Things To Do
in San Agustín Tlaxiaca
San Agustín Tlaxiaca is a small municipality in Hidalgo, Mexico, situated just northwest of Pachuca in the highland valleys. The town blends rural countryside with a growing sense of local culture, markets, and traditional crafts. Agriculture is a visible part of daily life here, with rolling hills and farmland surrounding the town.
Visitors enjoy warm hospitality, authentic regional cuisine, and a pace of life that’s slower than the big cities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Settle into your chosen accommodation in San Agustín Tlaxiaca and enjoy a leisurely breakfast of fresh tamales and hot atole at a local comedor. Take a guided walking tour of the town plaza to admire the colonial-style architecture and chat with friendly vendors selling regional crafts. Feel the rhythm of daily life as you explore winding streets and small family-run shops.
Visit the municipal market to sample local cheeses, seasonal fruits, and freshly baked pan dulce while watching artisans handcraft clay pottery. Engage in conversation with producers, learning about traditional techniques passed down through generations. Conclude your market stroll with a refreshing jugo de guayaba in a shaded courtyard.
Dine at a cozy open-air restaurant and savor dishes like barbacoa de borrego slow-cooked in maguey leaves. Listen to live music as the sun sets over the distant hills, and toast your first evening with a glass of pulque infused with seasonal fruit. Return to your lodging for a good night’s rest in preparation for tomorrow’s adventures.
Start your day with freshly brewed coffee and pan de pulque served at a local café near the parish church. Step inside the church of San Agustín to admire its baroque façade, intricate stone carvings, and centuries-old altarpieces. Spend time sketching or photographing the colorful murals that depict local legends and religious scenes.
Enjoy a homemade lunch of mole rojo with rice and beans at a nearby family-run eatery. Hop on a bicycle or rent a scooter to visit smaller chapels scattered across the countryside, each boasting unique architectural details and frescoes. Chat with parishioners who share stories of annual festivals and community traditions tied to these sacred sites.
Attend an intimate candlelit mass or musical vespers at one of the chapels, experiencing local devotion firsthand. Afterwards, stroll through dimly lit streets illuminated by lanterns and street stalls selling churros and atole. Reflect on the day’s cultural insights under the starry cielo mexicano before returning to your quarters.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🥤Soft drink | $1-2 |
| 🚗Taxi ride (short distance) | $3-6 |
| 🛏️One-night hotel | $40-60 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm hospitality and authentic Hidalgo cuisine
- Close-knit communities and lack of crowds near Pachuca
- Access to scenic highland landscapes and rural hikes
- Affordable costs and authentic market experiences
- Limited nightlife and fewer high-end dining options
- Smaller town services compared with bigger cities
- Some attractions may require travel to Pachuca or beyond
- "Hola, buenos días" - Hello, good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Ayuda" - Help
- "Disculpe" - Excuse me
- "¿Puede recomendar un lugar para comer?" - Can you recommend a place to eat?
- "Estoy perdido" - I am lost
Places to Visit in San Agustín Tlaxiaca
Visit one of these nice places.
The main square with its colonial-era church, colorful market activity, and period storefronts—great for candid street photography and twilight shots.
Old stone-paved streets and pastel-painted façades offer timeless photographic opportunities, especially in the early morning light.
Hillside vantage points provide sweeping views of farmland, cloud-draped valleys, and the distant Pachuca basin—ideal for landscape shots.
Historic look-alike hacienda exteriors and traditional workshop spaces make compelling subjects for architectural photography.
Food in San Agustín Tlaxiaca
San Agustín Tlaxiaca Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-roasted lamb with a blend of chile and cumin, typically enjoyed with tortillas and salsa at local taquerías.
Must-Try!
Flaky pastry pockets filled with savory ingredients; a Hidalgo specialty widely found in markets and bakeries.
Corn masa cakes stuffed with beans or cheese, topped with onions, cilantro, and salsa.
Hearty beef broth with vegetables and tender meat, a comforting staple especially in cooler weather.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central market offering fresh produce, herbs, pan dulce, and prepared foods; a great place to observe everyday life and sample bites.
Street food stalls around the town center serving tacos, elotes, and esquites; perfect for a quick, flavorful meal.
Small stands selling fresh salsas, tofados, and locally grown vegetables—great for a side dish or snack.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly 'buenos días/tardes' and a handshake; address elders as Señor/Señora. Politeness is highly valued.
Dress modestly and be respectful in churches and religious sites; photography may require permission in some spaces.
Offer items with the right hand or both hands; accept objects with a courteous nod.
Bargaining is common in informal markets, but do so with a smile and the understanding that vendors value fair exchange.
Safety
Tipping in San Agustín Tlaxiaca
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but modest; 10%–15% in restaurants is common if service is not included. Small tips to hotel staff and taxi drivers are customary.
Cash (MNP) is widely used; many shops and markets accept cards in town centers. ATMs are common in larger towns; carry some cash for small vendors and markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with blooming fields; great for outdoor strolling and markets, though occasional showers can occur.
Warm to hot days with potential afternoon storms; carry water, wear sun protection, and plan outdoor activities earlier in the day.
Pleasant temperatures and clear skies; ideal for photo walks and village events; evenings begin to cool.
Cool to chilly nights and mornings; layers are essential, but daytime highs can be comfortable for short excursions.
San Agustín Tlaxiaca at Night
Hiking in San Agustín Tlaxiaca
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic, gentle to moderate hikes with panoramic valley views and rural landscapes.
Forested slopes, streams, and several trails suitable for day hikes and nature photography within Hidalgo.
Caverns and canyon trails with waterfalls and hot springs; a longer day trip with rewarding scenery.
Airports
How to reach San Agustín Tlaxiaca by plane.
Guanajuato–Silao; major international and domestic hub; about 2–3 hours by road depending on traffic.
Located near Toluca; serves domestic flights and connects to Mexico City; useful for regional travel.
Major international gateway; provides extensive flight connections and is a common arrival point for visitors traveling to Hidalgo and the Pachuca area.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Presence of indigenous heritage and language influence in some rural areas, contributing to cultural diversity.
Predominant demographic group in the region, with a mix of traditional and modern lifestyles.
Many residents work in farming and small-scale production across surrounding countryside.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely followed and played across the region; local teams and informal matches are common in town and schools.
Rural celebrations and equestrian events reflect the region’s ranching heritage and traditional sports.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Agustín Tlaxiaca.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most menus center on corn, beans, vegetables, and cheese. Look for bean-based fillings in tlacoyos or tortillas, and ask for dishes without meat or animal fats.