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 prime 10 issues to do in Guanajuato in simply two days beneath. If you happen to’re concerned with extra Mexico articles, you’ll be able to test them out right here.
Right here’s an outline:
High 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 shaped a defensive place inside to carry off the Mexican rebels.
The museum is residence to plenty of paintings 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
Some of the well-known Mexican rebels to storm the Alhóndiga de Granaditas was El Píplia. He was a miner who strapped a stone defend to his again, charged on the constructing and set the doorways on hearth, permitting the rebels to finally breach the Spanish defences.
El Píplia is memorialised with a statue excessive above town, which can be an unimaginable viewpoint of your entire metropolis beneath.
To succeed in the panoramic spot, you’ll be able to benefit from the lovable funicular journey up the hillside to succeed in the El Pípila Monument.
The view of all the colorful buildings unfold out beneath is tough 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 kids (aged 4 to 11) and older adults with an INAPAM ID. Youngsters aged 3 and below can journey totally free.
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 an area cemetery, naturally mummified stays had been unearthed and relocated to the museum.
It actually emphasises the Mexican individuals’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 road meals.
The big iron construction was initially meant to be a grand central prepare station, however the mission was deserted after the constructing was accomplished, when it was shortly repurposed right into a market.
It’s an excellent place to wander by and haggle for a memento, or pattern some enchiladas mineras, or simply absorb the chaotic and energetic ambiance.
Tip: Be sure to choose up a cup of aguas frescas (fruity drinks), that are an effective 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 may be residence to many small alleys, however Callejón del Beso is unquestionably essentially the most slender! It interprets to Alley of the Kiss in English, and measures simply 168cm or 66 inches huge at some factors, with the balconies on each side of the alleyway nearly 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 try 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 slender 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 accident 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 cherished one, you’ll be able to even pay the householders 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 certainly one of Guanajuato’s fundamental hangout areas.
You’ll discover loads of cafes, bars and eating places across the edges, making it a fantastic spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner – in case you wished to return again later!
The Jardín, which suggests Backyard in English, is lined with neatly trimmed timber and loads of benches the place you’ll be able to sit within the shade.
Convey 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 one of the gorgeous theatres in all of Mexico.
If a bit of Spanish – and even for those who don’t – experiencing a efficiency right here is a superb expertise. You’ll discover posters outdoors the theatre or stumble upon individuals promoting tickets for upcoming exhibits, 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 stunning, with stained glass and lavish woodwork in all places you look.
Tip: You gained’t be capable of see a lot of the inside with out a 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 concentrate on 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 together with his household till he was 6 years outdated. Fortunately, his childhood residence remained standing over the subsequent 100 years till it was was a unbelievable museum showcasing a lot of his early works, in addition to a re-creation of the house as it might have appeared within the nineteenth century.
If you happen to’re a fan of artwork, it’s a fantastic place to wander by the everlasting (and non permanent) displays, and study a bit of extra about certainly one of Mexico’s most well-known figures.
Callejones (Alleys)
In case you haven’t performed this already just by wandering round between sights, exploring the maze of slender alleyways is a superb solution 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 residence to so many hidden gems, tucked away little courtyards and cafes with unimaginable views throughout the valley.
Go trying to find road artwork, for which Mexico is known for, or comply with the sound of mariachi bands taking part in in numerous 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 Road) for exploring. It’s filled with aforementioned gems and appears to remain a bit of quieter than the principle 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 stunning ambiance 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 numerous legends and tales by track!
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 informed us that Mexico ought to be explored, skilled and LIVED by meals – and we couldn’t agree extra!
Be sure to attempt Enchiladas Mineras earlier than you allow. The tortillas, initially ready by native ladies hoping to maintain their husbands who labored the mines, are crammed with hen 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 attempt, that are common dishes in Guanajuato. Tlyacoyos are basically a doughy pocket crammed with cheese, beans or your alternative 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 on your two-day Guanajuato journey!
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