The charming, vibrant Unesco World Heritage metropolis of Guanajuato, within the north of Mexico, is nestled inside a scenic valley and is steeped in historical past.
The cobbled streets and historic tunnels, that had been as soon as subterranean rivers, twist their manner round and thru the hillsides, that are peppered with a spread of vibrant properties.
Two days is the proper period of time to expertise the colourful metropolis, discovered simply 4-5 hours north of Mexico Metropolis by automotive.
We’ve rounded up the prime 10 issues to do in Guanajuato in simply two days beneath. If you happen to’re considering extra Mexico articles, you may examine them out right here.
Right here’s an outline:
Prime Issues to Do in Guanajuato in 2 Days
Right here’s our prime itinerary for 2 days in Guanajuato.
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Day 1: Expertise The Metropolis’s Historical past and Tradition
Alhóndiga de Granaditas
First issues first, head to Alhóndiga de Granaditas, a grain storage-turned-museum, for a slice of Guanajuato’s historical past. The constructing was front-and-centre of the Mexican Independence motion within the nineteenth century, as the positioning the place the Spanish fashioned a defensive place inside to carry off the Mexican rebels.
The museum is house to plenty of art work and artefacts that actually spotlight town’s significance throughout this turbulent time.
Entry prices $30 pesos, which is round £1.15 or $1.50 USD, and is open 10am – 6pm Tuesday to Saturday, and 10am – 3pm on Sundays.
El Pípila Monument
Probably the most well-known Mexican rebels to storm the Alhóndiga de Granaditas was El Píplia. He was a miner who strapped a stone protect to his again, charged on the constructing and set the doorways on fireplace, permitting the rebels to ultimately breach the Spanish defences.
El Píplia is memorialised with a statue excessive above town, which can be an unbelievable viewpoint of the complete metropolis beneath.
To succeed in the panoramic spot, you may benefit from the lovable funicular trip up the hillside to achieve the El Pípila Monument.
The view of all the colorful buildings unfold out beneath is difficult to beat, particularly because the solar units.
You possibly can attain the monument with out the funicular, however the stroll up is steep! If you happen to’re taking the funicular, the costs as of Nov 2024 are beneath.
Tickets every manner value $35 MXN for adults and $15 MXN for kids (aged 4 to 11) and older adults with an INAPAM ID. Kids aged 3 and below can journey free of charge.
Tip: Trip the funicular as much as the monument, then stroll again down for a change of tempo and to avoid wasting a few cents!
Mummies Museum (Museo de las Momias)
The Mummies Museum is among the most well-known, but most weird, points of interest in Guanajuato.
Throughout efforts to make room for extra our bodies in a neighborhood cemetery, naturally mummified stays had been unearthed and relocated to the museum.
It actually emphasises the Mexican folks’s acceptance and celebration of dying! Tickets value $8 MXN, which is roughly £0.30 or $0.40 USD.
Mercado Hidalgo
Named after one of many chief’s of the independence motion, Miguel Hidalgo, this huge market corridor is an ideal cease in your first day to gasoline up on some scrumptious avenue meals.
The large iron construction was initially meant to be a grand central prepare station, however the challenge was deserted after the constructing was accomplished, when it was shortly repurposed right into a market.
It’s an excellent place to wander by way of and haggle for a memento, or pattern some enchiladas mineras, or simply absorb the chaotic and full of life ambiance.
Tip: Be sure to choose up a cup of aguas frescas (fruity drinks), that are a good way to chill off from the nice and cozy climate you’ll no-doubt expertise right here.
Callejón del Beso
No go to to Guanajuato could be full with out visiting essentially the most iconic spot within the metropolis!
Guanajuato is perhaps house to many small alleys, however Callejón del Beso is certainly essentially the most slim! It interprets to Alley of the Kiss in English, and measures simply 168cm or 66 inches extensive at some factors, with the balconies on either side of the alleyway virtually touching.
The well-known alleyway even has its personal legend: a tragic, forbidden love story between Ana and Carlos, a daughter of a rich man and a humble miner…
Regardless of Ana’s father demanding that she marry a rich man, she fell in love with humble, poor Carlos. Her father discovered and he locked her away to aim to separate the 2 of them, however love is aware of no bounds! Carlos quickly after purchased the home subsequent door, which had a balcony virtually touching Ana’s bed room balcony. The lovers would meet each evening in secret and kiss throughout the slim alleyway. Sadly, all good issues should come to an finish, and one evening Ana’s father caught them in an embrace. He fell right into a match of anger, shouting at and threatening Carlos, and by chance killed his personal daughter within the chaos. Carlos was distraught, and legend has it that he died of a damaged coronary heart not lengthy after.
