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Day Trips · Hidalgo, Hidalgo

Huejutla de Reyes

  • DistanceAbout 160 km north of Pachuca via Federal Highway 105
  • Travel timeAbout 3 hours by car from Pachuca
  • TransportCar or bus
  • Difficultyhard
  • Rating★ 4.1
  • Best seasonYear-round; late June for the town's Xantolo-linked San Juan festival period draws the largest crowds, while October-March brings milder Huasteca heat

Huejutla de Reyes lies about 160 km north of Pachuca via Federal Highway 105, a roughly 3-hour drive through the Sierra Alta into the Huasteca Hidalguense region; ADO and other first-class bus operators run direct service from Pachuca's Central de Autobuses covering the same route. Given the distance, this is best treated as a long day trip with an early departure, or paired with an overnight stay for travelers wanting more time in the Huasteca.

Huejutla de Reyes lies about 160 km north of Pachuca via Federal Highway 105, a roughly 3-hour drive through the Sierra Alta into the Huasteca Hidalguense region; ADO and other first-class bus operators run direct service from Pachuca's Central de Autobuses covering the same route. Given the distance, this is best treated as a long day trip with an early departure, or paired with an overnight stay for travelers wanting more time in the Huasteca. The town is a commercial and cultural hub for the Huasteca Hidalguense's Nahua communities, centered on the Templo de San Agustin and a lively market where textiles, huapango music recordings, and regional foods such as zacahuil, a large tamale wrapped in banana leaves, are sold. A typical day starts with a late-morning arrival after the drive, followed by a walk through the town's market and main plaza, a stop at the Templo de San Agustin, and a zacahuil lunch from one of the market stalls or nearby comedores. Afternoons can include a visit to a local cultural center or craft workshop showcasing Huasteca textiles before the drive back to Pachuca, which should begin by mid-afternoon to avoid a late-night return. The town's biggest event is the San Juan festival period in late June, tied to the region's Xantolo traditions, which draws the largest crowds and busiest market activity; travelers seeking a quieter visit should aim for October through March, when the Huasteca's heat is milder. Given the length of the round trip, water, snacks, and a full tank of fuel are worth arranging before departure from Pachuca.

How to get there

  • Car: Federal Highway 105 north from Pachuca (about 3 hours)
  • Bus: direct ADO or first-class service from Pachuca's Central de Autobuses
  • Best treated as a long day trip or paired with an overnight stay given the distance
  • Rental car for the most flexibility exploring the Huasteca Hidalguense region beyond the town itself

Location

Centro de Huejutla de Reyes, Hidalgo, Mexico

21.1394, -98.4197 View on map

Highlights

  • Templo de San Agustin at the center of the Huasteca Hidalguense's commercial hub
  • Zacahuil, a large banana-leaf-wrapped tamale, sold at market stalls
  • Market selling Huasteca textiles and huapango music recordings
  • Nahua cultural traditions of the Huasteca Hidalguense region
  • Late-June San Juan festival period tied to Xantolo traditions

Tips for visiting

  • Take direct ADO or first-class bus service from Pachuca's Central de Autobuses given the 3-hour drive
  • Begin the return trip by mid-afternoon to avoid a late-night drive back to Pachuca
  • Try zacahuil, a large banana-leaf tamale, from a market stall for lunch
  • Visit October-March for milder Huasteca heat, or late June for the San Juan festival period
  • Arrange fuel, water, and snacks in advance given the length of the round trip

When to visit

October-March for milder Huasteca heat; late June for the San Juan festival period, which draws the largest crowds.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to reach Huejutla de Reyes from Pachuca?

About 3 hours by car via Federal Highway 105, with direct ADO bus service covering the same route.

Is Huejutla de Reyes better as a day trip or overnight stay?

Given the roughly 6-hour round trip, it works as a long day trip with an early departure, though an overnight stay allows more time in the Huasteca Hidalguense.

What food is Huejutla de Reyes known for?

Zacahuil, a large tamale wrapped in banana leaves, sold widely in the town's market.

When is the busiest time to visit?

Late June, during the San Juan festival period tied to the region's Xantolo traditions.