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Guanajuato

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Guanajuato

Guanajuato is a city nestled in a valley in central Mexico, renowned for its colorful buildings and historic silver mines. The picturesque city is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guanajuato is easily navigable on foot, with narrow cobblestone streets that add to its allure.

Begin your exploration at Plaza de la Paz, a bustling town square adorned with cafes and the iconic yellow Basilica of Guanajuato. Stroll down Callejón del Beso (Alley of the Kiss), a narrow alleyway with a tragic backstory. Guanajuato is also the birthplace of Mexican artist Diego Rivera, so make sure to visit his former residence, now a museum.

Delve deeper into Guanajuato’s rich history with a tour of the Valenciana Mine, which played an important role in global silver production back in the 18th century. Finally, don’t miss the annual Festival Internacional Cervantino, where people from around the world gather to enjoy performing and visual arts!

Travel Tips for Guanajuato

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Guanajuato

A guide to Guanajuato's local transportation

Walking
Bus
Taxi

Guanajuato is a small city with narrow streets and several traffic-free areas, so walking is an excellent way to explore it. Some of its main attractions are also within walking distance, including Plaza de la Paz, the Basilica of Guanajuato, and Teatro Juárez. Because of the hilly terrain, you will need to walk up and downhill, so make sure to wear comfortable footwear.

Practical Tips for Guanajuato

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What are the top attractions in Guanajuato?

Stroll down the romantic Callejón del Beso and explore the picturesque Plaza de la Paz and the Basilica of Guanajuato. Visit the Museo de las Momias (Mummy Museum), which exhibits over 100 mummies of local residents. These mummies are the result of burial taxes imposed in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Don't miss the Museo y Casa de Diego Rivera (Diego Rivera's House Museum), which features a permanent exhibition of Diego Rivera’s paintings and temporary exhibitions by other artists.

What is the Cervantino Festival in Guanajuato?

Festival Internacional Cervantino, commonly known as El Cervantino, is an annual festival of music, theater, dance, and visual arts. First held in 1953, this festival is one of the largest cultural events in Latin America. The event takes place for two to three weeks in October. During this period, you can feel the festivities in every corner of the city, as plazas, theaters, and parks are transformed into stages.

When is the best time to visit Guanajuato?

The best time to visit Guanajuato is during the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is mild and ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions. Keep in mind that this is the peak season, so prices may be higher. October is also a great time to visit due to the Festival Internacional Cervantino.

What are some must-try foods in Guanajuato?

When in Guanajuato, you must try enchiladas mineras (miners' enchiladas), which are enchiladas with cheese fillings and potato and carrot garnishes. This popular dish can be found throughout the city. Another must-try is pacholas, which are ground meat patties. For those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss charamuscas, caramel candies made with sugar, butter, and piloncillo (Mexican brown sugar).

How do I get to Guanajuato from Mexico City?

The city of Guanajuato is located approximately 350 kilometers from Mexico City. The most common way to travel between the two cities is by bus, which takes around 5 hours. There are also flights available from Benito Juárez International Airport to Guanajuato International Airport, which take around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Upon arrival at the airport, you will need to drive 30 minutes to reach Guanajuato.

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