Pachuca, Mexico

Capital City

With a population of just under 300,000, Pachuca is a provincial Mexican city that has seen its fortunes fluctuate with the health of its mining sector. While once a booming center of silver and gold production, the decline of mining in the mid-20th century has pushed the city to shift focus to industry, with manufacturing now a major part of the economy. However, the strong winds that blow through the canyons north of the city are a persistent headache, and the bureaucracy can be a challenge to navigate. For those undeterred by the climate and willing to work through the red tape, Pachuca offers a glimpse into Mexico's colonial past and the enduring legacy of its Cornish immigrant community.