English
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Dutch
French
German
Italian
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish
Last Updated
Europe could also be a great distance away, however you need not cross an ocean to discover a fairytale, pink-colored metropolis crisscrossed with slim alleys and laden with cobbled streets which have stayed intact for hundreds of years: look no additional than our southerly neighbor!
Located in central Mexico, Zacatecas is a historic gem courting again to the sixteenth century.
It doesn’t supply entry to the turquoise Caribbean or white sand seashores, neither is it well-known for its massive choice of all-inclusive resorts (if there are any in any respect).
Instead, it is someplace you go to immerse your self within the native tradition and expertise a unique aspect of Mexico–and now {that a} rising variety of vacationers are on the lookout for extra distinctive experiences, it is no surprise it is rising quick in reputation.
I imply, a 20% uptick in tourism since 2020 can’t be so simply understated. Oh, and did I point out you get nonstop flights there from America?
Discover The Pink City Of Mexico
Zacatecas is probably not the coastal getaway most individuals affiliate with a Mexico journey, however it’s dwelling to one of many largest historic facilities within the nation.
It is full of listed buildings which might be centuries previous and UNESCO-protected.
As the worldwide group notes, it’s among the many most vital mining cities of the now-defunct New Spain, with a lot of the empire’s silver manufacturing originating right here and in Guanajuato; in consequence, a lot of the townscape is dominated by sixteenth—to Nineteenth-century structure.
Many of the buildings have been constructed utilizing native pink stone, giving rise to the nickname ‘Mexican Pink City‘, with the ornate Cathedral Basilica of Zacatecas and the Government Palace, a colonial masterpiece, being two notable examples.
Around city, different vital constructions embrace the Templo de Fatima, evocative of Europe’s grand Gothic marvels, besides it is pink-hued, Santo Domingo Church, rivaling the Basilica Cathedral with its Baroque exuberance, and the more-recent Calderon Theater.
A ravishing Nineteenth-century addition to town’s colonial core, it’s an opulent live performance corridor with a signature Neoclassical facade internet hosting performances to at the present time, from operas, to musicals, to bop recitals––try their program here.
Guided Walking Tours & Thrilling Rides Into Historic Mines
Zacatecas is, actually, referred to as the City With a Face of Pink Stone and a Heart of Silver.
If you are on the lookout for distinctive actions in Zacatecas, a tour of the El Eden Mine ought to positively be in your to-do checklist: you may be joined by a educated information as you trip on the La Esperanza practice into the center of the mountain, and stroll by means of shafts and galleries established within the 1500s.
On this ‘conventional’ tour, you’ll climb the imposing Cerro de la Bufa, a mountain looming over the historic heart, for breathtaking views of the sprawling metropolis, and the character that surrounds it, in addition to go to off-path chapels, and stroll the storied streets, all from $24.21.
For avenue meals, ensure you swing by Mercado Genaro Codina El Laberinto, a literal maze of stalls serving $1 tamales and equally-affordable, generously-filled tacos with the type of native spice you may’t get again at dwelling.
Looking for a memorable eating expertise?
Rincon Tipico is a colourful, family-owned eatery serving nice enchiladas and hen filets, whereas La Leyenda is best-known for its asado de boda and museum-like reveals.
How Dangerous Is Zacatecas?
When it involves security recommendation, U.S. authorities urge Americans to not journey to the state of Zacatecas because of an elevated threat of crime and kidnapping.
It’s true that safety ranges are decrease in comparison with extra touristy areas of Mexico, specifically Quintana Roo or Yucatan, however guests proceed to trip in Zacatecas with little to no bother just by observing native recommendation:
- Do not flash worthwhile gadgets in public (i.e. go away costly jewellery and watches in a resort protected)
- Maintain a excessive stage of situational consciousness in crowded areas, because of pickpocketing
- Give desire to respected tour operators if reserving a guided exercise
- Do not go to suburban areas unaccompanied, particularly after darkish
- In the occasion you are approached by a robber, don’t try to withstand or be heroic
Stay In A Colonial-Style Mansion For Only $70
Zacatecas is not precisely someplace you go for a soothing all-inclusive keep: it is a cultural immersion in what we wish to name the ‘deep’ Mexico, however there are nonetheless numerous 5-star resorts providing world-class hospitality and unimaginable facilities.
For occasion, Santa Rita Hotel del Arte is housed in a historic colonial constructing with an simply acknowledged pink facade.
It is close to the Calderon Theater and the Gonzales Ortega Market, and room charges begin at solely $117 this winter.
Alternatively, the Quinta Real Zacatecas is constructed onto a Nineteenth-century area, edged by a completely preserved Spanish-built aqueduct.
It has rooms that simply ooze classic appeal, 2 eating places on-site, and an distinctive breakfast included for $144.
On a stricter price range? Meson de la Merced is a 4-star itemizing in a stone-built colonial mansion.
It provides cozy lodging with balconies opening out right into a picturesque internal court docket, and in a single day charges begin at a extra economical $70.
Fly Nonstop To Zacatecas From 4 U.S. Cities
This season, Americans can fly nonstop to Zacatecas from the next U.S. airports:
1 flight per day daily with American Airlines
1 flight each Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday with Volaris
1 flight each Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday with Volaris
1 flight each Sunday and Wednesday with Volaris
Nonstop flights from Oakland (OAK) may also be supplied from July 2025 with Volaris.
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No advertisements, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where vacationers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even discover like-minded journey buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your e-mail tackle to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s newest breaking journey information, straight to your inbox.
This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorised or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the publish.
