Guide To Zacatecas

About Zacatecas

Zacatecas is one of a group of old Silver Mining cities, which includes Queretaro and San Miguel, Queretaro, Guanajuato and San Luis Potosi and Alamos. You can discover all these places individually with Mexperience as part of the Colonial Cities section.

These cities all lie north-west of Mexico City. Each has its own unique character, features and atmosphere - but together they make up some of Mexico's best inland travel experiences. These cities are friendly places; the areas are not overwhelmed with tourists as some of the coastal areas can be.

It is in the colonial cities that the real Mexico begins to emerge. You'll see real people living real lives; experience magnificent scenery; stay at wonderful colonial hotels that offer terrific value for money; savor local foods and flavors as colorful and diverse as the cultures that created them.

The road network in this region is well developed, and traveling through it is fast and efficient in most places. These cities are safe: crime is low and its a great region to consider if you want to treat your family to a real cultural experience in Mexico.

Zacatecas, like Guanajuato, built its wealth in the heydays of the region's mining boom. Geographically, its the farthest city away from the quintet of central mining cities, and if you take the cable car to the top of the mountain (see Key Attractions), you'll be able to look out across the desert and see just how much of frontier this city really was back in those days!

The architecture here is immensely attractive - and stunningly amazing!   Take time to look at the intricately designed stone and iron work that has been invested into the colonial buildings. Many of the major buildings took years to complete, because their sponsors and creators were determined to craft and leave something special behind them - and they succeeded in doing so.

Like some of the other colonial Gems in Mexico, Zacatecas is not well known among the mass of tourist and traveling communities that visit the country. You won't find much English spoken here, although local people, restaurants and hotels will be obliging, helpful and friendly with any needs you may have. Take a guidebook and a phrasebook with you.

There are lots of attractions worth seeing in Zacatecas; some historical, some scenic, some are just interesting. What you sense in Zacatecas is a real city with real people and a community that is proud of its history and heritage.

Exploring Zacatecas is exposing yourself to a real Mexican experience - there is no tourist make-up here: what you'll experience is a wonderful colonial city, exhibiting its rightful splendor and pride to a modern-day Mexico.

This is a great place to spend a day - or maybe three - stay for the evenings as the temperature cools, the city lights up and the atmosphere changes. Whether you're traveling independently or with a family, you'll find Zacatecas is well worth the few extra miles of road it takes to arrive here.

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Key Attractions

Colonial Center

The Plaza de Armas, (main Square) is also host to Zacatecas' Cathedral, with its magnificent stone facade. You'll also find the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace) building here, as well as the Residencia de Gobernadores (Governor's Residence) and Palacio de la Mala Noche (Palace of the Bad Night).

The Mercado Gonzalez Ortega, previously Zacatecas' main marketplace has now been renovated into a modern up-market shopping centre. You can also eat here at one of the several restaurants integrated within the building.

There's an old Silver mine, called Mina El Eden, which is located inside the Cerro del Grillo, is a major attraction here, and an important landmark to Zacatecas' history. There were originally seven levels in this mine - level four is open to visitors, and a train ride will take you deep into the hill which hosted it. The train stops inside, and you are guided down walkways deep into the mines, where you'll begin to see the conditions that people of the day endured to get gold, silver, iron, copper and zinc out of these rocks.

Cerro de La Bufa is the imposing mountain on the northeast side of the city. It's up here that you'll see magnificent views of the city, and further north, the vast expanse of arid desert that streams out from this 'frontier city'. To get to the top, you can drive there, but it's best to take the Cable Car (Teleferico) which will transport you across a magnificent view of the city to the top of the mountain in just a few minutes. The Teleferico station is near the Mine, so both are within easy access of each other.

Look up Zacatecas in the mainstream Guidebooks for more information about these colonial places of interest or consult the local Tourist Information Office (see Practical Information).

Museums & Art

There are various museums to visit in Zacatecas.

Museo Rafael Coronel hosts what is probably the largest display of traditional masks in Mexico (over 2000 of them).

Museo Francisco Goita gives you the opportunity to view the works of six major artists of the 20th century who were from Zacatecas, including works of Francisco Goita himself.

Museo de Pedro Colonel is regarded as one of Mexico's best art museums outside of Mexico City. Pedro Colonel, an affluent artist in Zacatecas, left his entire works and collection of art from around the world to his native city. Besides his own work, there is art from places as far away as Africa and New Guinea here.

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Getting There & Around

Getting There

By Air - You can fly to Zacatecas from the US and and other points in Mexico including Mexico City, Monterrey, Cancun and Tijuana.

Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for Airlines

By Bus - You can travel to Zacatecas on a luxury bus from Mexico City - as well as Queretaro, Aguascalientes and other places in the region too.

Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for National Buses

By Car - Driving to Zacatecas is very fast and efficient now that many high-speed and safe toll roads connect to the city. From the South, you'll need Highway 45D, and from the Northeast you'll need Highway 54.

