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Zacatecas Cable Car

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Zacatecas Cable Car (Mexico)

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The Zacatecas Cable Car, or 'Teleférico,' is a premier tourist attraction and a beloved symbol of one of Mexico’s most beautiful silver cities. Inaugurated in 1979 as the first tourist cable car in the country, it has become an essential experience for any visitor to this high-altitude destination. Spanning approximately 650 meters, the cable car connects the Cerro del Grillo with the historic Cerro de la Bufa, gliding high above the valley floor. The ride features an unparalleled bird's-eye view of the UNESCO-listed city center, showcasing the intricate baroque architecture crafted from the region's signature pink quarry stone. In 2018, the system underwent a major modernization to enhance safety and capacity, introducing state-of-the-art cabins, including several with glass floors for a more thrilling perspective. Upon reaching Cerro de la Bufa, visitors can explore significant landmarks related to the Mexican Revolution, as well as the chapel and various viewpoints. The cable car provides not just a convenient transit route but a striking visual narrative of Zacatecas’ rich mining heritage and its dramatic mountain setting.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr–Jun.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C111315192121202018171311
Rain mm1216104196492799231128

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Zacatecas Cable Car is operational and can be used with a ticket. It runs from Cerro del Grillo to Cerro de la Bufa, offering spectacular views over the city.
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Typical hours
The cable car typically runs from morning to late afternoon, with shorter hours on Sundays. Exact departure times are displayed at the lower station.
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Photography
During the ride you get great photo opportunities of the city and surrounding hills. Photograph from the cabin without flash - the panoramic windows offer a clear view.
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Time needed
The round trip on the cable car takes about 15-20 minutes. Add extra time to enjoy the view and a walk at the top of Cerro de la Bufa.
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Combine with
Combine the cable car ride with a visit to Cerro de la Bufa itself - there is a museum and a restaurant there. The old town of Zacatecas is also walkable from the lower station.
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Getting there
The cable car lower station is on Cerro del Grillo, about a 10-minute walk from the city center. A taxi from the main square will take you directly to the station.
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Insider tip
Ride in the late afternoon to experience the golden hour and sunset over the city. Buy your ticket on site - it is usually not cheaper online.

Geography

Coordinates
22.77580, -102.57140

Facts

  • The cable car was the first of its kind in Mexico when it opened in 1979.
  • The route spans approximately 650 meters across the historic city center.
  • The cabins reach a maximum height of 85 meters above the ground.
  • In 2018, the system was completely modernized and equipped with new cabins.
  • One of the cabins features a glass floor for a direct view downwards.
  • The journey takes about seven to eight minutes depending on wind conditions.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

ZacatecasZacatecas<1 km · EExplore →
Fresnillo Silver MineFresnillo Silver Mine34 km · SExplore →
AguascalientesAguascalientes37 km · NEExplore →
Peñasquito Gold MinePeñasquito Gold Mine45 km · WExplore →
Central PlateauCentral Plateau48 km · SExplore →
Zamora de HidalgoZamora de Hidalgo74 km · NEExplore →
MazamitlaMazamitla86 km · SEExplore →
ChapalaChapala92 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Zacatecas Cable Car (14)

Monumento a la Revolucion🏺 historical

The Monumento a la Revolución in Zacatecas is a monument to the revolution.

filtros🏺 historical

The monument 'filtros' in Zacatecas.

Escudo Ciudad de Zacatecas🏺 historical

The monument 'Escudo Ciudad de Zacatecas' in Zacatecas represents the city's coat of arms.

Rafael Coronel Museum🏛 museum

The Rafael Coronel Museum in Zacatecas is a museum.

Letras LA BUFA📍 landmark

The Letras LA BUFA in Zacatecas is a letter attraction.

Museo Pedro Coronel🏛 museum

The Museo Pedro Coronel in Zacatecas is a museum.

Museo de Arte Abstracto Manuel Felguerez🏛 museum

The Manuel Felguerez Museum of Abstract Art in Zacatecas is a museum of abstract art.

Fuente de los Conquistadores📍 landmark

The Fuente de los Conquistadores in Zacatecas is a fountain.

Instituto Zacatecano de Cultura "Ramón López Velarde"🎭 culture

The Zacatecan Institute of Culture 'Ramón López Velarde' in Zacatecas is an arts centre.

Castillo Moro🏰 castle

Castillo Moro in Zacatecas is a castle.

Castillo Cristiano🏰 castle

Castillo Cristiano in Zacatecas is a castle.

Auditorio al aire libre🎭 culture

The Auditorio al aire libre in Zacatecas is an open-air auditorium.

Catedral basílica de Zacatecas⛪ religious

Catedral basílica de Zacatecas is a splendid Baroque cathedral made of pink stone in Zacatecas.

Teatro Fernando Calderon🎭 culture

The Teatro Fernando Calderon in Zacatecas is a theatre.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the ride safe?
Yes, it is a well-maintained means of transport.
How long does a ride take?
About 7 minutes.
Is it suitable for people with vertigo?
Rather not, the ride is very high above the city.
When is it open?
Usually daily until late afternoon.
Is a ticket required?
Yes, there is a fixed ticket price.
Zacatecas Cable Car: where is it located?
Zacatecas Cable Car is located in Mexico.
Zacatecas Cable Car: what is there to see?
Highlights include Monumento a la Revolucion, filtros, Escudo Ciudad de Zacatecas.
Zacatecas Cable Car: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Jun.
Zacatecas Cable Car: why is it worth visiting?
The Zacatecas Cable Car, or 'Teleférico,' is a premier tourist attraction and a beloved symbol of one of Mexico’s most beautiful silver cities.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
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History & landmarks

Guadalajara — Zacatecas Cable Car (Mexico)
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Degollado Theater — Zacatecas Cable Car (Mexico)
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Expiatory Temple of Guadalajara — Zacatecas Cable Car (Mexico)
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