It is a detour into history no visitor will regret. Zacatecas is a city of enormous beauty, and unabashed Mexican pride. At 8100 feet altitude (Mexico's second hightest city), Zacatecas will literally take your breath away.
Although inhabited in pre-Hispanic times, Zacatecas was founded in 1546 following the discovery of one of the world's richest silver veins. By the early 18th century, Zacatecas was producing one-fifth of all the world's silver.
In the late 16th century, several religious orders (Dominicans, Jesuits, Agustins, Franciscans) began constructing churches and temples with the help of local silver barons. Its historic center is a tight clustering of magnificent churches, abandoned convents, and sturdy colonial architecture.
For centuries Zacatecas served as the northern frontier of Spain's New World Empire. Religious crusades into Mexico's hostile northern territory (including what is today the southern U.S.) were launched from Zacatecas. Its wealth and strategic position were coveted by warring factions throughout the 19th century.
In 1914, one of the Revolution's greatest military battles took place here, as Pancho Villa's troops defeated an army of
12,000 soldiers under General Huerta
Zacatecas was recently named a United Nations "Heritage Site," one of only 378 world-wide sites to be so designated.
Several features set Zacatecas apart from its colonial sister
cities. First is its setting. It is nestled in a ravine between
two imposing hills: Cerro de La Bufa and Cerro del Grillo. pedestrian alleyways wind
upward past manicured parks and colonial buildings constructed
of soft pink-and peach-colored stone.
The second differing factor is one of this hemisphere's finest collections of ancient art from around the world. Surprisingly, it is home to two of Mexico's
best museums.
Finally, Zacatecas receives few foreign visitors. North Americans feel special and are treated as true guests by the city's proud residents.
An eclectric mix of attractions highlight Zacatecas' sightseeing.
Its museums are some of Mexico's finest, while several restful
parks offer quiet seclusion.
For adventure, this colonial gem has two of Mexico's most enjoyable adventures: a trip underground into a silver mine and an aerial tramway that soars above the city's streets.
Visitor facilities are quite well developed. There are two fine world-class hotels, several charming 3-star properties, and a handful of good restaurants.
There is non-stop international air service to Zacatecas via Mexicana Airlines
from Los Angeles, in addition to domestic service from Mexico City
and Tijuana.