See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico's Toll Roads on Mexperience.

Getting Around

From the Airport - The airport is about 20 miles outside the city of the north side; ground transportation into the city is available; buy your tickets from the airport's terminal building. You can choose between a private taxi (most expensive) and a shared suburban van which carries about 10 passengers and their luggage comfortably.

Taxis - Zacatecas' Taxis are not metered, so agree your price before you get in. Your hotel can arrange taxis for you; some post their rates on a board in the lobby. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a better price! Another good reason to Learn Spanish!

Rent a Car - Zacatecas is very accessible by road, and there is plenty to see and do in the surrounding areas. Renting a car would be a smart option you're thinking about traveling around this region, as it will give you the freedom and flexibility to see more of the area and its surrounding attractions. In Zacatecas itself, you'll probably want to leave your car in a car park or at your hotel, and walk around the city. The topography here is hilly and steep in places. Take a taxi for the longer journeys inside the city.

See the Mexperience Travel Center for Car Rental in Zacatecas.

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Local Events Calendar

Week Before Easter Sunday - During the Holy Week, Zacatecas celebrates its Feria de Cultura Internacional (International Culture Festival). Music, good food, street performances, dancing and parties feature all week long.

Friday before September 8th thru September 24th: Feria de Zacatecas - This is Zacatecas' main fair, which incorporates the "Fiestas Patrias" (Patriotic Parties) around September 16th - Mexico's Independence Day. Independence Day parties are very big in all of Mexico, and especially so in the colonial cities. Expect to see street performers, open air concerts, bull and cock fights, big sports events and much, much more during this huge festival in Zacatecas.  Book early to avoid disappointment!

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Practical Information

Telephone: Connect to the Communications in Mexico Page on Mexperience for full information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines are found throughout the downtown area of Zacatecas, especially around the main plaza. During business hours, they and the local Casas de Cambio will buy traveler's cheques and cash from you as well. Read about currency exchange in Mexperience's Money Section.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical cover and/or travel assistance cover when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Internet Access: Internet cafes are commonplace in Mexico - new ones open and old ones close all the time - but you won't have to look too hard to find one downtown and in the main tourist areas.

Easter Week and September: If your travel plans involve staying in Zacatecas during the festival dates (see Special Events, above), then be sure to book early. Hotel rooms become scarce to unobtainable during these times, and many people in Mexico who make an 11th hour decision to attend the celebrations, often find themselves having to stay at hotels in towns and cities away from Zacatecas, which means they have to drive in and out each day.

Local Tourist Office: Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for details of the nearest Tourist Information office.

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Accommodation

• Find a Hotel in Zacatecas

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Restaurants

We have no specific restaurant recommendations at this time.

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When Night Falls

Zacatecas has a selection of good night spots to suit those looking for culture and those looking for a party! A famous Saturday night ritual in Zacatecas is the "Callejonada Zacateca", which involves a walk around the city's alleys, passageways and plazas, singing, playing instruments, dancing, drinking Mezcal (& Tequila) and having a brilliant time! The 'walk' begins at around 9pm. Ask your local hotel for details on how to get involved in one of these!

Locally Hosted Parties - Check with yours and other Local Hotels about public parties they may be hosting during your stay. Traditional Mexican theme night parties are popular with the locals, and there's a chance you could join a really special night out - the real Mexican way, and certainly on the eve of September 16th - Mexico's Independence Day! Hosted parties usually include dinner, dancing, a show and / or live music (usually authentic Mexican Mariachis) plus all drinks for a fixed fee and are always excellent value for money! Ask at your hotel to find out what is happening locally.

Nightclub Scene - Mexico's Colonial Cities do have lots of young people living in them, so just because they are steeped in history does not mean that you won't find an all-night club party happening somewhere in town! Some night clubs charge an all inclusive cover fee; some a smaller cover and drinks on top. Drinks are served all night - don't even consider going to a nightclub before 11pm. Nightclubs keep going all morning and most people will start to leave between 5 and 7 am.

Night Bars / Restaurants - There's a good variety of Late Night Entertainment in Zacatecas to keep you happy and entertained into the early hours.

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What to Buy in Zacatecas

There are several good places in Zacatecas where you can buy a selection of authentic Mexican arts and crafts. Silver jewelry and silver craft is also a major feature of a Zacatecas' shopping experience. The silverware is crafted locally and you'll find items here are extremely good value for money.

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Local Climate

Zacatecas enjoys year-round, generally warm & dry weather during the daytime. The climate is ideal for taking part in a variety of outdoor sports and activities and for taking in the local culture, architecture and scenery. Rain is seldom a feature here; thunderstorms happen infrequently during the months of April thru November, and tend to be fierce and brief in the late afternoon. Remember that you are out in the desert here: Mornings and evenings can be COLD - especially in the winter months, so pack warm clothing (sweaters, coats) for travel in Zacatecas.

Live Weather Report:

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