A Detailed Guide to Visiting Huasca de Ocampo in 2026
Wondering if Huasca de Ocampo is worth visiting? Well, you’re in the right place!
We spent two weeks exploring the state of Hidalgo during our six-month Mexican road trip, and the charming town of Huasca de Ocampo quickly became one of our highlights!
Located just over two hours from Mexico City, Huasca de Ocampo is Mexico’s first Pueblo Mágico (magical town).
It’s known for its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and beautiful natural surroundings that feel like stepping back in time.
In this detailed travel guide, we share why Huasca de Ocampo is worth visiting, including the best things to do, where to stay, places to eat, and how to get there.
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Is Huasca de Ocampo Worth Visiting?
YES! In our opinion, the delightful town of Huascs de Ocampo is definitely worth a visit!
We adore small towns and have been on an endless quest to find the cutest small towns in Mexico, as they fit perfectly with our travel style.
After visiting over 20 Pueblo Magicos, we can confidently say that Huasca de Ocampo remains one of our favorites.
With cobblestone streets, historical buildings, a lively square, and friendly people, Huasca de Ocampo is one of the most beautiful small towns to visit in Mexico.
Plus, it is mobility-friendly, easy to get around, and very walkable. This is important, for people who travel with chronic pain and fatigue like me.
But the thing is… Huasca de Ocampo offers so much more! The surrounding landscape is lush and gorgeous and a huge reason we wanted to visit the area.
So, whether you enjoy wandering small towns, grabbing a coffee in the town square, or exploring natural wonders… Huasca de Ocampo is definitely worth visiting!
Huasca de Ocampo: Mexico’s 1st Pueblo Magico
Mexico initiated the Pueblo Magicos Program to increase tourism to smaller towns and lesser-known destinations throughout the country.
Pueblo Magicos must offer something special for the visitor – a natural wonder, cultural significance, traditional experience, or historical importance to Mexico.
In 2001, Huasca de Ocampo became Mexico’s first Pueblo Magico. And after visiting this delightful town, we understand why.
Huasca de Ocampo is a delightful town nestled in the state of Hidalgo and is surrounded by the beautiful Sierra de Pachuca mountains. It is known for both its architectural and natural beauty.
Colorful colonial buildings fill the historic center, along with traditional houses, artisan craft stores, and culinary delights.
Huasca de Ocampo is also home to the first hacienda in all of Mexico, where precious metals were processed. It has since become a tourist destination, mostly for weekenders from Mexico City.
But we want to change that!
The magical town of Husca de Ocampo has so much to offer foreign tourists and should be included on any itinerary to Central Mexico.
Where is Huasca de Ocampo?
Huasca de Ocampo is located in the Hidalgo State of Mexico, just 138 km from Mexico City’s International Airport. It takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes to drive there.
Located in the Sierra de Pachuca mountains, Huasca de Ocampo is surrounded by beautiful lush green hills and forests and is an ideal location for hiking, and horseback riding.
It is only 16 km from the colorful town of Pachuca, the capital of the Hidalgo state.
We used Pachuca as our base for exploring this amazing region. And with so many things to do in Pachuca, it is another town to add to your Hidalgo itinerary.
Best Time to Visit Huasca de Ocampo
Huasca de Ocampo has a temperate climate with calm winds and little temperature variation from season to season.
This means that you can visit Huasca de Ocampo year–round!
The most popular months to visit are February and March. But be prepared to pay more for hotels during that time. However, it is possible to save money if you book in advance.
Surprisingly, December is the least expensive time to visit, and when Huasca de Ocampo receives the least amount of precipitation.
The warmest, and least humid, months are April to June. The warmest time is mid-May when daily temperatures are around 28°C or 82°F and rarely drop below 12°C or 54°F at night.
We visited Huasca de Ocampo in mid-September, the rainiest month. However, the sun was shining with a temperature around 20°C or 68°F. It was perfect weather for exploring!
How to Get to Huasca de Ocampo
Here are several ways to get to the delightful town of Huasca de Ocampo.
✈️Airplane
There is no airport in Huasca de Ocampo itself, so most travelers fly into Mexico City and continue by bus or rental car.
Thankfully, Mexico City International Airport is only 3 hours away.
To find the best deals on international and domestic flights, we recommend using Skyscanner. You can search by specific dates and compare different airlines to find the best deal for you.
Skyscanner also lets you set up a price alert, you can track price changes and book when fares drop.
The platform is easy to use, and allows you to filter by airlines, layovers, flight duration and more to customize your search.
Once you decide on a flight, Skyscanner takes you to the actual provider’s website, so you can view and read the necessary fine print, and make an informed decision on your travel plans.
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✔️compare airlines
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✔️flexible search options
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🚌Bus
There are no direct buses to Huasca de Ocampo. However, you can take a direct bus from Mexico City to Pachuca.
The cost ranges from $5 – $20 CAD ($3.70 – $15 USD) depending on the type of bus you choose. The journey takes 70 minutes.
From Pachuca, it is a 30 min taxi ride to Huasca de Ocampo, which costs around $9 – 12 CAD ($6.80 – $9 USD).
