The UNESCO-listed metropolis of Guanajuato is kind of probably probably the most picturesque place in all of Mexico. Brightly colored buildings tumble down the hillside, resulting in beautiful plazas and squares.
The temperature is ideal, the persons are pleasant and there are limitless quantities of issues to do in Guanajuato, making it a must-visit vacation spot in Mexico.
After spending 2 weeks on this beautiful mountain city, I can actually say that it’s an excellent place for travellers to go to, and I can’t wait to return.
There are quite a few issues to see in Guanajuato, however right here’s my checklist of the 15 finest.
1. Wander The Vibrant Lanes
Guanajuato is a well-designed metropolis with loads of plazas and squares, and main away from these squares are many lanes and alleyways simply ready to be explored.
The colors of the buildings are vivid and cheerful, and the little streets are limitless.
You might get misplaced within the labyrinth of streets within the hills, and if that’s the case, simply wander downhill till you ultimately arrive within the heart of city.
The middle of town is pedestrian-only, that means you’ll be able to discover with out worrying about automobiles, exhaust or loud horns honking.
So, the place are all of the vehicles? They’re underground!
That’s proper, there’s hardly any site visitors in Guanajuato as a result of community of tunnels beneath town.
These tunnels had been initially constructed to forestall flooding of the close by Rio Guanajuato (river) from damaging town, however at present the tunnels are actually defending town from site visitors.
This makes Guanajuato one of the vital pleasurable cities to stroll round in.
Strolling round and exploring on foot is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Guanajuato for positive. Put your telephone away, and don’t fear about Google Maps right here — getting misplaced is all a part of the enjoyable.
When you’d wish to study extra in regards to the metropolis of Guanajuato, be part of this expertise with a neighborhood information. Included on this extremely rated strolling tour are some snacks, a drink on the finish, entrance charges, and a information. Discover out extra right here.
2. Go to The Mummy Museum
Of all of the sights in Guanajuato, visiting a museum full of mummies is certainly probably the most offbeat.
One story says that these individuals needed to be dug up from the cemetery with a view to make room for brand spanking new our bodies.
One other states {that a} perpetual burial tax was issued and those that couldn’t afford it, had their beloved members of the family dug up and moved.
No matter which story is true, what was found wasn’t skeletons as deliberate.
As a result of massive quantities of clay and limestone within the floor, the our bodies turned mummified!
Each native individual you speak to will let you know to go to this museum, which homes over 100 mummified our bodies. Mexicans are obsessive about demise and their infatuation with this museum solely helps to show that.
Westerners might discover it a bit eery, creepy and unhappy, as we’re not as comfy with demise as different cultures are. No matter how you are feeling, it’s a really attention-grabbing museum and one of many extra uncommon issues to do in Guanajuato.
The museum is open from 9:00 – 6:00pm day by day and prices 50 pesos ($2.10) to enter. Click on right here to search out the Mummy Museum on the map.
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3. Take pleasure in A Present At The Theatre
There are a few theatres in Guanajuato with Teatro Principal (foremost theatre) having performances and occasions weekly — usually on Fridays throughout the months of February – June.
The symphony orchestra is fabulous and tickets value between 80 – 100 pesos ($3.40 – $4.25) for 2 hours of unimaginable music. When you’re questioning what to do for date night time in Guanajuato, that is it. Click on right here to search out Teatro Principal on the map.
An alternative choice is to affix this Airbnb Expertise with a neighborhood.
You’ll study all in regards to the arts and music scene in Guanajuato and Mexico, soak up a symphony efficiency (at both Juarez or Principal Theatre), and afterward, take pleasure in dinner at one of many high eating places within the metropolis. Click on right here to study extra.
4. Go to The Alley of The Kiss
The title of this well-known alleyway comes from an outdated folks story.
Apparently, two younger individuals lived throughout the alley from one another and though the lady’s father forbade their relationship, they had been in love and continued to see each other.
As a result of the lane is so slender, their balconies virtually touched, permitting the younger couple to kiss in secret!
The story has a tragic ending, however in case you go to this alleyway and stand on the purple step and kiss your vital different, you’ll have 7 years of happiness.
For {couples}, this is without doubt one of the most romantic issues to do in Guanajuato.
5. Go On a Meals Tour (top-of-the-line issues to do in Guanajuato for foodies!)
When you’re taken with sampling scrumptious road meals, visiting some markets and strolling across the metropolis, this tour is for you!
