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 spread 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. When you’re concerned about extra Mexico articles, you’ll be able to examine them out right here.
Right here’s an summary:
Prime Issues to Do in Guanajuato in 2 Days
Right here’s our prime 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 positioning the place the Spanish fashioned a defensive place inside to carry off the Mexican rebels.
The museum is dwelling to a number of art work and artefacts that actually spotlight the 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
One of the crucial well-known Mexican rebels to storm the Alhóndiga de Granaditas was El PÃplia. He was a miner who strapped a stone protect to his again, charged on the constructing and set the doorways on fireplace, permitting the rebels to ultimately breach the Spanish defences.
El PÃplia is memorialised with a statue excessive above the town, which can also be an unbelievable viewpoint of the complete metropolis beneath.
To achieve the panoramic spot, you’ll be able to benefit from the lovable 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 may attain the monument with out the funicular, however the stroll up is steep! When you’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: Experience the funicular as much as the monument, then stroll again down for a change of tempo and to save lots of a few cents!
Mummies Museum (Museo de las Momias)
The Mummies Museum is without doubt one of the most well-known, but most weird, sights 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 folks’s acceptance and celebration of demise! 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 avenue meals.
The big iron construction was initially meant to be a grand central practice station, however the mission was deserted after the constructing was accomplished, when it was rapidly repurposed right into a market.
It’s a superb place to wander by way of and haggle for a memento, or pattern some enchiladas mineras, or simply absorb the chaotic and full of life ambiance.
Tip: Be sure you 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 probably the most iconic spot within the metropolis!
Guanajuato is likely to be dwelling to many small alleys, however Callejón del Beso is unquestionably probably the most slim! It interprets to Alley of the Kiss in English, and measures simply 168cm or 66 inches broad 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 slim 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 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. When you’re with a beloved one, you’ll be able to even pay the owners 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
JardÃn de la Unión
Begin your day by visiting JardÃn de la Unión, which is a triangular plaza and one among Guanajuato’s foremost 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 JardÃn, which implies Backyard in English, is lined with neatly trimmed timber and loads of benches the place you’ll be able to sit within the shade.
Carry a e-book 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 some of the beautiful theatres in all of Mexico.
If you recognize slightly Spanish – and even if you happen to don’t – experiencing a efficiency right here is a superb expertise. You’ll discover posters exterior the theatre or stumble upon folks promoting tickets for upcoming exhibits, that are very inexpensive, typically costing round $100 MXN (£3.85 or $4.90 USD).
Even if you happen to’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 all places you look.
Tip: You gained’t have the ability to see a lot of the inside with out a guided tour, that are in Spanish solely. When you’re , the excursions function all through the day – simply ask a member of workers when the following 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 along with his household till he was 6 years previous. Fortunately, his childhood dwelling remained standing over the following 100 years till it was became a incredible museum showcasing a lot of his early works, in addition to a re-creation of the house as it might have regarded within the nineteenth century.
When you’re a fan of artwork, it’s a fantastic place to wander by way of the everlasting (and short-term) displays, and study slightly extra about one among Mexico’s most well-known figures.
Callejones (Alleys)
In case you haven’t accomplished this already just by wandering round between sights, exploring the maze of slim alleyways is an excellent strategy to spend a day. And not using a map or route in thoughts, simply discover on foot and see what you discover. The colorful metropolis streets are dwelling to so many hidden gems, tucked away little courtyards and cafes with unbelievable views throughout the valley.
Go looking for avenue 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 retailers and choose your self up one thing good, or cease for a sip of tequila in one of many many quirky bars.
We’d suggest the world across the Diego Rivera Museum (Positos Avenue) for exploring. It’s stuffed with aforementioned gems and appears to remain slightly quieter than the principle avenue 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: Hear out for the Callejoneadas within the night, that are excursions led by native musicians (troubadours) by way of the tunnels and alleys within the underbelly of the town, telling numerous legends and tales by way of track!
Guanajuato Delicacies
Final (however under no circumstances least) is sampling a number of the scrumptious meals native to Guanajuato. A neighborhood tour information as soon as instructed us that Mexico ought to be explored, skilled and LIVED by way of meals – and we couldn’t agree extra!
Be sure you attempt Enchiladas Mineras earlier than you permit. The tortillas, initially ready by native ladies hoping to maintain their husbands who labored the mines, are crammed 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!
When you’re not already full, give Tlacoyos or Gorditas a attempt, that are fashionable dishes in Guanajuato. Tlyacoyos are primarily 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 ultimate meal on your two-day Guanajuato journey!
Associated learn: A Full Information to Vegan Journey in Mexico