We recommend using Busbud as they allow you to search for the best prices among several different companies.
🚌Find the best bus route & fare:
➡️Book Now with Busbud
🚗Rental Car
Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive yourself. It is an easy and scenic 2-hour 15-minute drive from the Mexico City International Airport.
In our opinion, the best way to explore the beautiful region of Hidalgo is by renting a car. It offers the most flexibility and allows you to explore other Pueblo Magicos, including Real del Monte.
Plus, parking is free in most Pueblo Magicos, including Huasca de Ocampo.
This is especially important if you travel with chronic pain and fatigue as I do. Renting a car makes our journey easier. It allows me to manage to my pain and gives us freedom to travel at our own pace.
We have sampled a couple of different rental car agencies over the years but usually find that Discover Cars offers the best selection for price, comfort, and customer service.
🚗Check availability & prices now:
➡️Book your rental car from Mexico City Airport here
Or you could make the wonderful town of Pachuca your base for exploring the Hidalgo region. Not only are there many things to do in Pachuca, but Huasca de Ocampo is just a 30-minute drive away.
Plus, staying in the same accommodation for a longer period is an excellent way to spend less money while traveling!
Things to Do in Huasca de Ocampo
Huasca de Ocampo has more than enough to keep you entertained.
Whether you enjoy wandering the historic center or venturing out for a day in nature, here’s our list of things to do in this delightful town.
1. Historic Centro
The historic centro of Huasca de Ocampo is adorable. We loved the colorful buildings and red gabled rooftops that lined the cobble-stoned streets.
In the center, there is a lovely park with benches, an interesting water fountain, and the town’s main church.
Beautiful stone walls form the backdrop for local vendors who sell everything from fresh juices and tasty tacos to bright t-shirts and warm ponchos.
The town has flat sidewalks making it an ideal location if you struggle with mobility. There are also cute shops, bakeries, and restaurants near the square.
✅HELPFUL TIP: Huasca de Ocampo has both free parking and wheelchair parking. This is something to consider if you are looking for driving tips in Mexico.
With friendly locals and uncrowded streets, Huasca de Ocampo is the perfect town to spend an afternoon in.
HISTORIC CENTRO
📍Location: Google Map
💲Cost: Free
2. The Basaltic Prisms
It does not take long to see why these magnificent hexagonal columns of basaltic rock are considered one of the 13 Natural Wonders of Mexico.
Just 15 minutes from Huasca de Ocampo, visiting the fascinating Basaltic Prisms is a definite must!
The chiseled polygonal columns have been perfectly carved from hardened lava. Situated in a deep ravine, the prisms tower between 30 to 50 meters high and can be viewed from above and below.
Prefer to Join a Tour?
Joining this guided small group tour is an excellent way to explore the Basaltic Prisms.
Or, you can choose this popular private tour!
We loved that there was a relatively short walking path with several viewing areas throughout the site.
Plus, it was flat enough for me to walk around, so travelers with mobility issues, such as a wheelchair, should also have no problems.
There is parking, restaurants, shops, and facilities on site, and it is dog-friendly!
BASALTIC PRISMS
📍Location: Google Map
⌚Hours: Monday to Sunday from 9 am – 6 pm
💲Cost: 50 Pesos pp or 100 Pesos for 2 with parking
3. Church of Juan El Bautista
In the historic center, you will find the town’s most important religious building, the Church of Juan el Bautista.
The church dates to the 16th century and was built by the Augustinian friars of Atotonilco el Grande to evangelize the local indigenous people.
Head inside to see the beautiful stone arches, decorative gilded wood, and oil paintings brought over from Spain by Pedro Romero de Terreros.
CHURCH OF JUAN EL BAUTISTA
📍Location: Google Map
⌚Hours: Monday to Sunday from 8 am – 8 pm
💲Cost: Free
4. Museo de Los Duendes
A ten-minute drive from town will bring you to the Museo de los Duendes, or Museum of the Goblins.
Inside the tall, wooden house, you will learn about all these curious creatures, which include elves, goblins, trolls, and fairies.
According to legend, these tiny, mythical creatures live in the forests that surround the town.
Standing no more than 80cm tall, they are known for causing mayhem and bewitching young children.
And apparently… they enjoy frolicking around the forest in the nude!
MUSEO DE LOS DUENDES
📍Location: Google Map
⌚Hours: Monday to Sunday from 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
💲Cost: 20 Pesos
5. Shop for Souvenirs
There are many cute and quirky shops to wander through during your visit to Huasca de Ocampo.
And thankfully… they don’t all sell the same merchandise. There was a good selection of clothing, jewelry, hand-woven purses, and trinkets.
On the way into town, shops are set up along the road selling interesting and playful ceramic goblins and trolls.
And in town, the Duendearte (Goblin) Store will be hard to miss. This shop has a wonderful selection of souvenirs depicting adorable, mythical creatures.
You may also want to check out the local market on Calle Victoria, as they sell traditional ceramic clay pots and other goodies.
