Zacatecas

Zacatecas and the capital of the Zacatecas (state)|state of the same name, is a city in the Bajío in Mexico. Its historical centre has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Zacatecas cathedral 2002 - frame|Gothic Church in Zacatecas

Travel as a Muslim to Zacatecas

By Plane

• Zacatecas International Airport IATA Code: ZCL General Leobardo C. Ruiz International Airport | GPS: 22.897111, -102.686889 near Victor Rosales Zacatecas International Airport Flights from Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Durango (Durango)|Durango, Morelia, and Tijuana. Direct connecting flights also exist to the U.S. cities of Los Angeles, Chicago, Denver, and Houston. Once at the airport take a 20-min taxi ride to downtown.

Travel on a Bus in Zacatecas

Most major cities offer direct buses to Zacatecas, especially those cities located in Northern Mexico. If you are traveling by bus from Southern Mexico you may have to make a connection in Mexico City.

Get Around

GPS 22.7719|-102.5744

Walking is probably the best way to get around the Centro Historico (Historic Downtown) which is relatively small. It will allow you to see the city at your own pace. The Centro is about 8000 feet (2400 meters) while surrounding portions of the city are much higher. Be sure that you are acclimated to the altitude.

If you get tired, take a taxi cab. They are moderately priced and available all over the city. Just make sure you ask in advance to the taxi driver how much he will charge you (Cuanto cuesta ir a 'Insert place'?). As most prices in Mexico, taxi fares are open to negotiation and asking in advance should give you a better negotiating position.

There is also the Maxibus and Tren Zacatecano which will drive you around the city to show you the interesting sites. Both cost M$40 (Mexico#Currency|pesos) for adults and M$30 for reductions, last about 45 minutes and leave from the Plaza de Armas.

What to See

Historic Downtown

Nearly all of the downtown buildings are nineteenth century or older; the topography and irregular street pattern (most streets are too steep and narrow for vehicles; many have steps in them) almost make one think of a medieval city like Toledo, Spain. The city, built on the site where silver was discovered in the 1530s, is crammed into a narrow canyon, with houses and churches perched on its nearly vertical walls.

The whole town is a museum; there are three seventeenth or eighteenth century ex-monasteries near the center, several other churches from the colonial perioid scattered here and there, and at least half a dozen other museums, nearly all worth visiting. Houses and streets, all of which built in colonial times are worth seeing on their own.

• Gothic Church: It is one of the most beautiful examples of Churrigueresque arquitecture in Mexico. It is an elaborately carved red-stone (cantera) structure that was built between 1730 and 1760. It is flanked by two towers with an exuberant ornamentation and has a notable facade that was richly sculpted but its once decorated interior was looted during the civil wars of the 19th and 20th centuries. Its coupula was reconstructed in 1836 and imitates that one of the church of Nuestra Señora de Loreto in Mexico City.
• Church of Santo Domingo: Almost in front of the cathedral, on one of the junctions of the Plaza de Armas and the Veyna alley lies, leading to the church of Santo Domingo that was built by the jesuits between 1746 and 1749 and has a beautiful Baroque facade. Splendid Gold wood-carved altarpieces, all of them churrigueresque, and Francisco Antonio Vallejo paintings (18th century) that represent scenes of The Passion can be found inside.
• Exconvento de San Augustín is a former monastery from the 17th century. The main church is now used for conferences and cultural events; the monastery still houses the bishop's offices.
• School of La Compañía de Jesus: It shows a richly sculpted facade; the cloister is surrounded by halls whose vaults are decorated with cherubim.
• Church of San Agustin: It has a plateresque facade decorated with a bas-relief.
• Parish of La Virgen del Patrocinio: It lies at the summit of a hill (Cerro de la Bufa). It was built in 1728.
• El Cubo aqueduct: It runs through the city. It was constructed more than 250 years ago.
• Antigua Plaza de Toros San Pedro: This former bull ring, adjacent to the Aqueduct has been converted into a luxury hotel. Enjoy a walk around the ring, and if you feel like splurging a bit enjoy lunch or dinner at the Hotel's restaurant, which has a commanding view of the ring.
• Palacio de Gobierno and Plaza de Armas The square beside the Gothic Church, interesting murals inside the Government Buildings.
• Santo Domingo Church Located parallel to the Gothic Church, Jesuit church.
• Casa de Moneda
• Palacio Legislativo Beside the former Convento de San Agustín, a church, now houses the state legislature.
• Teatro Calderón Beside the Mercado González Ortega. Impressive facade.
• Mercado González Ortega Nice, small market selling artesanship and other goods.
• Jardín Juárez Beautiful small park beside a lovely square. Beside the University Museum.
• Alameda Another garden, on the way back from La Mina de Edén, beside it is la Jardín de la Madre.
• Templo de Fátima Impressive neo-gothic temple located on a hill above the Parque General Enrique Estrada
• Parque General Enrique Estrada Beautiful park beside the aqueduct and the Templo de Fátima. Contains a beautiful fountain, a band stand and a number of places to sit and relax or have an enjoyable stroll.
• Callejón de Alcaicería de Gómez Alley leading to Avenida Hidalgo from the Museum of Abstract Art.

