Hot springs 40 km southeast of Zimapán
A Hñähñu community park on the Tula River with thermal pools, a canyon with a suspension bridge and its famous migrant-crossing night hike.
Parque EcoAlberto belongs to El Alberto, a Hñähñu community in the Mezquital Valley south of Ixmiquilpan, and it is run by the community itself. Set along the banks of the Tula River, it combines a thermal balneario with a stretch of canyon: warm-water pools, open day and night, slides and splash areas for children, and, a short way off, a rocky gorge crossed by a suspension bridge, with zip lines, rappelling and kayak or boat rides on the river.
What made El Alberto known far beyond Hidalgo is its Caminata Nocturna, a night hike held on Saturday nights. Like many villages of the valley, El Alberto has seen much of its population migrate to the United States, and the hike is a staged simulation of crossing the border, with guides playing smugglers and border patrols chasing the group through the scrub. It is physically demanding and intense, and it was conceived to make visitors reflect on what migrants go through.
The community also rents rustic cabins of stone, wood and palm thatch in the canyon area, so you can stay overnight. It is a long but worthwhile day trip from Zimapán, especially if you combine it with Ixmiquilpan.
What to see and do
Swim in the thermal pools, which stay open into the night.
Cross the suspension bridge over the canyon and try the zip line or rappelling.
Paddle a kayak or take a boat ride on the Tula River.
On a Saturday, join the Caminata Nocturna border-crossing simulation; it is demanding, so wear sturdy shoes.
Stay overnight in one of the community's cabins.
Getting there
El Alberto is about 58 kilometers from Zimapán, a little over an hour by car: take federal highway 85 to Ixmiquilpan and continue south about 10 kilometers following the signs for EcoAlberto. Buses reach Ixmiquilpan, and from there taxis go to the park. Book the night hike and cabins in advance, and check current prices directly with the park.
40 km southeast of Zimapán
Directions from Zimapán on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Weather mild
Parque EcoAlberto shares the climate of Zimapán, 40 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec.
Make Zimapán your base
Parque EcoAlberto is an easy trip from Zimapán, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
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Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.