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Europe may be far away, but you don’t have to cross an ocean to explore a fairytale pink city, laced with narrow alleys and laden with cobbled streets that have remained intact for centuries: look no further than our southern neighbor!
Located in central Mexico, Zacatecas is a historical gem dating back to the 16th century.
It doesn’t offer access to the turquoise Caribbean or white sand beaches, nor is it known for its large selection of all-inclusive resorts (if there are any at all).
Instead, it’s somewhere you go to immerse yourself in the local culture and experience another side of Mexico–and with a growing number of travelers looking for more unique experiences, it’s no wonder it’s rapidly rising in popularity.
I mean, a 20% revival in tourism since 2020 cannot be so easily underestimated. Oh, and did I mention you get direct flights there from America?
Discover Mexico’s pink city
Zacatecas may not be the coastal resort town most people associate with a trip to Mexico, but it is home to one of the country’s largest historic centers.
It is full of monumental buildings that are centuries old and are protected by UNESCO.
As the international organization notes, it is one of the most important mining towns from the now defunct New Spain, where most of the empire’s silver production comes from here and in Guanajuato; As a result, much of the cityscape is dominated by 16th to 19th century architecture.
Many of the buildings are built with local pink stone, giving rise to the nickname ‘Mexican pink city‘, with the ornate Cathedral Basilica of Zacatecas and the Government Palace, a colonial masterpiece, as two notable examples.
Other important structures in the city include the Templo de Fatima, which is reminiscent of the great Gothic wonders of Europe except it is pink, the Santo Domingo Church, which rivals the Basilica Cathedral in its Baroque exuberance, and the more recent Calderon Theatre.
A beautiful 19th-century addition to the city’s colonial core, it is an opulent concert hall with a distinctive neoclassical facade that continues to host performances today, from operas to musicals and dance recitals. Check out their program here.
Guided hiking tours and thrilling rides to historic mines
Zacatecas is known as the city with a face of pink stone and a heart of silver.
If you’re looking for unique activities in Zacatecas, a tour of the El Eden Mine should definitely be on your to-do list: you’ll be accompanied by an expert guide as you riding on the La Esperanza train into the heart of the mountain and walk through shafts and galleries constructed in the 16th century.
On this ‘traditional’ tour you will climb the imposing Cerro de la Bufa, a mountain that rises above the historic centre, for breathtaking views of the vast city and the nature that surrounds it, and visit chapels off the path, and stroll through the legendary streets, all from $24.21.
For street food you have to visit Mercado Genaro Codina El Laberinto, a literal maze of stalls serving $1 tamales and equally affordable, generously filled tacos with the kind of native spices you can no longer get at home.
Looking for an unforgettable dining experience?
Rincon Tipico is a colorful family restaurant serving delicious enchiladas and chicken fillets La Leyenda is best known for its asado the boda and museum-like exhibitions.
How dangerous is Zacatecas?
When it comes to safety advice, US authorities urge Americans do not travel to the state of Zacatecas because of a increased risk of crime and kidnapping.
It is true that safety levels are lower compared to the more touristy areas of Mexico, namely Quintana Roo or Yucatan, but visitors will continue to holiday in Zacatecas with little to no problems, simply by following local advice:
- Do not display valuables in public (for example, leave expensive jewelry and watches in a hotel safe)
- Maintenance a high level of situational awareness in crowded areas, due to pickpocketing
- Give preference to reputable tour operators when booking a guided activity
- Do not visit the suburbs unaccompanied, especially after dark
- If you are approached by a robber, don’t try to resist or be heroic
Stay in a colonial-style mansion for just $70
Zacatecas isn’t exactly the place you go for a relaxing all-inclusive stay: it’s a cultural immersion in what we like to call ‘deep’ Mexico, but there are still some 5-star hotels offering world-class hospitality and incredible amenities.
For example, Santa Rita Hotel del Arte is housed in a historic colonial building with an easily recognizable pink facade.
It’s close to the Calderon Theater and the Gonzales Ortega Market, and room rates start at just $117 this winter.
Alternatively, the Quinta Real Zacatecas is built on a 19th century bullring, lined by a perfectly preserved aqueduct built in Spain.
It has rooms that exude vintage charm, 2 restaurants on site and an exceptional breakfast included for $144.
With a stricter budget? Meson de la Merced is a 4-star accommodation in a stone colonial mansion.
It offers cozy accommodations with balconies opening onto a picturesque courtyard, and overnight rates start at a more affordable $70.
Fly non-stop to Zacatecas from 4 US cities
This season, Americans can fly non-stop to Zacatecas from the following US airports:
1 flight per day every day with American Airlines
Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 1 flight with Volaris
Every Sunday, Wednesday and Friday 1 flight with Volaris
Every Sunday and Wednesday 1 flight with Volaris
From July 2025, direct flights from Oakland (OAK) will also be offered with Volaris.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
