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Europe may be a long way away, but you don’t need to cross an ocean to explore a fairytale, pink-colored city crisscrossed with narrow alleys and laden with cobbled streets that have stayed intact for centuries: look no further than our southerly neighbor!
Located in central Mexico, Zacatecas is a historic gem dating back to the 16th century.
It does not offer access to the turquoise Caribbean or white sand beaches, nor is it famous 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 a different side of Mexico–and now that a growing number of travelers are looking for more unique experiences, it’s no wonder it’s rising fast in popularity.
I mean, a 20% uptick in tourism since 2020 cannot be so easily understated. Oh, and did I mention you get nonstop flights there from America?
Discover The Pink City Of Mexico
Zacatecas may not be the coastal getaway most people associate with a Mexico trip, but it is home to one of the largest historic centers in the country.
It is packed with listed buildings that are centuries old and UNESCO-protected.
As the international organization notes, it is among the most important mining towns of the now-defunct New Spain, with most of the empire’s silver production originating here and in Guanajuato; as a result, much of the townscape is dominated by 16th—to 19th-century architecture.
Many of the buildings were built using 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, being two notable examples.
Around town, other important structures include the Templo de Fatima, evocative of Europe’s grand Gothic marvels, except it’s pink-hued, Santo Domingo Church, rivaling the Basilica Cathedral with its Baroque exuberance, and the more-recent Calderon Theater.
A beautiful 19th-century addition to the city’s colonial core, it is an opulent concert hall with a signature Neoclassical facade hosting performances to this day, from operas, to musicals, to dance recitals––check out their program here.
Guided Walking Tours & Thrilling Rides Into Historic Mines
Zacatecas is, in fact, 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 joined by a knowledgeable guide as you ride on the La Esperanza train into the heart of the mountain, and walk through shafts and galleries established in the 1500s.
On this ‘traditional’ tour, you will climb the imposing Cerro de la Bufa, a mountain looming over the historic center, for breathtaking views of the sprawling city, and the nature that surrounds it, as well as visit off-path chapels, and stroll the storied streets, all from $24.21.
For street food, make sure you swing by Mercado Genaro Codina El Laberinto, a literal maze of stalls serving $1 tamales and equally-affordable, generously-filled tacos with the kind of native spice you can’t get back at home.
Looking for a memorable dining experience?
Rincon Tipico is a colorful, family-owned eatery serving great enchiladas and chicken filets, while La Leyenda is best-known for its asado de boda and museum-like exhibits.
How Dangerous Is Zacatecas?
When it comes to safety advice, U.S. authorities urge Americans not to travel to the state of Zacatecas due to an elevated risk of crime and kidnapping.
It’s true that security levels are lower compared to more touristy areas of Mexico, namely Quintana Roo or Yucatan, but visitors continue to vacation in Zacatecas with little to no trouble simply by observing local advice:
- Do not flash valuable items in public (i.e. leave expensive jewelry and watches in a hotel safe)
- Maintain a high level of situational awareness in crowded spaces, due to pickpocketing
- Give preference to reputable tour operators if booking a guided activity
- Do not visit suburban areas unaccompanied, especially after dark
- In the event you’re approached by a robber, do not attempt to resist or be heroic
Stay In A Colonial-Style Mansion For Only $70
Zacatecas isn’t exactly somewhere you go for a relaxing all-inclusive stay: it’s a cultural immersion in what we like to call the ‘deep’ Mexico, but there are still a number of 5-star hotels offering world-class hospitality and incredible amenities.
For instance, Santa Rita Hotel del Arte is housed in a historic colonial building with an easily recognized pink facade.
It is near the Calderon Theater and the Gonzales Ortega Market, and room rates start at only $117 this winter.
Alternatively, the Quinta Real Zacatecas is built onto a 19th-century arena, edged by a perfectly preserved Spanish-built aqueduct.
It has rooms that just ooze vintage charm, 2 restaurants on-site, and an exceptional breakfast included for $144.
On a stricter budget? Meson de la Merced is a 4-star listing in a stone-built colonial mansion.
It offers cozy accommodation with balconies opening out into a picturesque inner court, and overnight rates start at a more economical $70.
Fly Nonstop To Zacatecas From 4 U.S. Cities
This season, Americans can fly nonstop to Zacatecas from the following U.S. airports:
1 flight per day every day with American Airlines
1 flight every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday with Volaris
1 flight every Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday with Volaris
1 flight every Sunday and Wednesday with Volaris
Nonstop flights from Oakland (OAK) will also be offered from July 2025 with Volaris.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, 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 within the post.