Entrada de Mina el Edén

The entrance to the El Eden Mine is a gateway to an amazing underground world where mining history is closely intertwined with colonial-era legends. Located in the heart of the city of Zacatecas, this site is one of the most iconic attractions cherished by Mexico.

Today, it is a modern museum complex situated on the slopes of Cerro del Grillo hill. Visitors can expect an exciting journey through tunnels over two kilometers long, where the atmosphere of ancient workings has been recreated. The mine offers a unique blend of historical heritage and modern entertainment, making it a must-visit for any tourist.

To get in touch or find more information about visiting the mine, you can use the following contact details:

Your adventure begins with a ride on an authentic tourist train that whisks visitors deep into the mountain through narrow tunnels. The main part of the route is covered on foot through beautifully lit galleries and suspension bridges, allowing you to appreciate the scale of the underground workings. Sculptures depicting miners' labor in different eras are placed along the path, helping you literally visualize history.

Pay special attention to the guides' stories, who share local myths and fascinating legends about the search for silver. Inside the complex, there is also an interesting museum and a shopping area where you can buy unique minerals and jewelry. For nightlife lovers, a pleasant surprise is La Mina Club — a one-of-a-kind nightclub located right in the depths of the earth.

The attraction is located in the historic city center at Del Grillo 415, in the immediate vicinity of Cerro del Grillo hill. If you are in the central area, the walk from the main squares and the Cathedral will take about 10–20 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the colonial architecture along the way.

For those coming from outlying districts, it is most convenient to take a taxi or local buses heading to the Ejido del Centro stop. Travelers arriving from Zacatecas International Airport will need approximately 20–30 minutes to reach the mine entrance by car.

The location is very popular and well-known to locals, so finding it will not be difficult. Parking spaces are also provided nearby for those who prefer to travel in a rental vehicle.

The history of this place began in 1586, when the active extraction of precious metals started on the San Bernabé vein. Originally known as Mina San Eligio, for centuries the mine was one of the world's leading suppliers of silver and gold, bringing incredible prosperity to the region. In the 17th and 18th centuries, production reached such a scale that Zacatecas was rightfully considered the silver capital of the world.

Over the centuries, the mine changed names and owners, experiencing periods of boom and bust. In the 19th century, it was known as Socavón de la Esperanza and was part of large mining associations. However, by the mid-20th century, in the 1960s, industrial development ceased due to the flooding of lower levels and the dangers of blasting near expanding city limits.

The site received a second life in 1975 thanks to Raimundo Montes Varela, who decided to turn the abandoned mine into a tourist attraction. Extensive work was carried out to reinforce the arches, lighting was installed, and a special train was launched. Today, Mina El Edén is a living monument to industrial heritage, open to everyone who wants to peer into the depths of the earth.

To fully explore the mine, including the underground train ride and a walking tour of the main galleries, you will typically need about 1.5–2.5 hours. This allows you to view the sculptures, listen to the guide's stories, and take commemorative photos without rushing.

If you plan to visit the local mineral museum or are heading for an evening visit to the famous underground club, you should budget up to 3 hours for your visit. Group tours run regularly, so there is usually no long wait for the excursion to begin.

El Eden Mine welcomes visitors daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This is a convenient schedule to include the tour in a daytime walking route through the city.

Please note that the La Mina Club operates in the evening on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. To check for any potential schedule changes or the start times of the final tours, we recommend checking the information on the official website before your visit.

After diving into the underground world of Zacatecas, it's worth checking out other interesting locations nearby. Exploring the surrounding streets and museums will help provide a more complete picture of the region's cultural richness.