We love Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, but we’re not sure about you; it’s the lesser-known spots that have been tugging at our heartstrings lately.
It’s no wonder we’re called Travel Off Path, and for a number of years now, we’ve been exploring all around Mexico, from the tried-and-true beach gems in the Caribbean, to the bustling coastal cities on the Pacific side, and one thing strikes true:
If you’re looking for the truly unspoiled side of Mexico, where you won’t find the usual crowds of fellow Americans and dollarized prices, it’s most certainly not in a Riu in the Zona Hotelera.
On the other hand, if you head out to a place like Zacatecas, you’ll be rewarded with a well-preserved colonial center, plenty of amazing cantinas, affordable B&B stays, and far more authenticity—and guess what, you can even fly there nonstop from several U.S. airports!
Zacatecas Is Mexico’s Pink-Hue Gem
Located in central Mexico, thousands of miles away from the Caribbean Coast, Zacatecas is a (sometimes forgotten) cultural gem that was born out of a 16th-century silver mine.
Back when Mexico was still under the Spanish Empire, Zacatecas was one of the most critical mining sites on this side of the Atlantic, and contrary to popular belief, Spain didn’t benefit from the region’s rich mineral deposits alone.
Zacateca’s wealth is evident in its ornate church facades, richly decorated colonial mansions, and monumental palaces, built from local pink stone.
As with every Mexican colonial city, there is a zócalo, and on this zócalo (or main square), a soaring Baroque cathedral that some would argue puts Europe’s most beautiful offerings to shame: in Zacateca’s case, that’s Catedral Basílica.
Colonial Landmarks Galore
Picture a pink-hued lady towering over a maze of stone-paved streets and picturesque townhouses, with a beautifully carved portal, impressive altarpieces, and a vast collection of religious art. It’s no wonder it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is one of many noteworthy landmarks scattered around Zacateca’s compact Historic Center, which largely dates to the mining era.
Still on the main square, the Palacio de Goberno, built in the 16th century, is a colonial masterpiece featuring long hallways and wooden floors, centuries-old memorabilia exhibited like in a museum, and an arcaded main patio.
A short 10-minute walk from the square, through narrow streets flanked by colorful houses and family-run cantinas, you’ll also find a ruined colonial convent housing a museum—Museo Rafael Coronel—famous for its collection of over 3,000 traditional Mexican masks.
Underground Club In A Mining Site? Wine Not?
If you’re looking for an adventure, take a guided tour of Mina El Edén, one of the rare sections of the labyrinthine silver mine complex beneath modern Zacatecas that’s open to visitors—400 years of history at your feet!
Other than exploring the various chambers, there is a small mining museum on site, and if you’re the party type, it’s even home to a nightclub—La Mina Club—more than 1,049 feet underground. Now you know where to go for some fun on a Friday night in Zacatecas.
Near the entrance to the mine, you’ll notice a cable car station, and if you ride it to the other end of the line, hovering above the city’s rooftops and church domes, you’ll get to Cerro de la Bufa, a scenic viewpoint.
There’s another museum up here, one chronicling the Mexican Revolution, as well as a historic chapel. Pro tip: time your visit well so you’re here by sunset. The pink-washed buildings in the Historic Center seem to glow even brighter this time of day.
How Affordable Is Zacatecas To Visit?
By the way, if you’re thinking you should budget around $40–50 per meal as you would in a fancy hotel in Cabo San Lucas, we’re glad to report Zacatecas is still Latin America as we know it and love it:
| Type of restaurant | Description | Average cost per person (USD) |
| Street food stall | Tacos, gorditas, tamales, tostadas | $1–3 |
| Mid-range eatery | Family-owned cantinas, casual restaurants | $6–12 |
| High-end restaurant | Fancy diners serving full-course meals | $18–30 |
If you’re looking for affordable eateries around town, make sure you check out Mercado González Ortega, popular for its soft corn tortillas filled with meat, and corn patties stuffed with beans, cheese, or meat (a Zacatecas takeout favorite).
It’s also located in a 19th-century building, making it a must-see spot for culture buffs.
For a more local market, away from the hustle and bustle of the Historic Center, try Mercado de Abastos. Their tostadas de cueritos, topped with pickled pork skin and drenched in salsa, are out-of-this-world.
For other inexpensive sit-down meals, La Cuija is a cantina near the cathedral serving enchiladas and golden tacos, with prices ranging from $6 to $10.
Fly Nonstop To Zacatecas From 6 U.S. Airports
| U.S. departure point | Airlines | Frequency | Average roundtrip fare in Economy |
| Los Angeles (LAX) | Volaris | Daily | $340–360 |
| Chicago (Midway) | Volaris | Daily or near-daily | $354 |
| San Jose, CA (SJC) | Volaris | Daily or near-daily | $340–360 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) | American Eagle (AA) & Volaris | Daily | $174 (Volaris), $597–675 (AA) |
| Oakland (OAK) | Volaris (starting July 2, 2025) | Daily | $340–360 |
| Houston (IAH/HOU) | Volaris | 6 per week | $280 |
Vinicius Costa
Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.