Zacatecas owes much of its architectural beauty to the mineral wealth of the El Eden Mine. This mining enterprise has a history almost as long as the city itself and presents a fascinating insight into Zacatecas’ centuries-old reputation as a center for silver mining. Go deep into the hillside on a reconstructed silver-mine train and explore comprehensive museum displays to learn more about the precious mineral. Discover a nightclub uniquely placed within the mine’s vault and go dancing deep underground.
Climb aboard the funicular railway and you’ll go on a journey into the past, back to 1586 when the silver mine was first established. The mine known as La Bufa began its operations just 40 years after the foundation of the town of Zacatecas. The train will take you 1,050 feet (320 meters) into the La Bufa Hill, where you can explore the caverns and tunnels inside the mineshaft. You’ll find a remarkable reconstruction of the original mine, including hanging bridges and machinery.
Watch a mining demonstration as your tour guide explains the processes used for extracting the precious mineral. Learn about the conditions that workers had to endure when mining was at its peak in the 17th and 18th centuries. Visit the on-site museum, which displays an intriguing array of rocks and minerals found in the immediate area. Special viewing areas give a fascinating outlook over the mining machinery and eerie tunnels.
After your tour, you can check out the La Mina Club, which is situated in the vault formerly used for grinding minerals. Return to the funicular station at the mine entrance or continue onward to El Grillo Hill via La Bufa Hill’s cable-car system. This magnificent cable-car ride presents unparalleled views of Zacatecas’ city streets.
El Eden Mine is situated in Zacatecas’ colonial center. The mine is open to visitors year-round. Join a guided tour to get full access to the mine’s exhibits and displays. Discounted admission is available for children, seniors and students. While exploring La Bufa Hill, you can visit an outlook over the magnificent colonial city streets.
