Last Updated on twenty seventh February 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
Bright yellow buildings, surrounding mountains, whispers of how town helped Mexico develop into a rustic and the tantalising scent of avenue meals on nearly each nook – Guanajuato is likely one of the most lovely and interesting cities in Mexico. Here’s an insider’s information to the perfect issues to do in Guanajuato, in addition to what to know earlier than visiting.
Sitting round three hours north of Mexico metropolis, within the nation’s central mountainous area, the state of Guanajuato is the place the thought of Mexican independence was first put ahead.
It has a wealthy historical past in all senses of the phrase; the encompassing countryside was as soon as probably the most vital areas globally for silver mining, and town itself has been a haven for arts and music all through the ages.
If you’re planning a visit to Central Mexico, listed here are the entire finest issues to do in Guanajuato! If you’re on the lookout for much more inspiration to your subsequent Mexico journey, try our ideas for the best way to spend 2 weeks in Mexico.
Best issues to do in Guanajuato
Explore the laneways of town centre
The very first thing that it is best to do if you get to Guanajuato is to easily stroll across the colourful laneways of town heart.
You might simply spend an hour or two getting misplaced in these pedestrian roads, both by happening a strolling tour (which is able to educate you in regards to the fascinating historical past of town) or by strolling round independently.
Don’t miss Callejon del Beso, which interprets to the alley of the kiss. One of the narrowest within the nation, this alleyway has a tragic love story connected to it. Stretching over simply 20 metres and ascending up steep steps, the balconies on the prime of the alleyway virtually contact one another.
Legend has it that lovers must kiss on the third step of the alleyway to safe happiness; in the event that they kiss on another step of the alleyway then their relationship is doomed!
The third step is outwardly the place a younger man as soon as fell to his dying, and these days there are mentioned to be spirits watching over the step and guaranteeing any subsequent kissing {couples} discover love!
See the Guanajuato Museums
Being a culturally-rich metropolis, there are many museums to absorb when you’re exploring Guanajuato’s metropolis centre! So whether or not you like studying about historical past or want to go to an artwork gallery, there’s one thing for everybody. Don’t miss the next:
- Guanajuato Mummy Museum: This one’s a bit morbid, but it surely’s value visiting for its uniqueness! It’s a show of Mexican mummies, most of them our bodies from victims of a cholera outbreak within the metropolis in 1833.
- Diego Rivera Museum: This museum is located in the home the place Diego Rivera, a well-known Mexican artist and husband of Frida Kahlo, as soon as lived. It’s a small exhibition with work and different artworks, together with some details about Rivera’s life.
- Museo Iconográfico del Quijote: This small however fascinating museum is devoted to Don Quixote, which was written by Miguel de Cervantes and is usually thought of to be the primary trendy novel.
See the Basilica of Our Lady of Guanajuato
The most iconic landmark of Guanajuato, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guanajuato is a brilliant yellow church that dates again to 1671 and showcases a few of the area’s wealth (there was a lot of silver mining within the space, and Guanajuato was the truth is the biggest exporter of silver on the finish of the 18th century).
You can stand exterior and benefit from the baroque structure, or enterprise indoors and see the jewelled determine of the Virgin Mary – legend has it that this statue was as soon as hidden in a cave for 800 years, but it surely now stands proudly within the church for all to get pleasure from!
Walk via the Jardín de la Unión
The leafy Jardín de la Unión is a cool oasis within the coronary heart of town. Lined by Indian Laurel timber, the backyard sits in entrance of the basilica and is the proper place to get pleasure from native life, take heed to music by mariachi bands or buy some tasty native avenue meals.
There are additionally just a few eating places and bars surrounding the Jardín de la Unión, however these are usually probably the most overpriced within the metropolis.
Monumento el Pipla
For a few of the finest views within the metropolis, head as much as Monumento el Pipla. Pipla is the nickname for an area miner who fought the Spanish bravely in the course of the wars of independence. Nowadays, a statue of him stands proudly on prime of certainly one of Guanajuato’s hills, wanting down on town unfold out beneath him.
While it’s a little bit of a climb to succeed in this monument, the views make it undoubtedly value it! However, for those who can’t or don’t wish to climb up the entire stairs, there’s a funicular that gives a simple and delightful journey to succeed in the Monumento el Pipla and take within the unimaginable views from the highest.
