When you think Mexico, the first image you conjure up is probably Cancun’s turquoise shoreline, or to the odd culture buff, perhaps the epic Chichén Itzá pyramid, or bustling streets of Mexico City.
We’re probably the biggest Mexico enthusiasts out there, having covered it a destination for over 7 years at this point, so we’re not here to berate the touristy 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 uncover underrated gems tourists are still sleeping on. When it comes to Mexico, there’s no shortage of them to pick from, but one in particular has been stealing the limelight lately.
Despite its vast cultural wealth, 8% of all inbound visitors are foreigners, meaning it’s still largely Mexicans that drive tourism growth:
Introducing Zacatecas
Zacatecas is a historic city tucked away in central Mexico that once served as one of Spain’s major silver mining hubs.
Quick intermission: central Mexico is really where it’s at for culture and elite city breaks. If you know, you know. Anyway, back to Zacatecas.
It’s home to a gorgeous Historic Center packed with ornate churches and colonial-era buildings, many of them made from the region’s signature pink stone. It’s also got a landmark mine you can actually visit — complete with an underground train.
Yeah. Your Snow White childhood dreams? Officially fulfilled.
But hold up, let’s break it down. Why would you even consider swapping somewhere like CDMX, or another more obvious Mexican destination, for somewhere as offbeat and under-the-radar as Zacatecas?
One Of The Most Beautiful Cathedrals In Mexico
How about a soaring, beautiful cathedral for starters?
The Catedral Basílica de Zacatecas is the big showstopper here, and perhaps Mexico’s most monumental Churrigueresque monument, with those insanely-detailed carved niches, decorated main portal, and pink-stone exterior you’ll be photographing from a dozen different angles.
The building itself is visually-striking, and by comparison, once you step in, it feels surprisingly more subdued, and still elegant: vaulted ceilings, stone columns, an ornate golden altarpiece, and of course, that soft, moody light peeking through the small windows on the sides.
Not as flashy as your average Mexican basilica, yet its quiet grandeur does tend to sneak up on you nonetheless.
The cathedral itself sits on the southern edge of the landmark Plaza de Armas, the main square, and beating heart of Zacatecas, where abuelos gather to play dominos, and street vendors sling their trinkets and tasty—but questionable—street tacos (let’s be real, those are the best ones).
A Gorgeous Colonial Center Awaiting Discovery
Although the cathedral is that one must-see monument, it’s far from being Zacateca’s only colonial flex.
Teatro Fernando Calderón is a grand old theater right on Avenida Hidalgo, with that Neoclassical polish, a stately stone front, and arched windows. Even if you don’t catch a show, it’s worth a stop for the architecture alone.
You’ve probably had your share of Mexican street markets as a repeat Mexico visitor at this point, but trust us when we say there’s no prettier market building than Zacatecas’ Mercado González Ortega.
It has that classic early 20th-century vibe, with the iron-and-glass roof, the high ceilings, and exposed metalwork. It also feels more atmospheric than chaotic, and it’s the perfect spot for getting a pulse of the city without trying too hard.
Don’t forget to try the local gorditas, thick corn pockets stuffed with cheese, beans, and chicharrón. It’s seriously addcitive (and impossible to eat without making a mess).
For more New Spain charm, check out the Ex Templo de San Agustín, a former convent of the Augustinian order with a dramatic façade that rivals the cathedral’s, and that haunting old Zacatecas energy.
Only have time for one museum visit? Museo Pedro Coronel is the town’s centerpeice: it’s housed in a former Jesuit college, so the structure alone is historical. The real treasure, though, are the namesake Mexican painter’s private art collection inside.
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 Spaniards upon their arrival to Mexico, and still to this day, you can hey-ho your way around the winding tunnels in a little heritage train, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves-style.
It’s bumpy, somewhat theatrical, and quite frankly, one of the coolest attractions in Mexico as a whole.
It’s openm daily from 10 am to 6pm, per the current listing, and if you’re visiting on a weekend, you should probably know there is a bar down in the mines.
It’s called La Mina Bar, and you can get there walking a little deeper into the earth from the train ‘terminal’, before arriving at the bar space, literally carved out of rock.
We’ve not been ourselves, so we’re not sure how good are the acoustics, but who would turn down drinks hundreds of feet under in a historic silver mine?
See Zacatecas From Above
Feeling a little claustrophobic?
There’s no way you’re coming to Zacatecas and skipping the cable car experience: the local Teleférico glides over the sprawling city, hurtling towards the highest hill in the vicinity, and the views are nothing short of breathtaking.
Cerro de la Bufa is your destination, and it has that classic panoramic view of all the church towers, red-tiled roofs, and maze-like grid of the Historic Center, surrounded by all the urban chaos of the modern city.
Much like the mines, this is one of the city’s signature attractions, and it’s surprisingly-affordable to go on than your average cable car.
The roundtrip will set you back by about 160 MXN, or around $8–9 (for a full adult ticket).
Affordability factor aside, if you’re going to Mexico this season, make sure you double check the latest travel advisories before your trip.
