High 10 Issues to Do in Guanajuato in 2 Days

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 variety 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 prime 10 issues to do in Guanajuato in simply two days under. In case you’re thinking about extra Mexico articles, you possibly can verify 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.

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 residence to numerous art work and artefacts that actually 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

Some of the 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 hearth, permitting the rebels to finally breach the Spanish defences.

El Píplia is memorialised with a statue excessive above town, which can be an unimaginable viewpoint of the complete metropolis under.

To succeed in the panoramic spot, you possibly can benefit from the cute funicular experience up the hillside to succeed in 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 case you’re taking the funicular, the costs as of Nov 2024 are under.

Tickets every approach value $35 MXN for adults and $15 MXN for kids (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 few cents!

Mummies Museum (Museo de las Momias)

The Mummies Museum is among 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 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 undertaking was deserted after the constructing was accomplished, when it was rapidly repurposed right into a market.

It’s a superb place to wander by means of and haggle for a memento, or pattern some enchiladas mineras, or simply take in the chaotic and vigorous ambiance.

Tip: Ensure you 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 may be residence to many small alleys, however Callejón del Beso is unquestionably probably the most slim! It interprets to Alley of the Kiss in English, and measures simply 168cm or 66 inches broad 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 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 slim 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 quick alley – solely about 25 metres in size – it’s a enjoyable spot to go to. In case you’re with a beloved 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 one in every of Guanajuato’s important hangout areas.

You’ll discover loads of cafes, bars and eating places across the edges, making it an excellent spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner – in case you needed to return again later!

The Jardín, which implies 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 one of the crucial beautiful theatres in all of Mexico.

If just a little Spanish – and even in case you don’t – experiencing a efficiency right here is a good expertise. You’ll discover posters exterior 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 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 kinds. The inside can be lovely, with stained glass and lavish woodwork in all places you look.

Tip: You gained’t be capable of 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 employees 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 together with his household till he was 6 years outdated. Fortunately, his childhood residence remained standing over the following 100 years till it was become a unbelievable museum showcasing lots of his early works, in addition to a re-creation of the house as it will have appeared within the nineteenth century.

In case you’re a fan of artwork, it’s an excellent place to wander by means of the everlasting (and short-term) reveals, and study just a little extra about one in every of Mexico’s most well-known figures.

Callejones (Alleys)

In case you haven’t finished this already just by wandering round between sights, exploring the maze of slim alleyways is a superb approach 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 residence to so many hidden gems, tucked away little courtyards and cafes with unimaginable views throughout the valley.

Go attempting to find avenue artwork, for which Mexico is legendary for, or observe 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 advocate the world across the Diego Rivera Museum (Positos Avenue) for exploring. It’s filled 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 means of the tunnels and alleys within the underbelly of town, telling numerous legends and tales by means of track!

Guanajuato Delicacies

Final (however under no circumstances 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 means 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 crammed with 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 fashionable 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 overlook to seize a chilly cerveza alongside your scrumptious meals, and also you’ll have the right ultimate meal on your two-day Guanajuato journey!

Associated learn: A Full Information to Vegan Journey in Mexico