Zacatecas & Real de Catorce
The beautiful city of Zacatecas was founded in 1546, following the discovery of a rich silver lode. Its historic centre is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting many colonial buildings. Our local expert will help you explore the city, including a visit to El Eden silver mine and a cable car ride to la Bufa, where you can enjoy great views. La Bufa was also the site of the Battle of Zacatecas, where Pancho Villa successfully led his troops through the bloody battle that resulted in the resignation of Mexican President, Victoriano Huerta.
After a drive through the desert plains of the state of San Luis Potosí, we ascend to the hidden gem that is Real de Catorce. Also once a flourishing silver mining town, reaching its peak in the late 1800s with approximately 15,000 inhabitants, the town was abandoned after the price of silver plummeted in 1900, and today only has a population of approximately 1,000 people. To get into Real de Catorce we abandon our bus and travel in smaller vehicles through the town’s famous 2km long entrance tunnel.
Optional extras in Real de Catorce include a Willys Jeep Tour to Estación Catorce and a horse ride to the Ghost town above the tunnel, both highly recommended!
DATES & PRICES
PRICES:
$27,000 MXN per person, based on double occupancy.
Price includes round-trip flights from Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo or Guadalajara, contact us for pricing without flights.
SINGLE PERSON SUPPLEMENT:
$6,000 MXN.
INCLUDES:
Transport (including flights), accommodation, breakfasts, guide, cable car ride to la Bufa, Willy’s jeep ride, and entry to silver mine.
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Tips for guides, drivers and hotel staff, museum entry fees, or horse riding tour in RDC.
DETAILS:
DIFFICULTY LEVEL:
Difficult* – this tour does not have difficult hikes, but please note that Zacatecas is at al altitude of 2,440 meters above sea level, and Real de Catorce is at 2,728 meters, so if you suffer from altitude sickness please take this into account. Real de Catorce is also made up of rough cobbled streets with steep inclinces to get to some areas. The Willy’s Jeep tour involves riding in old jeeps along a steep edged dirt road and may be uncomfortable for those who don’t like heights – although it is included in the price of the tour, it is optional. The horse ride is up (then back down) a steep cobbled road.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Sun screen, hat, long sleeves/jacket and pants for evenings, comfortable walking shoes.
CLIMATE:
Warm during day time, cold in evenings, particularly in Real de Catorce.
*Please note that each of our tours is tailored to the needs of the over 50s and our difficulty levels are simply comparative to our other tours. If you are in doubt as to whether or not this tour is suitable for you, please contact us for more information.