SHOP FOR SOUVENIRS
📍Location: Google Map
💲Cost: Well… that’s up to you!
6. Visit Former Haciendas
These two former haciendas of Santa María Regla and San Miguel Regla should be included in any visit to Huasca de Ocampo.
Architecturally beautiful, these haciendas provide a glimpse into the region’s mining history. You can take a self-guided tour around each for a small fee.
Santa Maria Regla, the first silver mill of Huasca de Ocampo, was where Don Pedro Romero de Terreros built his fortune.
It has since been converted into a rustic hotel, complete with a swimming pool, huge stone maze, stone archways, and lovely green gardens.
Originally built for metal processing, the San Miguel Regla is steeped in history and houses an 18th-century chapel.
Operating as a hotel since 1945, the hacienda is surrounded by beautiful gardens and tranquil lakes and is a popular place for horseback riding and hiking.
FORMER HACIENDAS
📍Santa Maria Regla Location: Google Map
📍San Miguel Regla Location: Google Map
Looking for a Day Tour?
Located less than 3 hours from Mexico City, it is possible to visit Huasca de Ocampo on a day trip.
There are other Pueblos Magico towns nearby that worth a visit too. And if you don’t have multiple days in the area… a tour is definitely the way to go!
➡️Book your tour here!
✔️Magical Towns: Real del Monte, Huasca de Ocampo & Basaltic Prisms
Where to Stay in Huasca de Ocampo
You can visit the magical town of Huasca de Ocampo and the Basaltic Prisms in one day. However, if you prefer to travel slow, we recommend staying at least one night.
With so much to see and explore, staying overnight allows you to take your time and enjoy your journey.
It is also easier for those planning a trip with chronic pain or fatigue. This way, you can travel at a relaxed pace and visit any sites you missed the following day.
Here are a few accommodation options we recommend:
🏨Hotel & Glamping Huasca Sierra Verde
Set in the forest, this eco–tourism hotel offers cabins, hotel rooms, and glamping bubbles. There is a restaurant, pool, and free parking.
✔️glamping bubbles
✔️private bathroom
✔️breakfast included
✔️use of bicycles
➡️Book your stay at Hotel & Glamping Huasca Sierra Verde
🏨La Casa Azul Huasca
This historic hacienda is in the heart of Huasca de Ocampo. It is close to restaurants and shops, immaculately designed with an outdoor seating area.
✔️16 well-designed ensuite rooms
✔️comfortable beds
✔️beautiful gardens
✔️breakfast included
➡️Book your stay at La Casa Azul Huasca
🏨Cabanas Boutique Villasenor
Outside town and surrounded by nature, this property offers quiet relaxation with gardens, on-site BBQ facilities, and free parking.
✔️charming bungalows
✔️comfortable & spacious
✔️rustic fireplace
✔️pet–friendly
➡️Book your stay at Cabanas Boutique Villasenor
Where to Eat in Huasca de Ocampo
There are several places to indulge in this delightful town. Here are a few selections:
📍Casa Colibri: This is a family-owned restaurant with delicious home cooking. Despite the limited menu, the quality of the food is excellent. Try their family-style Cochinita Pibil! Check them out here.
📍Restaurant Guzzi: Located above the Farmacia de Jesus on Calle Jose Maria Morelos, this restaurant offers excellent views of the Juan el Bautista Church from above. Some of the best guacamole and homemade tortilla chips in Mexico!
📍La Esquina Santa Restaurant: Located beside the quirky Duendearte (Goblin) Shop, this restaurant serves large, tasty dishes and has scheduled live music. Check them out here.
📍Pastes El Sol: You can’t come to the Hidalgo region and not sample a traditional paste! They are cheap and delicious, with sweet and savory options.
How to Get Around Huasca de Ocampo
If you are just visiting the town of Huasca de Ocampo, then your two feet will be enough!
The historic center is small and easily walkable. And thankfully, there are sidewalks, so you won’t need to dodge any traffic!
However, as previously mentioned, if you want to explore more of the amazing Hidalgo region, then we recommend renting a car.
Buses and taxis are very affordable too.
🚗Need a rental car? Check availability & prices:
➡️Reserve your rental car here!
Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable, so it’s important to make sure you are always protected.
Trust us, we have needed hospitals on several trips… Italy, Hungary, Costa Rica, Peru, China, Malaysia, and Greece! Yikes!
Thankfully, we never leave home without travel insurance. Ever.
InsureMyTrip is great for international coverage and long-term travel. The process is easy, plus they cover pre-existing conditions, which is very helpful!
➡️We recommend InsureMyTrip for Travel Insurance.
Check Rates & Book Insurance Now
Final Thoughts: Is Huasca de Ocampo Worth Visiting?
We hope our travel guide helped you decide if Huasca de Ocampo is worth visiting for you, and how to best spend your time in Mexico’s first Pueblo Magico.
For such a small town, Huasca de Ocampo offers visitors beautiful historic sites, natural wonders, and a possible encounter with a mythical creature!
Plus, with the proximity to Mexico City, how could pass up a visit to this delightful place?!
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