Overview
Join the Food Tour Mexico today and get acquainted with the gastronomic traditions of the Hidalgo State. Your eyes will witness its spectacular natural attractions while the flavors of regional dishes will delight your palate. Local gastronomy is truly diverse and ranges from delicious pastries to insect food accompanied by exquisite pulque. Additionally, you will visit charming cities and magical towns and admire countless cultural attractions. Market food experiences, visits to beer and pulque producers, walking tours, and local museums – all this and more is waiting for you on this delicious trip!
Highlights
- Savor the appealing smells and flavors of Hidalgo, tasting some of the region's finest and most traditional specialties.
- Discover the history, ingredients, and production techniques of pulque and artisanal beer, two iconic drinks of Mexico.
- Experience the natural beauty of the UNESCO-listed Comarca Minera Geopark and Meztitlan Biosphere Reserve, a true ecological treasure.
- Get charmed by the “Magical Towns” of Real del Monte and Huasca de Ocampo, known for their picturesque streets and rich heritage.
- Unwind in the stunning thermal springs of Grutas de Tolantongo, surrounded by impressive landscapes and relaxing waters.
How is this tour different?
Read moreItinerary
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.
- Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel in Grutas de Tolantongo
- Activities:
- 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.
- Driving Distances: 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.
- Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-own hotel/B&B in Mineral del Monte
- Meals: breakfast
- Activities:
- 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).
- Driving Distances: 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.
Activities:
-
- 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.
- Driving Distances: 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).

Prices
- This tour is private: only your group will participate.
- The price per person is variable and depends on the size of your group (please choose the number of participants in the booking calendar ➡️ to see the final price).
Inclusions
Included ✅
Local Expert Guides
English/Spanish Tour Leader service
Accommodation
2x nights in conveniently located, locally-owned hotels/B&Bs
Transportation
Private vehicle
Meals
1x breakfast; 4x market food experiences
Activities
Walking tours, guided visits & activities as per itinerary
Excluded ❌
Personal expenses
Flights
Flights are not included: check our partner deals.
Insurance
Travel insurance is not included: find insurance tailored for you.
Tips
Details
Minimum number of participants |
Automatic confirmation (your departure is automatically confirmed and 100% guaranteed). |
Meeting Point | The tour starts with a welcome meeting in the lobby of your hotel (exact name and location to be provided in trip notes before the tour). |
Departure Time | 09:00 AM (can be adjusted on request) |
Languages |
|
Suitability |
|
What to take with you? |
|
Accesibility | 🛑 Not wheelchair accessible. |
Pets | 🛑 Not permitted. |
Things to know before booking |
|
Cancellations
Cancellation fees depend on the number of days before the Tour start date (also applies to all extra services booked, such as airport transfers, pre-/post-tour accommodations, additional activities, etc.):
- 60+ days before: 0% of the remaining payment
- 30–59 days before: 25%
- 15–29 days before: 50%
- Less than 15 days before, or no-show: 100%
No cancellation fee applies if a substitute participant is arranged.
Please see our Cancellation Policy for more info.
Frequently asked questions:
How do I book a multi-day tour?
Booking is simple: choose whether you want to join a group tour or book a private tour, select your desired tour and dates on our website, complete the booking form, and securely pay online. You’ll then receive a confirmation email with all the details.
What is included in the tour price?
- Accommodation in centrally located, tourist-class hotels or guesthouses with private facilities
- Transportation between destinations (car, 7-seater, or van, depending on group size)
- Activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Breakfasts
- Services of a local bilingual tour leader
How many participants are needed to confirm a group tour?
What happens if there aren't enough participants?
If, at the time of booking, your selected tour and departure date don’t have enough participants to confirm, we typically offer the following options:
- Wait for more bookings: We can temporarily confirm your spot, but please note that we reserve the right to cancel the booking and issue a full refund if the group doesn’t meet the minimum number of participants at least 1 month before departure.
- Book a private departure: Click “Check availability” to see pricing options. With a private departure, the tour is exclusively for your group, and you can modify the itinerary (subject to confirmation) and choose any departure date for more flexibility with flights.
- Invite more companions to join your group tour: By bringing in more people to meet the minimum number of participants, we can immediately confirm the departure.
- Join a confirmed group departure: If your schedule is flexible, you can join one of our other confirmed group departures at a discounted rate.
Can I book a private tour instead of a group one?
