Crime in Zacatecas: cause for concern?
 

Hello, fellow travelers,

My boyfriend and I were planning to visit Zacatecas for a couple of days in late January and we've been warned against visiting over concerns for our safety. We're U.S. natives in our late thirties who are relatively experienced travelers. We've visited Mexico City without feeling uncomfortable and we can both speak Spanish.

I'm hoping to hear from folks who have visited within the last few months. Friends of friends who are natives of Guanajuato state have warned us that kidnappings and other drug-related crime in Zacatecas make it unsuitable for a vacation at this time. We are looking for an experience filled with relaxing afternoons of exploring local sites, leisurely meals, and wandering streets.

Please share your recent observations and experiences.

Your help is most appreciated!

I haven't heard anything bad about the city of Zacatecas itself, although I have heard of sporadic problems in Zacatecas state. I was there almost exactly a year ago, and had a wonderful time (except my room was really, really cold, because Zacatecas is very high up, and most lodgings do not have heating). Zacatecas would exactly fit what you are looking for.

Hi - I don't know if it's too late for you, but my wife and I have been living and working in Zacatecas (city) in Zacatecas (state) for the last 6 months or so - and here for at least another 6 months.
We have had no problems whatsoever with any safety issues either here in the city or other parts of the state - and country for that matter - where we've traveled. This is not to say that there aren't areas of the city or state where we wouldn't go in the middle of the night, say, but those areas probably aren't most attractive anyway. There are parts of every city and country in the world where I imagine I wouldn't want to go.
Zacatecas is a beautiful city, with lots of Mexican tourism, though not many foreign tourists. There's a bunch of museums, perfectly fine restaurants, amazing historical sites and lots of wandering to be done.
Feel free to contact me by email at zackly76 (at) yahoo.com if you want any more info...

THANK YOU!

I really appreciate you sharing your experiences. We've decided to book a room and will be in Zacatecas this weekend!

Wonderful! Just make sure you have lots of warm clothes. If your room is not heated, which most aren't in Zacatecas, it will be cold at night.