Hidalgo Mexico Travel
Your Ultimate Guide to Hidalgo Mexico
Hidalgo mexico GUIDE CONTENTS
Location | When to Visit | Getting There | Things to Do | Hidalgo Tours | Safety Tips | FAQ
Hidalgo Mexico travel guide
Hidalgo Mexico: At a Glance
Beauty, nature and culture abounds in Hidalgo, one of the most unique states in Mexico.
Though not as well known as some other Mexico travel destinations, those in the know flock to Hidalgo state to escape the crowds, visit one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mexico, and swim in the Grutas de Tolantongo hot springs.
Hidalgo Mexico travel guide
What’s the best time to visit Hidalgo Mexico?
Hidalgo and all Central Mexico has what is known as the Eternal Spring climate. This means you can expect mild springtime temperatures all year, and it’s never super hot or super cold.
The best time to visit Hidalgo Mexico is from October to March, during the dry season. The rainy season is from April to September, and it can rain quite a bit.
Hidalgo Mexico: Know before you go
- ✈️ Airport: Mexico City International Airport (code: MEX)
⏰ Time Zone: Central Daylight Time (GMT-5)
- 💰 Currency: Mexican Peso
- 🗣 Language: Spanish, though English is common, and you may even hear some indigenous languages
- 🎫 Mexico Visa: The vast majority of travelers do not need a visa for Mexico — this includes Americans, Canadians, Japanese and most Europeans. Head here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.
- 🔌 Electricity Socket: You’ll mostly find Type A (two-prong) and Type B (three-prong) — the same as used in the United States. For visitors from other countries, you’ll need this universal travel adaptor.
- 📲 Mexico SIM Card: Wondering, Do I need a SIM card for Mexico? The answer is yes, every traveler will want a one for the reasons explained in this article all about the best Mexico SIM cards.
- 🚙 Car Rentals: The Mexico rental car process can be a bit daunting, and many people are apprehensive to drive in a foreign country. I get it! Check out this guide to Renting a Car in Mexico for info on the process.
Hidalgo Mexico travel guide
Where is Hidalgo Mexico located?
Hidalgo State is located in Central Mexico, just north of Mexico City. It is mostly off the beaten path for international tourism — except for the Las Grutas Tolantongo caves and hot springs, and Toltec Ruins in Tula de Allende, Mexico — both located a few hours from Mexico City.
Hidalgo Mexico map
Hidalgo Mexico travel guide
What’s the best airport for Hidalgo Mexico?
There’s no large airport in Hidalgo state, so you’ll want to fly into Mexico City International Airport (code: MEX). From here, you can rent a car and drive to Hidalgo, or take a bus.
Another option is to stay in Mexico City, and do a few Hidalgo day trips to the popular destinations of Huasca de Ocampo (Basaltic Prisms), the Tollan Ruins and Grutas Tolantongo.
Las Grutas de Tolantongo
Of all the best things to see in Hudalgo Mexico, there’s Las Grutas de Tolantongo (pronounced toe-lon-ton-go). This is one of the most popular day tours from Mexico City — but just what is Tolantongo Mexico?
What is Las Grutas Tolantongo?
In short, Tolantongo is a turquoise water playground, complete with caves, a river, and thermal pools.
Is Grutas Tolantongo worth visiting?
Though not super easy to get to (unless you go by tour or rental car), Tolantongo is a gorgeous natural wonderland! Those wanting to see the more natural side of Mexico will love the Tolantongo Caves.
For a complete Tolantongo Caves Travel Guide, head to this article.
What’s the best way to get to Grutas Tolantongo?
Though a bit far, Mexico City Airport is the closest airport to Las Grutas de Tolantongo. The safest, most-stress free, easiest and best way to get from Mexico City to Tolantongo caves is by renting a car or on a day trip.
Head here to check out all the best Mexico City to Las Grutas Tolantongo tours!
