El Chico National Park: planning guide
Pine–oak forest and rock formations in the Sierra de Pachuca, Hidalgo. Cool weekend country from Mexico City and Pachuca.
El Chico National Park is in Hidalgo, Mexico. The nearest town is Pachuca de Soto — roughly 10 km (6.2 mi) out, about 17 min of driving.
When to go
Best window: December through April, the drier and less humid stretch. Shoulder season: May and November.
June to November is the wet and hurricane season — heavy rain, high humidity, and occasional storm closures.
Heat and humidity are constant. Plan activity for early morning and carry more water than feels necessary.
Closest towns and cities
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Pachuca de Soto | 10 km (6.2 mi) | 17 min |
| Actopan | 23.1 km (14.3 mi) | 37 min |
| Fontezuelas | 34.7 km (21.6 mi) | 49 min |
| Tepatepec | 37.8 km (23.5 mi) | 52 min |
| Tulancingo | 40.4 km (25.1 mi) | 55 min |
| Progreso de Obregón | 48.1 km (29.9 mi) | 1 hr 3 min |
| Zacualtipán | 49.4 km (30.7 mi) | 1 hr 5 min |
| Tepeapulco | 50.4 km (31.3 mi) | 1 hr 6 min |
Where El Chico National Park sits
Official El Chico National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Drive times from El Chico National Park
El Chico National Park sits close enough to Tula National Park, Molino de Flores Nezahualcóyotl National Park, El Tepeyac National Park, and Los Mármoles National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Tula National Park | 65.6 km (40.8 mi) | 1 hr 22 min |
| Molino de Flores Nezahualcóyotl National Park | 77.9 km (48.4 mi) | 1 hr 35 min |
| El Tepeyac National Park | 87.6 km (54.4 mi) | 1 hr 44 min |
| Los Mármoles National Park | 89.6 km (55.7 mi) | 1 hr 46 min |
Parks close by
- Tula National Park
Toltec ruins at Tula de Allende in Hidalgo. Atlantean columns and pyramids on the high plateau north of Mexico City.
- Molino de Flores Nezahualcóyotl National Park
A restored colonial mill and gardens in Texcoco, Estado de México. Historic buildings and lawns east of the capital.
- El Tepeyac National Park
A wooded hill in northern Mexico City tied to the Basilica of Guadalupe. Urban pilgrimage paths and city views.
- Los Mármoles National Park
Limestone canyon and scrub country in the Sierra Gorda of Hidalgo. Remote gorges, waterfalls, and old mining landscapes.
Common questions
Where is El Chico National Park?
El Chico National Park sits in Hidalgo, Mexico. Pachuca de Soto, about 10 km (6.2 mi) away — roughly 17 min of driving.
When is the best time to visit El Chico National Park?
Generally December through April, the drier and less humid stretch, with May and November quieter on either side.