Prismas Basalticas, Hidalgo
The Prismas Basalticas of Santa Maria Regla are located in the municipality of Huasca de Ocampo in the state of Hidalgo.
Huasca was the first of 111 'Magical Towns' in Mexico and it's easy to see why: the prismas are spectacular columns of rock lining a valley with a river fed by waterfalls. The site is thought to have been formed in the ice age when erupting volcanic lava was cooled rapidly by ice.
The park was developed by locals who wanted to turn the site from a grazing ground for cattle into the major tourist attraction it is today.
Now you can visit the site for $70, enjoy outdoor swimming pools for an additional $25 and even take a night-time tour of the forest and surrounding areas, complete with tales of local myths and legends, campfire and marshmallow-toasting and more (approx. $100). There are other activities availing on-site including ziplining across the valley and horse-riding.
How to Get There
From Mexico city you can take a coach from the Central del Norte or TAPO bus stations to Pachuca ($106, approx. 2 hours). From the Central de Pachuca, take a colectivo bus or taxi ($60) to the Mercado Benito Juarez. There you will find mini buses leaving regularly direct to Los Prismas ($40).
Where to Stay
The Los Prismas park itself offers chalets starting at $1000 per night for two people. In the local area there are plenty of accommodation options, ranging from budget chalets to deluxe hotels.
What Else?
Just down the hill from Los Prismas is the Hacienda San Miguel Regla (entrance $85). Built between 1760 - 1780 by a Spanish silver-producer, the former hacienda is now a luxury hotel and restaurant. You can spend the day enjoying the grounds and take a short hike to the pool at the bottom of the valley.
Next to the entrance to Los Prismas is a lake and you can take a boat trip for $150 per person.
Bring enough cash for the whole of your trip as the park does not accept card payments. Although the closest ATM is in Huasca, on busy weekends it may run out of money!
I went at the end of March and the weather was warm during the day but very cold at night so don't forget to bring layers if you plan on being there in the evening!
Links:
Huasca was the first of 111 'Magical Towns' in Mexico and it's easy to see why: the prismas are spectacular columns of rock lining a valley with a river fed by waterfalls. The site is thought to have been formed in the ice age when erupting volcanic lava was cooled rapidly by ice.
The park was developed by locals who wanted to turn the site from a grazing ground for cattle into the major tourist attraction it is today.
Now you can visit the site for $70, enjoy outdoor swimming pools for an additional $25 and even take a night-time tour of the forest and surrounding areas, complete with tales of local myths and legends, campfire and marshmallow-toasting and more (approx. $100). There are other activities availing on-site including ziplining across the valley and horse-riding.
How to Get There
From Mexico city you can take a coach from the Central del Norte or TAPO bus stations to Pachuca ($106, approx. 2 hours). From the Central de Pachuca, take a colectivo bus or taxi ($60) to the Mercado Benito Juarez. There you will find mini buses leaving regularly direct to Los Prismas ($40).
Where to Stay
The Los Prismas park itself offers chalets starting at $1000 per night for two people. In the local area there are plenty of accommodation options, ranging from budget chalets to deluxe hotels.
What Else?
Just down the hill from Los Prismas is the Hacienda San Miguel Regla (entrance $85). Built between 1760 - 1780 by a Spanish silver-producer, the former hacienda is now a luxury hotel and restaurant. You can spend the day enjoying the grounds and take a short hike to the pool at the bottom of the valley.
Next to the entrance to Los Prismas is a lake and you can take a boat trip for $150 per person.
Bring enough cash for the whole of your trip as the park does not accept card payments. Although the closest ATM is in Huasca, on busy weekends it may run out of money!
I went at the end of March and the weather was warm during the day but very cold at night so don't forget to bring layers if you plan on being there in the evening!
Links:
- http://www.losprismasbasalticos.com/
- Book coach tickets: https://www.clickbus.com.mx/en/
- http://www.showleyendasenelbosque.com.mx/
- http://www.sanmiguelregla.com/
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