Huasca de Ocampo
Remarkable and mountainous Huasca is a high and seasonally cool town in central Hidalgo, and year round, the town is something to remember.
Huasca de Ocampo is a rustic and extraordinary town just about equidistant between Pachuca and Tulancingo in the state of Hidalgo. Today the town is known especially for the impressive Basalt Prisms which form the centerpiece of an entire vacation and leisure complex. This has grown up around the old Santa Maria Regla hacienda one of several which comprised the 18th century town of Huasca. In fact, that old town consisted of Santa Maria Regla, Huasca and San Miguel Regla, most of which is submerged today between the lake behind the San Antonio dam.
So remarkable is the atmosphere of these old haciendas and the town of Huasca that, in 2001, it was recognized as the first of the Pueblos Magicos. There is simply something in the atmosphere. The town is home to the Bosque de las Truchas, a trout farm and forest park for fishing and exploring. The center of the park is a giant kiosk that serves as a local market for artisan works and lunch places. The Peña del Aire, a half hour northeast of town, provides panoramic views of the region from a fantastic mountain peak.
Closer to home, Huasca de Ocampo is set around the Saint John the Baptist Church and the old municipal palace. Rugged cobblestone streets are a joy to stumble through, and while much from the historic past has been lost, a great deal still remains. That sets the tone, and can be understood as much of what is magical in Huasca. Crooked and mountainous and uneven, the town is a wonder to explore, and a feast for the senses.
Traditional sopes and quesadillas are being cooked constantly in the portals within the town center. Mushroom soup made from those gathered in the surrounding hills are a serious local favorite. Part of the fun is the variety of tiny inns and hotels that make up so much of the center of town. They surrounded by little places to eat, too.
Visitors generally arrive to Huasca de Ocampo from either Pachuca or from Tulancingo. Tulancingo is a little closer, but direct bus service is available. Most Mexico City trips, unless booked with a package provider, will route through Tulancingo.
