create the ideal environment for a town with charm.

The Church of Purísima Concepción, of neoclassic style in its spaces and baroque in the bell tower, was built in 1725 and remodeled in 1819. This temple is famous since in the Holy Week, a rain of rose petals shows that the place is having a party.
Thhis town has a great variety of flavors, such is the case of the classic trout à la mexicana prepared with zucchini (pumpkin), corn and chopped red tomato, this same dish is also cooked in butter, with hot peppers, garlic, wrapped and in other variations.

Barbecue, pastes, quesadillas and tree strawberry flower stews are other menus of the zone. For dessert we cannot forget the “cocoles”, bread made with brown sugar, anisette, wheat flour and pulque yeast. To end, there are the classic tachuelas, beverages of the region, prepared with generous wine and cognac.

For its mining backgrounds, Mineral del Chico also stands out for the elaboration of fabrics, pilling, pottery, wood and clay carving, and silversmith. Its beautiful craftsmanship are offered in La Casa del Artesano (The Craftsman’s House) of the town, a place we must visit before departing.