Mineral del Chico

Mineral del Chico is a small town in the Central Mexico state of Hidalgo. It is an old town with colonial roots that is a gateway to the rugged mountain backcountry of El Chico National Park. Mineral del Chico is also a popular weekend getaway destination that is one of Mexico's designated Pueblos Magicos.

Understand
Mineral del Chico is a traditional mining town with several mine tours available, in and on the north side of the town. There are at least 5 mining sites that are open to visitors.

Get in
Mineral del Chico is a small town that is off the beaten path. First-class buses will get you to Pachuca, and from there you can take a taxi. Mineral del Chico is about 25 km from Pachuca and the 20-minute taxi ride will cost about M$150.

By car
The road to Mineral del Chico is twisty, mountainous and scenic. From Pachuca, take the Carratera a la Estanzuela. You need to make a sharp left after about 10 km (there's a sign there, and a restaurant called Libo's). You'll pass a large reservoir (Presa la Estanzuela) and go through the town of Estanzuela. Watch for the signs to El Chico, that's the road you want. Mineral del Chico is on the north side of the national park, so enjoy the mountain scenery for the rest of the ride into town.

Get around
The town itself is small and compact so you can easily get around on foot. Taxis are available near the town square and are useful for getting out to some of the mines or into the El Chico National Park.

Mines










Festivals

 * Lluvia de Pétalos - on Easter Sunday, flower petals of all colors are thrown from the upper balcony of the church during the mass. Festivities continue outside after mass.


 * Festival de San Isidro Labrador - May 15, patron saint of farmers, celebrated with masses, parades, lots of food and drink, the coronation of a festival queen, and fireworks at dark.


 * Apple and Begonia Festival - August, colorful event celebrating two of the town's main agricultural products. Various events throughout town including gastronomic shows and guided tours of the orchards.


 * Expo Fair of Mineral del Chico - 1st week of December, contests, live music in the main garden, dance, lighting of the Christmas tree and pastorelas, the festival closes on December 8 with the celebration of the Immaculate Conception.

Buy
Mineral del Chico is largely a weekend getaway destination. Many shops and other businesses close during the week and do a gang-buster business from Friday afternoon through Sunday evening. It is common for businesses to accept only cash, though the larger businesses accept credit cards.

Go next

 * El Chico National Park