Mexico's best kept secret hides in Guanajuato
We distance ourselves from the paradisiacal beaches and the classic destinations of the Mexican country, of ** Cancún , Playa del Carmen or Acapulco **, with their idyllic resorts and dreamlike settings. We distance ourselves because we want you to get to know and dive into one of the most magnificent corners of the planet, a place that invites you to get lost over and over again. Welcome to Guanajuato!
If you've never heard of this picturesque **town located in the heart of Mexico**, you're probably about to discover an authentic regional treasure. As you immerse yourself in this charming city, you will surrender to an unparalleled beauty , ready to wrap you in a true Mexican experience and succumb to those who visit it through a cultural trip without return.
The origins go back to the year 1522, a time that denotes Spanish arrival in Guanajuato , and with it, two decades later, the beginning of colonization. The rise of mining sector It manifests itself with all its potential almost three centuries later, and although this data could become insignificant in another context, in this case supposes the foundation of the city.
The Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Guanajuato
Mining has been and still continues to be one of the most important activities in the region , not only in economic terms, but in relation to the structure and landscape design of the city, giving it magical alleys, passageways, tunnels, ascents and descents , making it an atypical and unique city in the world.
Recognized in 1988 Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO , has long been considered a diamond in the rough of the country, with vast religious and civil buildings, as well as a remarkable baroque, colonial and churrigueresque architecture.
Recognized in 1988 Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO
THE UNMISSSIBLE GUANAJUATO
Guanajuato offers a infinite variety of attractions. As soon as you enter the city you will feel like you want to visit everything and lose yourself in its colorful nooks and crannies. Get ready to stroll like a local, or rather ‘alley ’ is the term residents use when go out to enjoy the streets of the historic center.
If we have referred to one of the sites with the highest silver production worldwide in the 17th century It would be a sin for you to leave Mexico without setting foot in one of its most iconic mines. Among the highlights is Stripe Mine , the first and oldest in the state of Guanajuato , discovered by Juan Francisco de Rayas in 1550 and with a depth of 400 meters.
The viewpoint is positioned as one of the must-sees of the visit, giving away mythical and privileged sunsets in the region. In addition, there is the possibility of visiting the Mineral de la Luz and the town of Santa Ana.
Mineral Wells, Guanajuato
The El Nopal Mine, for its part, organizes tours in small groups, often dictated by the students of the area. Ore from Wells It is also emerging as an interesting destination, having been a valuable mining town in the past, it offers visits to the Lavender Ranch and in May it hosts the most acclaimed Mariachi Festival in the country.
Another more than suggestive alternative is the La Valenciana Mine , located in Cerro del Erizo 1 and operated since 1760. It offers guided tours during restricted hours and It has a museum that allows exploring the mining past from the city.
And although the only thing we are going to want is to get lost in the vibrant streets of Guanajuato, the museums deserve that we give them a chance. The recommended ones? The House of Purgatory Museum or the Holy Acquisition, dedicated to the history, myths and legends of the Inquisition. The Don Quixote Iconographic Museum , in honor of the renowned Quixote de La Mancha, and the Diego Rivera House Museum.
The mummy Museum becomes the most acclaimed in the country. There you will find almost 110 naturally mummified bodies thanks to the geological conditions of the Santa Paula municipal pantheon. In recent months they have also been organizing night tours –so it is advisable that you take a look at their page–, in it they will explain to you about the story of the mummies and the natural process of mummification.
The Juárez Theater, built between 1873 and 1903
In the heart of the historic center of Guanajuato lies the Juarez Theater , built between 1873 and 1903 by the engineer José Noriega, with a strong ode to eclecticism, a show room similar to the European ones and interior decoration in oriental style.
The ideal plan would be enter to see a show , but in case you can't, don't worry, there are guided tours or in the worst case you can dedicate yourself to resting your legs –believe me you will need it– on the steps of the majestic theater, admiring the architectural beauty of the city or some street show that is surely in the making.
Once in the area, you can take the funicular or walk along a path to the famous Monument to the Pípila , known for being the great hero of Mexican independence. The statue of Juan José de los Reyes Martínez, his real name, is in a 360° viewpoint located at the top of the hill and although it promises spectacular views at all hours, it is advisable to approach when the sun begins to hide.
Monument to Pípila, the great hero of Mexican independence
They are also close to Hidalgo Market, the University of Guanajuato , the Plaza de la Paz, the Miguel Hidalgo underground street and the Basilica Collegiate Cathedral of Our Lady of Guanajuato.
