By Polly Wilkinson
A trip to Zacatecas, Mexico, a mountainous World Heritage city in the North Central colonial region of Mexico will EXorcise your recent demons with its crisp air, steep windy hills and EXtraordinary collection of artistic and historic treasures, friendly residents and coolly diverse collection of travelers. It’s worth at least a 3 or 4 day visit for those who love architectural gems creatively renovated, lively street theater and historical tours high in the mountains and deep into rocky mining tunnels. The Bufa, a mountain peak fort hovers over the multi-leveled historic center where everything night and day is within walking distance, there’s a nice range of hotel accommodations to choose from right in the Centro.
When peace and EXile is your pleasure The Santa Rita, a newly renovated historic mansion directly across from the main cathedral has chic private and public spaces with a nice collection of spa services using local minerals; or the Hotel Meson de Jobito (House of the Biblical Job-this name might appeal to an EX). A renovated little 19th Century neighborhood, Job’s House is a tour in itself with large courtyards and deep old fashioned bathtubs in a quiet spot surrounded by city gardens. But if you want to interact with fellow travelers the Hostal Villa Colonial is just great – a huge terrace views the back of the Cathedral and overlooks the center, visitors range from 18-60’s from Mexico to China and in between and delightful English speaking hosts will “hook you up”. The double room is very nice, although this is a hostel so there is noise. The Villa Colonial plus the full range of Zacatecan hotels is listed at http://www.zonaturistica.com/zacatecas/zacatecas/ just make sure you’re in the “centro historico”!
Zacatecas is for EXploring, and you will get lots of EXercise! Start in the a.m.; pay your respects in the chirrigueresque principal Cathedral of Zacatecas and head up the main drag Calle Hidalgo, turn into the small alley towards Tacuba to the maze that is the traditional market. The range of fruits and veggies is outstanding, see tortillas made from grain to disk, unusual regional specialties such as Queso de Tuna – a sweet from the cactus fruit you’ll see in abundance on the hillsides; you can stock up on fresh cheese, fruit and rolls for a snack. The burros you see with jugs across them are vending agua-miel – the sweet juice of the maguey cactus that Tequila is derived from! Herbal remedies are displayed and experts will gladly prescribe you a tea or tonic for your pains.
Next, head uphill; follow the signs and the view to the steep stairs up to the teleferico station. At 8,000 feet up make sure you drink lots of water! The guide or someone aboard the Swiss built cable car will speak enough English, and you get an overview of this silver mining town constructed in the 1500’s and battled over many times since.