• La Leyenda - GPS: 22.780569, -102.570512 On the way to the Rafael Coronel museum coming from the main Gothic Church ☎ +52 492 922 3853 | Opening Hours: 10:00-23:00 - This restaurant could more aptly be described as an art museum and gallery where you can share a meal and drinks. It's a place of culture, dreams, and nightmares. There's some beautiful pieces of Huichol art, devil masks, paper maché demons and dragons to name but a few of the kinds of works found here. It is an experience, with nearly every surface is a piece of art. The owner and collector is there most evenings and is very approachable. And he welcomes people to come and view the massive collection. For lovers of art and culture, this place is not to be missed!

Museums

• Museo Rafael Coronel - S. Francisco S/N GPS: 22.782169, -102.570011 ☎ +52 492 922 8116 - M$30 - Set in a partially restored convent dating back to the 16th-17th centuries, this museum houses a large and diverse collection of masks drawn from several regions of Mexico and from other cultures around the world. Masks from different regions and eras are grouped together by themes and uses, including masks used in Carnival and in religious pageants, such as those commemorating the Reconquista. Particularly interesting is the alternate incorporation and subversion of pre-Hispanic symbols. The Diablo room is not to be missed. Portions of the convent grounds that could not be restored have been converted into a garden, with crumbling walls, standing arches and greenery.

• Museo Pedro Coronel - GPS: 22.776343, -102.573675 - Located next to the "Santo Domingo" church, it houses a colonial-era library and a large eclectic collection of European, African, American, and Mexican art.

• Museum of Modern Art Manuel Felguerez - Museo de Arte Abstracto Manuel Felguerez | GPS: 22.780661, -102.572537 ☎ +52 492 924 3705 | Opening Hours: W-M 10:00-17:00 - One of the best museums in Zacatecas. The large building, which once housed a Seminar and later a prison, now houses a large collection of Abstract paintings and Sculptures. The museum was restored in a minimalistic aesthetic, complementing the more than 100 works by Felguérez as well as works by more than 110 other artists from around the world. The room housing the murals that Felguérez made for the Mexican Pavilion at the Osaka World's Exhibition of 1970 is breathtaking and one of the highlights of the Museum's collection.

• Museo Francisco Goitia - Enrique Estrada 102 GPS: 22.770399, -102.577570 ☎ +52 492 922 0211 | Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10:00-16:45 M$30

• Museo Zacatecano (Museo Huichol) - Dr. Hierro No. 301 GPS: 22.775143, -102.573757 ☎ +52 492 922 6580 | Opening Hours: W-M 10:00-17:00 M$30 A museum located across the street from San Augustín with exhibitions all about Zacatecas, notable residents and its long history. Of note is a large section of exhibits, crafts, and other artifacts belonging to the Huichol culture, whose members still maintain a pre-Columbian lifestyle in the mountains between Zacatecas and Nayarit.

• Museo de la Toma de Zacatecas - GPS: 22.778397, -102.565753 ☎ +52 492 922 8066 - Located a top of La Bufa, it houses weapons, documents, photos, and other artifacts relating to this decisive battle of the Mexican Revolution of 1910.

