At 8,100 feet elevation (Mexico’s second highest city), Zacatecas will literally take your breath away. Although inhabited in pre-Hispanic times, Zacatecas was founded in 1546 following the discovery of one of the world’s richest silver veins. (By the early 18^th century, Zacatecas was producing one-fifth of the world’s silver.) In the late 16^th century, several religious orders (Dominicans, Jesuits, Agustins, Franciscans) began constructing churches with the help of local silver barons. Its historic center is a tight clustering of magnificent churches, abandoned convents, and sturdy colonial architecture.

For centuries Zacatecas served as the northern frontier of Spain’s New World Empire. Religious crusades into Mexico’s hostile northern territory (including what is today the southern U.S.) were launched from Zacatecas. Its wealth and strategic position were coveted by warring factions throughout the 19^th century. And in 1914, one of the Revolution’s greatest militares battles took place here, as Pancho Villa’s troops defeated an army of 12,000 soldiers under General Huerta. (Zacatecas was recently named a United Nations "Heritage Site," one of approximately 370 world-wide sites to be so designated.)

Several features set Zacatecas apart from its colonial sister cities. First is its setting; it is nestled in a ravine between two imposing hills: Cerro de La Buffa and Cerro del Grillo. Its narrow cobblestone streets and pedestrian alleyways wind upward past manicured parks and colonial buildings constructed of soft pink-and peach-colored stone. The second differing factor is one of this hemisphere’s finest collections of ancient art from around the world. Surprisingly, it is home to two of Mexico’s best museums. And finally, Zacatecas receives few foreign visitors. North Americans feel special and are treated as true guests by the city’s proud residents.

An eclectic mix of attractions highlight Zacatecas’ sightseeing. Its museums are some of Mexico’s finest, while several restful parks offer quiet seclusion. For adventure, this colonial gem has two of Mexico’s most enjoyable adventures: a trip under ground into a silver mine and an aerial tramway (teleférico) that soars above the city’s streets. Visitor facilities are quite well developed. There are two fine world-class hotels, several charming 3-star properties, and a handful of good restaurants. There is non-stop international air service to Zacatecas via Mexicana Airlines from LAX and ORD, in addition to domestic service from Mexico City, Tijuana, and other points.

Unlike other colonial cities, Zacatecas was not laid out like a grid. Due to its ravine locations, the main street (Avenida Hidalgo) runs south to north through the city’s center. It begins in the south, passing underneath the city’s colonial era aqueduct and continues north past the Plaza de Armas before continuing out of town past the Ex-Convento de San Francisco and Rafael Coronel Museum.