Huasca de Ocampo

Huasca de Ocampo is a scenic small town in the forests north of Mexico City in the state of Hidalgo. It is one of the most interesting of the Pueblos Magicos.

Understand

Tourists come to Huasco for the laid-back small town with winding cobblestone streets and red tile roofs. They come for the cool pine forests, and to see the dramatic waterfalls that crash over basaltic prisms that look almost like they had to be carved by human artistry.

Get in

Huasca de Ocampo is about 90 minutes by car north of Mexico City. A taxi would cost you about M$1000.

You could take a bus to Pachuca (36 km from Huasca) and then either take a local bus, or take a taxi.It's less than an hour on highway MEX 105.

Get around

Taxi or walking are your best bets.

See

Waterfalls over basalt prisms

• 1 Museo de los Duendes. can't get enough of gnomes? If the museum doesn't sate your apetite, they also offer a nighttime walk through the Forest of Gnomes (Bosque de los Duendes). 
• 2 Parroquia de San Juan Bautista. Built by the Augustine friars in the 16th century, the church is a jewel of colonial era architecture. St. John's feast day is June 24 when there will be horse shows, folkloric dancing, sporting events, and street food galore. 
• 3 Basaltic Prisms of Santa María Regla (Barranca de Santa Maria Regla). is the spot to see spectacular geometric basalt formations. Hike the trails and see the spectacular waterfalls. There are also cabins for rent if you want to spend a weekend.  

Parroquia de San Juan Bautista

• Huasca has two colonial era haciendas: 4 Hacienda de Santa María Regla and Hacienda de San Miguel Regla

Do

zipline and paintball (known as “Gotcha” in Mexico) fields, hiking, guided tours, mountain biking and horseback riding.

Buy

The area is known for its rustic ceramics, especially water jugs, plates, cups and other household items.

Eat

• 1 Casa Colibrí, Carretera Huasca-San Miguel Km 2.1 s/n, ☏ +527717920328. Serving Mexican food for breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch. 
• 2 The Coffee Legacy, Zaragoza 2, Barrio El Calvario, ☏ +527717971600. 9:00-18:00. Cafetaría 
• 3 El Portal Viejo, Carretera Tulancingo-Pachuca 18. Serving Mexican food for breakfast and brunch. (updated Feb 2021)
• 4 1910, Carretera Tulancingo-Pachuca s/n. Restaurant and bar. 
• 5 Restaurante La Tradición, Victoria 1. (updated Feb 2021)

Sleep

• Pinochueco - unique treehouses in a wooded area, great place for an upscale romantic weekend hideaway!
• 1 Hotel La Ninfa, C. Juan C. Doria #4, Centro, ☏ +52 17712166616. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Casual, friendly hotel in the center of town. Rooms are set around a serene garden courtyard. M$900. (updated Apr 2023)
• 2 Hotel Real de Huasca, Vicente Guerrero S-N, Centro. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Casual place with large rooms but iffy water. M$1300. (updated Apr 2023)

Go next

• Tulancingo
• Mineral del Monte
• Pachuca