Excursions - Tours in Zacatecas

Places to visit

Fenix Zacatecas conducts regular excursions to areas of interest for a minimal fee. Fenix Language Institute provides supplementary tours for its Language and Culture Program. These are culturally educational as well as recreational. Fenix tours are led by a guide, with an orientation over the trip beforehand.

Chicomostoc. This archaeological site located 30 miles to the south of the city of Zacatecas is considered to be one of the largest and most important sites in northern Mexico. Its relationship with other important Mesoamerican archaeological sites is based on the similarity of the architectural structures.

Jerez. This picturesque town, founded in the second half of the sixteenth century, preserves, in the design of its streets and in the style of its mansions, the image of a Spanish city with balconies and sunny patios. Its provincial charm inspired the great poet Ramon Lopez Velarde.

Paraiso Caxcan. is a resort located in the southern part of the state of Zacatecas where one can enjoy a day of leisure in the sun. Located two hours from the city of Zacatecas in San Miguel Apozol, Paraiso Caxcan is one of the most enjoyable spots in the state. With a combination of excellent service and accommodations, Paraiso Caxcan has much to offer its guests.

Plateros. Three miles from Fresnillo is the location of one of the most important religious centers in northern Mexico, "Santuario de Plateros". Thousands of pilgrims still come here annually, looking for consolation, offering thanksgiving and offer “peticiones” and “retablos” to the little statue of the "Santo Niño de Atocha".

Center for silver working. (Formerly the Hacienda de Bernardez) During the colonial period, the Hacienda de Bernardez served as a center for reducing the ores from some of the most productive mines in the region. Now it is an important school for silver-workers; visitors can observe the entire process of silversmithing, from working the raw material to the final details of finishing and polishing. The Center's craftsmen are nationally and internationally known for their original and beautiful designs.

From the mine to the sky. It is a unique experience to walk through the streets and enjoy the colonial atmosphere and amiable people of Zacatecas. Numerous mines such as "El Eden" were restored in order to showcase the mining activity, which has developed in the region since the 16th century. This tourist center also functions as a discotheque. There is no better way to enjoy the clean blue sky of Zacatecas than by the spectacular "Teleférico" (cable car). It passes between the hills of the "Grillo" and the "Bufa" which is considered the faithful guardian of the colonial city.

Guadalajara. It is much more than a city; it is the representation of Mexican-ness nown as the "City of Roses" because of its beauty, it is the second largest city in the nation with more than 190 square kilometers and a population of more than 4000,000 (inhabitants) in the metropolitan area.

Guanajuato. The city was declared a "Cultural Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO in 1988, because of its magnificent colonial buildings such as theaters, temples, museums, plazas, markets, alleys, and old buildings where heroic battles were waged and inmortal romances flourished.

Note: Other excursions may be arranged depending on student interest.