Located in the central-eastern region of Mexico, Hidalgo is an ideal destination for those seeking nature, history, and tradition. Founded in 1869, its capital, Pachuca de Soto, stands out for its mining heritage and the iconic Monumental Clock of Pachuca.
Hidalgo is recognized for its tourist destinations, traditional festivals, museums, and typical gastronomy, which are an essential part of its cultural identity.
Here at El Mundo USA, we show you the best tourist spots, museums, and dishes in Hidalgo that you can enjoy in 2026.
Follow our accounts on Facebook and Instagram to stay informed with the most relevant news.
What to visit in Hidalgo?: must-see tourist spots
Pachuca de Soto
Pachuca de Soto, known as La Bella Airosa, is the capital of Hidalgo and one of the most attractive destinations for those seeking history, gastronomy, and architecture in Mexico. Famous for its mining heritage and its iconic Pachuca Monumental Clock, the city is the ideal starting point to explore the state.
If you’re wondering what to do in Pachuca, here are some must-visit places:
- Mercado de Barreteros: ideal for trying traditional barbecue and local snacks.
- Museum of Mining of Pachuca: a key space to learn about the mining history of the region.
- Casa Rule: historic building with English-influenced architecture.
- Plaza Constitución de Pachuca: heart of the historic center.
- Chapel of the Assumption: a religious and architectural landmark.
Pachuca is the ideal starting point to explore the state and enjoy culture, history, and flavors all in one place.
Tuzoofari
An unmissable experience in Hidalgo is Tuzoofari, located in Epazoyucan. This park covers about 600 hectares and is home to more than 1,200 animals of 200 different species, many of which live in semi-free conditions.
The tour is mainly conducted in your own car, allowing animals such as giraffes, llamas, zebras, and antelopes to come close for feeding. If you don’t have a car, you can get on a panoramic truck for an additional $3.11 dollars per person or rent a Polaris (up to 7 people) for $84.75 dollars for an hour and a half.
- Location: Road. Rural Rancho San Pablo S/N, Rancho San Pablo, Epazoyucan, Hidalgo.
- Days and hours:
- Monday to Friday | 08:00 to 16:00 hours.
- Saturday and Sunday | 08:00 to 16:30 hours.
- Cost:
- Adults: $8.48 dollars.
- Children: $5.65 dollars.
- Seniors (INAPAM): $3.39 dollars.
Animal food: Bottles of food are sold at the entrance to interact with the species during the journey.
Acaxochitlán
Acaxochitlán is an ideal destination for a getaway. Surrounded by forests, dams, and mountainous landscapes, it stands out for its natural, cultural, and gastronomic wealth.
You will be able to explore dams, trails, and streams surrounded by pines, firs, and oaks. It is a perfect place for ecotourism, photography, and contact with nature in Hidalgo.
One of its main attractions is the Magical Elf Trail, a theme park with 110 elf figures integrated into the forest. Acaxochitlán, beside being a family experience, promotes environmental awareness.
Metztitlán
Metztitlán, located in the Sierra Baja of Hidalgo, is an ideal destination for those seeking nature, adventure, and spectacular landscapes. Surrounded by mountains and ravines, this Magical Town offers multiple outdoor activities.
The municipality is famous for being the point where the Barranca de Metztitlán begins, an impressive natural system that extends over eight municipalities and was declared the Barranca de Metztitlán Biosphere Reserve, with more than 96 thousand protected hectares.
Thanks to its geography, Metztitlán is perfect for activities such as hiking, canyon exploration, and landscape photography. It is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Hidalgo for those seeking both adrenaline and tranquility in one place.
Visiting Metztitlán is discovering one of the most impressive natural settings in the state.
Basaltic Prisms in Huasca
The Basaltic Prisms of Santa María Regla are one of the most impressive tourist attractions in Huasca de Ocampo. These volcanic formations, created millions of years ago, are located in the Santa María Regla ravine and are notable for their geometric columns bathed by waterfalls.
What to do at the Basaltic Prisms?
- Admire the waterfalls.
- Cross the suspension bridge.
- Take panoramic photographs.
- At the nearby tourist center, you can also enjoy swimming pools, sports courts, camping, and recreational areas.
The Basaltic Prisms are a must-visit destination for those seeking nature and adventure in Hidalgo.
- Location: Federal Highway 105 Km. 34, Huasca de Ocampo, Hidalgo.
- Days and hours:
- Monday to Friday | 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Saturday and Sunday | 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- Cost: General admission $5.65 dollars.
*Children under 5 years old enter for free.
