In the heart of El Chico National Park, located within the Magical Town of Mineral del Chico, Hidalgo, lies one of the most enigmatic landscapes in Mexico: the stone labyrinth known as El Contadero.
Hidden among mist-shrouded mountains, this site combines history, nature and mystery like few other places in the country. With more than 200 rock formations distributed along 8.5 kilometers, El Contadero looks like a fantasy scenario.
You will enter a place surrounded by gray walls and narrow passages that create a real natural labyrinth where it is easy to get lost, so we recommend you to tour it accompanied by a certified guide or a local.
Here you will find breathtaking views at more than 2,900 meters above sea level, and you could see the city of Pachuca in the distance, weather permitting.
Not to be missed? Take a good camera, because among the rock formations you will find natural arches and paths that look like something out of a fantasy movie. In addition, along the way you may come across a tree that is more than 600 years old, considered one of the oldest in the park.
Legends surrounding the El Contadero stone labyrinth: colonial treasures, bandits and fireworks
This wonderful place is famous for the legends that surround it. According to local stories, during colonial times, the nearby roads were used to transport shipments of gold and silver from the mines of Hidalgo to the CDMX. However, not all of them reached their destination, as some were stolen and bandits would go into this natural labyrinth to hide.
It is said that here, in the middle of secret stone passages, they counted the money and buried the treasures to hide them. There are those who claim to have seen fatuous fire, a mysterious blue light that, according to ancient beliefs, signals the place where riches are hidden, but it is only revealed to people pure of heart.
This set of stories makes El Contadero a unique destination where every step can lead you to discover a new corner… or one more legend. It is a perfect place for those seeking adventure, breathtaking scenery and a touch of magic.