About Pachuca, Mexico

In the midst of a contrasting setting of mountains and deserts stands the majestic city of Pachuca, also known as "The Windy City" because of the cool winds that sweep down from the mountains. Pachuca is the capital of the state of Hidalgo and one of the loveliest cities in the sate, due to its magnificent colonial and modern buildings that bear witness to the state¡¯s continuous development. Its inhabitants respect both its tradition and the expression of its historic past.



Pachuca¡¯s architectural styles are usually either neoclassical or modern, and its narrow, winding streets lead into attractive parks and plazas. Its historic center has sloping streets and quaint, narrow streets, with beautiful old mining buildings, whereas the south is a modern city with great industrial activity. Walking through the City of Wind, it is quite common to come across monuments of great historical value as well a unusual museums. Visitors to Pachuca can admire and purchase the local handicrafts, and enjoy one of the country¡¯s most extensive and exotic cuisines, in which the influence of the Cornish miners who arrived in the 19th century can still be felt. The nearby villages contain magnificent 16th century buildings, a product of the evangelization of the region by Augustinian and Franciscan monks.



Pachuca was founded in 1598 and its name is said to have come from the Náhuatl Pachoacán or Patlachiuhacan, "place of gold and silver." It formed part of the Mexica empire from approximately 1450 until 1528, when the Spaniards conquered the region. Since its founding, the city¡¯s growth has been directly linked to mining, since in 1534, rich silver deposits were discovered in the area. At present, some mines still produce considerable amounts of this metal.



The rugged surroundings are excellent are ecotourism and adventure tourism. Mountains, ravines, forests, clear streams, cliffs, reservoirs, lagoons and stunning scenery are all within easy reach of Pachuca.