Pachuca, full name Pachuca de Soto, city, central Mexico, capital of Hidalgo State, near Mexico City. The rich silver mines of the district are said to have been worked by the Aztecs before the Spanish conquest. Industries include silver and gold refining, tanneries, pulque distilleries, soapworks, soft-drink factories, and iron foundries. The Autonomous University of Hidalgo (1869) is here. Population (1995) 220,488.
