Hidalgo is not short on attractions and landmarks suitable for any kind of traveler; if you are seeking new destinations in Mexico to practice outdoor sports and enjoy nature, you will be awe at the numerous activities Hidalgo’s varied geography allows you. During your stay, especially if you are in nearby Pachuca, make sure you visit El Chico National Park, the oldest protected area in Mexico housing a diverse ecosystem that includes conifer forests and several unique animal species.

The Mezquital Valley, renowned for its spas and thermal water springs, is a perfect spot to relax and pamper yourself while enjoying the surrounding natural landscape. The city of Tula de Allende, located in the southernmost area of the valley and just one hour’s drive from Pachuca, is best known for hosting the archeological site of the ancient town Tula, once the capital of the Toltec Empire. Here you can admire the almost intact pyramids that composed the old celebration center and, on top of one of them, the perfectly preserved Atlantean columns in form of Toltec warriors.

Just like many other destinations in Mexico, the state of Hidalgo boasts many beautiful Pueblos Mágicos. An excellent idea for a weekend full immersion into nature is a trip to Huasca de Ocampo, located just a few kilometers outside Pachuca. The lush oyamel forests and famous basaltic prisms- natural columns of smooth rock originated from basaltic lava and create an incredible waterfall effect during the rain season- are the hallmarks of this enchanting town. Real del Monte and Real del Chico are other interesting Pueblos Mágicos that you can easily visit when staying in Pachuca.

The dry season (November to April) is the best moment to visit Hidalgo if you want to make the most of your time outdoors, but the country and its capital Pachuca offer many entertainment opportunities all year round. Just a 90 minutes drive from Mexico City, windy Pachuca boasts a rich history and various attractions that include the Museo de la Fotografía and el Salón de la Fama (Museum of Photography and the Hall of Fame).

If you visit Pachuca with your family, visit the Rehilete Museum, an interactive space including a planetarium, an observatory and a chemistry lab where you will learn about the origin of the planet. Pachuca Tuzoofari will entertain you and your children with its cage-free spaces housing over 250 animal species. Hidalgo, just like all destinations in Mexico, offers unique, typical culinary experiences: do not leave Pachuca without trying the traditional pastes (pastries) and molotes, a corn-based pastry usually served as an appetizer or snack and filled with different ingredients.

No matter what kind of vacation you prefer, you will find beauty everywhere in Michoacán. Included in the most culturally rich destinations in Mexico, Michoacán boasts architectural jewels such as capital city Morelia’s Historic Center, appointed World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1991. Just stroll through its alluring street and admire the magnificent Baroque pink stone buildings that date back to the colonial period. The astonishing Catedral de Morelia (Cathedral of Morelia) dominates the Old Town and, with her imposing towers and splendid architecture, was meant to reflect the majesty of the Spanish Kingdom.

A few steps away you will come across one of the most popular spots in Morelia, the “Callejón del Romance” (the Alley of Romance), an idyllic and picturesque corner adorned with fountains and lanterns- people living in Morelia will entertain you with stories and myths linked to the place. The nearby bronze sculpture Las Tarascas Fountain marks the route for another landmark. While wandering the streets of Morelia you will easily spot one of the city’s symbols, its pink stone aqueduct- if you like evening walks, you cannot miss the spectacular beauty of the illuminated aqueduct at night.

Morelia is also an excellent base to explore Michoacán’s Pueblos Mágicos. Make sure you include in your itinerary a visit to Angangueo, among the most peculiar ecotourism destinations in Mexico and famous for hosting the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. This amazing, protected area hosts several butterfly sanctuaries including El Rosario, the largest one in the preserve, and the Sierra Chincua Sanctuary. Here, besides contemplating the butterfly migration, you can enjoy zip-lining, hiking, walking on hanging bridges, or climbing.

