Guadalupe

Guadalupe is a small town and part of the metropolitan area of the capital of Zacatecas. It can seem like pretty much the entire east side of the city. That said, it's a worthy place to visit all on its own. Dating all the way back to 1578, it was an important stop on the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, the old Royal Road that connected Mexico City with New Mexico all the way in the north. The entire old road was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and historical significance.

People come to Guadalupe today for access to the surround natural attractions. Among them are the Jardín Juárez, the Cerro San Simón, the Centenario Eco-park and others. But people visit to to take in the Eremitorio Sacromonte, the Guadalupe Museum, the Our Lady of Guadalupe convent and just to stroll the little streets of the center. It's a fantastic town for strolling, sightseeing, and just taking in the historic, low-slung building, plazas and parks. 

People eat well, too. Gorditas are served with big servings of jocoque and ground cinnamon.  Both the Mercado Independencia and the Nuevo Mercado are giant, and there is always a lot cooking. Sit-down lunches are feted with mouthwatering flavors, and often a musician or two. It's the festive side of Zacatecas, and the festivities never stop. 

Perhaps obviously, most visitors are going to arrive from the capital, or the just the west side of the capital district. Transportation is widely available but don't make the mistake of visiting Zacatecas without spending a good couple of days here. Guadalupe has it's own bus stations, and plenty to occupy visitors to the capital, sometimes with an easier-going, more relaxed pace of life. But the only slightly smaller Centro Histórico is every bit as lively, and often that more approachable.