Attractions in Zacatecas, Mexico: What to do and where to go

El Cubo Aqueduct

Construction, of this impressive aqueduct, began in the final years of the colonial era and was eventually finished just after the end of the Mexican War of Independence. It was originally used as the city's source of fresh water, channeling it from El Cubo mine to the Plazuela Virreinal, known these days as "Jardin Independencia" (Independence Garden). It is considered as one of the most iconic symbols of Zacatecas.

Altavista

This archeological site is 50 kilometers southeast of Zacatecas in the town of Chalchihuites. It was originally used as a ceremonial site for the Chalchahuites, an indigenous culture who inhabited the Sierra Madre Occidental of Zacatecas and Durango, between 200 and 1000 A.D. The vernal and autumnal equinoxes can both be clearly seen here, from a building called El Laberinto.

"Zig Zag" Science Interactive Center

Open since 2005, this place has turned into one of the most visited attractions in town for children, young people, as well as for the not so young. Distributed within its 4750 square yards, this interactive center of science features more than 60 exhibitions displaying natural and scientific themes, such as energy, matter, movement, waves, fluid, electricity, magnetism, electronics and mathematics, all in individual rooms.

Cerro de la Bufa

Cerro de la Bufa, meaning ''pig's bladder'', is a hill with an altitude of 2657 meters and was the site where Don Miguel Hidalgo fought in the Mexican War of Independence. It features an area called "Plaza de la Revolucion Mexicana" where statues of important generals and officers, who participated in the Mexican Revolution, are located. The hill also has a chapel (Capilla del Patrocinio) where the Virgin Mary is worshipped, and a museum called Toma de Zacatecas, where pieces of artillery, photographs and documents of the Revolution can be seen. Here you'll also find a Meteorological Observatory and the "Mausoleo de los Hombres Ilustres", dedicated to famous people from Zacatecas.

The Funicular Railway

If you are looking for adventure in the heights, admire a spectacular view from 278 feet above the city in the "Teleferico" (gondola). The Funicular Railway is an aerial cable railway located steps from El Eden Mine in El Grillo Mountain, offering a fabulous ride of approximate 7 minutes, over 1235 yards to La Bufa Mountain.

Ex-casa de la Moneda (The City Mint)

Built at the beginning of the 11th century, this beautiful building made of pink quarry stone features the shield of Zacatecas on its impressive facade. Money was minted here between 1810 and 1905, and there is still a large mural depicting the financial history of Mexico. Nowadays the building is the head office of Zacatecas' finance department.

La Catedral

This impressive and beautiful building is, without a doubt, the masterpiece of an exuberant baroque style, built in the first half of the 18th century. Upon looking at this majestic Cathedral, it is impossible not to be attracted by its exquisite architectonic details, as well as its facade, made in pink quarry stone representing a huge stone altarpiece that shows the history of Christianity. The temple also features two spindly towers that exhibit the same decor.

El Eden Mine

This place is an excellent way to discover the interiors of a mine. It was opened to visitors in 1975, after a thorough and intense adaptation, and became one of the main attractions in beautiful Zacatecas. Get drawn into this interesting trip on a small train, along with 1140 yards of hanging bridges, tunnels and old legends. And if that isn't enough, enjoy the El Malacate Discotheque, located inside the mine.

Francisco Goitia Museum

The first ever museum in Zacatecas, Francisco Goitia Museum is located in a stunningly beautiful building and surrounded by extensive, colorful gardens. It was built by the Spanish architect Maximo de la Pedraja, at the request of Leobardo Reynoso, governor of Zacatecas at that time, in order to have an official governor's residence. Nowadays, the museum exhibits a great collection ofcontemporary art work created by the likes of Julio Ruelas, Manuel Felguerez, Francisco Goitia, Pedro Coronel, Jose Kuri and Rafael Coronel.

Manuel Felguerez Museum

In the 19th Century, this building that now houses the Manuel Felguerez Museum, used to be the home of the Seminary of La Purisima de Zacatecas. In 1997 the building was remodeled by Manuel Felguerez, an artist born in Zacatecas, combining the original architecture with modern elements to create an extraordinarily unique museum. There is a fantastic collection of his abstract art on display, as well as sculptures and paintings, from the last 50 years, by more than 120 Mexican artists.

Pedro Coronel Museum

This building was originally home to a 17th century college of a Jesuit religious order and has now been restored to its original splendor. Nowadays, the museum is the home to an extensive collection of objects, donated by the artist Pedro Coronel. On the ground floor, there is a library with more than twenty thousand books, some editions dating back to the 16th century. On the top level, admire the objects amassed by the artist during several of his trips.

Rafael Coronel Museum

Located where there was once a Franciscan monastery, discover this magnificent museum, which is something like a time capsule of art. Rafael Coronel donated more than five thousand masks to the collection, among other objects that proudly represent popular Mexican art. Some of the masks were made in the 18th and 19th centuries and are displayed within the museum according to their expression and original use.

Toma de Zacatecas Museum

Located on Cerro de la Bufa (La Bufa Hill), this interesting museum houses lots of artifacts used during the Mexican Revolution. The museum was originally opened to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Zacatecas and features exhibits of newspapers, photographs, shotguns and canons from that period.

Viceregal Museum of Guadalupe

A magnificent collection of exceptional art can be appreciated in this beautiful baroque building. There are also fantastic exhibits of antique vehicles and a comprehensive history about the development of transport in Mexico. Nowadays, the Zacatecas historic archives are kept in this museum, along with works of art by renowned painters from the viceroyalty period, Christs made of cane, and art made of feathers.

Zacatecan Museum

This small, quaint museum is home to a very interesting exhibition of Huichol art. There are more than 150 embroidered pieces on display, as well as a beautiful collection of altarpieces from different religious centers and eras. The museum also has an exhibition of Mexican wrought iron from the 15th and 17th century, and a photographic collection by the artist Juan Victor Arauz.

La Quemada Archeological Site

This is an archeological site located 31 miles from Zacatecas. It features several constructions made of stone slab and mud, which were built on artificial terraces at the base of a mountain and supposedly date back to 800 A.D. There is an additional museum within the area, giving more detailed information about the site.