Guanajuato is a charming and traditional Mexican city that is located in the geographical heart of the country.

The city boasts fine architecture, interesting tourist attractions and a lively atmosphere, which is in part due to the large student population.

A three-day tour of Guanajuato is sufficient to gain a good appreciation for the city and visit all of the major tourist sites. This guide will provide a suggested tour and itinerary to indicate what is achievable in a stay of 3 days.

Day 1 – The sights of central Guanajuato which include: The basilica, the market, the Alley of the Kiss and the historical important Alhondiga de Ganaditas. The evening is spent in the popular Jardin Union.
Day 2 – The attractions just outside central Guanajuato which include: The Mummy Museum, the Valencia church and mine. The evening is spent watching the sunset from the El Pipila Statue and viewpoint.
Day 3 – Excursion to the Chisto Rey statue and final explore of Guanajuato with the evening spent in the Jardin union.

The Jardin Reforma

The first day is spent exploring the main sights of central Guanajuato, all of which can be easily reached on foot.

Though Guanajuato is comparatively small and compact, the city is a maze of narrow interweaving streets and tunnels. Often the best method to explore Guanajuato is to simply get lost in the numerous brightly coloured streets.

Colorful Guanajuato

Highlights of the first day of exploration should include:
• The romantic Alley of Kisses, the setting for a classic Mexican tragic love story.
• The stunning Guanajuato Basilica, the religious centre for the city.
• The Mercado Hidalgo Market to experience normal Mexican daily life in a building that was intended to be a symbolic railway station.
• The Alhondiga de Ganaditas, the location for the first victory of the Mexican independence movement.
• The Diego Rivera Museum, birth place of the famous artist which displays some of his lesser works.
• The pretty Jardin Reforma and Plaza San Roque.

It is suggested to spend the first evening enjoying the sights, sounds and tastes of the Jardin Union. This lively square is circled by fine restaurants, popular bars and performers (who are often students) entertaining the diners. It’s guaranteed that Jardin Union will provide a great atmosphere.

The second day is spent visiting the sights that are just outside the city limits and are focused on two locations: the Mummy Museum and the La Valenciana village, with its fine church and restored mine complex.

The Mummy Museum is very creepy

For Mexican’s the Mummy Museum is Guanajuato’s most famous attraction, but for most visitors the small museum is a creepy and disturbing place.

The mummies do not refer to ancient preserved bodies, but to unfortunate residents of Guanajuato who were buried less than 150 years ago and were remarkably preserved by the dry ground. Just to add to the ghoulishness of the complex, the Museum of the Dead is located next door. Do not visit if with young children or of a squeamish nature.

The afternoon should be spent in the little village of La Valenciana, just north of Guanajuato, which was the location of the largest silver mine in the region.

Part of the mine has been restored to how it was during the 18th century and the first 60 meters of the mine can be descended into. The main attraction of the village is the ornate but incomplete Templo Valenciana which was funded by the massive wealth that was extracted from the ground beneath the village.

The Templo Valencia

At the evening of the second day, ride the funicular up to the El Pipila statue and watch the sunset from the viewpoint. The viewpoint provides wonderful panoramic views of the colourful city, while the large statue is dedicated to the local hero El Pipila.

The Basilica at night

The third day of the suggested itinerary of Guanajuato is based around an excursion to the Christ the King massive statue (Cristo Rey) that stands atop the highest mountain of the state and signifies the centre of Mexico. The drive to the summit is perfectly safe and takes around 1 hour.

The Cristo Rey Statue

From the statue, there are amazing views down across the plains of Guanajuato state and the statue is magnificent close up. To experience the remote part of Mexico, return to Guanajuato via the northern road – just ensure you hire a 4x4. For the final evening of the tour, enjoy the infectious atmosphere of the “Jardin Union” .

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