Prime 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 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 prime 10 issues to do in Guanajuato in simply two days beneath. When you’re excited about extra Mexico articles, you possibly can verify them out right here.

Right here’s an summary:

Prime 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 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 defend 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 also be an unbelievable viewpoint of the complete metropolis beneath.

To succeed in the panoramic spot, you possibly can benefit from the lovable funicular trip up the hillside to succeed in the El Pípila Monument.

The view of all the colorful buildings unfold out beneath 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! When you’re taking the funicular, the costs as of Nov 2024 are beneath.

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 underneath can journey totally free.

Tip: Trip 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 among 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 had been unearthed and relocated to the museum.

It actually emphasises the Mexican folks’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 large market corridor is an ideal cease in your first day to gasoline up on some scrumptious road 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 an excellent place to wander by means of and haggle for a memento, or pattern some enchiladas mineras, or simply absorb the chaotic and energetic ambiance.

Tip: Be sure 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 could 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 extensive 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 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 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 brief alley – solely about 25 metres in size – it’s a enjoyable spot to go to. When you’re with a liked one, you possibly can 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 in every of Guanajuato’s fundamental 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 come back again later!

The Jardín, which suggests Backyard in English, is lined with neatly trimmed bushes 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 some of the beautiful theatres in all of Mexico.

If you already know a little bit Spanish – and even in the event you don’t – experiencing a efficiency right here is a superb expertise. You’ll discover posters exterior 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 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 kinds. The inside can also be lovely, with stained glass and lavish woodwork in all places you look.

Tip: You received’t have the ability to see a lot of the inside with out a guided tour, that are in Spanish solely. When 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 outdated. Fortunately, his childhood residence remained standing over the subsequent 100 years till it was was a unbelievable museum showcasing lots of his early works, in addition to a re-creation of the house as it might have regarded within the nineteenth century.

When you’re a fan of artwork, it’s an important place to wander by means of the everlasting (and non permanent) displays, and be taught a little bit extra about one in every of 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 slim alleyways is a superb technique 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 unbelievable views throughout the valley.

Go attempting to find 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 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 filled with aforementioned gems and appears to remain a little bit 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: 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 varied legends and tales by means of music!

Guanajuato Delicacies

Final (however on no account least) is sampling a few of the scrumptious meals native to Guanajuato. An area tour information as soon as informed us that Mexico ought to be explored, skilled and LIVED by means of meals – and we couldn’t agree extra!

Be sure you 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!

When you’re not already full, give Tlacoyos or Gorditas a strive, that are well-liked dishes in Guanajuato. Tlyacoyos are basically 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 neglect 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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