State: Hidalgo

Population: 2,300,000
Size: 7,978 square miles
Location: Central Mexico
Borders: San Luis Potosí, Veracruz, Puebla, Tlaxcala, México and Querétaro
Important cities/sites within the state: Actopan, Atotonilco el Grande, Epazoyucan, Huasca, Pachuca (capital), San Miguel Regla and the Tula archeological zone
Major airports: Pachuca Airport (PCA)
Time zone: Central Standard Time
Web site: www.hidalgo.gob.mx

The state of Hidalgo is located in the central part of the country, bordered by the states of Mexico, Tlaxcala, Puebla, Veracruz, San Luis Potosí and Querétaro. Its diverse landscape, ethnic groups and folkloric traditions are its main attractions.

Hidalgo is home to the stunning archeological zones of Tula – home to the Toltec culture – and Huapolcalco. Its fascinating museums, national parks and former mining towns are ideal for history lovers and nature enthusiasts, while its rugged surroundings are perfect for ecotourists and adventure travelers. Mountains, ravines, forests, clear streams, cliffs, reservoirs, lagoons and stunning scenery are all within close proximity in the state of Hidalgo. It is also characterized by stunning architecture featuring beautiful churches, monasteries, colonial buildings, 19th century mansions and traditional haciendas.

More than 200 magnificent haciendas were built in Hidalgo in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, used for a variety of activities in the region such as mining, brandy distillery and the production of pulque (a fermented alcoholic beverage). Today, many of these haciendas have been carefully renovated and have been converted into hotels, restaurants and tourist centers. San Miguel Regla, one of the most famous haciendas in the state, was built in the 18th century by the wealthy mining mogul, Count Pedro Romero de Terreros, and now serves as a luxury hotel. Santa Maria Regla, also built in the 18th century, served as Count Romero’s residence and was the first hacienda dedicated to mining silver and making brandy. Today, the hacienda is a tourist center, and visitors can explore its numerous underground tunnels.

Cuisine in the state of Hidalgo is one of the country’s most varied and exotic. Local dishes are a distinct blend of indigenous traditions and Cornish customs from the 19th century. Together the two cultures have combined to formed some of the most sophisticated dishes in the country, including zacahuil, an enormous tamale stuffed with turkey or pork; mixiote, spicy lamb or chicken wrapped in the skin of the maguey leaf; platillo huasteco, a dish made from beef jerky and escamoles (ant eggs), a refined dish made from white maguey worms and chinicuiles; and pastes, a Cornish-style pastry.

Nestled in a breathtaking setting of majestic mountains and windy deserts is the “Windy City” of Pachuca. As the capital of the state of Hidalgo, the city is one of the loveliest places in Mexico, with impressive colonial and modern buildings, as well as friendly locals that respect both its tradition and history. Pachuca was founded in 1598 and its name is said to come from the word Patlachiuhacan, meaning “place of gold and silver.”

Similar to the rest of the state of Hidalgo, Pachuca’s architectural style is primarily a combination of neoclassical and modern buildings. The city’s historic center, north of the city, is characterized by beautiful hills and old mining buildings, while the southern part of the city is mainly industrial. Its narrow and winding streets lead into quaint parks and colorful plazas that house beautiful buildings like the monastery of San Francisco.

Just 10 miles north of Pachuca is the delightful Real del Monte, a former silver-mining town and quiet weekend retreat for the locals. The town’s architecture is mostly Spanish colonial meshed with Cornish influence due to the influx of Cornish miners during the early 19th century. The Cornish miners have long since gone, but their influence remains, reflected in the Cornish style pastries available in the town called “pastes” – which have become popular throughout the region, as well as the practice of soccer (futbol), which many say was the first place that soccer was actually played on Mexican soil.

Hidalgo is a charming state set in a spectacular setting - perfect for travelers willing to take unforgettable risks – everything from climbing the 140-meter high Roberto de la Peña to tasting maguey worm delicacies.