What to do in Zimapán, Hidalgo? An adventure in the Sierra Gorda

Zimapan, HidalgoIt is not just any Magical Town. Surrounded by natural wonders in all directions, this destination falls in love with any lover of adventure and spectacular landscapes. Discover things to do in zimapan and plan your trip to this paradise in the Sierra Gorda of Hidalgo.

Zimapan Center

Our tour begins in the heart of the town. Surrounded by mountains and dotted with vegetation everywhere, the view that Zimapán offers is magnificent.

There, in the first frame, you will find the Parish of San Juan Bautista. Built between the 18th and 19th centuries, it is one of the most impressive and best preserved baroque churches in the Sierra Gorda region. The detailed reliefs on its façade include representations of Saint Sebastian and Saint Jerome. The real treasures, however, are inside. His pulpit, a flame-shaped sculpture, is unique in the whole world. Every summer solstice, three aces of light illuminate the main altar thanks to the position of the windows. This phenomenon coincides with the patron saint festivities.

The main garden of the town is ideal for walking and taking some photos. In addition to the classic letters with the name, there is a kiosk, a fountain and benches to rest.

About 300 meters to the north is the El Sabino Parkwhich bears the name of monumental Moctezuma cypress that is there. This grandpa has been greening for several centuries in that place, its size and the thickness of the trunk are impressive.

Zimapan Dam

Some 20 km to the southwest of the town, on the border between Hidalgo and Querétaro, the zone of the Zimapan Dam brings together several tourist attractions. Inaugurated in 1996 to convert the strength of the San Juan and Tula rivers into electrical energy, the dam offers the opportunity to navigate through its canyons and practice sport fishing. The La Florida and El Mezquital piers are two points from where you can hire a boat and a guide.

In this same area are the El Saucillo Museum and Viewpoint. In the community museum you can see on display some utensils, crafts, cave paintings and even an Otomi burial, evidence that there used to be an important pre-Hispanic settlement in this place. The real attraction is at the end, with the incomparable view from the lookout point. It will take your breath away!

Another essential stop is the El Vigilante Ecotourism Centernamed in honor of the 15-meter monolith whose shape resembles that of a huge human face. Depending on which of the two sides you look at it from, this face can appear to be benevolent or evil. If you like hiking, this place is ideal. In order to reach the end, where a spectacular panoramic view of the dam awaits you, you will have to walk through semi-desert landscapes.

Infiernillo Canyon and Xajhá Caves

15 km west of Zimapán, an adventure awaits you that you will remember forever. The Infiernillo Canyonin conjunction with the caves and hot springs of Xajhá, is a paradise of stillness, silence and beauty. among the many Activities in Zimapanthis experience is truly memorable.

Colossal rock formations hide narrow corridors through which streams of crystal clear waters run. Get lost in the nooks and crannies and capture dreamy views with your camera.

Waiting for you later Xajha Cavesa cave where time has sculpted a garden of imposing stalagmites and rock formations. As a reward for the hours of walking, there you can also bathe in delicious thermal waters of 40 ° C. We recommend hiring a tour to do this entire expedition, since the place is difficult to access. We also suggest bringing enough water, sunscreen, and shoes that can get wet.

Pacula Red Dunes

Discover an almost alien landscape in the surprising Pacula Red Duneslocated about 50 km north of Zimapán.

The reddish color of the earth explained by the high concentrations of minerals such as iron oxide and letherite. The contrast with the intense green of the forest and the whitish gray of the stones, the color of the earth shines even more.

In addition to feeling like you are on another planet, this place will give you the opportunity to take the most incredible photos of your entire trip. Of course, take into account that this soil stains, so we recommend you to wear clothing for rough use.

La Encarnación and Los Mármoles National Park

Now we go a little to the east, where two of the Tourist places of Zimapan that you cannot miss.

The incarnation It is an almost ghost town, whose glorious past can barely be guessed through the ruins of its English-style buildings. A important mining center in the Porfiriatothis place once housed a foundry so prolific that even parts of the Eiffel Tower were forged there.

In addition to seeing the foundry, the remains of a mine and a ray store, you will also be able to taste the wines and ates of local fruits that are produced here.

Next to the town is the Los Marbles National Park, another treasure for hikers and adventurers. As you walk through its forests of pines, oaks, junipers and junipers, you can admire the views of the Cangandho Hill and the streams that intertwine with the landscape. The best view, without a doubt, is the one offered by the Barranca San Vicentewith a depth of up to 800 meters.

Festivities in Zimapan

The San Juan Bautista Patronal Fair It is one of the best opportunities to get to know Zimapán, since the inhabitants congregate and the atmosphere is pure joy.

Every June 24, you can enjoy fireworks, charreadas, popular dances, craft stalls, mechanical games and lots of food.

Where to Stay?

If you are looking for options Zimapan hotelswe recommend the Royal Spa Hotel, on the outskirts of town. It has several swimming pools and a gourmet restaurant, but the best thing is the spa area, which includes services such as reflexology and massage.

A more central and economical option is the Anyelo Boutique Hotel, in the center. It has a large garden, spacious rooms and free Wi-Fi service.

There are also several options for stay in cabins near the damWhat El Prieto, Cisterns, El Saucillo Y Sha N’ Adu Magical Community. If this possibility appeals to you, you will love the experience of sleeping in a cabins located on an island in the middle of the dam.

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Where to eat?

There are many Restaurants in Zimapan that await you before and after your adventures in the surroundings. beautiful mary offers traditional Mexican food and family atmosphere. The arches It is the best place for regional gastronomy. The Mining Inn It serves corrida with the local touch and at a very good price.

On the other hand, in the area of ​​the dam there are also places with an exceptional view and delicious food. both in The Marisquito like in tilapia you can try fresh delicacies from the sea and enjoy the scenery.

How to get?

In car from PachucaTake it federal highway 85 heading north. After Xhitá Segundo, you will see the deviation to the highway to Zimapan. From Querétaro, take the federal highway 100 eastward. Before reaching Bernal, take the deviation to Ezequiel Montes. Once in town, take the federal highway 120 and continue until you pass El Palmar. There, take the deviation to Puerto Salitre and continue on that path. You will reach the dam – that part of the road is beautiful – follow the same road until you reach the town.

They also go out buses from Pachuca, Querétaro and Mexico City to Zimapán every day.

Do you want to escape to Zimapan? discover and plan here an unforgettable experience