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 means 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 under. In the event you’re all in favour of extra Mexico articles, you possibly can 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 positioning the place the Spanish fashioned a defensive place inside to carry off the Mexican rebels.
The museum is residence 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 PÃpila Monument
One of the vital 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 hearth, permitting the rebels to finally breach the Spanish defences.
El PÃplia is memorialised with a statue excessive above the town, which can be an unimaginable viewpoint of all the metropolis under.
To achieve the panoramic spot, you possibly can benefit from the lovely funicular experience 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 possibly can 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 means price $35 MXN for adults and $15 MXN for youngsters (aged 4 to 11) and older adults with an INAPAM ID. Youngsters aged 3 and beneath can journey free of charge.
Tip: Journey 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, sights in Guanajuato.
Throughout efforts to make room for extra our bodies in an area cemetery, naturally mummified stays had been unearthed and relocated to the museum.
It actually emphasises the Mexican folks’s acceptance and celebration of dying! 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 gasoline 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 take in the chaotic and vigorous environment.
Tip: Be sure to decide 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 likely to be residence to many small alleys, however Callejón del Beso is certainly probably the most slim! 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 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. In the event you’re with a beloved one, you possibly can 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 predominant hangout areas.
You’ll discover loads of cafes, bars and eating places across the edges, making it an awesome spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner – in case you needed 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 possibly can sit within the shade.
Carry a ebook 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 realize slightly Spanish – and even in the event you don’t – experiencing a efficiency right here is a good expertise. You’ll discover posters outdoors the theatre or stumble upon folks promoting tickets for upcoming exhibits, that are very inexpensive, usually costing round $100 MXN (£3.85 or $4.90 USD).
Even in the event 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 be lovely, with stained glass and lavish woodwork in all places you look.
Tip: You received’t be capable of see a lot of the inside with out 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 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 residence remained standing over the subsequent 100 years till it was was a implausible museum showcasing a lot of his early works, in addition to a re-creation of the house as it will have appeared within the nineteenth century.
In the event you’re a fan of artwork, it’s an awesome place to wander by way of the everlasting (and short-term) reveals, and study slightly extra about one in all Mexico’s most well-known figures.
Callejones (Alleys)
In case you haven’t carried out this already just by wandering round between sights, exploring the maze of slim alleyways is an excellent option 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 residence to so many hidden gems, tucked away little courtyards and cafes with unimaginable views throughout the valley.
Go trying to find avenue artwork, for which Mexico is known for, or observe the sound of mariachi bands taking part in 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 Avenue) for exploring. It’s stuffed with aforementioned gems and appears to remain slightly 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: 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 varied legends and tales by way of track!
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 by way of meals – and we couldn’t agree extra!
Be sure to strive 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!
In the event you’re not already full, give Tlacoyos or Gorditas a strive, 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!
Associated learn: A Full Information to Vegan Journey in Mexico
