Guanajuato solo journey: is it secure? I go to Guanajuato commonly on my own because it’s near Mexico Metropolis. Listed here are my experiences touring alone as a lady in Guanajuato Metropolis.
📬 Hola, Trisha! Thanks for all of your sources about Mexico. I take pleasure in your writing as a result of it actually helps me lots in getting ready for my journey. I’ve scrolled about 4 blogs and yours is what I like probably the most so thanks for all the pieces that you simply do! I’ve seen in your Instagram that you simply traveled to Guanajuato lots. I need to decide your mind about my upcoming solo journey to Guanajuato Metropolis. My backpacking journey in Mexico will begin in Mexico Metropolis. I learn that Guanajuato will probably be an ideal cease. Nevertheless, I additionally learn that many individuals obtained robbed in GTO. Is that this true? How secure is Guanajuato? Do you suggest it to solo feminine vacationers? Thanks prematurely and I hope to satisfy you on this journey!
-Elena Ramos, San Diego, CA
Right here we go along with security in Mexico once more… however let’s get to it. Once I first arrived in Guanajuato in 2018, I had no thought what to anticipate however I do know that one of many causes I visited Guanajuato is to see its colourful metropolis. It actually is likely one of the most vibrant when it comes to structure within the nation.
Many individuals don’t learn about Guanajuato so once I advised my household and mates that I’ll come right here, they weren’t as frightened as they had been once I was in Guadalajara and Mexico Metropolis. Guanajuato didn’t ring a bell, which I discover humorous as a result of Mexico has dangerous press relating to security on the whole – not its locations.
On this publish, I’ll share my real expertise of feeling secure in Guanajuato. I do know it’s tremendous arduous to journey solo, particularly in Mexico. Nevertheless, this doesn’t cease you from touring round Mexico as a result of it is a nice nation. Within the years that I’ve lived in Mexico, I’ve by no means been harmed.
You’ll be shocked that not too long ago, I went to Georgia (the nation, not the state) and was harassed. This expertise made me admire how secure I really feel in Mexico in comparison with Europe. Then once more, security may be very goal and private.
Anyway, in case you want to go to Guanajuato, I can join you with some individuals I met whereas touring there. Understanding somebody offers you extra confidence when touring, so be happy to get in contact in case you want native contacts.
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How secure is Guanajuato Metropolis?
I at all times be certain that I share my private experiences in my weblog, however I don’t ignore the information. I didn’t do analysis closely on security in Guanajuato Metropolis as a result of I already know the locals there, so I at all times really feel snug visiting this metropolis.
Throughout my first time, I used to be shocked by what number of foreigners and digital nomads stay in Guanajuato. I met many cool expats who fell in love with Guanajuato Metropolis, and so they shared their experiences with me. I have at all times puzzled how individuals fall in love and select the place to stay in Mexico, and from their tales, I’ve deeply understood the GTO attraction.
America’s favourite vacation spot, San Miguel de Allende, can also be in Guanajuato state, the place many foreigners and expats retire. Different main GTO locations embody Leon, San Jose Iturbide, Irapuato, Silao, and Tarimoro.
This implies it’s important to verify the precise metropolis in Guanajuato that you simply need to go to to verify its security. On this weblog publish, I’ll solely give attention to Guanajuato Metropolis as it’s the main vacation spot I’ve experience.
Guanajuato solo journey spotlight: assembly individuals
This was the humorous factor once I traveled solo to Guanajuato. I used to be sitting at a rooftop cafe when a Mexican man approached me and requested, “Are you Trisha?” I used to be so shocked as a result of I didn’t prepare any Couchsurfing conferences there or not even Fb teams.
It seems, I posted an image on Instagram and he noticed me within the Guanajuato hashtag. He sat down, and we briefly chatted, however he needed to go as a result of he wanted to go to work. A few of chances are you’ll even assume that there’s no privateness on social media. Individuals can acknowledge you from hashtags.
However the humorous factor is that this man has been following me on Instagram for over a yr. That’s why it didn’t really feel creepy to me. I checked my DM, and we’ve already had message exchanges. I didn’t know who he was!
The subsequent day, he provided to choose me up at my hostel to drive round. I agreed to a gathering time and he got here in a automotive! Look, I’m not some loopy woman who’d bounce on a automotive with somebody I don’t even know however when issues like this occur, I simply know the vibe. I have no idea how I do know that vibe, however it’s intuition. There’s at all times that feeling that pulls me to individuals.
This man that I met was a younger boy finding out arts on the College. He advised me that he was finding out images and was impressed with my pictures on Instagram. He even had an expert digital camera with him after we met. It may very well be all for present, however consider me, how I really feel in the direction of individuals is at all times proper.
We went across the metropolis, and he took me to the best factors – thoughts you, the streets of Guanajuato are actually uphill. I’ve tried to stroll uphill a minimum of as soon as however having a automotive (and an area tour information) was far more manageable.
It was additionally nice to have a photographer! After that, we explored the nightlife in Guanajuato however this isn’t about bars and golf equipment. It was all in regards to the music and dancing on the streets, avenue meals at midnight, alleys with attention-grabbing cocktail bars, and many others. I didn’t count on Guanajuato to be that vigorous until late.
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The place I stayed in Guanajuato
On my first journey, I made a mistake by not checking the terrain and structure of Guanajuato Metropolis. I ended up reserving a resort on the high of the cliff. It wasn’t tough, it was simply difficult to stroll at night time as a result of I want strolling over taking taxis.
Taking taxis additionally takes time as a result of the streets of Guanajuato are slim and at all times busy. On this Guanajuato resort I stayed in, it was OK to stroll through the day, however at night time, I at all times needed to take a taxi.