Yes. Private tours are customizable and can depart any day. Additional activities or stops can be added at your request (subject to price modifications).
Why does the price per person change when booking private tours?
As a significant part of the tour costs are fixed, the price per person is variable and depends on the size of your group. The more people you book for, the lower the price per person becomes. Please choose the number of participants in the booking calendar to see the final price.
Are flights included?
No, flights from your place of residence and the starting location of the tour are not included. However, we are always happy to help you find the best deals (contact us if you need assistance). You can also check flight options on the website we personally use and recommend to our customers.
What hotels will I stay in?
An exact list of accommodations will be sent together with trip notes 2 weeks before the departure date. All accommodations are centrally located, tourist-class (3* or similar), locally-owned properties with private facilities in each room. We can arrange pre- and post-tour accommodations but not earlier than 1 month before departure when the sales for the tour are closed, and we know the final number of participants. If you're interested in exact locations, contact us, and we will send you a list of accommodations we used on previous departures (subject to change based on availability).
What types of rooms are available?
- Single Room: 1 person, 1 bed
- Double Room: 2 people, 1 double bed
- Twin Room: 2 people, 2 single beds
- Triple Room: 3 people, 1 double + 1 single bed
- Quad Room: 4 people, 2 double beds
Is there a single supplement fee?
Yes. Solo travelers should book a single room, which will have a slightly higher price compared to sharing with another traveler. If preferred, we can also pair you with another traveler of the same gender (subject to availability) to avoid the supplement. If you are interested, please book a single room and mention it in the “Special requirements” section. If we find another person on the same departure who wants to share a twin room, we will refund the proportional difference. Otherwise, your booking as a single room will remain.
Is there any age limit for participants?
Our multi-day tours with group departures are designed for travelers aged 12–69 with moderate physical fitness. Participants outside this range may still join if they are in good condition and can keep up with the group’s pace. If you are confident you can maintain the pace with the activities of the tour or a group departure, feel free to book the tour or contact us in advance if you have any doubts. Private departures generally do not have age limitations due to customization of pace and itinerary.
Is the tour accessible for travelers with reduced mobility?
Unless you have a companion who can assist you with a wheelchair, small-group tour departures are generally not wheelchair accessible, and pets are not permitted. Given the possible customization of the pace and itinerary, private tours are generally more likely to accommodate travelers with reduced mobility (subject to confirmation; contact us for more info).
What should I pack for the tour?
- Comfortable weather-appropriate clothes and walking shoes
- Swimming suit and slippers
- Small backpack for daily excursions
- Hat or cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Personal ID, some cash in local currency, and travel insurance
- Good mood and curiosity!
Are meals included?
Most of our multi-day tours include daily breakfasts. Lunches and dinners are usually not included, so you can explore local cuisine. Your guide will recommend and take you to good-value, local restaurants. Included gastronomic experiences can usually accommodate common dietary restrictions, but special diets may not always be fully guaranteed.
Can children, seniors, or solo travelers join?
Yes. The tour is suitable for couples, families, seniors, solo travelers, youth, women-only groups, and LGBT+ travelers. Please consider the physical activity level before booking.
How many people are usually in a group?
Our small-group tours usually have 6–12 participants, creating a friendly and personalized experience.
What is the average daily travel distance?
It depends on the tour and the day of the tour—some days we stay in one location, while others involve moving between locations. On average, you can expect about 200 km per day (1.5–3 hours of driving) with regular sightseeing, meal, and rest stops.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, we strongly recommend having travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost belongings.
Can I extend my stay or add extra activities?
Yes. We can arrange pre- or post-tour accommodations and add extra activities upon request.
What if I need to cancel or change my booking?
Each tour has its own cancellation policy. Please check the booking terms for more info.
Are tips included?
Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel/restaurant staff are not included. While absolutely optional, tips are an important part of the local culture and a significant source of income for the people involved and their families.
How do I stay connected during the tour?
Wi-Fi is available in most accommodations, but data coverage can be limited in remote areas. We recommend informing friends or family of your itinerary before departure. All accommodations on this tour, as well as many restaurants/cafés in Mexico, have Wi-Fi. If needed, you can also get a prepaid local SIM card with data (available in most convenience stores), ideally Telcel’s “Paquete Amigo Sin Límite,” which offers the best coverage in the country and free calls to the USA and Canada.
If you have any other questions please contact us.
Reviews