Archeological Zone of Tula
The Tula Archeological Zone is one of the main tourist attractions in Hidalgo and a key site to learn about the greatness of Toltec culture. Located in the historic center of Tula de Allende, it is less than an hour away from Pachuca de Soto.
This archeological site reached its peak in the 10th century and was one of the most important urban centers of pre-Hispanic Mexico.
What to see in the Archeological Zone of Tula?
Among the most notable structures are:
- The Pyramid of the Sun.
- The Burned Palace.
- The Chac Mool.
- The Zompantli.
- The Coatenpantli.
- The Ball Game.
- The Central Altar.
- The Temple of Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli, famous for the Atlanteans of Tula.
Exploring Tula is an essential experience for those seeking cultural tourism, pre-Hispanic history, and archeology in Hidalgo.
- Location: Highway Tula- Tlahuelilpan Km 2, Col.16 de Enero 2nd. Expansion (El Tesoro), Tula de Allende, Hidalgo.
- Days and hours: Monday to Sunday | 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM.
*Last entry at 4:30 PM. - Cost:
- General admission: $5.93 dollars.
- Foreigners: $11.87 dollars.
*Sundays free for Mexicans, students, teachers, children under 13 years old, and seniors.
Tolantongo Caves
The Tolantongo Caves, located in the ejido of San Cristóbal in Hidalgo, are one of the most impressive tourist destinations in the country. Their natural landscapes make them a must-visit for those seeking adventure and relaxation.
Among its main attractions are:
- A spectacular waterfall.
- Turquoise-colored river.
- Natural cave with hot springs.
- Hot springs pools elevated over a ravine.
The Tolantongo Caves are ideal for a weekend getaway and stand out among the best places to visit in Hidalgo.
- Location: San Cristóbal S/N Ejido San Cristóbal, Cardonal, Hidalgo.
- Days and hours: Monday to Sunday | 07:00 to 23:00 hours.
*Some areas have different schedules. - Cost:
- General admission: $13.00 dollars.
- Seniors: 50% discount.
- Parking: $2.83 dollars.
*children under 5 years old free.
Xoxafi Caves
The Xoxafi Caves are located in El Palmar, Santiago de Anaya municipality, and are one of the most impressive adventure tourism destinations in Hidalgo. This natural site stands out for its extreme cave tours and unique underground experiences.
What to do in Grutas Xoxafi?
- Rappelling of approximately 40 meters.
- Descent thru narrow openings.
- Internal zip line inside the cave.
- Guided spelunking tours.
The visit is ideal for those seeking adrenaline and different experiences in Hidalgo.
- Location: Known Address S/N El Palmar, Santiago de Anaya, Hidalgo.
- Days and hours:
- Monday to Friday | 09:00 to 18:00 hours.
- Saturday and Sunday | 09:00 to 19:00 hours.
- Cost:
- Adventure tunnel 80 meters: $23.73 dollars.
- Basic tunnel 50 meters: $17.52 dollars.
- Extreme tunnel 100 meters: $27.12 dollars.
- Short zip line: $11.30 dollars.
- Long zip line: $17.52 dollars.
- Xoxabike: $18.65 dollars.
- Gotcha: $13.56 dollars.
Read more: What to do in Michoacán, Mexico? Places, events, activities, and dishes to discover in 2026
Which museums to know and visit in Hidalgo?
Interactive Museum for the Children and Youth of Hidalgo El Rehilete
If you’re looking for museums in Hidalgo to visit with children, the Interactive Museum for the Children and Youth of Hidalgo El Rehilete is one of the best options in Pachuca. This interactive museum combines learning and fun with over 100 exhibits focused on science, technology, art, and the environment.
The venue has six thematic areas: Art, Science, Technology, Our World, Observatory, and Planetarium, ideal for reinforcing school learning in a playful way. Additionally, the Dinopark stands out, an outdoor space with dinosaur figures that delights children.
- Location: Mexico–Pachuca Highway km 84.5, Venta Prieta neighborhood, Pachuca.
- Days and hours: Monday to Sunday | 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM.
*the museum is closed on Mondays. - Cost:
- Package 1: museum and Dinopark.
- Adults: $4.29 dollars.
- Minors: $3.84 dollars.
- Package 2: Museum, Dinopark, and Planetarium.
- Adults: $7.18 dollars.
- Minors: $6.22 dollars.
The El Rehilete Museum is an excellent tourist and educational alternative if you’re planning what to do in Pachuca, Hidalgo, with your family.
Museum of World Football
The Interactive World Football Center Museum is a must-visit. Inaugurated on July 9, 2011, this space houses the National and International Football Hall of Fame and offers a fully interactive experience.
