Zacatecas, Mexico
Region: Zacatecas
Geographic Coordinates: 22.773600, -102.574000
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 30.0°C (50°F to 86°F)
Climate: Dry and hot summers, and mild winters with occasional frost.
Population: 122889
Language: Spanish
Zacatecas is a stunning colonial city located in the heart of Mexico, Known for its rich history, Beautiful architecture, And unique culture. Situated at an altitude of 2, 464 meters above sea level, It is one of the highest cities in Mexico. One of the main attractions in Zacatecas is its historic center, Which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore many beautiful buildings and landmarks such as the Cathedral Basilica of Zacatecas with its stunning baroque architecture. La Bufa Hill is another popular attraction that offers breathtaking views of the entire city.
Visitors can take a cable car or hike up to enjoy panoramic views from this natural viewpoint. Zacatecas also boasts a rich cultural scene with many museums and galleries showcasing local art and history. The Rafael Coronel Museum houses an impressive collection of pre-Hispanic art as well as contemporary Mexican art. The city hosts several festivals throughout the year including Semana Santa (Holy Week), Festival Cultural Zacatecas (Cultural Festival), And Feria Nacional de Zacatecas (National Fair). These events showcase traditional music, Dance performances, And local cuisine.
For outdoor enthusiasts, There are hiking trails through scenic landscapes like Sierra de Órganos National Park or nearby hot springs like Los Aljibes Hot Springs to visit. visitors must try some traditional dishes like enchiladas zacatecanas or gorditas de migajas made with local ingredients such as cactus leaves and corn masa dough stuffed with meat or cheese to complete their authentic Mexican experience in Zacatecas.
Important Landmarks
- Cathedral of Zacatecas
- El Eden Mine
- Cerro de la Bufa
- Rafael Coronel Museum
- Pedro Coronel Museum (Museum of Abstract Art)
- Francisco Goitia Museum
- Plaza de Armas (Main Square)
- Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace)
- Teatro Calderon (Calderon Theater)
- Mina El Edén Theme Park
Primary Industries
- The major industries and businesses in Zacatecas, Mexico include:
- Mining (silver, gold, zinc)
- Agriculture (corn, beans, wheat)
- Manufacturing (textiles, food processing)
- Tourism and services
- The city of Zacatecas is known for:
- Colonial architecture
- Historical landmarks such as the Cathedral of Zacatecas and the El Eden Mine
- The state also has several natural attractions such as:
- Sierra de Órganos National Park
- La Quemada archaeological site
- The discovery of silver deposits in the 16th century that led to the establishment of Zacatecas as a mining town.
- The Battle of Zacatecas in 1914 during the Mexican Revolution where Pancho Villa defeated government forces.
- Pedro Coronel, a famous artist from Zacatecas known for his abstract paintings and sculptures.
- Francisco Goitia, a painter and muralist from Zacatecas who is known for his depictions of rural life in Mexico.
- Miguel Auza, a revolutionary leader who fought against Spanish colonial rule in the early 19th century.
- The Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Zacatecas, an exquisite example of Baroque architecture built in the 18th century.
- The Cerro de la Bufa monument which commemorates the Battle of Zacatecas and offers panoramic views over the city.
- The El Eden mine which was one of Mexico’s wealthiest silver mines during its peak period in the late 19th century.
- Rafael Coronel, an artist and collector from Zacatecas who established several museums dedicated to Mexican art and culture.
- Jose Guadalupe Posada, an engraver from Aguascalientes who resided and worked in Zacatecas for many years and is renowned for his iconic calavera illustrations that have become synonymous with Day Of The Dead celebrations across Mexico.
- Museo Rafael Coronel
- Museo de Arte Abstracto Manuel Felguérez
- Catedral de Zacatecas
- Mina El Edén
- Palacio de Gobierno del Estado de Zacatecas
- Teatro Calderón
- Cerro de la Bufa
- Santuario de Plateros
- Plaza Bicentenario
- Jardín Juárez
- Mineros de Zacatecas (Soccer): Founded in 2014, Mineros de Zacatecas is a professional soccer team that plays in the Ascenso MX league. The team has won two championships in the league and has a strong fan base in the region.
- Tuzos de la UAZ (Soccer): Tuzos de la UAZ is a soccer team that represents the Autonomous University of Zacatecas. The team plays in the Liga Premier Serie A and has a history of producing talented young players.