Hidalgo Mexico travel guide
Best places to visit in Hidalgo Mexico
Many visitors opt to stay in Mexico City and then do some day or overnight trips to Hidalgo, Mexico. As an off the beaten path Mexico state, the accommodations in Hidalgo are quite rustic, but it’s a safe state, so you can stay in any city you’d like.
Click on any image below to learn more about the best things to do in Hidalgo, and best cities to check out ⤵
Hidalgo Mexico travel guide
Best Hidalgo tours
Tours in Hidalgo are a great way to see the main cities and their surrounding areas — and unless you’re planning to rent a car in Hidalgo, this is the best way to get around because transportation fees add up quickly!
🚙💨 Note: If you do want to have a car in Hidalgo, make sure to check out this guide to Renting a Car in Mexico.
Hidalgo mexico travel guide
Is Hidalgo safe for travelers?
According to experts, you are statistically quite safe while visiting Hidalgo, and though it’s rather off the beaten path, Hidalgo consistently ranks as one of the safest states in Mexico.
Millions of Americans go to Mexico on vacation every year, so if we play the numbers game, the number of incidents is very small… When I’m asked if Mexico is a safe place to go travel on vacation, my response is yes.
—Carlos Barron, FBI Veteran (source: Forbes)
That’s not to say bad things don’t happen in Hidalgo Mexico; they do. As with traveling anywhere, follow general travel safety like not walking home alone at night, watching your alcohol consumption and staying aware of yourself and surroundings.
For an added safety measure, pack these travel safety items, dress in a way so your Mexico outfits blend in with the locals, and buy a Mexico SIM card.
What’s the best travel insurance for Mexico
This is a question I get a lot as a Mexico travel writer and Mexico expat. To determine which Mexico travel insurance is best for you, consider factors like the policy’s total cost, your deductible, the coverage you need, your medical benefits, etc.
🏆 In general, I only ever recommend three companies to purchase Mexico travel insurance from:
- World Nomads — For general travelers and adventure travelers.
- SafetyWing — For general travelers and digital nomads in Mexico.
- Travel Insurance Master — Mexico travel insurance search tool, for those who want to compare policies.
- 👉 Click on any of the links above to get a FREE quote on your policy!
Hidalgo Mexico Travel: Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drink the water in Mexico?
No — Unfiltered Mexico tap water is not safe for human consumption. However, you will need to keep drinking water and to stay extra hydrated, as Mexico is quite close to the Equator. In fact, dehydration is one of the most common ways people get sick in Mexico.
So what can you do?
- If you’re renting a home with a kitchen, you can boil the water before drinking it.
- You can keep buying bottled water — Though this gets expensive, and is horrible for the planet!
- Use the Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle. This refillable bottle not only keeps you hydrated, but also filters your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico, and is good for the planet ♻️ Get 15% OFF with code SOLO15!
The Water-To-Go Bottle has a built-in, three-stage filtration system that removes 99.9999% of all water-borne contaminants. These include bacteria, microplastics, viruses, heavy metals, chemicals and more. I personally own one, as you can drink Mexico water from any source (even the tap), and be completely safe.
Hidalgo mexico travel guide
What’s the Hidalgo weather like?
Hidalgo state, located in Central Mexico, has what is called the Eternal Spring climate. This means you can expect mild springtime temperatures all year, and it’s never super hot or super cold.
The Hidalgo rainy season lasts from about April to September, and it can rain quite a bit, so try to visit from October to March, during the dry season.
☀️ Hidalgo weather
Is Hidalgo Mexico expensive?
No — Your money will stretch quite far in Hidalgo state. It is one of the more budget-friendly or even cheap Mexico travel destinations. Even if you’re visiting the top destination in Hidalgo, Las Grutas Tolantongo, admission is only a few dollars, and you can camp there for only a few dollars more!
Hidalgo mexico travel guide
Is Hidalgo worth visiting?
Yes — Hidalgo is a unique Mexico destination that many types of travelers will love.