It features four themed rooms and more than 50 interactive exhibits with physical activities, workshops, projections, and multimedia experiences. The tour begins in the famous FIFA Tunnel, where you can feel the excitement of entering a stadium as a professional player.
- Location: Fraction I Cluster, Camino Real de La Plata 4, Zona Plateada, Pachuca de Soto, Hidalgo.
- Days and hours: Wednesday to Sunday | 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Cost:
- Basic package: $8.42 dollars.
- Students, residents of Hidalgo, and seniors: $5.59 dollars.
- Stadium package: $14.07 dollars.
Museum of Photography
The Museum of Photography is one of the best cultural options in Hidalgo. This venue houses a valuable collection of images that showcase various historical and social moments thru the photographic lens.
The museum organizes its collection into five thematic axes: Portrait, Social Movements, Daily Life, Landscape, and Experimentation. Each room allows you to learn about the evolution of photography in Mexico and its impact as a historical and artistic testimony.
- Location: Former Convent of San Francisco, Plaza Aniceto Ortega, Centro neighborhood, Pachuca, Hidalgo.
- Days and hours: Tuesday to Sunday | 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (except on holidays).
- Cost: Free.
Mining Museum
The Mining Museum is an essential stop to learn about the mining history of the region. Located in the Historic Center, this venue is housed in a 19th-century building that belonged to the San Rafael mining company and shares space with the Historical Archive of the Real del Monte and Pachuca Company.
The museum offers a tour thru the history of mining in Hidalgo, showcasing processes, tools, and the evolution of this industry in Pachuca and Real del Monte, key areas of the state’s economic development.
- Location: Francisco Javier Myna Street 110, Centro neighborhood, Pachuca.
- Days and hours: Tuesday to Sunday | 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Cost:
- General admission: $2.54 dollars.
- Students, teachers, and seniors: $2.26 dollars.
An excellent option if you’re wondering what to do in Pachuca and want to learn about Hidalgo’s mining heritage.
Museum of El Santo in Tulancingo
If you are a fan of Mexican wrestling and are looking for things to do in Tulancingo, the El Santo Museum is a must-visit in Hidalgo. This venue pays tribute to El Santo, one of the most important icons of Mexican sports and cinema.
Inaugurated on September 23, 2009, the museum exhibits photographs, original posters, newspaper clippings, and personal items of the Silver Masked Man. Among the most notable pieces are his iconic silver masks, a symbol that made him a legend in wrestling.
- Location: Rodolfo Guzmán Huerta Street, Los Álamos neighborhood, Tulancingo de Bravo, Hidalgo.
- Days and hours: Tuesday to Sunday | 09:00 to 19:00 hours.
- Cost: Free.
An ideal space to learn about the history of one of the most representative figures of Mexican popular culture
Museum of the Paste
If you visit Real del Monte, Hidalgo, the Paste Museum is a must-stop to learn about the origin of one of the state’s most traditional dishes. Inaugurated on October 11, 2012, this museum preserves the history of the paste, a legacy of the English mining influence in the region.
The tour shows the evolution of the paste in Hidalgo and its gastronomic importance. Additionally, it features a café, a children’s area, and an interactive space where visitors can learn how to make a pasty step by step, with the option to participate in its preparation.
- Location: Road Huejutla de Reyes – Pachuca 114, Vizcaínas, Mineral del Monte, Hidalgo.
- Days and hours: Wednesday to Monday | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Cost:
- Gold Package: $3.96 dollars.
- Silver Package: $1.98 dollars.
An excellent option if you’re looking for things to do in Real del Monte and want to combine tourism, history, and gastronomy in one place.
Maguey and Pulque Museum in Tepeapulco
If you want to learn more about the maguey and pulque of Hidalgo, the Maguey and Pulque Museum is a must-visit in the pulque highlands region. This cultural space promotes the historical, economic, and social importance of the maguey in Mexico.
Inaugurated in 2016 and managed by the Civil Association Friends of the Maguey and Pulque Museum, the venue exhibits tools and traditional objects used to extract aguamiel, produce pulque, and prepare curados. Additionally, it highlights the significance of the cultural and natural landscape of this area recognized for its pulque tradition.
- Location: Old House of Hernán Cortés, Miguel Hidalgo Avenue, Centro neighborhood, Tepeapulco, Hidalgo.
- Days and hours: Tuesday to Sunday | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Cost: Free.
Museum of Goblins in Huasca de Ocampo
In Huasca de Ocampo, the Goblin Museum is one of the most original attractions in this Magical Town in Hidalgo. Considered unique in its kind in Mexico, this venue is dedicated to the fantastic beings that are part of local tradition and legends.
