Fantastic spot in Mexico rarely visited by foreign tourists

Of course most foreign tourists come to Mexico for the warmth and the beaches. But we found out early in our Mexico exploration that most of Mexico's best attractions are actually inland.

You would think that we have seen everything there is to see in Mexico, but not yet! In this instance, Ruth has had the Prismas Basalticos on her list for quite some time and we finally made it here. And, it is definitely worth a visit!

Most people have heard of "The Giant's Causeway" in Northern Ireland. The basalt rock formations at that location are actually Northern Ireland's most popular tourist attraction. We were there in July 2023.

But while these basalt rock formations are rare, they do exist in other parts of the world. Here in Mexico, it is in the state of Hidalgo at the Prismas Basalticos.

We drove downhill from Mineral del Monte. I hardly touched the gas during the whole 20km drive! We went from 9,700' to 6,700'.

A big balancing boulder at the side of the road.

There is an admission fee of 100 pesos per person per day. But they also have a camping area which is technically free, but to stay overnight you need to pay another 100 pesos per person for the second day. So for a single overnight stay, it cost us 400 pesos ($30.60 CAD, $21.80 USD), but if we stay a second night it's only another 200 pesos. And that also includes the admission to the attractions.

The parking lots and camping area are quite large. The place obviously can get very busy at times, but it was really quiet when we arrived. In fact, we have the whole camping area to ourselves!

Yep, this will do!

Igor, camped at GPS 20.236661, -98.563514

We got ourselves settled, and then went exploring.

Nice waterfall!

There is a big hacienda in the canyon below.

It costs extra, but we will go visit it today.

You can see people on a trail at the bottom.

The main attraction... the basalt rocks!

Very cool!

They have walking areas on both sides of the canyon, as well as down below.

A lithograph of the area that was done in 1810.

Fantastic.

Having been to the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, we actually think this location of basalt rock is better. Although, the one in Northern Ireland is better if you include the 15 km hike we did to get there and avoid paying the hefty fee that most visitors pay there.

Lizard on a rock a few feet below us.

Another view of the hacienda that we will visit today.

Walking path above another waterfall.

More weird rocks at the waterfall.

You can see Igor parked on the other side.

Looking down on the hacienda.

They also have some nice cabins for rent.

And a big swimming pool.

And a lake for boat rides above the dam.

When the reservoir was flooded, it took over an old mine site and all that remains is the smokestack.

They put up their Christmas tree today!

Back at Igor, we have a friend!

We had a totally quiet and peaceful night. In fact, we're going to stay for a second night!

Happy 64th birthday Ruth!

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