Tour Details

Explore the surprising beauty of Hidalgo’s Mountain Corridor with Travelian Tours. Our drive 2000 feet up into pine and cedar forests will provide you memorable vistas in this fascinating historic mining area.

This mountain corridor, in eastern Mexico, takes in the former mining estates of Real del Monte, Huasca de Ocampo, and Mineral del Chico, all Pueblos Magicos. Two separate mountain ranges present different opportunities to get up close to nature for hiking and bird watching.

A short drive from Hidalgo’s capital (Pachuca), Real del Monte is perched in the Sierra de Pachuca, a smaller mountain range that’s part of the Sierra Madre Oriental. At an altitude of 2,680 meters (8,800 feet), this is one of the highest inhabited places in Mexico with curvy streets, two-storey houses of plastered adobe, sporting a variety of pastel colors with doors and windows painted in a contrasting cream. Wrought iron balconies overlook the street. Casual restaurants sell pan de pulque (a bread made with pulque, a liquor similar to undistilled tequila), “miner’s enchiladas,” and flaky pastes with a variety of fillings. But how did traditional Cornish pasties wind up in the mountains of Central Mexico? Join us to sample them and find out why.

Driving down a windy road from Real del Monte we’ll visit the Acosta Mine Museum, then head toward our second Pueblo Magico, Huasca de Campo. Featuring picturesque streets and colonial architecture, this charming village is situated at high altitude with surrounding landscapes of plains, mountains, rivers, lakes and waterfalls. The town was created in the mid 18th century by Pedro Romero de Terreros, a Spanish count who at one point was the richest man in the world. We will stay at a small, charming inn and enjoy Huasca’s Saturday Market, visit the Prismas Basálticos rock formations, its waterfalls, and the remarkable Hacienda de Santa Maria Regla. Take pleasure in bird watching along lake and country roads.

Our final destination is Mineral del Chico, the "Shangri La" of this Mountain Corridor, nestled in the heart of El Chico National Park, one of Mexico’s first in the late 1800s. Within this stunning park, there are mountains covered with pine and oyamel (fir) trees, as well as impressive rock formations. The park offers us nearly 7000 acres for hiking and bird watching. Relax at a delightful, small hotel in the middle of this peaceful mountain village and enjoy regional cuisine and warm friendly people.

Absorb this fascinating tour of Hidalgo’s lesser known magical Mountain Corridor. Savour its dramatic landscapes, pueblos magicos, history and culture. Travel in comfort and safety with Travelian’s friendly knowledgeable guides for this stimulating adventure.

Itinerary - 4 Days

DAY 1 - TRAVEL DAY - NATURAL WONDERS - SILVER MINING HACIENDAS
Early departure from San Miguel de Allende for the Pueblo Magico of Huasca de Ocampo ~ Sack Breakfast provided. Arrive at hotel ~ check in and enjoy lunch*. Visit Prismas Basalticos, Hacienda Santa Maria Regla. Walk around town. Dinner at hotel*.

DAY 2 - MAGIC MINING TOWNS AND THE CORNISH INFLUENCE
7:30 Coffee & bread for those going to bird watch ~ Others may have breakfast at 8:00 and visit the little market in Huasca de Ocampo. Pack and check out of hotel. Depart for Real Del Monte. Arrive in the Pueblo Magico Real del Monte ~ Enjoy a lunch* of local Pastes and visit the Saturday market. Van Pick up ~ ride to the old silver mine for a tour. Depart for Mineral del Chico (Mexico’s first National Park). Arrive in the Pueblo Magico of Mineral del Chico ~ Check into hotel, wander town. Enjoy dinner* at hotel.

DAY 3 - BIRDING MEXICO'S QUINTESSENTIAL NATIONAL PARK
7:00 Breakfast at hotel. Take the van to Los Cuervos for bird watching and hiking. Arrive for bird watching and hiking. Leave for town, tour garden and enjoy an outdoor lunch at the home of local friends. Leave for the Lake, walk and bird watch at the lake. Leave for town. Relax at hotel. Enjoy dinner* at hotel.

DAY 4 - TRAVEL DAY
8:00 Breakfast at hotel. Pack and check out. Depart for Queretaro for lunch. Arrive for lunch at traditional Barbacoa restaurant. Depart for San Miguel de Allende.
4:00 pm Approximate time of arrival in San Miguel de Allende.

* Meals marked with an asterisk are not included in the tour's fee.
This itinerary is subject to changes without prior notification.

WHAT TO TAKE           Official ID your current Passport, Mexican residency ID (copies are fine)   Original INAPAM ID (if you have one)   Credit Cards, Debit card, Cash in Pesos for the first day (Cash machines are available)   Active Cell Phone with recharger   Bring sufficient funds for meals and beverages not included in trip cost   Money Belt   Water Bottle   Binoculars   Camera   Travel Flashlight   Hat   Sunblock   Sunglasses   Insect Repellent   Day Pack   Light-weight Walking Shoes   A fleece garment or light jacket can be useful in case of chilly mornings or evenings   Simple comfortable clothing for day and evening wear   Pack your binoculars, toiletries and travel documents in your day pack, a supply of Ziplock plastic storage bags can be handy for storing food items from the breakfast, to be used as mid-morning snacks   Be sure to bring your own Kleenex and small change for bathroom fees   First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder)   Personal prescription drugs.