On my second journey, I assumed I already knew Guanajuato effectively and I ended up reserving the identical state of affairs. This time, it’s not the street that’s uphill however the resort had so many stairs earlier than you get to the reception. I felt dangerous for the resort employees as a result of they needed to carry my suitcase on these stairs! Plus factors to this resort as a result of there was a pool on the rooftop!
Is it secure to stroll alone in Guanajuato?
As somebody who blends in (with my pores and skin shade and Spanish language expertise), I’m snug strolling on my own at night time in Guanajuato Metropolis. Throughout my first go to, I didn’t really feel that snug but and I type of booked a resort on the high of the hill so at night time, I took a taxi to return to my lodging.
In case you are not assured, take the taxi after 9:00 PM. As ordinary, don’t go into darkish areas and keep away from locations which have fewer individuals, which, in my view, are only some in GTO. There have been at all times individuals once I was out at night time which made me so assured and secure.
Actions I did in Guanajuato alone
1. Stroll the streets of Guanajuato
I’m certain you’ve seen all these footage on Pinterest – Guanajuato is probably the most colourful metropolis in Mexico! Wander the slim streets and get to know the tradition by means of this stroll. You may even do that by your self with out the tour. The middle of Guanajuato may be very pedestrian-friendly and automobiles will not be even allowed in most of them.
In case you want to know extra historical past and/or don’t have the posh of time, you may e book a 3-hour Guanajuato Metropolis strolling tour that solely prices US$17 with an area information!
2. Go to El Callejon de Beso (Alley of Kiss)
This place is from standard folklore, the place a younger couple would sneak out and meet at this alley. The feminine was from a well-off miner’s household, and the male was from a poor household. With this societal battle, they saved their love a secret and would meet (and kiss) on this slim avenue. The rich household was dwelling above the alley whereas the younger lad was renting an condo reverse it.
The late-night escapade grew to become the discuss of the city, however the feminine’s father stated he received’t consider it till he sees it. He then stayed up one night time to catch the couple in motion. To his dismay, he noticed his daughter with the younger man, and out of shock, the younger man jumped and tripped off the sting of the balcony.
The folklore has a tragic ending because the younger man died from the bounce.
3. Funicular trip for metropolis views
My mates thought I used to be loopy once I walked the steep roads to Pipila however no person advised me there was a funicular! I by no means actually analysis once I go on journeys since I at all times keep lengthy (as much as 1 month), so once I found I might take a trip up, I did it once more, and it was a lot quicker!
The funicular is likely one of the finest methods to see the entire metropolis of Guanajuato. The ticket is just US$1.50 (one-way). You don’t have to e book these tickets prematurely – go to the Funicular Station behind Teatro Juarez.
Guanajuato solo journey suggestions
Get in contact with locals on Couchsurfing
I ended staying in individuals’s couches a very long time in the past however I nonetheless use Couchsurfing for getting in contact with locals. I’ve confirmed and examined this platform to be one of the best group in case you actually need a deep dive right into a metropolis’s tradition.
I used to be additionally fairly shocked by how energetic the CS group is – many individuals are internet hosting and welcoming vacationers into their houses! As ordinary, be sure to learn the critiques and/or contact the Couchsurfers who stayed with the host you might be viewing and ask questions.
Couchsurfing critiques are at all times respectable (in my expertise) so don’t fear as it’s actually arduous to make a pretend assessment on this platform. I like this for connecting and assembly with individuals (higher than Tinder or Bumble).
Discover a volunteering alternate gig
I’ve at all times been fortunate to meet many native households on this lifetime – volunteering and staying with them for years gave me that chance. This isn’t a paid alternative as you do 5 work hours (5 days per week) in alternate for meals and lodging.
I take advantage of Worldpackers when on the lookout for volunteering alternatives, and you will get 10% off in your membership in case you use my code PSIMONMYWAY10.
There are various kinds of volunteering (not restricted to household stays), equivalent to language alternate, hostel work (my favourite as a young person), ranch work, eco initiatives, and many others. Simply browse the web site above and see what works for you!
Take Uber at night time
By no means stroll by your self at night time – take the Uber! It’s low-cost, and it’s broadly utilized in Guanajuato. My Uber rides inside the metropolis had been by no means greater than $5, besides once I went to eat at Costal, which was $8 for the trip.
Don’t hang around with individuals you don’t know
Mexico can change into very welcoming, particularly if you’re going to take part in nightlife. I sit at Guanajuato bars on my own, and inside minutes, individuals will probably be round and approaching me to talk. And it’s not simply the Mexicans. Many foreigners from around the globe go to Guanajuato ,so you’ll find your self hanging out with many individuals. Don’t simply go along with individuals you don’t know, particularly in case you don’t really feel snug doing it.
Get journey insurance coverage!
By no means journey with out insurance coverage! Since I’m on the street constantly, I’ve a digital nomad insurance coverage that prices $40 month-to-month. This journey insurance coverage additionally covers you again house within the US for a number of days after your journey.
Contemplate your supply
I perceive that you simply constantly base your journey plans on the information, and Guanajuato will get quite a lot of dangerous press (as with all of Mexico). My finest recommendation is to solely discuss to individuals who have been to Guanajuato Metropolis so to get first-hand experiences. After your journey to Guanajuato, you’ll be probably the most credible supply to others due to your experiences! All it’s important to do is go to and see it for your self.
✈️ Prepared to your journey to Guanajuato? This weblog thrives on reader questions, so be happy to ask questions on Guanajuato solo journey utilizing the remark field under. You can too join 1-on-1 solo journey teaching with me in case you want extra assist!
