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 method 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 prime 10 issues to do in Guanajuato in simply two days beneath. In case you’re curious about extra Mexico articles, you possibly can examine 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 location the place the Spanish shaped a defensive place inside to carry off the Mexican rebels.
The museum is house to plenty of paintings and artefacts that basically 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
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 town, which can also be an unbelievable viewpoint of the complete metropolis beneath.
To achieve the panoramic spot, you possibly can benefit from the lovable funicular journey 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 may attain the monument with out the funicular, however the stroll up is steep! In case you’re taking the funicular, the costs as of Nov 2024 are beneath.
Tickets every method price $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 without cost.
Tip: Experience 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 individuals’s acceptance and celebration of loss of life! 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 huge market corridor is an ideal cease in your first day to gas up on some scrumptious road meals.
The large iron construction was initially supposed to be a grand central prepare station, however the challenge was deserted after the constructing was accomplished, when it was shortly 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 take in the chaotic and full of life ambiance.
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 essentially the most iconic spot within the metropolis!
Guanajuato is perhaps house to many small alleys, however Callejón del Beso is certainly essentially the most slender! It interprets to Alley of the Kiss in English, and measures simply 168cm or 66 inches large 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 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 brief alley – solely about 25 metres in size – it’s a enjoyable spot to go to. In case you’re with a cherished one, you possibly can even pay the householders 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 considered one of Guanajuato’s primary hangout areas.
You’ll discover loads of cafes, bars and eating places across the edges, making it an important spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner – in case you needed to return again later!
The Jardín, which suggests Backyard in English, is lined with neatly trimmed timber and loads of benches the place you possibly can 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 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 beautiful theatres in all of Mexico.
If you already know a bit of Spanish – and even in case you don’t – experiencing a efficiency right here is a good expertise. You’ll discover posters outdoors the theatre or stumble upon individuals promoting tickets for upcoming exhibits, that are very inexpensive, usually costing round $100 MXN (£3.85 or $4.90 USD).
Even in case you’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 also be stunning, with stained glass and lavish woodwork in every single place you look.
Tip: You received’t be capable to see a lot of the inside with no guided tour, that are in Spanish solely. In case 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 outdated. Fortunately, his childhood house remained standing over the following 100 years till it was become a implausible museum showcasing lots of his early works, in addition to a re-creation of the house as it could have appeared within the nineteenth century.
In case you’re a fan of artwork, it’s an important place to wander by way of the everlasting (and non permanent) reveals, and be taught a bit of extra about considered one of Mexico’s most well-known figures.
Callejones (Alleys)
In case you haven’t achieved this already just by wandering round between sights, exploring the maze of slender alleyways is an excellent solution 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 house to so many hidden gems, tucked away little courtyards and cafes with unbelievable views throughout the valley.
Go looking for road artwork, for which Mexico is legendary for, or comply with the sound of mariachi bands enjoying in varied 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 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 primary 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 beautiful ambiance across the plaza!
Tip: Pay attention 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 town, telling varied legends and tales by way of track!
Guanajuato Delicacies
Final (however certainly not least) is sampling a number of the scrumptious meals native to Guanajuato. A neighborhood tour information as soon as informed us that Mexico must be explored, skilled and LIVED by way of meals – and we couldn’t agree extra!
Ensure you attempt Enchiladas Mineras earlier than you allow. 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!
In case you’re not already full, give Tlacoyos or Gorditas a attempt, that are in style dishes in Guanajuato. Tlyacoyos are primarily a doughy pocket full of cheese, beans or your selection of meat, then fried or grilled. Gorditas are related, 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 closing meal to your two-day Guanajuato journey!
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