Visiting Zacatecas
Historical Church In Zacatecas
Zacatecas Mexico is a name not too many are familiar with. It was founded in the 1500's as a silver and copper mining town, and much of the surrounding landscape certainly gives reminiscence to those days.
The city is fairly small, with a population around 1.5 million, but you can see most the attractions in a day. The city is riddled with narrow winding streets and alleys of cobblestone. Which happens to be a look I get much pleasure from. As if I am quickly transported back in time to when my parents would tell us stories of "the old country" and what it was like growing up in Portugal. I soon found myself walking the streets as if my life was playing out in an old Spanish Novel. And thats easy to do because the city is Historical, and has legal policies about keeping everything historical looking. So although you will find a Starbucks, on the outside you will not find the typical commercialized logos, they are all made to blend in.When visiting, your first activity on the list should be the cable car or Teleferico to the top of the peak overlooking the city. Surrounding the city there is not much in the landscape due to the mining, but the view of the city is spectacular. The weather is usually very warm and sunny with a nice cool breeze blowing across the range, so pack some water and dress light. From the peak there is a long, winding, cobblestone road which leads directly to the city center where you will find vendors, shops, museums and art galleries. You could literally spend the day just wondering through the streets and alley ways, visiting art galleries, and hanging in the centro park.
The locals are very friendly and the energy is very laid back, as it is in most smaller cities in Mexico, and certainly something more common as you reach the coast. The churches and architecture are really something to see here, all kept in strict historical integrity. Overall the country of Mexico has some really great architecture, but here it is exceptionally beautiful.
All the exploring in Zacatecas can be done on foot, because everything is very close. The preferred place to stay in Zacatecas is the Quita Real. This is the premier hotel in the city. The hotel is a converted bull fighting ring, completely remodeled into a gorgeous hotel, and I mean gorgeous. As we walked through the hotel there was lots of beautiful art and details that really make it a worthwhile visit or stay while there.
Zacatecas is not a Cauncun and you will not find yourself anywhere near a beach., but hey.. thats what Cancun is for. Zacatecas is a very different and special place capable of taking any visitor back through time, to an era of exploration and development. If you want a true taste of Mexican Heritage, one with old Historical flavor, spend a couple days in Zacatecas and you will soon discover the hidden gem in the heart of Mexico.
Happy Travels!
