Guanajuato is a fantastic city to explore on foot as there are numerous tourist attractions in compact area and the streets are almost free from traffic.

This walking tour explore the western side of Guanajuato and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. The walking tour is specially designed for new visitors and will provide a solid introduction to the city.

The walking tour of Guanajuato starts at the Plaza de La Paz (Plaza of Peace) the central square and administrative centre of Guanajuato.

The triangular Plaza is flanked on two sides by colonial architecture with the third side dominated by the yellow Basilica of Guanajuato.

The bronze statue at the centre of the Plaza was inaugurated by president Diaz in1903 to commemorate the centenary of peace after Mexican independence, but unbeknown to the president a few years later the country would be ripped apart by revolution.

The Plaza Paz

The Basilica of Guanajuato is the most visually striking building in the city, painted a vivid yellow with a massive rose red dome.

The 1696 Basilica is described as sober Mexican Baroque in styling but nothing could be further from the truth, with beautiful carved details and personal additions from miners and silver barons.

Inside the Basilica the decoration is more subtle than many other colonial Mexican churches.

The standout feature is a wooden statue of Mary, given as a gift to the city from the Spanish King in thanks for the vast amount of silver mined from the region.

The Teatro Juarez is a hive of activity and stunningly illuminated at night

The tour continues by heading out of the Basilica via the main entrance, crossing the pedestrian street and passing into the arch alley directly opposite the Basilica.

The grand arch leads into a short covered alleyway constructed from grey stone with small red doors adding a splash of colour. Turn right at the end of the alley into Calle Alonso (Alonso Street).

Calle Alonso is slightly off the common tourist route but contains fine examples of colonial multi-colored Mexican architecture and Mexicans going about their daily lives.

Descending from Calle Alonso are stairs leading to the subterranean tunnels of Guanajuato; these tunnels were dug to prevent flooding in the early mining town but today transport traffic heading in a westerly direction.

The tunnels are vital to the road network

From the Calle Alonso take the second small street on the right, De La Barranca (which leads up a gentle slope).

As up a gentle slope). Follow the street round the tight right bend and at the bottom of the hill opens up into the Plaza de Los Angeles.

The Plaza de Los Angeles is a small paved Plaza with a delightful fountain at the centre, this area is a favorite with locals during the day and at night when the plaza turns into a market.

The small street Callejon El Patrocinio directly opposite from where you entered the Plaza de Los Angeles leads to the most famous alley in Guanajuato; El Callejon del Beso - the alley of the kisses continue to page 2.

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