Zacatecas... another Colonial jewel

Colonial city Zacatecas is located in Mexico’s north-central region, 610 km (378 mi) northwest of Mexico City, 458 km (283 mi) southwest of Monterrey and 318 km (197 mi) north of Guadalajara. The average temperature is 16º C (61º F).

Due to its pink limestone buildings, Zacatecas is one of the most beautiful cities in northern Mexico. Thanks to the city’s splendid history and architecture, the UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site. Look no further than the majestic cathedral, considered one of the most important expressions of Baroque architecture in Mexico.

As you explore the city’s peculiar urban layout along narrow streets, alleys and plazas, you’ll find countless religious, civic and cultural buildings. You can appreciate these beautiful structures on foot or from 85 meters (280 feet) above on a suspended cable car that crosses the city. The cable car runs to the Cerro de la Bufa, a hill where you’ll find various historical attractions.

Zacatecas was one of the most important mining cities in the nation. The Eden mine, one of the city’s main tourist attractions, offers tours on a train through 600 meters (1,980 feet) of underground tunnels.

In the city’s surrounding areas, thanks to the fascinating geography and rich natural resources, you can do various outdoor activities. The Sierra de Organos, which has served as a setting for several international film productions, and the Sierra de Cardos, near the city of Jerez, are two excellent places to take in the gorgeous outdoor scenery. During your visit, be sure to visit La Quemada, one of the state’s most important archaeological zones.

Without a doubt, Zacatecas is a destination with its own unique charm, beauty and culture.

ARCHAEOLOGY

Close to Zacatecas you’ll find two pre-Hispanic archaeological zones, which reflect the industrious nature of the societies that built them.

La Quemada (Chicomoztoc) – Located 50 km (31 mi) southeast of Zacatecas on Highway 54. Inhabited between 800—1200 AD, this archaeological site stands out for its stone structures built on manmade terraces on the slope of a hill. The most impressive edifices are the Ciudadela, the Salon de Columnas, the Juego de Pelota, the Piramide Votiva, the Palacio and the Cuartel. Open daily from 10:00 to 6:30.

Altavista – Located 55 km (34 mi) northwest of Zacatecas. At this archaeological site the main structures include a rectangular plaza with an altar in the middle of the square, the Salon de las Columnas with 28 columns, and the Pyramide del Sol, which houses a crypt. Open daily from 10:00 to 5:00.

HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURE

The rich architecture and history of Zacatecas are priceless, so it comes as no surprise that the city has been one of the most successful Mexican destinations in keeping the old look intact.

Catedral (Cathedral) – Located on Avenida Hidalgo. This is considered one of the most important masterpieces of New Spain Baroque architecture. In 1959 it was granted the status as a basilica-cathedral. The building has three naves and their respective facades. The principal one, with ornamentation that makes it look like a huge stone altarpiece depicting the history of Christianity, is adorned with abundant and showy columns, angels and cornice moldings. Open daily from 6:30 to 1:00and 4:00 to 9:00.

Templo de Santo Domingo – Located at the Plaza Santo Domingo. The sober Baroque façade is certain to grab your attention. Inside are nine quilted wooden altarpieces. In the octagon-shaped sacristy, you’ll find eight beautiful 18th-century paintings created by Francisco Martinez. Open daily from 7:00 to 1:00 and 4:00 to 8:30.

Ex-Templo de San Agustin – Located on Miguel Auza Street. What was once a grandiose façade, originally a Baroque design, is now a tall white wall. The side walls of the structure remain intact, giving you an idea of how the building once looked. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 to 9:00.

Ex-Convento de San Francisco – Located on Abasolo Street. The most attractive features of this former convent are its majestic architecture and its outstanding collection of paintings by Zacatecan artist Rafael Coronel and his son Juan Coronel. Open Sunday through Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 to 4:30.

Palacio del Gobierno y Plaza de Armas – Located at 604 Avenida Hidalgo. Inside the Governor’s Palace you’ll see a mural by Antonio Pintor Rodriguez that depicts the history of Zacatecas. Just outside the building is the Plaza de Armas, the most important and largest square in the city.

Teatro Calderon – Located at 501 Avenida Hidalgo. This is Zacatecas’ most brilliant architectural treasure. Its svelteness and strategic location allow you to appreciate its beauty from all angles. The three-tiered façade and the building’s crest give it the appearance of an impressive construction from the classical period. The wide lobby is conservative, yet at the same time elegant, due to its large mirrors. Open daily from 10:00 to 9:00.

MUSEUMS

Art and culture enthusiasts will come across a wide array of museums in the city of Zacatecas that are rich in history and architecture.

Museo Pedro Coronel – Located in the Plazuela Santo Domingo. This museum houses a collection of universal art from famed Zacatecan artist Pedro Coronel. You can also appreciate pre-Hispanic, colonial, Egyptian, African, Greek, Indian, Chinese and Japanese pieces. The museum also exhibits paintings by Picasso, Miro, Dali and Chagall, among others. Open Thursday through Tuesday from 10:00 to 4:30.

Museo Rafael Coronel – Located at the Ex-Convent of San Francisco. Exhibits Mexican popular art, including a fascinating collection of some 10,000 masks, the largest collected work of its kind worldwide. Also intriguing are a series of sketches and architectural designs by Diego Rivera, terra cotta figures of the colonial era, regal parchments and the city banner given to the city by King Phillip II at the end of the 16th century.

