Jalpa

Sanctuary of the Virgen of Guadalupe

Jalpa is a colonial town in the state of Zacatecas in western Mexico. It is a picturesque small town with colonial architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and some beautiful old churches from the colonial era.

Understand

The first Spanish conquistadors in the area were scouting the region for possible gold and silver deposits. At the time, the area was populated primarily by the Caxcan indigenous people, a Mexica group related to the Aztec. The Spanish founded their settlement in 1532. An indigenous uprising called the Mixton War resulted in conquistador Diego Fernandez de Proaño being expelled from Jalpa. After the uprising was put down, the first churches were built starting in 1542.

At one point, the town was known as Jalpa Mineral in recognition of its mining industry. Mining was important through the 18th century when gold, silver, and tin were extracted in large quantities. Two local mines were in operation: Mina La Leonra and Mina Monroy. By the early 19th century, the mines in Jalpa were in decline. In 1858, a rare mineral was first discovered in the Leonora mine, it was called jalpaite.

Get in

By bus

TL Premium operates shuttle buses between Aguascalientes and Jalpa with a stop in Calvillo. The 90-minute trip costs M$300.

• 1 Central Camionera de Jalpa (Bus station), Juarez 919. Small, older bus station with minimal facilities (but fairly good bathrooms). Buses are extremely punctual and generally stop for no more than 10 minutes to let passengers off and pick up waiting passengers. Buses going to Aguascalientes leave every 30 minutes. 

By car

From Zacatecas, it is a 2-hour drive to Jalpa via federal highway MEX-54.

From Aguascalientes, it is a 1-1/2 hour drive to Jalpa via federal highway MEX-70.

Get around

Jalpa is a small town with a straightforward grid street layout. Walking is the easiest way to get around most of the historic centro. Taxis are small Nissan sedans. Taxis can always be found at a sitio next to the Plaza Arechiga on Calle 20 Noviembre. Hotel staff can call a radio taxi to pick you up for added security.

See

Main entrance to the Parroquia del Senor de Jalpa

• 1 Plaza Arechiga (Zocalo), Arechiga 415. The town's main plaza is a place to walk, sit, people watch, and enjoy the mood of the town. It's a center for celebrations of patriotic and religious holidays with seasonal decorations and its a lively place where families come on Sundays to stroll and enjoy regional food available from the street food carts. 
• 2 Parroquia del Señor de Jalpa (Church of the Lord of Jalpa), Alvaro Obregon 3. Daily 07:00 - 19:00. Jalpa's main church is a large 16th century stone structure with a square primary bell tower and a second open bell tower. The interior is beautifully decorated with a multi-domed ceiling and elaborate Spanish patterned floors in the main nave. The altar is spectacular with an opulent back wltar of gold leaf. 
• 3 Parroquia de San Antonio, Francisco Robles 223. 16th century stone church with twin belfries and a muted, tranquil interior with relatively few architectural adornments and only a handful of statues and paintings inside. The long, narrow nave is bright and cheerful with pastel shades and plain wooden pews. A highlight of the church is its beautifully manicured gardens and its front square with walkways around a central fountain. 
• 4 Santuario Virgen de Guadalupe, Huanusco. Historic stone church dramatically perched atop a mountain overlooking the town. Dedicated to Mexico's patron saint, the church boasts a number of beautiful artworks including a series of spectacular stained glass windows portraying the Virgin of Guadalupe blessing individuals and performing miracles. Outside the church is a dramatic painting directly on the face of a sheer rock wall. There is a small site museum, a picnic area with tables and benches under some shade trees, and spectacular vistas of the town below. (updated Mar 2024)
• 5 Casa de Piedra, La Mezquitera. Quirky house built of small stones set in masonry. Everywhere you look, things are built of stone: banisters, archways, window frames. Naturally, there are statues and waterfalls built of stone out in the garden. A unique experience. (updated Mar 2024)

Do

• Hike to the top of the hill to see the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

Buy

• 1 Mercado Morelos, Av. Reforman. Small-town marketplace with fresh produce and stands selling regional dishes. (updated Mar 2024)

Eat

• 1 La Quinta, Claveles 357, Jacarandas, ☏ +52 463 953 1314. Seafood restaurant with ample portions and reasonable prices. Clean, bright cheerful dining area. (updated Mar 2024)
• 2 Sushi Town, J. Mota Padilla 508, San Antonio, ☏ +52 463 955 4800. Daily 11:00 - 19:30. Fresh sushi at reasonable prices. Menu also has other Asian dishes, like chow mein and teriyaki. (updated Mar 2024)
• 3 Las Delicias de Jalpa, 99600, Morelos 304, Zona Centro. M-Sa 08:00 - 18:00, Su open 24 hours. Simple menu: birria, chamorro, costillas, guisados. Comida corrida at lunch, breakfast to order. Small restaurant. (updated Mar 2024)

Sleep

• 1 Hotel Roma, Porfirio Díaz 617, ☏ +52 463 955 3497. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Basic budget hotel with clean, secure, minimally furnished rooms. Off-site parking in an outdoor lot. WiFi and hot water can be tempermental. 3-block walk to Plaza Arechiga. M$600. 

• 2 Cactus Inn, Prolongaciën Juárez 455-A, ☏ +52 463 955 3444. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Clean, comfortable hotel with a convenient location on main road. Off-street parking in front of rooms. On-site restaurant. Rooms have ceiling fans (no air conditioning). M$500. 

• 3 Hotel Nahima, Carr. Aguascalientes-Jalpa, La Mezquitera, ☏ +52 4639554686. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Basic budget hotel with clean rooms. Extra charge for air conditioning. Minimal off-street parking. 

Connect

Cell reception in town is good but is mostly 4G. Broadband internet is widely available and most hotels and restaurants offer WiFi.

Go next

• Calvillo
• Aguascalientes
• Sombrerete
• Teúl