15 Greatest Issues To Do in Guanajuato, Mexico

The UNESCO-listed metropolis of Guanajuato is sort of presumably 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 infinite 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 important 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 vibrant and cheerful, and the little streets are infinite.

Chances are you’ll 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 the town is pedestrian-only, which means you’ll be able to discover with out worrying about autos, exhaust or loud horns honking.   

So, the place are all of the vehicles? They’re underground!

That’s proper, there’s hardly any visitors in Guanajuato because of the community of tunnels beneath the town.

These tunnels had been initially constructed to forestall flooding of the close by Rio Guanajuato (river) from damaging the town, however right now the tunnels are actually defending the town from visitors.

This makes Guanajuato some of the gratifying cities to stroll round in. 

Strolling round and exploring on foot is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Guanajuato for certain. Put your cellphone away, and don’t fear about Google Maps right here —  getting misplaced is all a part of the enjoyable.

In the event you’d prefer to be taught extra concerning the metropolis of Guanajuato, be a 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 points of interest in Guanajuato, visiting a museum full of mummies is unquestionably 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 people who 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 giant quantities of clay and limestone within the floor, the our bodies turned mummified!

Each native individual you speak to will inform you 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 snug with demise as different cultures are. No matter how you’re feeling, it’s a really fascinating museum and one of many extra uncommon issues to do in Guanajuato.

The museum is open from 9:00 – 6:00pm every single day and prices 50 pesos ($2.10) to enter. Click on right here to seek out the Mummy Museum on the map. 

3. Take pleasure in A Present At The Theatre

There are a few theatres in Guanajuato with Teatro Principal (fundamental theatre) having performances and occasions weekly — sometimes on Fridays through 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. In the event you’re questioning what to do for date evening in Guanajuato, that is it. Click on right here to seek out Teatro Principal on the map.

An alternative choice is to hitch this Airbnb Expertise with a neighborhood.

You’ll be taught all concerning the arts and music scene in Guanajuato and Mexico, absorb 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 be taught extra.

4. Go to The Alley of The Kiss

The identify of this well-known alleyway comes from an previous folks story.

Apparently, two younger individuals lived throughout the alley from one another and though the woman’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 nearly touched, permitting the younger couple to kiss in secret! 

The story has a tragic ending, however when 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 (probably the greatest issues to do in Guanajuato for foodies!)

In the event you’re all in favour of 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 truly been given UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage standing. Not solely that, however the delicacies is so tasty. One of the best ways to seek 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 scorching spots and finest distributors.

After devouring scrumptious snacks, sipping on Mexican espresso and ending all of it off with home made ice cream, you’ll be prepared for a nap. Try Mexico Avenue Meals Excursions for particulars.

6. Wander By means of Diego Rivera’s House

Diego Rivera was Frida’s husband and a well-known artist in Mexico.

His residence has now been was a museum/artwork gallery and you may wander by means of and take a glimpse into the rooms of his precise residence — that are nonetheless arrange with furnishings.

To be able 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 nicely.

One of the best ways to know what you’re truly taking a look at and to get a greater glimpse into the lifetime of Diego Rivera is to be a part of a tour. Click on right here to seek 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 facet of the mountain.

It’s type of like an escalator, which is nice because the mountainside is sort 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 seek out it on the map. 

8. Go Purchasing

There are just a few markets on the town, however a very powerful (and largest) is the Mercado Hidalgo.

Distributors arrange store right here promoting every thing from contemporary fruits and clothes to cheese and meat.

Chances are you’ll discover that the iron constructing form of resembles a practice station, and also you’re proper, that’s what it was initially purported to be! Even when you’re not all in favour of buying something, it’s nonetheless price 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’ll be able to’t miss the colourful yellow Basilica de Guanajuato which dominates the principle 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 best examples of Churrigueresque fashion in Latin America. The facade of this church could seem a bit rundown, however the inside is gorgeous.

Even when you’re not a spiritual individual, you’ll be able to’t assist however be in awe of the attractive buildings.

10. Go to the Alhóndiga de Granaditas (artwork and historical past museum)

This constructing has been used for a lot of issues over time.

Initially, it was a grain storehouse, earlier than turning into a fortress for the Spaniards. After that, it was used as an armory, then a college, then a jail, earlier than lastly turning into a museum.

This was additionally the place of the primary victory over the Spanish through the Warfare Of Independence in 1810. Don’t miss the attractive murals above the staircase.

The constructing is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10:00am – 6:00pm. The doorway price is 30 pesos ($1.25), click on right here to seek 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 be taught concerning the buildings you’re taking a look at, the historical past of the 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 fascinating historic strolling tour across the metropolis. In the course of the journey, you’ll discover again alleys, two museums, Diego Rivera’s residence, Teatro Juarez, and take a trip 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 approach to spend just a few hours and see some offtrack locations in Guanajuato. Discover out extra about this extremely rated, inexpensive 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 all in favour of 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) because of the silver mines surrounding the town. There are 2 mines which might be price visiting, however they aren’t for many who are claustrophobic. 

El Nopal Mine is the closest to Guanajuato and is the smaller of the 2.

Tour guides listed here are native college college students who’re finding out this area. Most of the excursions will solely be held in Spanish, however it’s fascinating to go to even when you don’t fully perceive the language.

The fee to enter is simply 30 pesos ($1.25), and a tip for the scholars is appreciated. You will discover 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 in depth mine within the space and had its heyday through 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 fee to entre La Valenciana is 30 pesos ($1.25). The mine is situated 5 kilometers from the town heart. You will discover 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 hire a automobile to go to the vineyards, rent a personal driver, or be a 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 the town at El Cerro de La Bufa. We met up with Carlos and his cute canine (Uni) on the high of the funicular, and from there, we went on a brief automobile trip to the trailhead.

This hike begins off with a enjoyable scramble up the mountainside, adopted by spectacular views of towering rock formations, the town of Guanajuato under, 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 when you love nature and being energetic. Carlos is a superb information and since he’s from Guanajuato, he’s very educated concerning the metropolis.

I extremely advocate this journey with Carlos. Be taught extra about this lovely 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 important spot to benefit from the market. 

You’ll discover plenty of meals distributors serving up tasty Mexican meals, and artisanal meals, and there are additionally some craft distributors right here as nicely. Try this lesser-visited space of Guanajuato in your go to to the town. 

FAQ’s About Visiting Guanajuato

Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on Guanajuato. 

Is Guanajuato Price Visiting?

Sure! Guanajuato is totally price visiting. In the event you like lovely, vibrant colonial cities, historic websites, tasty meals, and lesser-visited locations, then add Guanajuato to your journey checklist. 

What’s Guanajuato Recognized For? 

Guanajuato is thought for its native hero, El Pípila, having underground tunnels, its silver mines, and naturally, the many beautiful vibrant alleyways.

How Many Days Ought to I Spend in Guanajuato? 

You’ll be able to spend 1 day in Guanajuato, however that will be simply to rapidly see the principle 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 (strive 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 fascinating 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 adore it as a lot as we did.

And, don’t miss our epic journey information to Mexico which lists every thing you must find out about travelling to this wonderful nation. 

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