With the rainy season, the wild mushroom season has begun in Hidalgo, which runs through the months of July and August, reaching its peak in August. If you want to experience it at its fullest, the magical town of Huasca de Ocampo, Hidalgo, will host the Hongosto Fest: Among Fireflies, Mushrooms, and Pulque.
For generations, wild mushrooms have been part of the diet of Indigenous and rural communities, while also becoming an attraction for visitors looking to enjoy seasonal dishes.
The mushroom festival will take place on August 22 and 23 at the Centro Ecoturístico del Lago, located in San Miguel Regla, Huasca de Ocampo; two hours from Mexico City and 40 minutes from Pachuca.
The entrance to the event will be free, according to information from the official Hongosto Fest Huasca page. However, some activities will have a recovery fee, ranging from 180 pesos per person and a Total Pass for 500 pesos. Access will begin at 10:00 a.m. on both days.
The festival activities include:
- Artisan gastronomic pavilion
- Tasting of pulque and local products
- Conferences and workshops
- Live music
- Bee Museum
- Firefly tour
- Legend tours
- Children’s area
If you want to spend a weekend full of nature, culture, gastronomy, and experiences for the whole family, the area offers several lodging options and cabins.
According to information from platforms such as Airbnb and Booking, prices range from 700 pesos per room to cabins with two or three bedrooms costing around 3,000 pesos.
In Huasca, visitors can explore the Basaltic Prisms, the Trout Forest, and the Goblin Museum. You can also go hiking, take a boat ride on the dam, practice rainbow trout sport fishing, or enjoy horseback and bicycle tours.
You can travel a few more minutes to visit Peña del Aire, a natural viewpoint with impressive views of the canyon.
For a more cultural experience, there are legend tours at Hacienda de Santa María Regla, an 18th-century construction located near San Miguel Regla.
Finally, you can visit downtown Huasca de Ocampo, walk through its cobblestone streets, and explore the Church of San Juan Bautista.
Do not miss the opportunity to try the traditional gastronomy, which includes quesadillas, barbecue, mushroom soup, and a delicious cantarito.
Source: oem