Museo Zacatecano – Located at 301 Doctor Hierro Street. This museum has a large and rare collection of Huichol art, making it the only collected work of its kind. On display are more than 150 embroidered pieces, a collection of altarpieces, a 17th- and 18th-century ironworks exhibit, photomurals from Juan Victor Arauz, and a collection called Images of the Huichol World. Open Wednesday through Monday from 10:00 to 4:30.

Museo Arte Abstracto Manuel Felguerez – Located on Colon Street, at the corner of Seminario. This museum exhibits a collection of abstract art donated by Zacatecan artist Manuel Felguerez. The building was remodeled between 1999 and 2001, blending its original architecture with modern elements, making it a truly original museum. Open Wednesday through Monday from 10:00 to 5:00.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Near Zacatecas there are three attractive spots to go climbing, hiking or rappelling. They offer beautiful scenery, excellent terrain and ideal rock formations to put your skills to the test, allowing you to enjoy an exciting adventure.

Sierra de Organos – Located 167 km (103 mi) northwest of Zacatecas on Pan-American Highway 45, heading in the direction of the city of Sombrerete. This ecotourism center covers a 25-km (15-mi) area and is a very attractive spot to do various recreational activities. This place is ideal for hiking, as it has five awe-inspiring routes. The paths allow you to see rock formations that have taken shape from volcanic and seismic activity. Some of the formations look like animal figures, such as a whale, while others have human forms, such as faces.

Sierra de Cardos – Take the federal highway 54 km (33 mi) west of Zacatecas to the city of Jerez, and then take the turnoff 15 km (9 mi) west. Here you’ll find enormous cylindrical, rectangular and flat rock formations, which have varying difficulty levels for rappelling.

Cañon de Juchipala – Located 193 km (119 mi) southwest of Zacatecas off Federal Highway 54. This deep narrow canyon is formed by the Sierra de Montes and the Sierra de Nochistlan. Its altitude reaches 1,300 meters (4,290 feet). For hiking, you can depart from the river in the city of Juchipala. Heading south (downstream) in the direction of the town of Moyahua, you’ll find ideal cliffs for rappelling.

Cerro de la Bufa – Located about 10 minutes from the city of Zacatecas, you can arrive here on the cable car that departs from the Cerro del Grillo. At the Cerro de la Bufa, you can take a walk and enjoy the forest landscape, which is predominantly covered with pines, oaks, Encino oaks and ash and guanacaste trees.

FESTIVALS AND TRADITIONS

Many diverse events are celebrated annually in Zacatecas, all of which reflect the culture and devotion of the city’s residents. Such is the case with the Morismas de Bracho, which takes place each year on the last Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the month of August. Las Lomas de Bracho, north of the city of Zacatecas, hosts the event, during which battles between the Moors and Christians are reenacted. Thousands of people belonging to the brotherhood of St. John the Baptist participate in this historical recreation. Also of interest is the Zacatecas National Fair, which takes place during the second and third weeks of September at various points in the city. During this event the patron virgins of the city, state and nation are honored. The festivities include parades, pilgrimages to the Cerro de la Bufa, sports and cultural events, bull runs, fireworks shows and much more. Other important dates are Sept. 8, the date that the city was founded, and Sept. 16, Mexican Independence Day.

ARTS AND CRAFTS

Zacatecan artisans are known for their great talent, skill and originality when it comes to making fantastic works of art in masonry, silver and textiles. Other treasures these artists produce are embroidery, knitted items, woven products, tablecloths, forged steel goods, semi-precious stones and onyx pieces, among others.

GASTRONOMY

The cuisine of Zacatecas is known for its variety and rich flavors. Among the typical dishes you can try are asado de boda (literally wedding barbeque), which is called that because it is commonly served at weddings. It is prepared with small pieces of pork loin and a red ancho chili sauce fried in lard. This dish is often accompanied with Huitzila mezcal, a typical alcoholic beverage from Zacatecas. You can also wash it down with aguamiel (honey water) or tenampa. Other dishes that will please even the most demanding palate are birria de chivo (stewed goat), red pozole, enchiladas, carne adobada (marinated meat) and stuffed gorditas. Popular regional desserts include cocadas (coconut sweets), melcochas (a marshmallow treat), ates de guayaba and membrillo (candied fruits), jamoncillo de leche (a type of milk fudge) and queso de tuna (a sweet made from dried prickly pear).

SHOPPING

One of the places that you have to visit during your stay in Zacatecas is the Centro Comercial Mercado Gonzalez Ortega, located in the Centro Historico. The architecture of this shopping center combines modern and traditional elements with building materials such as steel, ashlar, iron and concrete. At the Centro Platero de Zacatecas, the Tienda La Mujer and the Artesanias store, you can buy sliver jewelry and semi-precious stones, as well as textiles and embroidered items. We also recommend that you check out La Alambra store and visit the Puerta de Hierro and Los Zacatecanos malls. In the city center, on Avenida Hidalgo, you’ll find the famous Guicho, a candy shop where you can buy all kinds of regional sweets.

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