Discover Zacatecas

Zacatecas stretches between the hills of La Bufa and Grillo, along the steep slopes of a narrow valley. The historic center follows the terrain: winding streets run at different levels and pass several squares. If you are looking for a vacation rental in Zacatecas, you can start by deciding whether the historic cityscape, the museums or the views from Cerro de la Bufa should shape your stay. These different focal points give cultural getaways and city breaks their own distinct character.

A historic center with a well-preserved urban layout

It is remarkable how much of the 16th-century urban layout has been preserved in the historic center: it remains almost entirely intact and later served as the basis for development in the 18th and 19th centuries. The historic monuments zone comprises 169 city blocks with 827 historically significant buildings, constructed between the 16th and 19th centuries. Religious buildings also shape this area. There are 15 religious complexes in total, most dating from the 17th and 18th centuries; they include the monasteries of San Juan de Dios, San Francisco, San Agustín and Santo Domingo.

Other buildings bring different chapters of the city’s history to life. The Calderón Theater dates from 1834. The Gonzalez Market is a building with an iron structure dating from 1886. For families who enjoy discovering history together, these landmarks offer different points of interest: from the urban layout and religious architecture to the market’s iron structure.

Museums spanning art and mining

International art takes center stage at the Museo Pedro Coronel. Works by Kandinsky, Picasso, Goya, Miró and Dalí are among those on display. The museum is housed in the former Jesuit college, Colegio de la Purísima Concepción. The Museo Rafael Coronel offers a different historical setting, in a 16th-century Franciscan building.

The Museo Manuel Felguérez combines art with a varied history as a building: it previously served as a seminary, military barracks and Zacatecas state prison. Today, the museum has 15 permanent exhibition halls and is considered the only museum of abstract art in Latin America. Art lovers can pair a visit here with one to the Museo Pedro Coronel; the two museums have different focuses, from works by international artists to abstract art.

The Mina el Edén also offers a way to explore mining history. On a guided tour through tunnels and galleries, a guide shares stories and legends about mining. The mine is also home to the Museo de las Rocas y Minerales, considered the largest mineral museum in Latin America. For children, the minerals and mining stories may prompt different questions and discoveries than the art collections in the city center.

Views and experiences at Cerro de la Bufa

Cerro de la Bufa offers views across the cityscape and is considered a landmark of Zacatecas. The Crestón of Cerro de la Bufa is regarded as the highest point in the city of Zacatecas, at more than 2,610 meters above sea level. The rock formation stands out for its greenish color, which is attributed to lichens and mosses on the rocks. The Mirador de la Bufa offers panoramic views of the city; along the way to the Cámara Oscura, you will find stalls run by Huichol artisans.

Those interested in the history of the Battle of La Toma de Zacatecas can visit the Museo Toma de Zacatecas on the hill, with its interactive exhibition on the subject. Tirolesa 840 offers a completely different perspective on the place: the zip line runs in two sections over 840 meters and descends from a height of more than 85 meters. These are clearly different experiences—exploring history in the museum or riding high above the terrain.

City views and times to visit

The Teleférico de Zacatecas crosses the historic center in a seven-minute ride, offering elevated views of the city. The Festival Cultural Zacatecas features festive events during Holy Week and Easter week. When planning a trip around culture and city history, you can use these different sides of Zacatecas to guide your choice of vacation rental based on your interests.

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For the main travel overview: Zacatecas.