La Bufa

The Cerro de la Bufa, a mountain with a very distinctive shape, is in the center of the city and, along the cathedral, is recognized as the city's most recognizable landmark. The best way to get to the top is using the Teleferico (Cable Car) which takes you from the Cerro del Grillo (Criket’s Hill) to the top of La Bufa. Once at the top of la Bufa don’t forget to vis

• The Museum of La Toma de Zacatecas (The fall of Zacatecas), displaying weapons, artifacts, pictures, and documents of this battle which took place during the Mexican Revolution.
• From El Mirador you can enjoy probably some of the best views the city has to offer.
• The Statues of Pancho Villa and his Liutenants. (You'll see them)
• The Capilla de Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio (Chapel of our Lady of el Patrocinio) and the city’s patron.
• If you are a little of an outdoorsy type you can hike to the summit of la Bufa which is indicated by the very large cross. It is not too hard to get to and the route is fairly obvious. It becomes a bit of a scramble towards the top, and be careful coming down. The view is amazing.
• Rotonda de los Hombres y Mujeres Ilustres (Mausoleum of the illustrious Men and Women). Nothing very exciting about this structure unless you are extremely interested in researching the history of the city, but since you are up there why not spend a few minutes here?

Short drive away

• Monasterio de Guadalupe Five miles away, in Guadalupe, Zacatecas, is the again-active Franciscan monastery from which missionaries were sent out to christianize the inhabitants of Texas, New Mexico, and California--it is the mother of the Spanish missions in the U.S. Much of the old monastery is a museum of colonial religious art, paintings by Indians trained in the European tradition. The paintings are amazing, and the architecture of the cloisters and the church and the Capilla de Napoli is unforgettable.
• Museo de Zoquite 13 kilometers (8 miles) south.
• Ex-Hacienda de Trancoso 29 kilometers (12 miles) south
• La Quemada 53 kilometers (34 m) south

What to Do

• Take the teleférico (cable car) to or from La Bufa, passing high above the downtown. It is no longer in operation, as of 2022 due to insufficient maintenance funds lacking as a result of corruption.
• Visit the no longer active silver mine El Edén to see how the mountain under the city was hollowed out by hand over a period of three hundred years (most of the rock was carried up in baskets on the miners' backs, as they climbed out on ropes). It also has a nightclub and although not many local residents frequent the spot, it is fun to go once just to experience the world's only nightclub inside a mine.
• Rent a vehicle and go to La Quemada and/or Chalchihuites to see ruins of cities hundreds of years old.
• Join local residents in a Callejoneada', a walking party around downtown's distinctive "callejones" (narrow streets or alleys) complete with live music and a donkey loaded with free Mezcal. Usually everybody is welcomed to join and most likely you won't be the only tourist joining the entourage.
• Take a number 2 bus for a scenic view of the city from the heights where the poor live (before the automobile the rich preferred not to climb mountains to get to their houses).
• Visit Centro Platero Zacatecano to see the silver-processing hacienda, where mercury-based enrichment (developed in Zacatecas and adopted throughout the world) was used for more than a century to get metallic silver from ore. The State of Zacatecas today still mines about half the world's silver, though the mines under the city are abandoned because of the danger of using explosives in an urban area. To get there take the "Lopez Mateos Boulevard" from downtown south towards Guadalupe, take the "Bernardez" exit, turn Right into Avenida Mexico, and then left at the Security gate. (The former hacienda is within a gated community, no worries and they let anyone in.) An easier option would be to take a cab.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Zacatecas

• Silver
• Pitiado-A local craft in which leather artifacts are beautifully hand-embroidered in complicated designs using pita thread.
• Assorted Mexican Candies.
• Local artifacts - in the Mercado González Ortega and there is a shop that sells native Huichol artifacts, some of which can be relatively hard to find elsewhere. Apart from that and the usual things you find in tourist shops.

Halal Restaurants in Zacatecas

• Los Dorados de Villa - Plazuela de García 1314 GPS: 22.782013, -102.570841 ☎ +52 492 922 5722 - One of the best spots for enjoying a traditional dinner. Expect a little wait as the place is popular and small.

• Café Neveria Acrópolis - Hidalgo s/n GPS: 22.775251, -102.572563 Across the way from Rinconada de Catedral in the Centro Historico) ☎ +52 492 922 1284 - A good bet for tourists who want a conventional breakfast, if you can find a seat. Back in the days it used to be a hotspot for dignitaries, celebrities and artists visiting the city, evidence of whose passage line the walls. The Italian-style coffee is quite nice, and the huevos rancheros come recommended.

