In Pachuca, walk in the footsteps of 19th-century Cornish miners and explore its mixed European and Mexican heritage, browse the museums and galleries and admire the city’s awe-inspiring artworks.
Pachuca de Soto, as Hidalgo’s capital is officially named, occupies a semi-arid valley. The winds that blow in from the Sierra de Pachuca gave the city its nickname “La Bella Airosa” (Beautiful Windy City).
Today Pachuca is a modern, densely populated city, but in its heritage-protected Centro Histórico you can still see glimpses of the silver mining hub it once was. Start at the iconic Monumental Clock of Pachuca (El Reloj Monumental) on Independence Square (La Plaza Independencia). Admire the nearby Casa del Conde de Rule, a building commissioned by the successful Cornish immigrant “Don Francisco” and now housing the town hall.
Browse the Historic Archive and Museum of Mining to get an insight in the Cornish connection to the region’s 19th-century silver mining history. In a cafeteria, try pastes, savory Cornish pasties with a Mexican twist. The British miners also introduced soccer, as you’ll learn in El Centro Interactivo Mundo Fútbol in David Ben-Gurion Park. While in the park, walk across its stunning mosaic.
Also don’t miss El Macromural de Pachuca. By using the Las Palmitas neighborhood as a giant canvas, this formerly run-down barrio now has a much brighter outlook.
Stroll under the arches of the charming Plaza Juárez and see a show in the intimate Guillermo Romo de Vivar Theater. Located in a 16th-century Franciscan convent, Pachuca’s State Center of the Arts is also impressive inside and out. Delight the kids with a trip to El Rehilete, an interactive science and nature museum.
Located just 59 miles (95 kilometers) northeast of Mexico City, Pachuca is easy to reach by car and bus. It’s 1 to 2 hours by shuttle bus from Mexico City International Airport. When you reach Pachuca, use buses and taxis to get around the city.
Pachuca sits at 8,520 feet (2,600 meters) altitude, so be prepared for a change in climate. Its mountains are part of the city’s attraction, so don’t leave before you have explored the forested peaks of nearby El Chico National Park.
