What is essential to see and do in Zacatecas (Mexico) in 1 day

On a tour of the Mexican cities declared Heritage awarded by the Unesco, should not be missing Zacatecas.

It is the one located furthest north, and that is why it can become the end of an itinerary that begins in CDMX And that includes Querétaro, Guanajuato y San Miguel de Allende.

These five cities, plus another 55 points define the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, also known as Silver Road, which has also been inscribed on the World Heritage list since 2010.

Zacatecas It has something in the atmosphere and architecture that differentiates it from other cities.

For many it is the most special of the entire route.

Here you are in a higher and drier area than in the entire previous route, which helps create an atmosphere of greater sobriety that warns of the proximity of the northern desert.

Curiously. All of this contrasts with many details of the buildings, of the most exuberant baroque.

The Zacatecas mines were perhaps the most important of the entire New Spain, which is reflected in the richness of many of its monuments.

The cathedral is the culmination of mexican baroque, at a time when the churrigueresque style It was imposed, and it is very different from all the others in the country; The pink color of the stone helps create this image of uniqueness.

Other religious constructions also show very elaborate and delicate facades.

At the foot of the rocky ridge of Cerro de la Bufa, downtown Zacatecas It is one of the most harmonious groups, and also offers a surprising number of museums with a very varied theme.

History of Zacatecas

It can be said that it will be very difficult to find a similar set of art anywhere. Mexico.

The city was founded in 1548 by John of Tolosa, who discovered the mineral wealth of Cerro de la Bufa.

He was an explorer of Basque origin who arrived in the region after the conquest of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, the actual CDMX, and married a daughter of Hernan Cortes.

What to see and do in Zacatecas

A walk to discover the attractions of Zacatecas can start in Plaza de Armas.

Plaza de Armas of Zacatecas

There are a large number of places to visit within a very short distance.

Then you will have to walk a little to reach other more remote ones, but in reality you will only need transportation to visit the two that are more remote.

A quiet walk through the narrow streets of the center in search of shady squares, monumental churches, curious shops and bars where you can stop to rest and have a drink, make this tour a very pleasant and satisfying experience.

Zacatecas Cathedral

In the Plaza de Armas is the Zacatecas Cathedral, which was built throughout the 18th century and remains the most notable building in the city.

The interior is relatively simple, but the exterior maintains all the baroque splendor.

The finely carved covers show through the images of God the Father, Christ and Apostles the theological discourse of the time.

In addition to angels, there are many decorative motifs, such as Solomonic columns, plant forms, masks and other finely crafted symbols.

Now Plaza de Armas the government palace, now converted into a cultural center, and the Bad Night Palace.

Both were built in the 18th century as stately mansions of wealthy mine owners.

On the other side of the cathedral is the González Ortega Market, which is currently a shopping center focused on crafts, and the Calderón Theater.

One block away appears the temple of Santo Domingo, which was originally the Jesuit church, whose interior shows eight Churrigueresque altarpieces.

The former Jesuit college now houses the Pedro Coronel museum with works ranging from Ancient Egypt, Goya y Dalí.

Zacatecano Museum

Following the Doctor Iron Street, the old one is reached Exchange house, now converted into the Zacatecano Museum.

It is worth the visit for the extraordinary dining room. Huichol Art and Culture.

It shows the history, worldview and concept of art of this indigenous group.

In our opinion, it is one of the fundamental visits in the city since there is no opportunity to see similar things in other places.

Temple of San Agustín in Zacatecas

A few meters away, the old temple of San Agustín, which now works as Cultural center.

Its north façade, plateresque style, shows the conversion scene Saint Augustine, which has musical angels and a radiant sun as witnesses, and is one of the most elaborate you will find in the entire world. trip through Mexico.

This route is done following the streets heading south.

Old bullring of San Roque

If you continue a little further, about 500 meters, you reach the Cube aqueduct and the old bullring of San Roque, which is now part of the hotel Quinta Real, which makes this accommodation one of the most unique in Mexico.

back to the cathedral area, you can continue the walk, in this case towards the north.

A first stop could be Zacatecan House of Mezcal, where you can learn the manufacturing process of this drink, which is now very popular in Mexico.

You can also try and buy different local brands.

A walk of a few minutes allows you to reach the ancient Convent of San Francisco, a construction partly in ruins, but which houses the fascinating Rafael Coronel museum, which presents the largest collection of popular mexican masks.

This museum, next to the Huichol art exhibition mentioned above, allows an unbeatable immersion in the Mexican indigenous world, one of the best and easiest that you can do in the entire country.

The importance of Zacatecas, like other cities on this route, is due to the wealth of the silver mines.

El Eden Mine in Zacatecas

And although they can visit mines from the viceregal era In other parts, the easiest to access and one of the most spectacular is the El Eden mine.

It is best to enter through the western entrance and exit through the eastern one.

The visits are made in groups and with a guide, and during the same you visit the fourth level of the seven that were drilled to obtain the wealth of the mountain.

The first part is a journey that is made in a little train and then continue on foot, before accessing an elevator to reach the upper level.

A curiosity about the place is that inside there is a disco bar located in the old mineral crushing hall.

You should not miss the visit under any circumstances, because it is the best way to understand what the splendor of all the cities of this region was based on. Silver Road.

Take the cable car to Cerro de la Bufa

A short distance from the eastern exit is one of the ends of the cableway that leads to the La Bufa Hill.

On the tour you fly over part of the city and have good views of the cathedral part and its surroundings.

From the top of Cerro de la Bufa There are also good views of the complex and several places to visit.

Sanctuary of the Virgin of Patrocinio

You can start with the sanctuary of the Virgin of Patrocinio, surrounded by portals, whose origins date back to the 16th century.

Next to it is the Museum of the Taking of Zacatecas, dedicated to the battle that was fought in 1914 and led to the defeat of the Huerta Government during the Mexican Revolution.

Opposite is the Revolution Square, with the gigantic equestrian statues of the heroes of the battle.

Viceregal Museum of Guadalupe

Those interested in history and art can take a taxi to travel the eight kilometers to the Viceregal Museum of Guadalupe, one of the most important in all of Mexico about this historical period.

Its art gallery is impressive, as is the library.

Buy silver in Zacatecas

As the fundamentals of Zacatecas They are silver, this is a good place to buy rings, bracelets, earrings, etc.

There are many shops around the cathedral, but if you are interested in purchasing a special piece, it is advisable to go to the Silver Center.

There is a school and goldsmithing workshops, plus a series of shops where artisans sell their creations directly, and it is worth it if you are looking for a slightly original piece.

It is located about six kilometers from the center, in the former Bernárdez hacienda, so it is advisable to go by taxi.

This visit can easily be combined with that of Guadalupe museum.

How to get to Zacatecas

Zacatecas is located 600 kilometers north of Mexico City and 200 kilometers from San Luis de Potosí.