The ruins and the magic of Jerez

On Saturday, August 27, 2011 we decided to explore areas around the city of Zacatecas. Our first destination is about 1hour and 15 minutes south of the city an ancient ruin called La Quemada   La Quemada grew into the largest pre-Columbian settlement known in southern Zacatecas. Its original name is unknown; it was christened La Quemada by the early Spaniards who found evidence of a great conflagration. On our arrival we watched a short movie about the area and what little information is known about the indigenous people who built the ruins in the area.

The  beautiful museum  has a scale model showing more than 50 terraces and about 1 km2 of constructions. Occupied from about 200 - 300 AD, its population peaked after 500 AD, before the site was abandoned about 1000 AD, 1000 years ago. The residential elite lived on the edge of the hills. We then found a volunteer guide to take us through the site. Once at the site we had no idea how large it was and in the essence of time we realized we could not see the entire site today. Our guide was wonderful he showed us all the highlights and discussed how they believe the city was built and what certain areas were used for. We have visited many different ruins in our travels. This one was very different and interesting.

Our  next stop was about 30 minutes down the road to the town of Jerez. Mexico uses a category  for beautiful, special and historical towns called Pueblo Mágicos.  The town of Jerez is truly a very beautiful and magical place. Our first experience was looking for a place to eat. When I asked a passerby for a recommendation she not only told us of a wonderful place but also took us there.  The restaurant was called La Palma. There specialty is Burritos. As the waiter took our order I noticed the tee-shirt he was wearing. I   asked him if they sell them. The shirt had the name of the restaurant and on the sleeve was written Jerez Pueblo Mágico.  He went in the back and called the owner and said I could buy one for 60 pesos ($5)  if I come back in 1 hour. No problem, we walked around the town and visited a small museum, the center park area, the theater and different buildings taking photos. This is a lovely small town with a lot of pride. About a 1 hour and 30 minutes later we returned to the restaurant and not only was my shirt there but a free one for Elenita and then a gift which was a small ceramic boot with the name of the restaurant from a fair this year.  One of the many reason we love this country: The People. 

City park



Map of Zacatecas 

http://www.mexconnect.com/articles/3105