The meals in Mexico has historic significance and has really been given UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage standing. Not solely that, however the delicacies is so tasty. One of the best ways to search out (and eat) conventional meals is by becoming a member of a tour with a educated information.
From genuine gorditas and sopes, to tomales and tacos, this meals tour will take you round to the entire sizzling spots and finest distributors.
After devouring scrumptious snacks, sipping on Mexican espresso and ending all of it off with selfmade ice cream, you’ll be prepared for a nap. Take a look at Mexico Road Meals Excursions for particulars.
6. Wander By Diego Rivera’s Dwelling
Diego Rivera was Frida’s husband and a well-known artist in Mexico.
His residence has now been changed into a museum/artwork gallery and you’ll wander by and take a glimpse into the rooms of his precise residence — that are nonetheless arrange with furnishings.
With the intention to flip the house into an artwork gallery, the home has been added onto. You’ll discover some unbelievable items right here, by each Rivera and different extra trendy artists as properly.
One of the best ways to grasp what you’re really and to get a greater glimpse into the lifetime of Diego Rivera is to be part of a tour. Click on right here to search out Diego’s residence on the map.
7. Trip the Funicular
The funicular is a tram-car pulled by a cable, which takes you up the aspect of the mountain.
It’s sort of like an escalator, which is nice because the mountainside is kind of steep. As soon as on the high, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views over the colorful metropolis of Guanajuato, in addition to an up-close view of the statue of Pipila, a neighborhood hero.
The funicular is situated behind Teatro Juarez. A one-way ticket prices 30 pesos, whereas a return journey is 60. I like to recommend taking the funicular up, and strolling down. Click on right here to search out it on the map.
8. Go Procuring
There are a number of markets on the town, however crucial (and largest) is the Mercado Hidalgo.
Distributors arrange store right here promoting every little thing from recent fruits and clothes to cheese and meat.
You might discover that the iron constructing type of resembles a prepare station, and also you’re proper, that’s what it was initially speculated to be! Even in case you’re not taken with buying something, it’s nonetheless value a go to to see the distinctive constructing and the products on the market.
9. Examine Out The Church buildings and Cathedrals
There are quite a few church buildings and cathedrals in and across the metropolis heart.
You may’t miss the colourful yellow Basilica de Guanajuato which dominates the primary plaza, whereas the San Cayetano (La Valenciana) is situated out close to the mines.
The Templo de la Compañía is taken into account one of many most interesting examples of Churrigueresque type in Latin America. The facade of this church could seem a bit rundown, however the inside is gorgeous.
Even in case you’re not a non secular individual, you’ll be able to’t assist however be in awe of the gorgeous constructions.
10. Go to the Alhóndiga de Granaditas (artwork and historical past museum)
This constructing has been used for a lot of issues through the years.
Initially, it was a grain storehouse, earlier than changing into a fortress for the Spaniards. After that, it was used as an armory, then a faculty, then a jail, earlier than lastly changing into a museum.
This was additionally the place of the primary victory over the Spanish throughout the Warfare Of Independence in 1810. Don’t miss the gorgeous murals above the staircase.
The constructing is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10:00am – 6:00pm. The doorway charge is 30 pesos ($1.25), click on right here to search out Alhondiga de Ganaditas on the map.
11. Be part of a Historic Strolling Tour
Wandering round aimlessly in Guanajuato is enjoyable, however if you wish to study in regards to the buildings you’re , the historical past of town, and discover some secret spots, then I recommend becoming a member of a strolling tour with a neighborhood.
The identical proprietor of the meals tour listed above runs an attention-grabbing historic strolling tour across the metropolis. Throughout the journey, you’ll discover again alleys, two museums, Diego Rivera’s residence, Teatro Juarez, and take a journey up the funicular to the spectacular viewpoint.
To finish the tour, you’ll take pleasure in a espresso or alcoholic drink from a rooftop bar. This can be a nice option to spend a number of hours and see some offtrack locations in Guanajuato. Discover out extra about this extremely rated, reasonably priced strolling tour right here.
An alternative choice for a strolling tour is that this one, which takes you to the College, Plaza Baratillo, Museo Regional de Guanajuato Alhondiga de Granaditas, Mercado Hidalgo, Plaza de la Paz, the underground roads, and there are stops relying on what the group is taken with seeing — it’s as much as you!
