Zimapán
Read more
Slide to the left to continue
◈ Marvel at its dam, its ancient cypress trees, forests, and caves. They make this place, at the foot of Hidalgo’s mountains, a welcoming spot to enjoy as a couple, with family, or with friends.
.
.
◆ Venture into Cañón del Infiernillo. Why not, with a name meaning canyon of hell?
◆ Walk the Senderos Místicos trails in the town of La Encarnación.
◆ Watch the sun go down over Parque Nacional Los Mármoles.
Enjoy unforgettable moments in Hidalgo’s countryside, ride across the Zimapán dam on a boat, and savor the spectacular scenery.
❖ Parque Nacional
Los Mármoles
This was the first space declared a National Park by President Lázaro Cárdenas in 1936. The scenery and Barranca de San Vicente canyon, descending an impressive half-mile deep, together with peaks that rise almost 10,000 feet above sea level, are gorgeous.
The park is home to a wide variety of plants and wildlife with pine and oak forests that are home to jaguars, pumas, ocelots, and jaguarundis.
❖ Parroquia de
San Juan Bautista
Finished in 1822, Parroquia de San Juan Bautista is the most notable baroque structure in the Sierra Gorda region. The church’s facade bears extraordinary reliefs on which the images of San Sebastián and San Jerónimo 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.
❖ Presa Zimapán
Right on the border of Querétaro and Hidalgo, this enormous body of water makes the perfect getaway–sport fish and stay in eco-friendly cabins on La Isla, an island right in the middle of the reservoir.
Presa Zimapán was inaugurated in 1996 as a modern hydroelectric plant harnessing the power of the San Juan and Tula rivers to generate up to 292 megawatts per hour.
You will be blown away by the scenery!
❖ Relax in Cabins
Reach the small island called Isla Tzibanzá, set in the middle of Zimapán reservoir, by motorboat, and stay in a luxurious cabin surrounded by water, sleeping under the stars.
Seize your chance to fish, kayak, or check out the Magical Town’s main attractions. You’ll leave wanting to come back.
❖ Explore Grutas de Xajhá and Cañón del Infiernillo
Massive canyons and geological formations surround the caves known as Grutas de Xajhá. You are sure to find your visit relaxing–their crystal-clear hot springs reach temperatures of up to 104°F. Take a boat ride to the waterfalls and be amazed by the scenery around this delightful quirk of nature.
❖ Visit the Town of La Encarnación
Structures that used to be English-style houses and mining company stores are part of remnants of this mining town nestled deep in Parque Nacional Los Mármoles.
Don’t miss what was once the smelter–it produced iron pieces for the Eiffel Tower–, the Puente de Tasquillo bridge–made with some of these parts–, and the ruins of La Encarnación’s mine. Here they produce wines, berries, and trout. A place you’ll never forget.
❖ Feria Patronal de San Juan Bautista
One of the best times to visit the Magical Town of Zimapán is during the festivities celebrating its patron saint. These days are bustling with life and traditional activities.
Held on June 24th, there are fireworks, bullfights, charreadas (shows of skill on horseback, similar to a rodeo), dances, fair activities, stands selling handicrafts and food, and rides, all in honor of Saint John the Baptist.
