Circuit gastronomique au Mexique : Sources d'eau chaude, Pulque et gastronomie locale (3 jours)

Day 1: Mexico City - Tula - Ixmiquilpan - Grutas de Tolantongo

Bienvenidos a la Ciudad de Mexico – the largest city in Latin America, where ancient and modern coexist in harmony. Arrive at any time and meet your group and Tour Leader at 9 am for a warm welcome meeting. Afterward, head to Hidalgo to experience the traditional process of pulque production at a local family ranch. Taste this iconic Mexican beverage and learn about its historical significance.

Next, we will visit the fascinating ruins of Tula, once the capital of the Toltec civilization and one of the most important cities in the region after the fall of Teotihuacan. Explore the impressive archaeological site, where you’ll encounter the iconic stone warrior statues that have made Tula famous.

After the tour, continue with a walking tour of the town of Tula. Discover the charming local market, where you can sample regional delicacies and immerse yourself in the local food culture. This will be a day full of history, culture, and authentic experiences.

Afterward, we will go to Ixmiquilpan – a city on the Tula River in the east-central part of the state. There, we will visit the unique 16th-century Augustine convent, the museum of local Hñähñu people, and finally, try some of the best local specialties.

Finally, in the early evening, we will arrive at our final destination – Grutas de Tolantongo, one of the most impressive natural wonders of Mexico, with awesome views, waterfalls, and thermal waters. After check-in and some rest, opt to join your group and Tour Leader to bath in a local thermal river and then have a dinner in one of the local restaurants.

• Hébergement: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel in Grutas de Tolantongo
• Activités:
  • walking tours in Tula and Ixmiquilpan;
  • guided visits to Zona Arqueológica de Tula (Tula); Museo de la Cultura Hñahñú (Ixmiquilpan);
  • entrance to Grutas de Tolantongo;
  • market food experiences in Tula and Ixmiquilpan, pulque tour and tasting near Tula.
  • Distances en voiture: Mexico City – Tula (~93 km ~ 1.5 h). Tula – Ixmiquilpan (~56 km ~ 1 h). Ixmiquilpan – Grutas de Tolantongo (~36 km ~ 1 h).

Day 2: Grutas de Tolantongo - Metztitlán - Huasca de Ocampo - Mineral del Monte

In the morning, after breakfast, continue exploring Grutas de Tolantongo, visiting its most famous sights – El Tunel and La Cueva. Afterward, take a mountainous road to reach the Convent of the Santos Reyes in Metztitlán. This little town, located in the middle of a Biosphere Reserve, is the state’s hidden gem.

After an optional lunch and orientation walk of the town, continue to Huasca de Ocampo – one of 3 “Magical Towns” in the state. Situated in the heart of UNESCO’s Comarca Minera Geopark, it is famous for its imposing basaltic prisms and mining haciendas, some of which we are gonna visit.

After a guided walking tour of the charming center of Huasca de Ocampo, where you’ll discover its colonial architecture and quaint cobblestone streets, we’ll continue our journey to the final destination of the day—Mineral del Monte, another “Magical Town.” Known for its rich mining history and picturesque streets, it offers stunning views and a glimpse into the past.

In the evening, after check-in and a chance to relax at your accommodation, join your group and Tour Leader for a stroll through the historic center of Mineral del Monte. As you explore, you’ll get a sense of the town’s unique charm and vibrant culture. Thereafter, opt for an optional dinner and get-together in one of the local restaurants.

• Hébergement: conveniently located, locally-own hotel/B&B in Mineral del Monte
• Repas: petit déjeuner
• Activités:
  • walking tours in Metztitlán, Huasca de Ocampo, and Mineral del Monte;
  • guided visits to Hacienda Santa María Regla (Huasca de Ocampo) and Basaltic Prisms of Santa María Regla (Huasca de Ocampo).
• Distances en voiture : Grutas de Tolantongo – Metztitlán (~75 km ~ 2 h). Metztitlán – Huasca de Ocampo (~58 km ~ 1.5 h). Huasca de Ocampo – Mineral del Monte (~37 km ~ 1 h).

Day 3: Mineral del Monte - Pachuca - Hacienda San Antonio Tochatlaco - Father Tembleque Aqueduct - Mexico City

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the municipal market, followed by a visit to a local pastes museum. Discover the history of this traditional dish, which was brought by Cornish miners, and even try your hand at making one yourself. Afterward, continue your food journey through Mexico, exploring the state’s capital, Pachuca. Stop for a photo at the impressive Cristo Rey viewpoint on the way.

Upon arrival in Pachuca, climb the iconic Monumental Clock and embark on a full gastronomic tour of the historic center. Visit the three main markets, sampling the most typical dishes at each stop. Next, head to the Hacienda San Antonio Tochatlaco to explore the history of Mexico’s pulque industry, followed by a visit to the UNESCO-listed Father Tembleque Aqueduct.

The day continues with a tour of one of the most famous artisanal breweries in Tizayuca, where you’ll see the beer production process and enjoy a tasting. Afterward, enjoy an optional dinner before traveling back to Mexico City, where you will arrive around 8 pm. This concludes your Food Tour Mexico.

Activités:

• • walking tour in Pachuca;
  • guided visits to Museo del Paste (Mineral del Monte), Monumental Clock (Pachuca), Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque, Hacienda San Antonio Tochatlaco;
  • market food experiences in Mineral del Monte and Pachuca, artisanal beer tour and tasting in Tizayuca.
  • Distances en voiture : Mineral del Monte – Pachuca (~12 km ~ 20 min). Pachuca – Hacienda San Antonio Tochatlaco (~28 km ~ 40 min). Hacienda San Antonio Tochatlaco – Father Tembleque Aqueduct (~20 km ~ 30 min). Father Tembleque Aqueduct – Mexico City (~83 km ~ 1.5 h).