Thanks to its diverse geography Michoacán has equally varying temperatures depending on the areas, with very mild winters and hot summers. If you want to make the most of your stay enjoying outdoor activities, plan your trip during the dry season- Michoacán is one of the most visited destinations in Mexico between November and April. Nature lovers cannot skip a visit to the enchanting town of Uruapan, around an hour's drive from Morelia. One of the largest producers of avocados in the country (Uruapan means ''Place of the abundance of flowers and fruit''), the town is best known for hosting the Parque Nacional Barranca de Cupatitzio (Cupatitzio National Park). This extensive protected area is one of the holiday destinations in Mexico most loved by tourists and locals and is ideal for horseback riding, hiking, or running surrounded by nature. At only 17 miles from Uruapan you will find one of Michoacán’s natural wonders, the impressive Paricutín Volcano, considered the youngest volcano in the world.

When staying in Morelia, a visit to its iconic Mercado de Dulces y Artesanías- also known as Valentín Gómez Market- is a must; here you can try a close to a limitless choice of typical sweets and candies and learn how these local delicacies are crafted. And, of course, you cannot leave Michoacán and Morelia without trying some typical dishes such as uchepos (a delicious corn-based dish) and charales (fish).

With its rich and varied cultural and entertainment offer, Mexico City attracts visitors from all over the world. An established cultural hub and one of the most rated historical destinations in Mexico in Mexico, the nation’s capital hides countless gems to explore and interesting landmarks to discover. On the central Paseo de la Reforma (Reforma Avenue, which was inspired by the Champs-Élysées in Paris) you will meet the Ángel de la Independencia (Angel of Independence), the city’s iconic monument commemorating Mexican Independence. The golden-crowned angel is also a mausoleum hosting the remains of the heroes who fought for the country's freedom, including Miguel Hidalgo.

Besides the Metropolitan Cathedral containing the vestiges of the ancient Aztec constructions, Mexico City’s amazing Historical Center houses the Palacio Nacional and the Palacio de Bellas Artes, a cultural site regularly hosting temporary and permanent paintings and sculptures exhibitions. Other musts for your stay in Mexico City, are the vibrant neighborhoods of La Roma and La Condesa. Here you can hang on with the locals in one of the many hip cafes and dining venues and enjoy the romantic bohemian allure, great Mexican and international gastronomic delicacies, and a sizzling nightlife- and Polanco district, the most important commercial district in the city renowned for its exclusive boutiques.

Like in many other destinations in Mexico, you will be delighted by the abundance of cuisine options in Mexico City. You will be spoiled with choices, but make sure you don’t leave without trying at least once the typical quesadillas and the favorite of Mexico cuisine, tacos- the variations on the original recipe are as many as the street vendors you will find on your way.

Mexico City is enjoyable throughout the year, but if you wish to visit the capital with ease, we suggest you plan your trip during the dry season (from November to April). If you visit in December, make sure you browse the many Christmas markets and the popular Christmas Piñata. The Bosque de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Forest) is a great option to spend a relaxing day in the sun: Mexico City’s most beautiful green area offers many spaces for recreation, lakes, museums- do not miss the Museo de Arte Moderna and the Tamayo Museum with its extensive collection including works by Francis Bacon, Picasso and Wilfredo Lam- and even a zoo. Chapultepec is also home to El Castillo de Chapultepec, the only castle in all of America, and to the cultural center Casa del Lago “Juan José Arreola”, often hosting free live events and workshops.

As in most destinations in Mexico, in the capital city, you will find chances to delve into the country’s history and discover more about the autochthone Pre-Columbian civilizations. During your stay in Mexico City make sure you plan one day trip to Teotihuacán, one of the most important archeological sites in the country, and to the lake village of Xochimilco- the town is located only 26 miles south of the capital. There you can board on a trajinera ride to explore the canals where once the glorious city Great Tenochtitlán stood out among the waters.

Other interesting tourist destinations in Mexico City are the picturesque handicraft markets of La Ciudadela and La Lagunilla, and the downtown area, hosting, among the others, the renowned Diego Rivera Mural Museum and the mural art museum Antiguo Colegio de San Idelfonso.