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 have been as soon as subterranean rivers, twist their manner 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 under. For those who’re serious about extra Mexico articles, you’ll be able to test them out right here.
Right here’s an summary:
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 fashioned a defensive place inside to carry off the Mexican rebels.
The museum is residence to a lot 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
Probably the most 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 the town, which can also be an unbelievable viewpoint of the whole metropolis under.
To succeed in the panoramic spot, you’ll be able to benefit from the cute funicular journey up the hillside to achieve the El PÃpila Monument.
The view of all the colorful buildings unfold out under 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! For those who’re taking the funicular, the costs as of Nov 2024 are under.
Tickets every manner price $35 MXN for adults and $15 MXN for kids (aged 4 to 11) and older adults with an INAPAM ID. Kids aged 3 and underneath can journey totally free.
Tip: Experience 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 likely one of the most well-known, but most weird, sights in Guanajuato.
Throughout efforts to make room for extra our bodies in an area cemetery, naturally mummified stays have been unearthed and relocated to the museum.
It actually emphasises the Mexican individuals’s acceptance and celebration of demise! Tickets price $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 large market corridor is an ideal cease in your first day to gas up on some scrumptious avenue meals.
The large 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 an excellent place to wander by and haggle for a memento, or pattern some enchiladas mineras, or simply take in the chaotic and full of life environment.
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 can be full with out visiting probably the most iconic spot within the metropolis!
Guanajuato is perhaps residence to many small alleys, however Callejón del Beso is certainly probably the most slender! It interprets to Alley of the Kiss in English, and measures simply 168cm or 66 inches extensive at some factors, with the balconies on each 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 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 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 by chance 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. For those who’re with a cherished 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: 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 in all Guanajuato’s fundamental hangout areas.
You’ll discover loads of cafes, bars and eating places across the edges, making it an incredible spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner – in case you wished to come back 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.
Convey 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 one of the crucial beautiful theatres in all of Mexico.
If you already know just a little Spanish – and even should you 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 inexpensive, typically costing round $100 MXN (£3.85 or $4.90 USD).
Even should you’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 lovely, with stained glass and lavish woodwork all over the place you look.
Tip: You received’t be capable of see a lot of the inside and not using a guided tour, that are in Spanish solely. For those who’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 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 incredible museum showcasing lots of his early works, in addition to a re-creation of the house as it might have appeared within the nineteenth century.
For those who’re a fan of artwork, it’s an incredible place to wander by the everlasting (and momentary) reveals, and be taught just a little extra about one in all Mexico’s most well-known figures.
Callejones (Alleys)
In case you haven’t completed this already just by wandering round between sights, exploring the maze of slender alleyways is a superb solution to spend a day. With out a 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 unbelievable views throughout the valley.
Go looking for avenue artwork, for which Mexico is known for, or observe the sound of mariachi bands enjoying in varied 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 advocate the realm across the Diego Rivera Museum (Positos Road) for exploring. It’s stuffed with aforementioned gems and appears to remain just a little quieter than the primary 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 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 the town, telling varied legends and tales by track!
Guanajuato Delicacies
Final (however not at all 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 meals – and we couldn’t agree extra!
Be sure to attempt Enchiladas Mineras earlier than you permit. The tortillas, initially ready by native girls hoping to maintain their husbands who labored the mines, are full of 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!
For those who’re not already full, give Tlacoyos or Gorditas a attempt, that are standard dishes in Guanajuato. Tlyacoyos are basically a doughy pocket full of 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 neglect to seize a chilly cerveza alongside your scrumptious meals, and also you’ll have the proper remaining meal in your two-day Guanajuato journey!
Associated learn: A Full Information to Vegan Journey in Mexico