• Mi Pueblito is a nice traditional Mexican restaurant near the Gothic Church and recommended by local residents. It is located inside of a shopping plaza just to the northeast of a Mercado building.
• El Barretero is away from the center (on the other side of the railroad), but has excellent food and usually live music (strings, piano, Mexican popular music, not mariachi). Try the cabrito (baby goat).
• Hacienda Del Cobre (House of the Coopper Kettle) Traditional Mexican fare. Serves fantastic molcajete, a type of stew made of a variety of ingredients such as chilis, Chicken, Beef, Steaks, avocados, Cheese. Served in a hot from the fire molcajete bowl (mortar).
• Las Costillas de Sancho (The Ribs of Sancho) Serves beef bibs and great Steaks. Relaxing atmosphere with well stocked central café. English menus are available by request.
• Vips Mexican version of Denny's. Owned by the Walmart company. Serves American-style breakfast and Tex-Mex versions of traditional Mexican dishes. English menus are available by request.
• Quinta Real Restaurant Restaurant is inside the Quinta Real hotel which is the old bullring of San Pedro. The restaurant is on the balcony of the rotation of the bullring, which has been turned into a beautiful colonial patio. Stone pavement and adorned style with abundant flowers combine with the meal to make this a unique restaurant. English menus are available by request.
• La Traviata Good Italian fare in the shopping neighborhood.

• La Mayora - Plaza Goitya 104 GPS: 22.774574, -102.573006 ☎ +52 4929225571 - lastedit=2022-00A rock and roll café.

• Rincon Vegetariano Om Burger. Calle Elías Amador 207. +52 492 134-7451. Haré Krishna Vegetarian restaurant one block from Alameda. Mixture of Mexican, Chinese and Indian fares. Closed Sunday.

Mezcal (Tequila is a variety of Mezcal). Zacatecano and Huitzila are some traditional local brands. Avoid anything that doesn't say 100% agave (that includes Cuervo Gold).

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Zacatecas

Zacatecas - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Zacatecas, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Zacatecas. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Zacatecas and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Zacatecas. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Zacatecas. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inZacatecas: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Zacatecas.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Zacatecas: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Zacatecas, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Zacatecas.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Zacatecas, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Zacatecas, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Zacatecas and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Zacatecas, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Zacatecas, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Zacatecas without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Zacatecas is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Zacatecas.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Zacatecas is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Zacatecas, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Zacatecas Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Hostal Villa Colonial - Calle Primero de mayo No. 201 GPS: 22.774766, -102.571341 ☎ +52 492 925 0749 - The family-run Hostel Villa Colonial located on Calle 1 de mayo behind the Gothic Church is the best value in town. It is in a beautiful colonial building and the large rooftop terrace has a breathtaking view of the cathedral. Although a hostel, it also has superior Muslim friendly rooms some of which also have a beautiful view. The owners provide excellent advice and really know the town. Kitchen use. Internet free but a wee bit unreliable. Dorms from M$100. It's a basic place but don't be put off by the rather sleazy looking 'reception' area.

• Hostal Las Margaritas Recommended by Seth Kugel from the Frugal Traveler column of the New York Times [https://"], this family-run hostel is a great value at US$14 a night. Calle 2da de Las Margaritas #105.

• Hostal Don David - ☎ +52 9200 9224859 Just around the junction of Hostel Villa Colonial, Calle del Obrador 204, Rigoberto o Violeta, is a bit less comfortable. Dorms from M$90. Internet M$7/h.

• Hotel La Central Right beside the central bus station, handy if you don't want to go further for a room. Internet available. Rooms are M$380.
• Juvenil Villa Deportiva (1 & 2) Zacatecas has two institutional-style youth hostels. Each has about 100 beds and caters to youth groups, although anyone is welcome to stay. Cost is ~US$2/night.

Mid-range

• Hotel Maria Benita - Av. Lopez Velarde #319-21 GPS: 22.770919, -102.570637 - Comfortable but not expensive, located midway between downtown and the university campus. If you get a street-side room you may see parades, protests, and other local activities from your window.

Luxury

• Quinta Real Zacatecas - Av. Ignacio Rayón 434 GPS: 22.768813, -102.575553 - For something a little more upscale, try the Quinta Real, which was the town's plaza de toros before it was turned into a luxury inn.

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Zacatecas

Day-trip places include the Convent of Guadalupe, La Quemada, Fresnillo, Juchilpila canyon amongst others.

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