Hidalgo Hot Spring Canyon & Mining Towns
A self-drive road trip from Mexico City connecting the Grutas Tolantongo hot spring canyon, historic silver mining towns, and the basaltic prisms.
Head to the furthest point, Grutas Tolantongo, first and stay one night in the canyon. Then, double back to Real del Monte and Huasca de Ocampo, and finally return to the city via the mountain forests of Mineral del Chico. This route features concentrated mountain roads, making self-driving the most convenient option as public transport is difficult to connect. Ideal for friends or couples who are comfortable with mountain driving and simple accommodations. It avoids the industrial corridor toward Tula and does not take the western route.
Try to depart on weekdays. The basaltic prisms have the largest water volume after the rainy season. Drive with caution on canyon roads during rainy days.
Day by day
Day 1 · Drive Straight into Grutas Tolantongo
Pachuca & Real del Monte（Grutas de Tolantongo）
Drive from Mexico City toward Pachuca early in the morning (about 3 to 3.5 hours). The final section of about 25 km consists of narrow, steep mountain roads.
The final section should not be driven at night or during heavy rain. Cabins fill up quickly on weekends.
Stay: Grutas Tolantongo Cabins
Day 2 · Morning Soak & Transfer to Real del Monte
Pachuca & Real del Monte（Reloj Monumental de Pachuca、Real del Monte (Mineral del Monte)、English Cemetery (Panteón Inglés)）
Soak in the canyon pools in the morning. In the afternoon, drive about 2.5 hours via Pachuca to Real del Monte.
Do not bring valuables into the hot springs; the lockers are quite basic.
Stay: Real del Monte
Day 3 · Silver Mine Heritage & Basaltic Prisms
Pachuca & Real del Monte（Mina de Acosta Museum、Basaltic Prisms of Santa María Regla、Hacienda Santa María Regla、Huasca de Ocampo）
Visit the mine museum in the morning, drive about 45 minutes to the Basaltic Prisms (Prismas Basálticos), and then head to Huasca de Ocampo to spend the night.
The Basaltic Prisms get crowded on weekends and holidays; arriving as early as possible is recommended.
Stay: Huasca de Ocampo
Day 4 · Mineral del Chico to Mexico City
Pachuca & Real del Monte（Peña del Cuervo、Mineral del Chico）
Drive from Huasca de Ocampo to Mineral del Chico (about 1 hour). In the afternoon, return to Mexico City via Pachuca (about 2.5 hours).
Traffic entering the city can be heavy on Sunday evenings; try to head back early.