Ruta de la Plata Zacatecas Mining Circuit

This historic mining circuit follows the colonial Camino Real de la Plata through the Sierra Madre Occidental near Zacatecas. Starting at the Real de Catorce ghost town, dirt tracks connect working and abandoned silver mines through Cerro de la Bufa and down to Fresnillo via old mule trails. Pass the ruins of Hacienda de Beneficio and cross the Arroyo Seco technical descent before reaching the modern Peñasquito mine complex.

Moderate to difficult terrain with rocky climbs and narrow shelf roads above 7,000 feet. High-clearance 4WD mandatory; some sections require low-range. Best accessed October through April when rains subside. Water scarce — carry 5+ gallons per person. No permits needed for main routes but respect active mining claims. This is Mexico’s silver heartland where Conquistador dreams and modern extraction collide across 400 years of continuous operation.