The excursions are each round $40 and are nice worth for cash.
12. Discover The Mines
Guanajuato made a reputation for itself (and fortunes) as a result of silver mines surrounding town. There are 2 mines which might be value visiting, however they aren’t for individuals who are claustrophobic.
El Nopal Mine is the closest to Guanajuato and is the smaller of the 2.
Tour guides listed below are native college college students who’re learning this subject. Most of the excursions will solely be held in Spanish, however it’s attention-grabbing to go to even in case you don’t fully perceive the language.
The associated fee to enter is simply 30 pesos ($1.25), and a tip for the scholars is appreciated. You could find El Nopal Mine on the map right here.
The second and bigger mine within the space is La Valenciana.
This was the deepest and most intensive mine within the space and had its heyday throughout the seventeenth century.
Right here, you’ll be able to descend down a 60m shaft into the depths of the mine! This mine is without doubt one of the extra distinctive locations to go to, and experiences to have in Guanajuato.
The associated fee to entre La Valenciana is 30 pesos ($1.25). The mine is situated 5 kilometers from town heart. You could find it on the map right here.
13. Go to The Wineries
Do you know there are wineries round Guanajuato? Certain, the Valle de Guadalupe on the Baja Peninsula is extra well-known within the wine world, however there are greater than 25 wineries round San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato Metropolis!
Don’t miss Rancho Toyan, Tres Raices, Santisima Trinidad, Dos Buhos and Hacienda San José Lavista.
By way of the wine itself, our favourites had been the Aglianico and Cabernet Franc at Dos Buhos, and the Merlot and Malbec at Hacienda San José Lavista.
From Guanajuato, you’ll be able to lease a automotive to go to the vineyards, rent a personal driver, or be part of a tour. Visiting the wineries is without doubt one of the extra distinctive issues to do in Guanajuato.
14. Go For a Hike
My favorite exercise in Guanajuato throughout our 2-week keep was going for a hike simply outdoors of town at El Cerro de La Bufa. We met up with Carlos and his lovely canine (Uni) on the high of the funicular, and from there, we went on a brief automotive journey to the trailhead.
This hike begins off with a enjoyable scramble up the mountainside, adopted by spectacular views of towering rock formations, town of Guanajuato beneath, and rolling mountains within the distance. The icing on the cake is watching the sundown.
In whole, the hike is about 3 hours lengthy, and is without doubt one of the high issues to do in Guanajuato in case you love nature and being energetic. Carlos is a superb information and since he’s from Guanajuato, he’s very educated in regards to the metropolis.
I extremely advocate this journey with Carlos. Be taught extra about this stunning hike right here.
15. Benefit from the Saturday Market
Not many individuals make it to this space of Guanajuato, which is a disgrace! This road (Paseo de la Presa), is a stunning space for strolling any time of the week, however on Saturdays particularly, it’s an excellent spot to benefit from the market.
You’ll discover numerous meals distributors serving up tasty Mexican meals, and artisanal meals, and there are additionally some craft distributors right here as properly. Take a look at this lesser-visited space of Guanajuato in your go to to town.
FAQ’s About Visiting Guanajuato
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on Guanajuato.
Is Guanajuato Value Visiting?
Sure! Guanajuato is totally value visiting. When you like stunning, vibrant colonial cities, historic websites, tasty meals, and lesser-visited locations, then add Guanajuato to your journey checklist.
What’s Guanajuato Identified For?
Guanajuato is thought for its native hero, El Pípila, having underground tunnels, its silver mines, and naturally, the many attractive vibrant alleyways.
How Many Days Ought to I Spend in Guanajuato?
You may spend 1 day in Guanajuato, however that may be simply to rapidly see the primary sights. I recommend spending 3 days minimal right here to completely take pleasure in all of the enjoyable issues to do in Guanajuato — together with a Callejoneada, an unimaginable hike, historic strolling tour, and sundown drinks at a rooftop bar (attempt One Bar for a drink with a view)
Now You Know What To Do in Guanajuato
By no means throughout our travels have we fallen in love so rapidly with a metropolis. Guanajuato is an unimaginable place with many attention-grabbing issues to see and do.
This checklist actually might have gone on and on! I extremely advocate visiting this UNESCO metropolis in Mexico and hope you find it irresistible as a lot as we did.
And, don’t miss our epic journey information to Mexico which lists every little thing it is advisable to find out about travelling to this wonderful nation.
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