Zacatecas is a colonial silver city built in a narrow canyon in the mountains of central Mexico. Pink stone buildings climb the hillsides, a cable car crosses the canyon to the Cerro de la Bufa, and the El Eden mine beneath the city has been converted into a nightclub inside the tunnels. It is one of the most visually dramatic cities in Mexico and gets a fraction of the tourists that San Miguel de Allende draws.
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Cerro de la Bufa
The hilltop above the city has a museum dedicated to the Battle of Zacatecas (a key fight in the Mexican Revolution), a chapel, and panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. You can reach it by cable car (teleferico) from the Cerro del Grillo on the opposite side of the canyon — the ride across gives you the best aerial view of the city.
A zip line runs from the Bufa back down into the canyon. It is a long ride — 840 meters — and fast. Not for anyone afraid of heights, but the views during the descent are incredible.
El Eden Mine
The mine that built Zacatecas has been partially opened as a tourist attraction. You enter by narrow-gauge train that rattles down into the tunnels. The tour covers the colonial-era mining history. On weekend nights, one of the mine chambers operates as a nightclub — dancing in a 17th-century silver mine.
The Cathedral and Centro
The cathedral facade is a masterpiece of Churrigueresque architecture — every surface carved with vines, angels and religious figures. The interior is more restrained. The streets around the cathedral are walkable and lined with museums, galleries and restaurants. The Pedro Coronel museum has a surprisingly good collection including works by Miro and Chagall.
Getting There
Omnibus de Mexico and Estrella Blanca run from Mexico City Terminal Norte (7 hours). From Guadalajara it is about 5 hours. The highway from Guadalajara to Zacatecas passes through Aguascalientes. Zacatecas has a small airport with flights from Mexico City and some northern cities.
Nearby Ruins
La Quemada (50km south) and Alta Vista/Chalchihuites (4 hours north) are both accessible from Zacatecas. A car helps for these — bus connections exist but are infrequent.