Another of the Conde de Regla's silver-processing haciendas, standing close to the basalt columns that share its name. Like its sister hacienda at San Miguel Regla, it was built to smelt and refine ore from the Real del Monte mines using the water and power of the surrounding canyon. What remains today is largely the shell of the old works and grounds rather than a restored interior.
The Ex-Hacienda de Santa María Regla sits adjacent to the Prismas Basálticos, sharing the same 18th-century mining heritage as a former silver-processing estate built under the Conde de Regla. Its stone buildings and reservoir once formed part of the hydraulic system that fed water to the ore-refining works and, indirectly, to the basalt-column waterfall downstream. Visitors typically spend 30 to 45 minutes walking the grounds, viewing the hacienda's weathered stone architecture and the still-functioning reservoir, before continuing on to the adjoining Prismas Basálticos trail system. The combination of colonial industrial architecture and the surrounding pine-forested landscape makes the site a natural companion stop rather than a standalone destination, and many visitors purchase a combined ticket covering both the hacienda grounds and the basalt columns. Morning visits work well, pairing an early look at the hacienda with a walk to the Prismas Basálticos before the site gets busier with day-trippers.
| Admission | Adult Free to view grounds; combined tickets available with the Prismas Basálticos · Child Free to view grounds |
|---|---|
| Hours | Grounds generally accessible daily |
| Typical visit | 30-45 minutes |
| Best time | Morning, combined with a visit to the adjoining Prismas Basálticos |
| Getting there | About 20 minutes by car from central Huasca de Ocampo |
| Address | Santa María Regla, 43380 Huasca de Ocampo, Hidalgo, Mexico |
Location
Santa María Regla, 43380 Huasca de Ocampo, Hidalgo, Mexico
20.2158, -98.5842 View on map
Highlights
- 18th-century hacienda tied to the Conde de Regla's silver mining empire
- Historic reservoir feeding the adjoining Prismas Basálticos
- Weathered colonial stone architecture
- Pine-forested grounds bordering the basalt-column canyon
- Combined access with the neighboring Prismas Basálticos trail
Tips for visiting
- Combine the visit with the adjoining Prismas Basálticos using a combined ticket where available
- Visit in the morning before the site gets busier with day-trippers
- Wear comfortable shoes for the grounds' uneven stone paths
- Bring water, as there are limited amenities on site
- Allow extra time if walking the connecting trail to the basalt columns
When to visit
Morning visits pair well with an early walk to the adjoining Prismas Basálticos before crowds build.
Accessibility
The grounds have uneven stone surfaces and some sloped paths connecting to the adjoining canyon trail, which can limit wheelchair access.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Viewing the hacienda grounds alone takes about 30 to 45 minutes, longer when combined with the adjoining Prismas Basálticos.
Is it worth it for kids?
Yes, especially when paired with the more dramatic Prismas Basálticos next door.
Is photography allowed?
Photography of the grounds and reservoir is generally permitted.