ALLEY WITH HISTORY
If you decide to undertake this journey with your partner, you can't miss the acclaimed Alley of the Kiss . Located in front of the Plazuela de los Ángeles you will find this narrow passageway -with two balconies hardly separated by about 68 centimeters- that hides a passionate love legend.
The story goes that a privileged family lived there and one of the daughters, Doña Carmen, fell in love with Luis, one of the miners in the area. Her father, after discovering this affair, forbade her to leave the house. After a great economic effort, Carmen's lover manages to buy the neighboring house, which leaves them only a few breaths away. One night, while they were shaking hands on the balconies, the father discovers them and ends the life of his daughter. Sadly, some time later, Luis launches himself from the La Valenciana Mine.
Although this story seems to be full of tragic events, it also contains a pure love that, they say, still remains intact in this famous alley. Visiting couples must climb to the third step and kiss , Synonymous with good fortune? We'll have to go there to check it out...
The acclaimed Alley of the Kiss
CULINARY BREAK
In the historic center and with a balcony overlooking the Teatro Juárez, ** La Trattoria stands as the Italian restaurant in the area **, traditional food fused with Mexican ingredients, wood-fired salmon, ossobuco, carpaccio and pizzas. Spanish, Italian, Argentine and Mexican wines complement the proposal.
Founded in 1950, with a privileged location in front of the Theater, Casa Valadez Host & Gourmet It is characterized as a site of 'Flavors with Passion'. Nominated as one of the 50 best restaurants in Mexico , introduces an extensive menu, from ceviche, chorizo tapa, black risotto, enchiladas, tacos, shrimp. For dessert? The olive vanilla.
La Trattoria stands as the Italian restaurant in the area
** La Capellina offers shrimp tacos, empanada bosca, muleteer salmon**, artisanal pizzas and on weekends the bonus track of listening to live music, jazz, blues and flamenco. Looking for something more traditional? The Trick 7 Restaurant take the lead on the local scene, affordable prices, generous portions, Mexican authenticity , it will be like having lunch the food that our grandmothers prepared.
In the idyllic Puente del Campanero you will find holy coffee , a place where Miguel Hidalgo descended with his army on a defining day for Mexican Independence in 1810. They offer delicious breakfasts, quesadillas, salads, baguettes, pastas and crepes . If you decide to eat there, you cannot leave without tasting the Goa Pasta, an excellent option with chicken, mushrooms and cream.
AND IF YOU STILL HAVE EXCESS OF ENERGY...
What is the typical plan for a Saturday night in Guanajuato? ** The Grill! ** Recognized by locals as one of the best clubs in the country , is the quintessential place to launch until the wee hours of the morning. Don't you fancy the clubs? No problem, any bar where you decide to enter will win you over, ask for a mezcal and cheers!
WHAT TIME TO GO?
The recommended months are January, February, March, October, November and December , surely you will experience a more than pleasant climate, with temperatures that oscillate between 20° and 25°. Try to avoid June, July, August and September if you are one of those who cannot tolerate walking around the cities with an umbrella on your back, or especially May if you are terrified of the suffocating heat.
Beyond the weather, it is essential to know that one of the most majestic cultural events is celebrated every year in October: the International Cervantino Festival . On this occasion, the guest country is Canada and the state of Guerrero will introduce an unmissable foodie festival. In it, always take place shows from all over the world, theatrical activities, dance, art, cinema , classes and meetings, among an endless list of unmissable proposals.
Dare to wander around, try the local foods, lose yourself in endless secret passageways, Guanajuato is a city that has it all and surely you will end up discovering a Mexico that until now you did not know.
Guanajuato, you will surely discover an unknown Mexico
HOW TO GET TO GUANAJUATO
Guanajuato is located **about 350 kilometers from Mexico City** -halfway between San Miguel de Allende and León-, which would be equivalent to five hours by road or just under an hour by plane.
One of the most accessible ways to get around to there is to fly to Mexico City, and then take an internal connection that takes you directly to the Guanajuato International Airport . About 45 minutes will separate you from the epicenter of the city, with the possibility of choosing between taxi, bus or private service.
If you prefer to avoid that connection, you can choose to rent a car or go by bus from the capital , although the latter is less recommended alternative , since the journey can become somewhat tedious, due to the many stops along the way or the overcrowding on the roads.