Holiday-in-Mexico - Zacatecas

Mexican States - Zacatecas

City break Zacatecas

Zacatecas comes from the Nahuatl designation for the inhabitants of the region, relating them to the Zacatl, a tall, strong grass that abounds in semi-arid regions. Thus, Zacatecas means place where there is grass - When the town was built, it was originally called Villa de Nuestra Señora de los Zacatecas.

The capital of Zacatecas State is Zacatecas City - one of a group of Mexico's old Silver Mining centres.

It is in old colonial cities like Zacatecas that the real Mexico you are looking for begins to emerge. You'll see real Mexican people living real lives and you'll experience some magnificent scenery whilst staying at wonderful Spanish colonial style hotels that offer terrific value for money. You can also savor local foods and flavors as colourful and diverse as the cultures that created them.

City break - Zacatecas is safe, with low crime levels, so Zacatecas is a great regional center to consider if you want to treat yourself to an authentic cultural experience in Mexico.

Zacatecas built its wealth on silver, copper and gold in the region's mining boom. There's an old mine, called Mina El Eden, which is located inside the Cerro del Grillo. This is the major attraction here, and an important landmark Zacatecas' history. Level four of the mine is open to visitors. A train ride will take you deep into the hillside, then you are guided down walkways deep in the mine. This is where you begin to see the conditions that the miners endured to win gold, silver, iron, copper and zinc out of the mountain.

Silver jewelry and silver craft is also a major feature of a Zacatecas' shopping experience. The silverware is crafted locally and you'll find items here are extremely good value for money.

You can take a cable car, the Teleferico, to the top of Cerro de La Bufa - the mountain on the north-east side of Zacatecas city. Break here and you can take in magnificent panoramic views of the city. Looking north, you'll see the vast expanse of arid desert that lays out before this old 'frontier city'. To get to the top, you can drive, but it's great to take the cable car, which transports you accross, and gives you magnificent views of, the city - all the way to the top of the mountain. The Teleferico journey only takes a few minutes from station near to the old silver mine, so both are within easy access of each other.

There are a few attractions worth seeing on a Zacatecas city break; some historical, some scenic, some - just interesting. What you sense in Zacatecas is a real city with real people and a community that is proud of its history and heritage. Like some of the other colonial gems in Mexico, Zacatecas is not well known among the mass tourist and traveling communities that visit Mexico. You won't find much English spoken here, although the local people, restaurants and hotels will be helpful, obliging and friendly with any needs you may have. Take a guidebook and phrasebook with you.

The architecture in Zacatecas is immensely attractive - and stunningly amazing! Take time out to look at the intricately designed stone and iron work that has been put into the colonial style buildings. Many of the major buildings took decades to complete, because their sponsors and creators were determined to craft and leave something special behind them - and they certainly succeeded in doing that. Exploring Zacatecas is exposing yourself to a real Mexican experience - there is no tourist facade here. What you'll experience is a colonial city, exhibiting its splendor with pride to a modern-day Mexico. This is a great place to spend a couple of days - or maybe up to a week.

In the evenings as the temperature cools down and Zacatecas lights up - the atmosphere changes. Whether you're traveling alone or as a family, you'll find Zacatecas is well worth the journey.

The main square - The Plaza de Armas, is also the location of Zacatecas' Cathedral, with its magnificent stone facade. You'll also find the Government Palace building here - Palacio de Gobierno - as well as the Governor's Residence - Residencia de Gobernadores - and the Palace of the Bad Night - Palacio de la Mala Noche.

The Mercado Gonzalez Ortega, previously Zacatecas' main marketplace has now been renovated into a modern up-market shopping centre. You can also eat here at one of the several restaurants.

There are various museums to visit during your Zacatecas city break: Museo Rafael Coronel hosts what is probably the countries largest display of over 2000 traditional Mexican masks; Museo Francisco Goita, named after a local artist, gives you a unique opportunity to view the works of six major Mexican artists of the 20th century, including Francisco Goita himself; Museo de Pedro Colonel, funded by another local artist of Zacatecas,is regarded as one of Mexico's best art museums outside of Mexico City. Colonel left his entire works and collection of art from around the world to his native city of Zacatecas.

Zacatecas enjoys year-round, fairly warm & dry weather during the daytime. The climate is ideal for taking part in a variety of outdoor sports and activities and sightseeing. Rain seldom features here - except for brief rainstorms in April through November. Mornings and evenings can be quite cold - especially during the winter months.

You can travel to Zacatecas by luxury airconditioned bus from Mexico City and other places in the region too.

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