HIDALGO

 

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.