Mineral del Chico is a mountain village straight out of a storybook. Only a few hundred people live in its cluster of white houses and red roofs, at about 2,340 metres in a valley of pines, oaks and towering rock outcrops inside El Chico National Park, one of the oldest protected forests in Mexico. Silver mining founded it; today it is a Pueblo Mágico loved for cabins, trails and fresh mountain air.
Why visit Mineral del Chico
For forest walks and rock viewpoints, climbing and mountain biking, cosy cabins with fireplaces, trout lunches and a quiet escape just north of Pachuca.
Top things to do in Mineral del Chico
El Chico National Park
Trails lead through the forest to giant rock formations such as Las Ventanas and to viewpoints like the Peña del Cuervo, which looks over the valleys.
Climbing and hiking
The park’s rock faces are popular with climbers, and paths of every level start near the village.
El Cedral and the trout ponds
A small reservoir in the forest with rowing boats, zip lines and stalls serving freshly caught trout.
Old mines
Some old silver mines around the village offer guided visits into the tunnels.
The village
A short walk takes in the parish church, the little square, craft shops and cafés.
Day trips from Mineral del Chico
Pachuca is about 30 km away and Real del Monte, with its pasties and English cemetery, is close by. The basalt prisms of Huasca are about an hour’s drive.
Best time to visit Mineral del Chico
October to May brings the most sunny days, though winter nights drop below freezing. June to September is rainy, misty and very green. Weekends and holidays are busy; weekdays are calm.
Getting to Mineral del Chico
From Pachuca, local buses and taxis climb the mountain road in about 40 minutes. Felipe Ángeles airport is about an hour away and Mexico City about two hours. A car makes it easy to reach the viewpoints.
What to eat in Mineral del Chico
Grilled or garlic trout, pastes, quesadillas with local fillings, wild mushrooms in the rainy season, hot coffee and pulque.
Mineral del Chico FAQ
Is Mineral del Chico cold?
Yes, especially at night and in winter: bring warm clothes all year.
Is there internet and mobile signal?
Coverage can be weak in the forest and some cabins have limited internet: plan ahead if you need to work.
