Hidalgo

) Hidalgo North America > Mexico > Central Mexico > Hidalgo Hidalgo is a state in Central Mexico . Within easy day-trip distance from Mexico City , Hidalgo is a weekend playground for millions of Mexicans. Hidalgo offers fascinating archaeological sites like the mystical Atlantean statues of Tula , as well as colonial mining towns and haciendas, and rugged outdoor backcountry for mountain sports and communing with nature. The state has many Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Towns) including Huasca de Ocampo, Mineral del Chico, and Real del Monte, which are some of the most visited parts of the state.

The best time to visit Hidalgo depends on the region's climate. Generally, the dry season (November to April) offers the most pleasant weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The rainy season (May to October) brings afternoon showers but also lush green landscapes. High-altitude areas can be cool year-round, while lowland and coastal areas are warmer. Major festivals and holidays (Semana Santa, Día de los Muertos, Christmas) are vibrant but busy.

Buses run throughout the state, fairly often. at reliable schedules. within cities or towns you will find "combis" or taxis that serve the local population to get around. Make sure to ask around about a way to get to your destination since the local buses don't have an online ticketing version. Fares at local buses vary, around five pesos or less. Taxis are widely available. Car rentals are offered in the major cities.

🌍 Pachuca — the state's capital and main city has a well-preserved historical center and lots of mining heritage 🌍 Acaxochitlán — historic small town nestled in a scenic mountain range 🌍 Actopan — colonial small town with a 9km 16th century aqueduct and some tasty gastronomic specialties 🌍 Huasca de Ocampo — charming small town with spectacular waterfalls and nearby national parks 🌍 Huichapan — elegant viceregal town where the tradition of Mexico's president re-enacting Father Hidalgo's famous cry for freedom first began in 1812 🌍 Ixmiquilpan — charming colonial town with 16th century churches, thermal spas, and waterparks 🌍 Metztitlán — quaint small town atmosphere with a nearby lake, bat caves, and cactus-covered hills 🌍 Mineral del Chico — quaint small town, gateway to El Chico National Park, a designated Pueblo Magico 🌍 Mineral del Monte — an old mining town with centuries of industrial, cultural and gastronomic history 🌍 Omitlán — popular weekend getaway destination with colonial haciendas and outdoor activities in nearby mountain forests 🌍 Tecozautla — come for the waters...Tecozautla is famous for hot mineral springs, aquatic parks, and spa treatments 🌍 Tulancingo de Bravo — home to the Huapalcalco archeological site, which was the forerunner to the Teotihuacan civilization 🌍 Zimapán — colonial mining town, close to Los Marmoles National Park

One can find different kind of dishes served in the state, most which shares with the rest of central Mexico, Like Tamales, Tacos, Tortas. There is some ingredients that can make regional dishes atypical, even for other Mexicans, You can find mainstream Mexican dishes made of plants like mesquite beans, nopal and other cactus and various cactus fruit such as “tuna” and “xoconostle.” Another of the rarities that you must try while visiting Hidalgo are dishes that are made of a variety of edible insects , many of which are considered delicacies such as escamoles (ant eggs) and maguey larvae as well as others such as larvae found on nopal plants, “chacas ” (beetles) and “chicharras” (cicadas). Other local animals still, but rarely used for food include tadpoles (called atepocates), salamanders and their larvae, squirrels and rabbits. You can also find a variety of moles and a specialty of central Mexico, mixiote. Another common central Mexican dish popular in the state and through central Mexico is Hidalgo's barbacoa . This dish has its origins in the pre-Hispanic period, when it was meat cooked in an underground pit. Today, it is most often cooked in pots in more conventional ovens, but the meat, today mostly pork, is still smothered in the alcoholic beverage pulque and wrapped in maguey leaves for flavor. This preparation of barbacoa is considered to be the state dish. During the 19th century, mines in Cornwall , England, declined with many closures producing out-of-work miners. A large number of these miners migrated to Mexico where they found work in the mining towns of Hidalgo. They brought with them a hunger for Cornish pasties , a traditional baked crust stuffed with meat and vegetables. Pasties became common throughout Hidalgo and to this day are popular casual foods served in towns such as Mineral del Monte and Pachuca . Modern Mexican versions differ from the classic English pasties in that they are often stuffed with things like mole or chili and the spelling is usually paste .

Hidalgo hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating its heritage, arts, and community spirit. From patron saint festivals (fiestas patronales) and regional fairs to music, dance, and culinary celebrations, there is often something happening. Major national holidays — Independence Day (September 16), Día de los Muertos (November 1–2), and Semana Santa — are celebrated with particular flair. Check local event calendars for timing.

The state has a wide variety of scenic natural scenes to offer. The landscape varies, from deserts with beautiful cacti to humid dense forests. Being in the boundaries of Mexico's arid north and the Tropical south the state has a unique contrast of natural wonders. Grutas de Tolantongo are a communal run complex with caves, warm springs, and several campsites, pools and restaurants complex. Santa Maria Amajac is another warm springs pools and saunas complex in the middle of beautiful wilderness. Los prismas basalticos are a rock formation of prisms and waterfalls. The Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque Hydraulic System , a UNESCO World Heritage site (partially located in Mexico State ), the aquaduct is 45 km in length, running between Zempoala and Otumba