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 approach round and thru the hillsides, that are peppered with a spread of vibrant houses.
Two days is the right 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. When you’re considering extra Mexico articles, you may examine them out right here.
Right here’s an outline:
High Issues to Do in Guanajuato in 2 Days
Right here’s our high 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 fashioned a defensive place inside to carry off the Mexican rebels.
The museum is dwelling to numerous 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 Pípila Monument
Probably the most well-known Mexican rebels to storm the Alhóndiga de Granaditas was El Píplia. 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 finally breach the Spanish defences.
El Píplia is memorialised with a statue excessive above the town, which can also be an unimaginable viewpoint of your entire metropolis beneath.
To achieve the panoramic spot, you may benefit from the lovely funicular experience up the hillside to achieve 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! 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. Kids aged 3 and below can journey without spending a dime.
Tip: Trip the funicular as much as the monument, then stroll again down for a change of tempo and to save lots of a couple of pennies!
Mummies Museum (Museo de las Momias)
The Mummies Museum is without doubt one of 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 have 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 large market corridor is an ideal cease in your first day to gasoline up on some scrumptious avenue meals.
The large iron construction was initially supposed to be a grand central practice station, however the mission was deserted after the constructing was accomplished, when it was shortly repurposed right into a market.
It’s a superb place to wander via and haggle for a memento, or pattern some enchiladas mineras, or simply take in the chaotic and full of life environment.
Tip: Ensure you decide 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 probably the most iconic spot within the metropolis!
Guanajuato may be dwelling to many small alleys, however Callejón del Beso is unquestionably probably the most slender! It interprets to Alley of the Kiss in English, and measures simply 168cm or 66 inches broad at some factors, with the balconies on either 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 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 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 brief alley – solely about 25 metres in size – it’s a enjoyable spot to go to. When you’re with a beloved 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
Jardín de la Unión
Begin your day by visiting Jardín de la Unión, which is a triangular plaza and one in every of Guanajuato’s most important 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 Jardín, which implies Backyard in English, is lined with neatly trimmed bushes and loads of benches the place you may sit within the shade.
Deliver 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 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 probably the most gorgeous theatres in all of Mexico.
If you already know a bit Spanish – and even when you don’t – experiencing a efficiency right here is a superb expertise. You’ll discover posters outdoors the theatre or stumble upon folks promoting tickets for upcoming reveals, that are very inexpensive, typically costing round $100 MXN (£3.85 or $4.90 USD).
Even when 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 in every single place you look.
Tip: You gained’t have the ability to see a lot of the inside and not using a guided tour, that are in Spanish solely. When you’re , the excursions function all through the day – simply ask a member of employees when the following 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 previous. Fortunately, his childhood dwelling remained standing over the following 100 years till it was changed into a unbelievable museum showcasing lots of his early works, in addition to a re-creation of the house as it will have seemed within the nineteenth century.
When you’re a fan of artwork, it’s an incredible place to wander via the everlasting (and non permanent) displays, and study a bit extra about one in every 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 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 unimaginable views throughout the valley.
Go looking for avenue artwork, for which Mexico is known for, or observe the sound of mariachi bands enjoying in numerous plazas. Hop into native artist retailers and decide your self up one thing good, or cease for a sip of tequila in one of many many quirky bars.
We’d suggest the realm across the Diego Rivera Museum (Positos Avenue) for exploring. It’s filled with aforementioned gems and appears to remain a bit 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 beautiful environment across the plaza!
Tip: Pay attention out for the Callejoneadas within the night, that are excursions led by native musicians (troubadours) via the tunnels and alleys within the underbelly of the town, telling numerous legends and tales via music!
Guanajuato Delicacies
Final (however certainly not least) is sampling a few of the scrumptious meals native to Guanajuato. A neighborhood tour information as soon as advised us that Mexico needs to be explored, skilled and LIVED via meals – and we couldn’t agree extra!
Ensure you attempt Enchiladas Mineras earlier than you allow. The tortillas, initially ready by native ladies hoping to maintain their husbands who labored the mines, are full of 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!
When you’re not already full, give Tlacoyos or Gorditas a attempt, that are fashionable dishes in Guanajuato. Tlyacoyos are primarily 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 overlook to seize a chilly cerveza alongside your scrumptious meals, and also you’ll have the right remaining meal to your two-day Guanajuato journey!
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