The easter break, or Semana Santa, is one of the most significant vacation periods in Mexico, and the state of Hidalgo is bracing for a substantial influx of tourists this year. According to the government, it is projected to welcome more than 1 million visitors during Semana Santa 2025. This influx is set to commence on April 8, 2025, with events kicking off at Parque Hidalgo in Pachuca, the state's capital.
Elizabeth Quintanar Gómez, the Secretary of Tourism for Hidalgo, expressed her optimism about this year’s events. She noted, "Esperamos que las y los visitantes gasten en promedio 700 pesos diarios…" indicating expectations for visitor spending would surpass last year’s daily average of 480 pesos. Quintanar highlighted the state’s various attractions, which include thermal waters, archaeological zones, and the picturesque Pueblos Mágicos, or Magic Towns, which are known for their cultural richness and unique offerings.
These towns, including Acaxochitlán, Huasca de Ocampo, and Zimapán, will be significant points of interest and are expected to attract tourists with their rich history and stunning landscapes. Hidalgo is also home to more than 100 balnearios (water parks), four mines, and six tourist corridors, making it a prime destination for holiday-goers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
To boost tourism efforts, Hidalgo's government is ramping up its marketing strategies, leveraging social media and traditional media outlets to convey the beauty and accessibility of activities within the region. Alongside these efforts, the Instituto Municipal del Deporte de Pachuca has recently launched the first hiking route, "Loreto-Santo Tomás", aimed at promoting physical activity and local tourism. This 6-kilometer route, inaugurated on March 16, 2025, takes participants on a guided tour through historically significant sites such as the ancient Mina de Loreto and the impressive Salvador Cerezo aqueduct.
Mayor Jorge Reyes lauded the project, emphasizing the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles and exploring the cultural heritage of Pachuca. The hiking initiative complements the already vibrant tourism strategy of the state, which features diverse experiences to cater to various preferences.
Meanwhile, the organized commerce sector in the neighboring state of Sonora is also preparing for the holiday season, with expectations for significant economic benefits. Fecanaco Sonora, represented by President Martín Zalazar Zazueta, anticipates the organized commerce sector may see earnings exceeding 30 percent during Semana Santa 2025. He stated, "La Semana Santa es una de las épocas más importantes del año para muchos negocios…" as he highlighted the increased demand for food products, religious items, and tourist services traditionally associated with the holiday period.
Sonora's beach destinations, such as Puerto Peñasco and Bahía de Kino, are set to experience higher foot traffic, alongside other tourist towns within the state. This increased tourism is supported by the long weekend from March 14 to 17, 2025, which will give families and individuals additional time to travel and celebrate together.
At the same time, travelers from the port city of Veracruz are finding Puebla to be an appealing alternative destination, located just 270 kilometers away. The picturesque villages like Ciudad Serdán serve as the ideal base to access the summit of Citlaltépetl, or Pico de Orizaba, the highest mountain peak in Mexico. The three to four-hour drive makes the distance manageable for weekend getaways.
Within Puebla, several charming locations await exploration. Atlixco, for example, is recognized for its scenic views of the Popocatépetl volcano, enhancing its attraction as both a historical and captivating site. Pahuatlán, often referred to as "Lugar de los hongos", boasts its pleasant climate, especially favored by those seeking refuge from the summer's heat. With its indigenous traditions interwoven with modern-day activities, these towns beckon visitors to experience their unique charm.
On another note, Mexican beaches are renowned for drawing huge crowds during Semana Santa. Tripadvisor recently released its rankings of the 25 best beaches worldwide, and it’s no surprise several Mexican shores made the cut. Notably, Playa Delfines in Cancún, Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres, and Playa Balandra in La Paz secured impressive rankings of 16th, 19th, and 21st respectively. Playa Delfines offers crystal-clear waters and white sand, making it ideal for those who appreciate beautiful surroundings, albeit with strong currents. Meanwhile, Playa Norte is famous for its calm waters, providing perfect opportunities for swimming and relaxation.
With such vibrant activities and breathtaking destinations, it is clear how the combination of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and festive atmospheres creates the perfect recipe for tourism during Semana Santa. Hotels and restaurants across the regions are reportedly fully booked, emphasizing the importance of early reservations during this busy travel window.
With everything lined up for the upcoming Semana Santa 2025, the anticipation builds not only for increased tourism but also for the significant economic uplift it will bring to various sectors across the states, reiteratively showcasing the power of travel and local culture. Everyone is eager for the celebrations to begin, and it’s shaping up to be another memorable holiday season across Mexico.
