Travel deep enough into the Chihuahuan Desert and you’ll find yourself in Zacatecas. The Mexican state known for its mining industry and colonial architecture is often overlooked by travelers in favor of more popular cities such as Guadalajara, Mexico City and Acapulco.

That said, one would be remiss to overlook the desert state while planning a trip to Mexico. I had the privilege to visit the state’s capital city of Zacatecas along with Jerez de Garcia Salinas a couple of years ago, and I can truly say that Zacatecas is one of the most unique and beautiful places I have ever been to.

The state of Zacatecas is located in the center of northern Mexico, and is home to mountains that are a part of Sierra Madre Occidental and Sierra Madre Oriental mountain ranges. However, much of the state is located on the Mexican Plateau, and as a result is predominantly known for its small mesas and large areas of flat land, which feature a cool, dry climate.

Zacatecas, like much of Mexico, has a predominantly Roman Catholic culture, with 94% of the population identifying with the religion. This is reflected in the numerous religious festivals held throughout the year in the state, including Sept. 8 being dedicated to the Virgen del Patrocinio in the capital city, the last week of August highlighting the Morismas de Bracho, which is a rendition of the historical struggle between the Christians and the Moors in Spain, and the annual Holy Week and Spring Festival held in Jerez de Garcia Salinas.

Recently, the state has seen many Zacatecans protesting to demand social change within Mexico and abroad. Many women and allies participated in local protests throughout the state to demand the government address femicide and gender inequality on March 8 as a part of International Women’s Day. 

Whether you are a lover of Spanish architecture, enjoy learning about Mexican history or simply want to travel somewhere you may have never heard of before, Zacatecas is an ideal next stop on your agenda once the pandemic is over.

Cathedral Basilica of Zacatecas

Rising above the two-story buildings in the heart of downtown, the Cathedral Basilica of Zacatecas is arguably the most recognizable landmark in all of the city. The current cathedral, which was preceded by two temples on the same site which were constructed in 1568 and 1625, was constructed between 1730 and 1760 and features a facade showcasing the Baroque art of the time period. The cathedral was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the surrounding city center in 1993.

Mass is held daily Monday through Saturday at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., noon, 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., with additional services held on Sunday hourly from 7 a.m. to noon, followed by 1:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Jerez de Garcia Salinas

Located approximately 45 minutes away by car from the city of Zacatecas, Jerez de Garcia Salinas is an agricultural town rich in history and culture. The small city features a number of shops, museums and restaurants located inside colonial buildings. Several popular sites include the Rafael Paez Garden, the Hinojosa Theater and the De La Torre building.

One of the most notable events in the city is the annual Holy Week and Spring Festival leading up to Easter Sunday. Serving as a homecoming for many Jerez natives who have moved away, the festival sees the streets of the city taken over by cowboys on horseback who drag effigies through the streets. Musicians perform throughout the city as residents either join in the celebration on the streets or view the festivities from their balconies.

La Quemada

La Quemada, also known as Chicomoztoc, is an archaeological site located approximately 40 minutes by car south of the city of Zacatecas. While historians have not definitively determined who built it, several theories include the ruins being home to the original Aztec people, as a fortress for Teotihuacan, as a Toltec trading post or simply as an abandoned city. What is known, however, is that many of the structures were burned in a fire, giving the site the name “La Quemada,” which means “the burned city.”

Popular structures at La Quemada include the Hall of the Columns, the Votive Pyramid and the Sacrificial Pyramid. Visitors are able to catch a bus from downtown Zacatecas to La Quemada, or alternatively can take a taxi.

Sierra de Organos National Park

The Sierra de Organos National Park is the only national park in the state. Located approximately 120 miles to the northwest of the capital near the city of Durango, this national park is known for its conifer forests, rock formations and organ pipe cactuses, from which the park is named. Visitors to the park are able to hike, cycle, rock climb and get up close to the native flora and fauna of the region. While camping is permitted, visitors are encouraged to maintain sustainability and cleanliness, as the park is home to several endangered species.

Bufa Hill

Rising above the city center, Bufa Hill is a large hill located immediately next to the city of Zacatecas’ downtown. The hill, which is accessible by road or cable car, features breathtaking views of the city and surrounding area. It also looks over a number of historic sites from the Battle of Zacatecas, the bloodiest battle to take place during the war to overthrow President Victoriano Huerta in 1914.

Visitors to the hill can visit the Capilla de la Virgen del Patrocinio (Chapel of the Virgin of Patronage), a small chapel which is said to have healing powers for the sick, and the Museo Toma de Zacatecas, which commemorates the aforementioned battle.