| GETTING THERE Delta offers new nonstop service to Zacatecas
from Los Angeles every Monday, Friday and Sunday, with connections
to San Francisco, Las Vegas, Oakland, Fresno and Seattle.
WHERE TO STAY
One of the most outstanding historic hotels in the country is the
Hotel Quinta Real , built in the Ex-Plaza de Toros
San Pedro, a boutique hotel of exquisite quality and taste.
Balconies open out onto the main circular area of the bull ring,
now a sunny terraced patio where you can enjoy breakfast. Quinta
Real can be booked toll-free through Mexico Boutique Hotels.
877-278-8018
www.quintareal.com The Hotel Meson de Jobito was built in a
neighborhood called Jobito very close to the historic city center.
Built in a series of connecting buildings with its own interior
tree-lined street and plazuela, this colorful hotel gains a nod for
such intriguing integration of a neighborhood.
492-924-1722
www.mesondejobito.com For inexpensive lodging with local flavor, try the Hotel
Posada Tolosa , just five blocks from the core of the city
center. Breakfast is included and the rooms sleep from four to
eight persons.
492-922-5105
www.hotelposadatolosa.com All hotels offer 10 percent commission; ask about special or
group rates.
WHAT TO SEE Cathedral Basílica: you can’t miss it standing
tall right over downtown. Take time examining the intricate
stonework of the façade, detailed with religious stories and
fables. (Hidalgo s/n; open daily 6am-10pm) Templo de Santo Domingo: this baroque temple is
located on the street above downtown on Genaro Codina on Plaza
Santo Domingo Teatro Calderón: located in the core of the
historic downtown, the French-style theater was inaugurated in 1897
reflecting the European tastes of the era. (Hidalgo 501; daily
9am-9pm) Ex Plaza de Toros San Pedro, Acueducto “El
Cubo”: these two sites are located next to one another,
the former bull ring now home to the deluxe Quinta Real Hotel.
(You’re welcome to enjoy the restaurant, one way to enter and
wander around.) Standing on the street above is what remains of the
original aqueduct constructed to bring water to the city from the
mountains. (Gonzalo Ortega at the aqueduct) Mina “El Edén”, Teleférico, Cerro de La Bufa: a
tour will take you through each of these sites, located just above
town. Another option is hiking up via the local streets, a route
taken by pilgrims to the chapel on the hill on February 2, Day of
the Candelaria. The tour guide will explain the historical
significance of the three statues on horseback commemorated at the
park above. (Open daily 10am-6pm) Museo Rafael Coronel (Ex Convento de San
Francisco): housing one of the most extensive mask
collections in the entire world, this museum is housed within the
various wings of the ex-convent. Photographs are allowed without
flash. (Open daily except Wednesday 10am-4:30pm; plan at least two
hours.) Museo de Arte Abstracto Manuel Felguérez: this
unique museum is dedicated to the groundbreaking modernist work of
Manuel Felguérez, one of Mexico’s greats, native son of Valparaiso,
Zacatecas. (Located at Colón & Seminario; (492) 224-3705; open
daily except Tuesday 10am-5pm)
WHAT TO BUY
Look for handicrafts such as embroidery, table wear and linens,
papier maché masks, colorful hand-knit belts. Compare the great
prices for semi-precious stones, onyx, amethyst and hand-worked
silver.
WHERE TO EAT Acropolis: casual family-style restaurant, coffee
and desserts as well as meals (Hidalgo just across from the
cathedral; (492) 922-1284) El Recoveco: popular buffet, Zacatecas-style
dishes, $60 pesos including refreshment, $40 pesos for children,
beer, wine, dessert extra; breakfast $50 pesos. (Torreón 513; (492)
924-2013; open daily 8:30am-7pm) La Cuija: great choice for fine dining,
extensive wine list (just a block below the cathedral on Calle
Tacuba) Moulin Rouge: piano bar on Hidalgo, a popular
after-theater night spot featuring live music
ANNUAL EVENTS February 2 Festival de Candelaria: pilgrimage
goes on foot to the Capilla de Mexicapan, one of the oldest chapel
in the city March 31-April 8 Cultural Festival of
Zacatecas: dates vary each year but Semana Santa is
celebrated with food, music, dance 1st week of August Festival Folklor:
international folklore dance festival Last week of August Morismas de Bracho:
celebrated the final Friday, Saturday and Sunday of August in Las
Lomas de Bracho, north of the city, this event commemorates a
legendary battle between the Christians and Moors September 3-18 Fiestas Patronales de Zacatecas:
traditional patriotic events including the founding of the city (8
Sept) as well as honoring the virgin patron saint at the chapel on
La Bufa above the city (3-12 Sept) and finally, the national
Independence Day (16 Sept) 3rd week of October International Festival of Street
Theater: street theater celebrated downtown and throughout
the area | 