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When you think of Mexico, the first image that comes to mind is probably the turquoise coastline of Cancun, or for the occasional culture vulture, perhaps the epic Chichén Itzá pyramid, or the busy streets of Mexico City.
We’re probably the biggest Mexico enthusiasts around, and have treated it as a destination for over seven years now, so we’re not here to berate the tourist spots as if they have nothing to offer. They do.
That being said, we Are Travel Off Path, and part of the reason we do what we do is to discover underrated gems that tourists are still sleeping on. When it comes to Mexico, there’s no shortage of choice, but one in particular has been stealing the spotlight lately.
Despite its enormous cultural wealth, 8% of all incoming visitors are foreignerswhich means that it is still largely the Mexicans who are driving the growth of tourism:
Get to know Zacatecas
Zacatecas is a historic city tucked away in central Mexico that once served as one of Spain’s most important silver mining centers.
Short break: that is central Mexico Real when it comes to culture and elite city trips. When you know, you know. Anyway, back to Zacatecas.
It is home to one beautiful historic center full of graceful churches and colonial-era buildings, many of which are made of the region’s signature pink stone. There is also a monumental mine that you can actually visit, complete with an underground train.
Yes. Your Snow White childhood dreams? Officially fulfilled.
But wait a minute, let’s break it down. Why would you even consider swapping somewhere like CDMX, or another more obvious Mexican destination, for a place as offbeat and under the radar as Zacatecas?
One of the most beautiful cathedrals in Mexico
How about one soaring, beautiful cathedral to start?
The Cathedral Basilica of Zacatecas is the big showstopper here, and perhaps the most monumental in Mexico Churrigue-like monument, with those insanely detailed carved niches, the decorated main portal and the pink stone exterior that you will photograph from a dozen different angles.
The building itself is visually striking, and once you step inside it feels surprisingly more understated and still elegant: vaulted ceilings, stone columns, an ornate gold altarpiece, and of course that soft, atmospheric light peeking through the small windows on the sides.
Not as flashy as the average Mexican basilica, but its quiet grandeur still has a way of sneaking up on you.
The cathedral itself is located on the southern edge of the monument Plaza de Armasthe central square and the beating heart of Zacatecas, where abuelos gather to play dominoes, and street vendors sling their trinkets and tasty, but questionable, street tacos (let’s face it, those are the best).
A beautiful colonial center waiting to be discovered
Although the cathedral is the must-see monument, it is certainly not the only colonial site in Zacateca.
Teatro Fernando Calderón is a grand old theater right on Avenida Hidalgo, with a neoclassical appearance, a stately stone front and arched windows. Even if you don’t attend a show, it’s worth stopping for the architecture alone.
You’ve probably had your share of Mexican street markets at this point as a repeat visitor to Mexico, but trust us when we say there’s no market building more beautiful than the one in Zacatecas. Mercado González Ortega.
It has that classic early 20th century feel, with the iron and glass roof, high ceilings and exposed metalwork. It also feels more atmospheric than chaotic, and it’s the perfect place to get a feel for the city without putting in too much effort.
Don’t forget to try the local one gorditasthick corn bags filled with cheese, beans and chicharron. It’s seriously addictive (and impossible to eat without making a mess).
For more charm from New Spain, view the Ex Templo de San Agustína former monastery of the Augustinian order with a dramatic facade that rivals that of the cathedral, and that eerie old Zacatecas energy.
Do you only have time for one museum visit? Museum Pedro Coronel is the center of the city: it’s housed in a former Jesuit college, so the structure alone is historic. The Real The greatest treasure, however, is the private art collection of the Mexican painter of the same name.
The coolest bar in Mexico
Of course, no visit to Zacatecas is complete without a little underground fun.
Mina El Edén was one of the first silver mines explored by the Spanish upon their arrival in Mexico, and to this day you can hi-ho make your way through the winding tunnels a small historic train, in the style of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
It’s bumpy, somewhat theatrical and honestly one of the coolest attractions in Mexico as a whole.
It’s open daily from 10am to 6pm, according to the current listing, and if you’re visiting on the weekend you should probably know that there is a bar in the mines.
It’s called La Mina barand you can get there by walking a little deeper into the earth from the train ‘terminal’, before arriving at the bar area, literally carved out of the rock.
We haven’t been ourselves, so we’re not sure how good the acoustics are, but who would refuse to drink hundreds of feet underwater in a historic silver mine?
See Zacatecas from above
Are you feeling a bit claustrophobic?
There is no way you can come to Zacatecas and skip the cable car experience: the local Teleferico floats over the vast cityhurtling towards the highest hill in the area, and the views are simply breathtaking.
Cerro de la Bufa is your destination, and it has that classic panoramic view of all the church towers, red tiled roofs and the maze-like grid of the historic center, surrounded by all the urban chaos of the modern city.
Like the mines, this is one of the city’s signature attractions, and it’s surprisingly affordable to go beyond the average cable car.
The return trip will cost you around MXN 160, or about $8-9 (for a full adult ticket).
Affordability aside, if you go to Mexico this season, make sure you do Check the latest travel advice before your trip.
