Mexico 2026: 2026-02-24: Trip to Zimapan

Accommodation
Type Name Service Provider Location Cost Notes
Bed and BreakfastServiced Apartment in ZimapanAirBnbZimapan$371.86Free cancellation before Jan 25
Lockbox
Check-in: 15:00; Check-out: 12:00
Washing machine and dryer
Paid 186.49 on Sept 20. Remainder due later.
Tip
Type Name Description Service Provider Cost Notes
General InfoCañón Las Angosturas$0.00Cañón Las Angosturas is a scenic natural wonder near Zimapán, Hidalgo, Mexico, known for its deep canyons, steep cliffs, and off-road trails. It is a popular spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers, particularly for scenic driving, hiking, and exploring the outdoors.
General InfoLos Marmoles National Park$0.00Los Mármoles National Park is a protected area in Hidalgo, Mexico, established in 1936. It is known for its dramatic limestone formations, deep canyons like the Barranca de San Vicente, and diverse ecosystems that include pine-oak forests, juniper woodlands, and a variety of wildlife. Attractions include the impressive canyon, high peaks like Cangandó, and the ghost town of La Encarnación, with its old chimneys from a former mining era.
General InfoParroquia San Juan Bautista$0.00Finished in 1822, the Parish Church dedicated to Saint John the Baptist is the most notable baroque structure in the Sierra Gorda region. The church’s facade bears extraordinary reliefs on which the images of Saint Sebastian and Saint Jerome were sculpted.

Inside, don’t miss the fine limestone masonry visible in the pilasters, capitals, baptistery, and the pulpit, crafted by indigenous hands. The latter is unique in the world because during the summer solstice it makes it possible to see three beams of light pour in, lighting up the church, a phenomenon that coincides with the celebration of the town’s patron saint.
General InfoPresa Zimapan (Zimapan Dam)$0.00The Zimapán Dam, also known as Fernando Hiriart Balderrama Dam, is an arch dam on the Moctezuma River about 15 km (9 mi) southwest of Zimapán in Hidalgo state, Mexico. The primary purpose of the dam is hydroelectric power production and it services a 292 MW power station with water.

The dam is a 203 m (666 ft) tall and 122 m (400 ft) long arch-type located in a narrow portion of the Moctezuma Canyon. The crest of the dam is 5 m (16 ft) wide while the base has a width of 22 m (72 ft). The reservoir created by the dam has a capacity of 1,390,000,000 m3 (1,126,891 acre⋅ft) and surface area of 22.9 km2 (9 sq mi). The reservoir is formed by the Tula and San Juan rivers which join in the reservoir to form the Moctezuma River later downstream of the dam. Water from the reservoir is diverted through a 21 km (13 mi) tunnel, bypassing 42 km (26 mi) of the river downstream, before reaching the power station. Water at the power station powers two Pelton turbine-generators before being discharged back into the Moctezuma River. When both turbines are operating, the power station discharges a maximum of 59 m3/s (2,084 cu ft/s). It operates as a peak power plant, operating 4 to 12 hours a day depending on energy demands.
General InfoZimapan$0.00Zimapán, Hidalgo, is a Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) in central Mexico known for its colonial charm, historical mining past, and stunning natural surroundings, including the Zimapán Dam, the Marmoles National Park, and recreational areas with caves and canyons. Visitors can explore its historic downtown, enjoy activities like rock climbing and cycling, or relax at natural sites like the Cañón Las Angosturas.

Zimapán is a Magical Town in the west central region of the state of Hidalgo. The town may at first appear as another dusty old mining town. But there is lots of magic in those harsh and foreboding landscapes. Founded way back in 1522, Zimapán has witnessed all kinds of history that still influences its manner and way of life today.

The city is centered around the tremendous Baroque of the John the Baptist church. The church tower has to compete with the towering desert mountains and these remind visitors that Zimapán is a place of great adventure and learning. The Los Mármoles National Park is some 20 minutes northeast of the town center. Here the Sierra Madre Oriental comes to life in a landscapes that is absolutely unique and famous for the biodiversity thriving therein. Canyons open up for mountain bikers, those hiking on foot, and anyone who wants to truly experience

On the opposite side of town (southwest) at just about the same distance, the Presa Zimapán is a treasured local source of water, and a stopping ground for bird life from all over North America. The reservoir is alive with canoes and kayaks, and people come just to walk the trails along the sides.

Local food includes traditional dishes like bean tamales, mixiotes, and carnitas but this is still Hidalgo. The Mercado Municipal Juárez is just a block or so south of the town center. Every day is a celebration of the best foods from across the region.

The town was recognized as a Pueblo Mágico in 2018, and for that local merchants responded with an outpouring of great foods, and great places to stay. Visitors will find everything from boutique hotels around the town center, to some full blown resorts for posher travelers. There's also a tremendous variety of rustic and not-so-rustic cabins and cottages to be hired or rented for long weekends or even longer stays.
Travel ResourceZimapan Facebook Page$0.00
Activity
Type Name Description Service Provider Cost Kms To Date Total Notes
TourZimapan with Uriel and AnaAdventure day with Uriel and Ana$0.000And then get left in Zimapan
Plans/confirmation required
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