Estación del Teleférico (Cerro de La Bufa)

Soaring over terracotta rooftops, the Zacatecas Cable Car (Cerro de la Bufa) offers visitors to Zacatecas a completely different perspective on its architectural grandeur. Located in the heart of such a vibrant country as Mexico, this attraction has become a true symbol of the region and a must-see on any traveler's itinerary.

This site was the country's first tourist cable car, connecting two iconic peaks—Cerro de la Bufa and Cerro del Grillo. The journey, approximately 650 meters long, takes place at a height of up to 100 meters, revealing breathtaking panoramas of the colonial center, including the majestic Cathedral and Plaza de Armas.

Following a major modernization, the system is now equipped with modern cabins, one of which features a transparent glass floor. This allows you to literally feel like you are "flying" over narrow streets and picturesque hills, while enjoying a 360-degree view of a city widely considered one of the most beautiful in the country.

To plan your visit to the lower station on the hillside, use the following contact information. This will help you find your way around the city and locate the entrance to the boarding area.

The main adventure here is, of course, the ascent itself. The sensation in the glass-floored cabin is hard to compare to anything else, as ancient houses and squares float beneath your feet. This is the perfect moment to capture panoramic photos and videos that will become the highlights of your travel gallery from the Mexican states.

Once you reach the top of Cerro de la Bufa, where the cable car arrives, you will find a whole complex of interesting sites. Here, you can visit the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio, explore the Toma de Zacatecas Interactive History Museum, or admire the city from the observatory. For thrill-seekers, a zip line (tiroleza) is available, flying right over the mountain slopes.

Don't forget to combine your trip with a visit to the nearby legendary El Edén Mine. The underground tours, with their mysterious passages and legends of miners, provide an excellent contrast to the sky-high journey on the cable car. This location is perfect for both romantic sunset strolls and educational family outings.

Getting to the lower cable car station is quite simple—it's just 9 minutes from the historic city center. The most comfortable way is a trip by taxi or Uber directly to Calle Cerro de la Bufa. For those who prefer an active pace, there is a walking trail from the center; this uphill walk takes about 20–30 minutes and requires a certain level of physical fitness.

There are also regular public buses following tourist routes to the hill. If you are arriving from Zacatecas International Airport (ZCL), the journey by car will take about 30–40 minutes (a distance of approximately 20–25 km). Parking is available at the station entrance, which is convenient for travelers with rental cars.

The history of this engineering marvel began in October 1977 at the initiative of Ana María Rojas de Pámanes, the wife of the then-state governor. The project was completed in record time—just two years—and on October 3, 1979, the country's president officially inaugurated it. At that time, it was the first cable car in Mexico created exclusively for tourism purposes.

The original system faithfully served the city for nearly 40 years. The old cabins could hold up to 15 people, and the massive suspension cable weighed about 7 kilograms per meter. In September 2016, a major reconstruction began, lasting two years and completely transforming the attraction with the introduction of advanced safety and automation systems.

In May 2018, the updated cable car reopened to passengers, featuring seven modern red cabins. Today, the cable car is more than just transport; it is a living symbol of the region's industrial and tourism heritage, carefully preserving the spirit of this historic mining land.

To fully enjoy the ride and the panoramas, we recommend allowing 1.5 to 3 hours. The one-way trip in the cable car cabin takes about 10–15 minutes, but the main highlights await you at the observation decks and the surrounding cultural areas.

Most of your time will likely be spent exploring the attractions at the top of Cerro de la Bufa: visiting the museum, the memorial, or simply relaxing with a view of the city. If you plan to combine the flight over the city with a tour of the El Edén Mine or a zip line ride, it's best to set aside half a day for the visit.

The cable car operates daily, making it easy to fit into any travel schedule. The stations are open to passengers from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Sunday.

It is recommended to arrive in the morning or late afternoon to catch the softest light for panoramic photos. Please note that the operating schedule is the same for all days of the week, including holidays, unless otherwise announced for technical reasons.

The area surrounding Bufa Hill is steeped in history and culture. Exploring the nearby sites will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of old Mexico and see hidden gems of colonial architecture.

Many interesting locations are within walking distance or a short drive away, allowing you to plan a full day's itinerary.