Huasca & Basaltic Prisms: A Mexico City Day Trip Review

So, you find yourself in Mexico City and you’re eager, too it’s almost like, to step away, you know, from, like, the concrete and, alright, hustle for a day? Maybe, actually, a day trip to Huasca de Ocampo and Los Prismas Basálticos – basically, that’s the Basaltic Prisms – just might be, in some respects, the refresh button you’re seeking. I went on just that trip, and I’m just a little excited to give you my thoughts, arguably. It’s not simply, really, about seeing stuff; it’s that connection, as I was saying, that thing you get from, like, exploring what lies beyond the city borders, you know, alright?

Why Huasca de Ocampo? The First Pueblo Mágico

Huasca de Ocampo, just a bit away from Mexico City, proudly holds the title, you know, of, you know, like, the very first Pueblo Mágico, like, “Magic Town,” arguably, right? So, that title, I mean, isn’t, really, handed out lightly; that really speaks volumes about, kind of, like, this place. When, like, you’re wandering, really, around its cobblestone streets, arguably, surrounded as you’ll be by homes featuring, alright, whitewashed walls and red-tiled roofs, it really feels like you’ve stepped back, really, into another era. Actually, I loved it.

That church, it’s almost like, La Asunción, with, like, that pretty simple facade, well it kind of whispers stories of the past, you know. The main plaza, well, it is a real hub, seemingly, full of, you know, life, particularly, right? I was watching folks simply enjoying ice cream, and others chatting on benches, maybe, and street vendors offering, I mean, all sorts of, you know, things, alright. It felt like, basically, the very heart of Huasca, literally. The town just invites you to, sort of, stroll without any particular plan, discover a bit, and kind of soak it all in, actually.

Make sure to, alright, grab some traditional pastes – they, I mean, are a kind of savory pastry – at a local spot. Arguably, they’re rooted, kind of, in Cornish mining heritage, I was saying, they are, I mean, so incredibly delicious and also really tell a little something about, you know, the town’s interesting history, just a little. So, if, sort of, you’re open to taking your time and you’re curious to, kind of, learn a bit about a unique slice of Mexico, seemingly, I would be sure to stop in at the Museo de los Duendes – arguably, it’s the Gnome Museum. I didn’t go, arguably, but other tourists raved, I was saying!

Los Prismas Basálticos: Nature’s Own Art

A short trip from Huasca de Ocampo lies Los Prismas Basálticos, and the Basaltic Prisms and honestly? Get ready, actually, because these views? Very remarkable, clearly. Created millions of years ago, seemingly, these rock columns are, arguably, something to, like, witness, honestly. That waterfall just spills, literally, over, actually, these, you know, structures into, alright, a, sort of, inviting pool below – so really, so you get those thunderous sounds and those sights? Breathtaking. It just may be.

Basically, that geometric pattern created, sort of, just naturally, well it’s pretty mind-blowing, even a bit. So, just be sure you use the pathways that go down the canyon for, sort of, better views – and perfect photo ops! While there, literally, take a small boat trip to view the prisms from yet, arguably, another perspective. I would have been, basically, all over this, but the line? Not a chance for me, you know? So too, for that adventurous one, it’s almost like, there’s ziplining available too, alright, that delivers that birds-eye view. Arguably, I had, you know, less time, just a bit.

Getting There: Tour or DIY?

So, you are, alright, wondering how to get to this place, like? OK, I see where your head is. OK, so there’s that question to ask, clearly – going there with a tour, you know, versus going DIY? Both, as I was saying, routes have that charm, more or less, maybe, depending on what, alright, you need. Going with a guided tour has a whole heap of benefits; literally, they cover, really, the transportation logistics, sometimes, and, literally, offer context and a history about where, alright, you visit. Now it’s something, to be honest, if I have less time. It all depends, truly.

Now the, kind of, DIY approach allows freedom, you know, to do, as I was saying, what you wish when you want. We went by bus to Pachuca from Mexico City – and you get that, at the Northern Bus Station. From Pachuca, seemingly, you, alright, can take another bus to Huasca, usually, you know. Getting between Huasca and Los Prismas Basálticos involves cabs or that local bus. Be ready though, really, since Spanish language skills, are actually super helpful, if, maybe, doing it by yourself, seriously.

Where to Eat: Tasting the Flavors of Huasca

A foodie adventure waits, actually, with plenty of opportunity, like, to just try those flavors when exploring Huasca, actually. Restaurants circle, I was saying, that main plaza and others sit along, seemingly, some nearby streets, so it’s just easy to, actually, find great spots when roaming about. Make sure to try those local dishes like, literally, the barbacoa and that mixiote – meats just steamed with that agave leaf, seemingly, actually. Basically, if that isn’t, I mean, in front of me, alright, then the pastes – arguably, it’s that Cornish pasty adoption – has, like, that spot in my tummy. Every mouthful? Real delicious.

For those spots when having regional dishes, I was told to watch for Restaurante Barranca Honda and also Restaurante Las Fuentes. Seemingly, most menus come in Spanish but you might also, in some respects, ask any server for suggestions if, like, you may be, well, a bit lost about trying different cuisines or, very, so? Try just any street food you might also stumble across; since there, like, that food adds vibrancy plus authentic charm to that Huasca adventure, actually, you know.

Tips for a Great Visit

Okay, you kind of have a notion, I mean, like, of what’s up there, truly; here are pointers that I mean might also prove helpful as you start organizing, just a bit, your travels: I’m talking shoes, particularly, maybe. Seriously, prepare, literally, for tons of, you know, walking particularly when roaming round Basaltic Prisms plus streets found when visiting Huasca and so? I can recommend wearing relaxed yet super grippy shoes or sneakers. Don’t forget that water because that sun is beaming down; pack water to maintain your hydration whilst travelling all that place. Apply sunscreen, literally; no sunburns welcome whilst remembering Huasca’s attraction!

I am just able to speak so-so Spanish: it proved very much better while purchasing food etc around regional Mexico than hoping for solely speaking with anyone that talks just English at almost all points. But do check timetables very often whilst catching that bus in return since scheduling alters and might leave one hanging were anyone unaware of alterations! Should any possibility become obvious book those spots especially for meals due its appeal during main meal timings especially and never turn blind sight away via taking regional tour- otherwise I cannot personally vouch that adventure will likely occur should planning instead occurs organically/opportunistically while reaching your area destination and just ” seeing where it goes”… trust however because several surprises arise despite one knowing no set arrangement whatsoever though those regional Mexican getaways can possibly lead as they occur “spontaneously ” on trip, seriously!!.

The sun, literally, rises from somewhere out West when coming from this side. Oh alright! So you see- what I call ” spontaneous daybreak photography” during that very journey for these times I get away to get sun pictures too and do exactly those photographic sun filled moment shoots along road/ while I travel is too good as an occasion could likely happen!! Pack smaller denominated coinage notes along either peso and us dollars to give thanks should needing tips and small priced things that can arise where not much exchange readily exist otherwise at occasions- keep patience along because some companies operate on something called ” Mexican stretch timing where timeliness could exist on slightly different terms and keep patience along due various delays and obstacles can manifest itself during trip times!