Things To Do
in Zimapan
Zimapán is a small highland town in Hidalgo, Mexico, perched above rivers and canyons with scenic views of the dam. It preserves a mining heritage and a calm, unhurried pace in the town center, where artisans and growers sell their wares. The surrounding landscapes offer opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and cave exploration around the Zimapán Dam.
Visitors are welcomed by warm locals and a sense of authentic life away from mass-tourism.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Wake up to the scent of freshly baked bolillos from a street vendor and head to the Plaza Principal to admire colonial façades bathed in golden light. Join locals for a midday café de olla while watching artisans arrange colorful textiles on wooden stalls. Feel history seep through as you stroll past the Palacio Municipal and century-old arches framing the square.
After sampling regional mezcal on a guided tasting tour, step inside San Clemente Church to marvel at baroque altarpieces carved from local cedar and limestone. Learn about the significance of its ornate retablo while a guide recounts tales of the 17th-century founding of Zimapán. Capture photographs of frescoes illuminated by rays streaming through stained-glass windows.
As the sun sets, settle on a bench in the plaza to enjoy vibrant marimba rhythms and folk dancers in costume. Feast on sauzón pulque and garnachas smothered in salsa roja at a family-run stall under festoon lights. Watch the town glow as lanterns illuminate cobblestones and ancient masonry.
Drive to the Ecomuseo del Hierro at the old Santa Ana mine, tracing the footsteps of 19th-century miners. Explore interactive exhibits showcasing iron extraction methods and the miners’ rugged daily life. Feel the cool breeze in dramatic shafts as you descend into original tunnels guided by a knowledgeable local.
Return to the museum courtyard for a traditional comal-grilled quesadilla accompanied by chilled agua fresca. Attend a hands-on workshop forging decorative iron trinkets under the tutelage of a museum blacksmith. Admire panoramic views over the Río Huascazaloya Canyon framed by rusted beams and abandoned machinery.
Toast your adventure with a tasting of artisanal pulque infused with native fruits beside flickering lanterns. Listen to stories of legendary mining ghosts shared by the museum’s caretaker around a crackling bonfire. Drift back to your accommodation under a canopy of twinkling canyon stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🚇Local transport (bus/taxi) | $0.50-2 |
| 🛏️Hostel dorm bed | $12-25 |
| 💧Bottle of water (1L) | $0.50-1 |
| ☕Coffee in cafe | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Tranquil, authentic town experience
- Beautiful dam views and hiking nearby
- Affordable lodging and food
- Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure
- Remote location may require longer travel times
- Language barriers in rural areas
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Buenas noches" - Good evening
- "¿Dónde está el mercado?" - Where is the market?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
Places to Visit in Zimapan
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic overlook with the dam, canyon walls, and the river below, especially dramatic at sunrise or sunset.
Colorful town square with colonial architecture, daily life, and street portraits.
Terraced fields, distant hills, and grazing animals offering wide, open photography angles.
Food in Zimapan
Zimapan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled trout from the Zimapán reservoir, served with lime, herbs, and a side of beans and corn tortillas.
Must-Try!
Slow-roasted lamb with rich spices, a staple in many Hidalgo towns and widely available in local eateries.
Warm corn tortillas served with a selection of house salsas, cheese, and refried beans.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Where to find fresh produce, regional cheeses, herbs, and quick bites from street stalls.
Tacos de carnitas, elotes asados, quesadillas with fresh local fillings, and fish tostadas by the waterfront.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake or respectful kiss on the cheek in familiar settings; address people with usted in formal situations.
Polite conversation, avoid criticizing local customs; ask before taking photos of people or private spaces.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; comfortable shoes for hills and uneven streets.
Safety
Tipping in Zimapan
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 10-15% is appreciated; small tips for hotel staff or taxi drivers are common.
Cash is widely used in markets and smaller establishments; many restaurants accept cards in town center; ATMs are available in the town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot days with occasional thunderstorms; carry water, use sun protection, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Milder temperatures and gradually cooler evenings; good for hikes and outdoor photography.
Cool to mild days with cooler nights; layers recommended, frost uncommon but possible in hillside areas.
Pleasant weather, blooming flora, and chances of rain; great for trail walks and markets.
Zimapan at Night
Hiking in Zimapan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Hiking routes offering panoramic views of the dam and surrounding valleys; suitable for various fitness levels.
Waterfalls and lookout points with scenic forested paths; guided tours available in peak season.
Airports
How to reach Zimapan by plane.
Largest gateway to the region; access via highways to Hidalgo and Zimapán; frequent domestic and international flights.
Smaller but convenient airport for connections; about a few hours from Zimapán by road.
Located in Guanajuato; serves many international and domestic flights; alternative for travelers to central Mexico.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The area features a mix of Mestizo residents with indigenous influences; traditional crafts and languages may be present in outlying communities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region; local teams and casual games are common.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Zimapan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Choose bean-based dishes, corn tortillas, sautéed vegetables, and cheese; ask for no lard in sauces and broths; most places can accommodate with notice.