Guanajuato is a lively colonial mountain town where you can find grand colonial mansions, a lot of colorful festivals and stores to buy arts and crafts, particularly those made of silver. There is also a labyrinth of tunnels under the city. This unique network is serves as the roads of the town. Aboveground, you can hardly find vehicles along its narrow streets. Guanajuato also has over 35 old churches, whose structures are predominantly European in style.
UNESCO declared the town and the mines nearby as a World Heritage site. It is a place that is worth a visit as some consider this one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico, and even the world.
Guanajuato is located in central Mexico and is 390 kilometers northwest of Mexico City. It is the capital of the state of Guanajuato. The name “Guanajuato” means the “place of frogs.” In fact, Guanajuato's official animal, mascot, if you will, is the frog. The frogs, the local Tarascan Indians believed, where representations of the god of wisdom.
Sights and Experiences in Guanajuato
- Teatro Juarez
Located at the Jardin de la Union, this unique and striking building bears Roman, Greek and Moorish influences.
- El Pipila
This statue of the legendary El Pipila stands on the top of San Miguel hill. El Pipila (whose real name is Juan Jose Martinez) was a hero who fought for Mexican independence. The hill itself affords great views of the town and the top can be reached via cable car (funicular).
- Plazas
There are a number of plazas in Guanajuato where you can just sit and drink in the culture of the town.
o Plaza del Baratillo
o Plaza de San Fernando
o Plaza de la Paz
- Basilica of the Lady of Guanajuato
This 17th century church has a 1,000-year old statue donated by the Spanish King Charles I.
- Presa de la Olla
This is the place for you if you are looking for a little peace and quiet. The dam supplies water to the town. It is also where you can go boating while admiring the park and the great statue of Miguel Hidalgo.
- Museums
Guanajuato has some interesting museums. The Casa Diego Rivera is the well-preserved home of one of Mexico's most renowned artists. The Museo de las Momias (The Mummy Museum) has a collection of mummies obtained from the local graveyard. There is also the Don Quixote museum, the Museum of the Holy Inquisition (which features torture instruments) and the Museum of Mineralogy.
What to do in Guanajuato
- Take a walk! Guanajuato is a perfect town for going on a stroll. The streets are narrow and the town is relatively small. You may climb up the steps to an auditorium, here, you will be richly rewarded with one of the most beautiful views to be found in Mexico.
- Take the train. You may also take the cable car (funicular) up to the top of the mountain. The station is rightbehind the Teatro Juarez.
- Mountain Climbing
The La Bufa mountain has a trail that goes straight to the top.
- Shop!
The Mercado Hidalgo (Hidalgo Market) features two stories of shops just for handicrafts, souvenirs and local food. For the sweet-tooth in you, visit the El Cubilete Juarez, where you can get local sweets (be sure to try the charamuscas, mummy-shaped caramel candies).
How to get there
The best way to go to Guanajuato is by airplane. The Del Bajio International Airport services this town. If you are already in Mexico, you can also take the Bus (such as the Omnibus de Oriente and the ADO).
