Colorful cities of Mexico: what to do in Guanajuato

September 18, 2019

Discover all the most beautiful places in Guanajuato, a city in Mexico rich in architecture, history and Latin culture.

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Street in Guanajuato, Mexico

Guanajuato is one of the most interesting cities in Mexico, located in the homonymous state of Guanajuato.

Here is a brief guide of the sites of interest to enjoy during a city tour.

What to see in Guanajuato

On the top of the hill of San Miguel you can see the 28 meters high statue of El Pipila, which is still considered a real hero in the history of Mexican Independence. You can reach this place using the cableway located behind the Juarez' Theatre, placed in the historic center. The view of the city from the top is very fascinating, especially during the hours of the night, when Guanajuato lights up and offers a real show and a breathtaking view.

In the center of the city the major points of interest are the Teatro Juarez, located inside the main park called Jardin de la Union, a place where you can also find restaurants, bars and cafés. In Callejon del Beso (the Alley of the Kiss), there are two balconies belonging to the same building and only 69 cm away from each other. This particular architectural solution is linked to a legendary love story.

Even the Basilica de Nuestra Señora, built between 1671 and 1696 is worth a visit, as well as the statue that is placed in it. This statue is a work of art dating back around 1000 years; the King of Spain, Charles I, brought it to Guanajuato after rescuing it from an Arab invasion in his country of origin.

In the area of Guanajuato you can visit some of the best preserved mines of the region, such as the mine of Rayas or de Cata. The Mummy Museum is worth a visit, but please note that the entrance ticket is not really cheap.

Whatever you decide, you can just walk around the center discovering the charming colonial buildings of Guanajuato, visiting the small markets that sell handicrafts and food, or simply sit on the benches of one of the squares watching the life, which always flows slowly in this village that, despite the years, still retains its charm of the past.

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Guanajuato, Mexico
View of Guanajuato.

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