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 approach round and thru the hillsides, that are peppered with a variety 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 high 10 issues to do in Guanajuato in simply two days beneath. If you happen to’re focused on 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 high itinerary for 2 days in Guanajuato.
Associated learn: The Final 4-6 Week Mexico Itinerary
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 location the place the Spanish shaped a defensive place inside to carry off the Mexican rebels.
The museum is house to a lot 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 PÃpila Monument
Some of the well-known Mexican rebels to storm the Alhóndiga de Granaditas was El PÃplia. He was a miner who strapped a stone defend to his again, charged on the constructing and set the doorways on fireplace, permitting the rebels to finally breach the Spanish defences.
El PÃplia is memorialised with a statue excessive above town, which can also be an unbelievable viewpoint of the complete metropolis beneath.
To succeed in the panoramic spot, you may benefit from the cute funicular trip up the hillside to succeed in the El PÃpila Monument.
The view of all the colorful buildings unfold out beneath is difficult to beat, particularly because the solar units.
You’ll be able to 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 approach value $35 MXN for adults and $15 MXN for youngsters (aged 4 to 11) and older adults with an INAPAM ID. Youngsters 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 individuals’s acceptance and celebration of loss of life! 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 gas up on some scrumptious road 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 a superb place to wander by and haggle for a memento, or pattern some enchiladas mineras, or simply absorb the chaotic and full of life environment.
Tip: Be sure you 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 can be full with out visiting essentially the most iconic spot within the metropolis!
Guanajuato could be house to many small alleys, however Callejón del Beso is certainly essentially the most slender! It interprets to Alley of the Kiss in English, and measures simply 168cm or 66 inches vast 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 came upon 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 night time in secret and kiss throughout the slender alleyway. Sadly, all good issues should come to an finish, and one night time Ana’s father caught them in an embrace. He fell right into a match of anger, shouting at and threatening Carlos, and unintentionally 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 quick alley – solely about 25 metres in size – it’s a enjoyable spot to go to. If you happen to’re with a liked one, you may even pay the owners to every go onto a balcony and share a kiss throughout the hole!
Day 2: Get pleasure from Guanajuato’s Artwork, Structure, and Scrumptious Meals
JardÃn de la Unión
Begin your day by visiting JardÃn de la Unión, which is a triangular plaza and one among Guanajuato’s predominant hangout areas.
You’ll discover loads of cafes, bars and eating places across the edges, making it an important spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner – in case you needed to return again later!
The JardÃn, which suggests 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 JardÃn de la Unión is the Teatro Juárez. Constructed within the late nineteenth century, it was inaugurated by the notorious dictator Portfirio DÃaz, and stays one of the crucial gorgeous theatres in all of Mexico.
If you already know somewhat 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 individuals promoting tickets for upcoming reveals, that are very reasonably priced, usually 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 price a go to, which is a mixture of neoclassical and Moorish kinds. The inside can also be stunning, 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 employees 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 outdated. 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 might have regarded within the nineteenth century.
If you happen to’re a fan of artwork, it’s an important place to wander by the everlasting (and non permanent) displays, and study somewhat extra about one among Mexico’s most well-known figures.
Callejones (Alleys)
In case you haven’t executed this already just by wandering round between sights, exploring the maze of slender alleyways is a superb strategy to spend a day. With no 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 road artwork, for which Mexico is known for, or observe the sound of mariachi bands taking part in in varied plazas. Hop into native artist outlets and choose your self up one thing good, or cease for a sip of tequila in one of many many quirky bars.
We’d advocate the world across the Diego Rivera Museum (Positos Avenue) for exploring. It’s filled with aforementioned gems and appears to remain somewhat quieter than the primary road 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 beautiful environment across the plaza!
Tip: Pay attention out for the Callejoneadas within the night, that are excursions led by native musicians (troubadours) by the tunnels and alleys within the underbelly of town, telling varied legends and tales by track!
Guanajuato Delicacies
Final (however on no account least) is sampling among the scrumptious meals native to Guanajuato. A neighborhood tour information as soon as informed us that Mexico ought to be explored, skilled and LIVED by meals – and we couldn’t agree extra!
Be sure you strive Enchiladas Mineras earlier than you permit. The tortillas, initially ready by native ladies hoping to maintain their husbands who labored the mines, are stuffed with 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 widespread dishes in Guanajuato. Tlyacoyos are primarily a doughy pocket stuffed with cheese, beans or your selection of meat, then fried or grilled. Gorditas are comparable, however they’re thicker and are sometimes veggie-friendly! Each are sometimes paired with salsa or guacamole.
Don’t overlook to seize a chilly cerveza alongside your scrumptious meals, and also you’ll have the proper remaining meal to your two-day Guanajuato journey!
Associated learn: A Full Information to Vegan Journey in Mexico