Nature enthusiasts will adore visiting Las Grutas Tolantongo and the basaltic prisms in Huasca de Ocampo, while history buffs have to check out the Toltec Ruins (Tollan) in Tula de Allende, and the Tembleque Aqueduct, a Mexico UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How many days do I need in Hidalgo Mexico?
With five full days, you could see nearly everything in Hidalgo state. If you’re not planning to stay in the state itself, book this Hidalgo day trip from Mexico City to Hidalgo to see the Basaltic Prisms, the pueblo magico (magic town) of Real del Monte, and Hidalgo’s capital city of Pachuca.
🗣 Mexico Language
Mexico Fun Fact: There’s actually no official language of Mexico!
Spanish is the most widely-spoken, so some mistakenly say Spanish is the official language of Mexico. However, the government actually recognizes 68 national languages, including the Nahuatl Aztec language, and the Maya language.
💰 Mexico Currency
Mexican Peso — Exchange rates vary, but have hovered around $18-21 pesos to $1 USD for about the last decade. You will find some places that take U.S. dollars, but usually at an unfavorable rate, so stick to using pesos in Mexico.
☀️ Mexico Weather
Mexico is a big country — the 7th largest on Earth, in fact! It’s hard to generalize the weather in Mexico, because it will vary greatly by where you’re traveling.
In general, temperatures are mostly mild everywhere all year long, though summers on the coast are hot and humid, and winters in Central and Northern Mexico are on the colder side. Throughout the whole country, the rainy season runs from (about) April through September.
✈️ Mexico Busy Season & Slow Season
• Mexico Busy Season: The busy season in Mexico runs October to March, as this is the dry season and you’ll get the best weather. December is the busiest month for tourism in Mexico.
• Mexico Slow Season: If you don’t mind some rain, you’ll often find the best travel deal during the Mexico slow season of April to September. Do keep in mind that June 1-November 1 is Hurricane Season, and Mexico beaches are all susceptible.
• Mexico Shoulder Season: The shoulder season is that magical time when prices are still low and the weather is good. The Mexico shoulder season is from about mid-October to November and January to early-April.
🧳 Download your FREE Mexico Packing Checklist here!
Check out this Ultimate Packing List for Mexico — so you know what to pack and what NOT to pack for Mexico! This article offers advice on packing for Mexico cities, and packing for a Mexico beach vacation.
Beyond what Mexico outfits and clothing you’ll want to bring, here are a few extra things to consider:
• Filterable Water Bottle: Mexico is close to the Equator, so you’ll need to stay extra hydrated. In fact, dehydration is one of the most common ways people get sick in Mexico.
A filterable, refillable water bottle not only keeps you hydrated, but also filters your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico.
The Water-To-Go Bottle has a built-in, three-stage filtration system that removes 99.9999% of all water-borne contaminants. These include bacteria, microplastics, viruses, heavy metals and chemicals.
• Mexico SIM Card: Want to be able to use your phone in Mexico?! Of course you do! Pick up a TELCEL Mexico SIM card before your trip, and swap it out on the plane while you’re waiting to exit, so you have phone and data service the second you arrive in Mexico.
• Anti-Hangover Meds: Planning to party hardy?! Make sure you’re not wasting any of your precious travel time with a hangover. Liquid I.V. has about 70,000 reviews on Amazon, and is considered the best defense against a hangover.
• Sun Hat: No matter if you’re headed to the beach or a city, you’ll want to wear a hat to shield yourself from the strong Mexican sun. This cute sun hat is the perfect stylish and practical accessory for your Mexico vacation.
• Sunscreen: As you’ll want to reapply a few times throughout the day, a light, Mineral-Based Sunscreen is ideal.
Headed to the beach? Do your part to practice responsible tourism in Mexico by only using an eco-friendly reef safe sunscreen while swimming. You can even ditch the sunscreen altogether and opt for a long sleeve swimsuit (AKA rash guard) instead.