Regardless of being a really brief alley – solely about 25 metres in size – it’s a enjoyable spot to go to. If you happen to’re with a cherished one, you may even pay the owners to every go onto a balcony and share a kiss throughout the hole!
Day 2: Take pleasure in Guanajuato’s Artwork, Structure, and Scrumptious Meals
Jardín de la Unión
Begin your day by visiting Jardín de la Unión, which is a triangular plaza and one in all Guanajuato’s most important hangout areas.
You’ll discover loads of cafes, bars and eating places across the edges, making it an amazing spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner – in case you needed to return again later!
The Jardín, which implies Backyard in English, is lined with neatly trimmed bushes and loads of benches the place you may sit within the shade.
Deliver a ebook and relaxation right here for some time with a morning espresso earlier than tackling the day forward!
Teatro Juárez
Proper subsequent to the Jardín de la Unión is the Teatro Juárez. Constructed within the late nineteenth century, it was inaugurated by the notorious dictator Portfirio Díaz, and stays probably the most gorgeous theatres in all of Mexico.
If you understand slightly Spanish – and even for those who don’t – experiencing a efficiency right here is a superb expertise. You’ll discover posters exterior the theatre or stumble upon folks promoting tickets for upcoming reveals, that are very reasonably priced, typically costing round $100 MXN (£3.85 or $4.90 USD).
Even for those who’re not planning to catch a present, the structure itself is value a go to, which is a mixture of neoclassical and Moorish types. The inside can be lovely, with stained glass and lavish woodwork in every single place you look.
Tip: You gained’t be capable of see a lot of the inside with no guided tour, that are in Spanish solely. If you happen to’re , the excursions function all through the day – simply ask a member of workers when the subsequent tour will begin.
Diego Rivera Museum
Most guests to Mexico will already pay attention to Diego Rivera, one of many nation’s most well-known artists. Many will know his spouse much more – Frida Kahlo.
Mr Rivera was born in Guanajuato, and lived there along with his household till he was 6 years previous. Fortunately, his childhood house remained standing over the subsequent 100 years till it was was a implausible museum showcasing lots of his early works, in addition to a re-creation of the house as it could have appeared within the nineteenth century.
If you happen to’re a fan of artwork, it’s an amazing place to wander by way of the everlasting (and short-term) reveals, and be taught slightly extra about one in all Mexico’s most well-known figures.
Callejones (Alleys)
In case you haven’t achieved this already just by wandering round between sights, exploring the maze of slim alleyways is a superb approach to spend a day. And not using a map or route in thoughts, simply discover on foot and see what you discover. The colorful metropolis streets are house to so many hidden gems, tucked away little courtyards and cafes with unbelievable views throughout the valley.
Go trying to find avenue artwork, for which Mexico is legendary for, or comply with the sound of mariachi bands enjoying in varied plazas. Hop into native artist retailers and choose your self up one thing good, or cease for a sip of tequila in one of many many quirky bars.
We’d suggest the realm across the Diego Rivera Museum (Positos Road) for exploring. It’s filled with aforementioned gems and appears to remain slightly quieter than the principle avenue on the backside of the valley.
One other favorite of ours was the Plaza de San Fernando, which had loads of restaurant and bar choices, with a stunning ambiance across the plaza!
Tip: Hear out for the Callejoneadas within the night, that are excursions led by native musicians (troubadours) by way of the tunnels and alleys within the underbelly of town, telling varied legends and tales by way of tune!
Guanajuato Delicacies
Final (however in no way least) is sampling a few of the scrumptious meals native to Guanajuato. A neighborhood tour information as soon as instructed us that Mexico must be explored, skilled and LIVED by way of meals – and we couldn’t agree extra!
Be sure to strive Enchiladas Mineras earlier than you permit. The tortillas, initially ready by native girls hoping to maintain their husbands who labored the mines, are full of rooster or cheese then topped with a wholesome layer of cheese, lettuce and onion. They’re then smothered in a scrumptious enchilada sauce… so, so scrumptious!
If you happen to’re not already full, give Tlacoyos or Gorditas a strive, that are well-liked dishes in Guanajuato. Tlyacoyos are primarily a doughy pocket full of cheese, beans or your selection of meat, then fried or grilled. Gorditas are related, however they’re thicker and are sometimes veggie-friendly! Each are sometimes paired with salsa or guacamole.
Don’t neglect to seize a chilly cerveza alongside your scrumptious meals, and also you’ll have the proper ultimate meal in your two-day Guanajuato journey!
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