- Dorados de Villa de Cos (Basketball): Dorados de Villa de Cos is a basketball team that competes in the Circuito de Baloncesto del Pacífico (CIBAPAC). The team was founded in 2018 and has quickly become one of the top teams in the league.
- Fresnillo Mineros (Baseball): Fresnillo Mineros is a baseball team that competes at both regional and national levels. The team has won several championships over its history, including three consecutive titles from 2007-2009.
- Titanes del Estado (American Football): Titanes del Estado is an American football team based out of Zacatecas City. The team competes at both amateur and semi-professional levels, with players ranging from high school students to seasoned veterans.
- Lobos UAdeC (Volleyball): Lobos UAdeC is a volleyball club affiliated with Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro Campus Laguna, but based out of Zacatecas City for competitions within Liga Mayor Femenil UNAM-Voleibol division III-A-CONADEIP). They have had successful seasons since joining this division on 2018/19 season as they have reached playoffs on each season played so far.
- El Eden Mine: A historic silver mine located just outside of Zacatecas that offers tours and a glimpse into the city’s mining past.
- Cerro de la Bufa: A hill overlooking Zacatecas that offers stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside.
- Catedral de Zacatecas: A beautiful cathedral located in the heart of the city that features stunning architecture and artwork.
- Museo Rafael Coronel: A museum dedicated to the work of Mexican artist Rafael Coronel, featuring a collection of masks, puppets, and other folk art.
- Plaza de Armas: The main square in Zacatecas, surrounded by historic buildings and home to a variety of events and performances throughout the year.
- Mina El Edén: A historic silver mine located just outside of Zacatecas that offers tours and a glimpse into the city’s mining past.
- Callejoneadas: Traditional street performances that take place in Zacatecas’ streets.
- Festival Internacional de Teatro de Calle: A street theater festival that takes place in Zacatecas each year, featuring performers from around the world who showcase their talents in public spaces throughout the city.
- La Morisma: A unique cultural event that takes place in Zacatecas every August and reenacts a battle between Christians and Moors with elaborate costumes, music, and dance performances.
- Expo Feria Guadalupe: An annual fair held in December that features carnival rides, games, food vendors, live music performances, and other entertainment for visitors of all ages.
- Asado de boda – a traditional wedding dish made with pork, beef, and chili sauce.
- Gorditas – thick tortillas stuffed with beans, cheese or meat.
- Enchiladas zacatecanas – enchiladas filled with potatoes and topped with tomato sauce and cheese.
- Cazuela de camarones – shrimp stew cooked in a clay pot.
- La Casa del Virrey- known for its traditional Mexican dishes and beautiful courtyard setting.
- El Mesón de Jobito- offers a mix of regional and international cuisine in a colonial-style building.
- Los Dorados de Villa- serves up delicious gorditas and other classic Mexican dishes in a casual atmosphere.
- La Plazuela del Carbón- located in the historic center of Zacatecas, this restaurant offers traditional Mexican cuisine with live music on weekends.
- Parque La Encantada – a large park with walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
- Parque Sierra de Alica – a scenic park with hiking trails and beautiful views of the city.
- Parque Arroyo de la Plata – a popular spot for jogging, biking, and picnicking.
- Jardín Juárez – a historic square in the heart of downtown Zacatecas with fountains and benches for relaxation.
- Cerro de la Bufa – a hilltop park with panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.
- El Edén Ecological Park – an eco-park featuring hiking trails, zip-lining, camping facilities, and more.
- Plaza Bicentenario – an open-air plaza that hosts concerts, festivals, and other cultural events throughout the year.
- Museo Francisco Goitia & Jardín Rafael Páez – A museum that features works by Francisco Goitia as well as beautiful gardens to explore.
- Horseback riding tours through the countryside or exploring old mines on ATVs or mountain bikes
- Visiting local wineries to sample wines made from regional grapes
- Attending live music performances at venues like Teatro Calderón or Palenque Feria Nacional de Zacatecas
- Taking hot air balloon rides over scenic landscapes like Sierra de Órganos National Park
- Fishing in nearby lakes or rivers such as Presa San Jose or Rio Grande del Norte
- Participating in adventure sports like rock climbing or rappelling at nearby sites such as Peña de la Virgen or Cañón del Tunalito respectively
Noteable History
Museums and Things To See
Sports Teams
Cultural Events
Cuisine
Some popular restaurants in Zacatecas include:
Parks and Recreation
Recreational activities in Zacatecas include: