Town 10 km north of Guadalupe
A small mining town on a hillside north of Zacatecas, with a hilltop Calvary church, a mining museum and tours through old tunnels.
Vetagrande is a small mining town in the hills just north of the city of Zacatecas. Its name, "great vein," refers to the wide band of silver-bearing ore that runs beneath it, one of the veins that made Zacatecas one of the richest mining districts of New Spain. The town climbs a hillside in narrow, winding streets, and it keeps the feel of an old real de minas that the city has not swallowed up.
At the top of the hill stands the Templo del Calvario, the town's most photographed building, and lower down the plainer Templo de San Juan Bautista. The Museo del Niño Minero displays tools once used to dig and haul ore, and the town's old cemetery is an atmospheric place for a stroll. Its picturesque streets have been used as a film location.
The most unusual way to see Vetagrande's past is underground. Local operators run ATV tours through springs, flooded tunnels and passages left by the mines, usually seasoned with local legends, including stories about witches. It makes an easy half-day trip from Guadalupe, and pairs well with a visit to the mines and museums of Zacatecas.
What to see and do
Climb to the Templo del Calvario at the top of the hill for views over town.
Visit the Templo de San Juan Bautista.
See old mining tools at the Museo del Niño Minero.
Take an ATV tour through the old mine tunnels and springs with a local operator.
Walk the narrow streets and the old cemetery, and ask locals for the town's legends.
Getting there
From Guadalupe, Vetagrande is about 25 to 30 minutes by car: cross Zacatecas and take the road north out of the city toward Vetagrande. Local buses run from Zacatecas, but schedules vary, so ask at the terminal. Book ATV tunnel tours in advance and check the museum's hours locally.
10 km north of Guadalupe
Directions from Guadalupe on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
Plan your trip
Places to stay in Vetagrande
Compare hotels, posadas, and rentals in and around Vetagrande.
Tours & activities
Guided tours, tastings, and day trips in and around Vetagrande.
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Weather cool
Vetagrande shares the climate of Guadalupe, 10 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Mar, Apr, Dec.
Make Guadalupe your base
Vetagrande is an easy trip from Guadalupe, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Guadalupe
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Tacoaleche
· Town · 14 km away
A former hacienda village with the House of 100 Doors, a huge adobe manor that now houses a center for Zacatecas folk art. -
La Quemada
· Archaeological site · 45 km away
The great prehispanic hilltop city south of Zacatecas, with a Hall of Columns and ball court; about 50 minutes down Highway 54. -
Santuario de Plateros
· Landmark · 63 km away
One of Mexico's most visited shrines, home of the Santo Niño de Atocha, with a hall full of hand-painted ex-voto retablos.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.