• Bug Repellent: Mosquitoes are common throughout Mexico — especially on the beaches! REPEL Insect Repellent is an eco-friendly brand that’s DEET-free and plant based, with a pleasant lemon and eucalyptus scent. Don’t want to use a spray? Pick up some Mosquito Repellent Bracelets.
The vast majority of travelers do not need a visa for Mexico — this includes Americans, Canadians, and most Europeans. Head here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.
🤔 What is the mexico FMM?
When you go through Customs & Immigration to enter the country, you’ll receive your Forma Migratoria Multiple, or FMM Tourist Card (sometimes listed as FMT). If you’re coming by plane or cruise ship, there is no charge; for those driving across the border, the FMM costs about $30USD.
In most circumstances, all visitors get a 180-day (six month) visa — so you can legally stay up to six months!
🚨 Have your FMM on you at all times
Keep in mind that though it’s called an FMM card, it’s actually just a small piece of paper. Keep your FMM on you at all times in your wallet, as this proves your legal status in Mexico. It’s rare, but if an officer stops you, they can ask to see your FMM.
🎫 Don’t lose your FMM!
You need to have your FMM on you at all times, as proof of your legal status in the country.
Be sure to keep track of your FMM, as you’ll have to give it back to an Immigration officer at the airport, cruise port, or land crossing when you’re leaving the country.
If you lose your FMM, there is a $600 peso ($30 USD) cost to replace it, and some paperwork you’ll need to fill out before you can leave the country.
If you’re flying home, plan to arrive at the airport about one hour earlier than you normally would to do the paperwork and pay the fine.
As this question doesn’t have a yes/no answer (I wish it did!), I do my best to answer it in depth in this article, Is Mexico Safe for Travelers Right Now? However, for the most part, Mexico is actually statistically quite safe for all travelers — including solo travelers.
Check my Solo Female Mexico Travel page for more info.
💃 Mexico solo travel guides
Mexico is a big country, and it has plenty of amazing solo female travel destinations — like the ones featured in this article, Mexico Solo Travel: 20 Safe Destinations for Female Travelers.
In it, you’ll get recommendations of places to visit in Mexico, from solo travelers who have actually been to them.
🎧 solo travel podcasts
• Ep. 34 | Planning your first Mexico solo trip
• Ep. 40 | Tips for safe solo travel in Mexico
• Ep. 53 | 30 Solo female travel tips, Pt. 1
To answer the question, Is it safe to drive in Mexico? — YES, it’s considered safe to rent a car and drive in Mexico.
As the country is quite large, road trips are a great way to see a lot in a little time, and especially popular in the Yucatan Peninsula and Baja California Peninsula.
The one caveat to Mexico driving safety is that you’ll be in a foreign country, unfamiliar with their laws and customs. Head here for a complete guide to Renting A Car in Mexico: Everything You Need to Know, where you’ll also get 10 useful Mexico driving tips!
🚙💨 Looking for the best Mexico car rental company? Discover Cars works with both local Mexican companies and international companies to get you the best rates. Not only do I recommend them — I also use them!
As a general rule, you’ll want to know at least a few words of Spanish when visiting anywhere in Mexico. This is both a sign of respect, and will also help you have a better, smoother trip.
If you stick to the more touristic places in Mexico, you should be fine with basic Spanish. For those planning to venture off the beaten path, be advised most people in pueblos (small towns) speak little to no English.
🗣 Here are some options:
- Brush up on your Spanish: Use a language-learning program like Rocket Spanish, so you’re confident, and conversational, before your trip.
- Download the Google Translate App: For this to work at all times, you’ll need a Mexico SIM card with data — as the app won’t work when you’re off-WiFi.
- Travel with a Mexico phrasebook: This Lonely Planet Spanish Phrasebook is an Amazon best seller, and a great non-digital language assistant!
- Save this infographic an image on your phone. This way, you have access to these common words, phrases and questions, even when you’re off-WiFi.
