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 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 automobile.
We’ve rounded up the high 10 issues to do in Guanajuato in simply two days under. In the event you’re considering extra Mexico articles, you’ll be able to examine them out right here.
Right here’s an outline:
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 shaped a defensive place inside to carry off the Mexican rebels.
The museum is house to a number of art work and artefacts that basically 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 defend to his again, charged on the constructing and set the doorways on fireplace, permitting the rebels to ultimately breach the Spanish defences.
El Píplia is memorialised with a statue excessive above the town, which can be an unbelievable viewpoint of your entire metropolis under.
To succeed in the panoramic spot, you’ll be able to benefit from the cute funicular experience up the hillside to achieve the El Pípila Monument.
The view of all the colorful buildings unfold out under 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 the event you’re taking the funicular, the costs as of Nov 2024 are under.
Tickets every manner value $35 MXN for adults and $15 MXN for youngsters (aged 4 to 11) and older adults with an INAPAM ID. Kids 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 avoid wasting 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 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 avenue meals.
The large iron construction was initially supposed 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 a superb place to wander by and haggle for a memento, or pattern some enchiladas mineras, or simply absorb the chaotic and vigorous ambiance.
Tip: Be sure to choose 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 could be house 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 either 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 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. In the event 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
Jardín de la Unión
Begin your day by visiting Jardín de la Unión, which is a triangular plaza and one among Guanajuato’s fundamental hangout areas.
You’ll discover loads of cafes, bars and eating places across the edges, making it a terrific 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 timber and loads of benches the place you’ll be able to sit within the shade.
Convey a guide 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 crucial gorgeous theatres in all of Mexico.
If you understand just a little 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 folks promoting tickets for upcoming exhibits, that are very reasonably priced, usually 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 price a go to, which is a mixture of neoclassical and Moorish types. The inside can be stunning, with stained glass and lavish woodwork all over the 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. In the event you’re , the excursions function all through the day – simply ask a member of workers 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 along with his household till he was 6 years previous. Fortunately, his childhood house remained standing over the subsequent 100 years till it was changed into a implausible museum showcasing a lot of his early works, in addition to a re-creation of the house as it might have seemed within the nineteenth century.
In the event you’re a fan of artwork, it’s a terrific place to wander by the everlasting (and short-term) displays, and be taught just a little extra about one among Mexico’s most well-known figures.
Callejones (Alleys)
In case you haven’t executed this already just by wandering round between sights, exploring the maze of slender alleyways is a superb technique 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 house to so many hidden gems, tucked away little courtyards and cafes with unbelievable views throughout the valley.
Go attempting to find 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 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 suggest the world 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 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 the tunnels and alleys within the underbelly of the town, telling numerous legends and tales by tune!
Guanajuato Delicacies
Final (however certainly not least) is sampling a number of the scrumptious meals native to Guanajuato. An area tour information as soon as informed us that Mexico must 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!
In the event you’re not already full, give Tlacoyos or Gorditas a attempt, that are common dishes in Guanajuato. Tlyacoyos are primarily a doughy pocket crammed with 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 neglect to seize a chilly cerveza alongside your scrumptious meals, and also you’ll have the right remaining meal in your two-day Guanajuato journey!
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