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Voykit pocket guide · Mexico
Zimapán
Spend 1–2 days: explore the historic centre and a nearby natural site (Presa Zimapan or Grutas de Xajha).
Zimapán is a small Hidalgo town of about 15 000 people with a colonial centre, a lake, caves and access to the rugged Marmoles National Park. One full day covers the main sights; a second day lets you visit a natural attraction or nearby Ixmiquilpan.
- Country
- Mexico
- Best months
- Oct–Apr
- Avoid
- Jun–Sep (rainy season)
- Stay
- 1–2 nights
Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.
Essentials
- Currency
- MXN
- Money
- Currency is the Mexican peso (MXN, $). Cards work in hotels, chains and many restaurants; markets, street food, small shops and colectivos are cash.
- Daily spend
- Budget M$400–600 excl. bed · Mid M$600–900 excl. bed · High M$900–1,300 excl. bed (estimate; check)
- SIM and data
- Telcel has the widest coverage; AT&T and Movistar are cheaper in cities. SIMs sell at OXXO shops and phone stores; registration with an ID may be requested — check.
- Emergency
- Police 911 · Tourist assistance 078
- Plugs
- Types A, B · 127 V · 60 Hz · US plugs fit; many older sockets have no earth pin.
- Tipping
- Restaurants: 10–15%; check the bill for an included 'servicio'.; Bars: MXN 10–20 per drink or 10%.; Petrol station attendants: MXN 10–20; more for windscreen and tyres.; Guides and drivers: 10% or MXN 200–400 a day.; Supermarket baggers (often older volunteers): MXN 5–10.
- Water
- Not drinkable from the tap; garrafón (20-litre jugs) and filtered water in hotels.
- Toilets
- Put paper in the bin, not the toilet, in most places; public toilets charge MXN 5–10.
What things cost
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Coffee | M$30–50 |
| Taco | M$20–35 |
| Beer (bottle) | M$35–55 |
| 5 km (3.1 mi) taxi3.1 mi (5 km) taxi | M$150–200 |
| Lake boat rental (hour) | M$150 |
Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.
Get in
By air
- MEX · Mexico City International Airport
- About 2 h 30 min by bus (≈M$400).
Typical fares
- Mexico City → Zimapán bus
- about M$400, 4½ h (check)
- Taxi town centre → Presa Zimapan (5 km)
- ≈ M$150–200
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card
Get around
Walk in the town centre; taxis or local buses for lake and caves; rent a car for Marmoles NP (≈40 km (25 mi)).Walk in the town centre; taxis or local buses for lake and caves; rent a car for Marmoles NP (≈25 mi (40 km)).
See and do
Known for
- Parroquia de San Juan Bautista
- Jardin Principal
- Presa Zimapan
- Grutas de Xajha
- Marmoles National Park
Day trips
| Where | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Marmoles National Park | Rent a car or take a taxi north on Federal Highway 85, ~40 km (25 mi)Rent a car or take a taxi north on Federal Highway 85, ~25 mi (40 km) | ≈1 h each way |
| Ixmiquilpan | Bus or car south on Highway 85, ~40 km (25 mi)Bus or car south on Highway 85, ~25 mi (40 km) | ≈1 h total |
| Mineral del Monte | Car north on Highway 85, ~30 km (19 mi)Car north on Highway 85, ~19 mi (30 km) | ≈45 min each way |
Sleep
- Hotel Regis
- Affordable, clean rooms; central location.
- Hotel Boutique Anyelo
- Quiet boutique hotel with Wi‑Fi.
- Hotel Royal Spa
- Higher‑end option with spa and pool.
Phrase card
| English | Say or show |
|---|---|
| Excuse me / Sorry | Disculpedis‑KUL‑pe |
| Thank you | GraciasGRA‑see‑as |
| How much is it? | ¿Cuánto cuesta?KWAHN‑to KWEHS‑ta |
| Where is the bathroom? | ¿Dónde está el baño?DON‑de es‑TA el BAH‑nyo |
| Can I pay by card? | ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta?PWE‑do pa‑GAR con tar‑HE‑ta |
Etiquette, safety and scams
Etiquette
- Greeting: Handshake; a kiss on the right cheek among friends; avoid: Skipping 'buenos días' when entering a shop
- Punctuality: Be on time for tours and buses; avoid: Expecting social events to start on time
- Talking: Warm small talk, family, food, football; avoid: Jokes about cartels, the wall or migration
- Churches: Covered shoulders, quiet; avoid: Photos during mass
- Dining: Say 'provecho' to other diners when leaving; avoid: Rushing the waiter
Scams and watch-outs
- Bus from Mexico City departs hourly; tickets about M$400, check schedule.
- Grutas de Xajha require a 3‑hour hike each way; bring water and sturdy shoes.
- Lake Presa Zimapan can be windy; secure belongings on boats.
Zimapán is generally safe for day visitors; keep valuables out of sight, use registered taxis, and avoid isolated trails after dark.
One and two days
No timed day plan for Zimapán yet. Suggested stay: 1–2 nights. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.
- Parroquia de San Juan Bautista
- Jardin Principal
- Presa Zimapan
- Grutas de Xajha
- Marmoles National Park
Sources
Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.
- Wikidata – Zimapán: www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q123456
- Wikivoyage: Zimapán, revision 5103136 (CC BY-SA 4.0): en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=5103136
Pocket card
Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.
Printed from Voykit (/zimapan). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.