During the tour, which includes a brief introductory talk, you will be able to see a collection of figurines of goblins, elves, trolls, gnomes, chaneques, and fairies. Many visitors leave coins, sweets, or personal items as part of the popular beliefs related to these magical beings.
- Location: Huasca–Tulancingo Highway, km 2.5, San Miguel Regla, Huasca de Ocampo, Hidalgo.
- Days and hours: Monday to Sunday | 08:30 AM to 05:30 PM.
- Cost: $2.26 dollars.
A different option for those who wish to experience a journey full of mysticism and tradition in one of the most visited tourist destinations in Hidalgo.
Read more: What to see in Querétaro, Mexico? Tourist spots and must-try dishes in 2026
8 typical dishes from Hidalgo that you must try in 2026
Hidalgo is a state full of history, culture, and, above all, traditional cuisine that reflects the richness of its regions. Whether you are a proud Hidalgo native or just visiting, these 8 typical dishes from Hidalgo are unmissable and deserve a place on your culinary itinerary. Discover the flavors that have marked the tradition of this state and where to try them.
1. Pastes
The Hidalguense pasty has its origins in the miners from Cornwall, England, who arrived in Pachuca and Real del Monte in the 19th century. They brought with them the Cornish pasty, which was later adapted with local ingredients: potato, ground meat, chili, and cilantro.
Nowadays, pastes come in a wide variety of fillings: chicken, mole, beans, sausage, tuna, rajas, and even esquites. To enjoy the best experience, visit Real del Monte and check out the Paste Museum, where you can even make your own paste.
2. Barbacoa
Hidalgo-style barbacoa is a dish full of history and flavor, originating from the municipality of Actopan. Its preparation combines pre-Hispanic and Spanish techniques: the meat (lamb, rabbit, or deer) is wrapped in maguey leaves and slow-cooked in a pit overnight.
It is served with hot broth, freshly made tortillas, salsa, salt, and lime. It’s a traditional breakfast that you can’t miss trying.
3. Huichapan Carnival
El Carnavalito, originating from Huichapan, is a fermented drink made with orange, tequila or mezcal, piloncillo, and cinnamon. Its fermentation lasts between 15 and 28 days, giving it a unique and distinctive flavor. This drink reflects the richness of Hidalgo’s tradition and the history of the arrival of the railroad in the state.
4. Turkeys
In Tulancingo de Bravo, guajolotes are tortas filled with enchiladas, quesillo, and refried beans, accompanied by chicken, sweetbreads, egg, or sausage. Its origin dates back to 1900, when a woman created this improvised dish for engineers working on the installation of electricity.
5. Pulque
The pulque from Hidalgo comes from the maguey fields of the Llanos de Apan and the Valle del Mezquital. This fermented drink is extracted with a “acocote” and deposited in “tinacales.” Beside its flavor, pulque is consumed in versions cured with fruits like guava, strawberry, mango, or sapote.
It is attributed with digestive and nutritional properties: it is antioxidant, strengthens the immune system, and provides vitamins and minerals.
6. Chinicuiles
Chinicuiles are red worms that are eaten fried, in tacos, or as a sauce. Their season is limited to the months of August and September, which makes them an exclusive dish from Hidalgo. They are collected from the center of the maguey after the rains, which gives them a unique flavor.
7. Ximbo
The ximbo has its origins in the Hñahñu culture and is prepared in the same barbecue ovens. It combines meats such as chicken, shank, rib, and ram, cooked with nopales, tomato, onion, guajillo pepper, and aromatic herbs. Its name means “maguey leaf” and reflects pre-Hispanic cooking techniques.
8. Hidalgo-style chalupas
Hidalgo chalupas are a traditional snack made with a small fried tortilla, topped with mashed potatoes, shredded chicken, lettuce, onion, fresh cheese, and green or red salsa. They are mainly consumed in Pachuca and the Mezquital Valley, and are recognized as a gastronomic heritage of the region.
Trying these typical dishes from Hidalgo is to immerse yourself in the culture, history, and tradition of the state. From the pastes of Real del Monte to the chalupas of Hidalgo, each bite is a unique experience that you can’t miss.
Traveling to Hidalgo means immersing oneself in the history, nature, and culture of Mexico. From the majesty of its mountains to the richness of its cultural heritage, each visit promises unique and memorable moments.
Don’t forget to include the magical towns, natural parks, and traditional festivals of Hidalgo in your itinerary, ensuring a trip full of discoveries and authentic experiences.