Try avenue meals at Mercado Higaldo
Mercado Hidalgo is likely one of the finest avenue meals markets in Guanajuato; liked by locals, however turning into more and more in style with vacationers! Take a stroll across the market and soak in its environment, and undoubtedly come hungry – there are many regional specialties to attempt.
Don’t miss the Enchiladas Mineras (named after the miners who used to work in Guanajuato!), stuffed chiles and tamales.
Most dishes are often ready with meat (usually pork), however for those who don’t eat meat, it’s often simple to both get or ask for a dish with none meat (ask for it sin carne or vegetarian).
It is, nevertheless, fairly tough to ensure that avenue meals will certainly be made with out animal fats.
Visit La Valenciana Mine
As Guanajuato has such a wealthy mining historical past, you may wish to add a mine tour to your go to.
La Valenciana Mine is open to guests, offering vacationers with an fascinating have a look at how the business grew and the way Guanajuato finally prospered because of silver mining.
You may also go to Bocamina San Ramón and descend 60 metres into the mine shaft and San Cayetano the place you’ll be able to take a tour with former miners!
See San Miguel de Allende
It’s value seeing a few of the different well-known cities of Central Mexico when you’re right here, and the gorgeous San Miguel de Allende is unquestionably value just a few hours of your time.
Sitting simply an hour away from Guanajuato, this mesmerising metropolis was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site just a few years in the past. Nowadays, you’ll be able to get pleasure from strolling round leafy streets, exploring conventional Mexican church buildings and charming cafes.
Visit Dolores Hidalgo
Do you wish to see the place the place Mexico was based? Dolores Hidalgo is a brief journey from Guanajuato, and though it’s manner off the vacationer path, it was right here the place Mexican independence was first proclaimed.
In 1810, Miguel Hidalgo stood from one of many church balconies in Dolores Hidalgo (which on the time, was simply referred to as “Dolores”!) and cried for independence.
It took Mexico some time to really obtain independence, and Miguel Hidalgo and lots of others died for his or her trigger, however the nation lastly grew to become impartial in September 1821.
You can go to Dolores Hidalgo independently or participate in a tour that features a cease right here and in San Miguel de Allende. Tours are Spanish-only, so this feature is finest if at the very least one individual in your group speaks the language! You can e book excursions from most lodge receptions.
Ruta de Vino
After all that sightseeing, it’s time for some wine! The Ruta de Vino is a choice of vineyards planted at excessive altitude, offering scrumptious native Mexican grapes which are finally used to make wine.
This route is nearer to San Miguel de Allende, however you possibly can simply go to one whereas spending a day in Guanajuato’s neighbouring metropolis.
For instance, Bodega Dos Búhos sits lower than 20 minutes from San Miguel de Allende. I visited this vineyard once we have been on the town and took an Uber there and requested the vineyard house owners to e book a taxi again; it price about $10 every manner.
You can do a tour of Bodega Dos Búhos (which can be in Spanish solely) and study in regards to the wine creation course of and the way the grapes thrive at altitude.
Then, it’s time for tasting! Bottles of wine are pretty reasonably priced, and the bodega has an outside seating space, so you possibly can simply whereas away a day right here earlier than you come to metropolis life.
There are just a few different vineyards to go to on the route, however if you wish to get pleasure from your drinks at a slower tempo, I like to recommend simply visiting Bodega Dos Búhos.
Is Guanajuato secure?
Guanajuato state does incessantly make headlines for being a extra violent a part of Mexico; however is town secure for vacationers?
While cartels do function within the surrounding countryside, they often don’t trigger an excessive amount of of an issue within the metropolis – and in the event that they do, it’s practically at all times focused at particular individuals (often of rival cartels).
So usually, town of Guanajuato is a secure place to go to, however in fact, it’s at all times vital to remain conscious of your environment and take frequent precautions.
Are you prepared to go to Guanajuato?
There’s a lot to like about Guanajuato! Its mining historical past and being a forerunner for Mexican independence have given town fascinating cultures and concepts. There’s a lot to do right here, however because it’s nonetheless a bit of the vacationer path, you’ll discover loads of native experiences right here. Just get right here earlier than the phrase will get out!
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Claire Martin is a journey blogger and freelance author who specialises in overland adventures. She’s drove round Australia, travelled from Bali to London with out flying, lived in Mexico and has spent many months exploring Europe. You can comply with her adventures on her weblog, Claire’s Footsteps.