Welcome to Guanajuato, a city with history written all over it. This city is home to colonial statues, colonial buildings, an internationally known mummy museum, as well as cathedrals, music and outdoor theater. While you’re in town, don’t miss the “El Pípila” Statue, the town’s hero that looks down over the city.
Country: Mexico
State: Guanajuato
Population (2012): 5,486,372
Founded 1548
Major Airport: Guanajuato International Airport
Visiting the city of Guanajuato is much like stepping into a time machine and waking up in the colonial era. Almost the entire city has been kept in it’s original condition. Driving through the city is an adventure in itself because of its underground tunnel system that stretches under the entire Centro. In the Centro, there is a giant theatre built from brick with a large open staircase. Students from the University put on daily shows of art and inspiration. Also, comedians, put on shows getting the whole crowd involved and giving everyone a good laugh. There is no doubt that Guanajuato is a special place.
On the outskirts of the city there is also much to see. You can visit a international known Mummy exhibit with perfectly preserved cadavers. Drive up the hill towards the town of San Miguel De Allende and you will find an amazing cathedral that looks out over all of the beautifully colored buildings in the city. From this point if you were to look far across the valley you would see the famous Pipila monument in honor of Guanajuato’s greatest hero.
Once you have experienced all of the architecture, certainly your going to work up an appetite. You will be happy to know that there are street vendors, and small unique restaurants everywhere! However if you are looking to do a little people watching there are some great restaurants with outdoor seating smack dab in the heart of the Guanajuato Centro. The city is the perfect place to try out the regional Bajío tasty treats, like enchiladas mineras (filled tortillas topped with a spicey salsa) and pacholas (spiced ground beef).
- Guanajuato University
- Theatre
- Colonial Tunnels
- Amazing Cathedrals
- Pepila Monument
- Historic Zocalo
- Fresh Markets
- Spanish Schools
- Night Life
- ATV Adventures
- Mummy Musuem
Guanajuato, in the heartland of Mexico is known as the ‘place of frogs’ due to the shape of the surrounding mountains. Successful silver mining in the 1600s led to the growth of this city. It is also known as the birthplace of Mexican Independence. The city and surrounding mines gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1988 due to its beautiful cobblestoned callejones (alleyways) and interesting mine complexes.
Guanajuato Hotels
You will find that a lot of the hotels in Guanajuato Mexico are old colonial buildings. Take a good look around and make sure that you get one close to the center of the city.
Guanajuato Hostels (16)
At the hostels in Guanajuato you will find travelers from all over that come to set eyes on the starting point for the Mexican Revolution. Soak in some good times checking out the town, and meeting some fellow travelers.