Guanajuato: The Most Colorful City in Mexico
- Nov 7, 2018
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 29, 2019
Guanajuato was one of the places at the top of my list that I had been wanting to go to for a very long time. My "dream" came true when I went on Labor Day weekend in September 2017. Why was it at the top of my list? Because I had seen plenty of pictures of this colorful city on facebook. One of my aunts also mentioned this beautiful, colorful, and full of Mexican culture city and how it was a must to visit!
Things to Do
My favorite activity in Guanajuato is to just walk around! You can explore and find many places by just walking. Here's a list of the things I recommend to do while visiting:
El Pípila (pictured above)- walking or taking a small elevator to the top of the statue of El Pípila is the most popular activity to do. The view is amazing! If you get tired easily I suggest taking the elevator, but if you don't mind walking then I would get there by foot. It has a beautiful view to the city (pictured below)!
Museo Casa Diego Rivera (Diego Rivera's House Museum)- Diego Rivera (yes, Frida Kahlo's husband) was born in Guanajuato and this museum is the house he grew up in as a child. Inside the house it exhibit's some paintings, projects of his, and rooms with interesting things of his families'. As a Frida Kahlo fanatic, I definitely recommend!
Museo Alhóndiga de Granaditas- No, it's not about albondigas! (Lame joke... I know) This museum is where a bunch of Spaniards took refuge and hid from the Mexican revolutionists during the revolutionary war. You will learn about the revolution history and El Pípila's in this museum.
Mummy Museum- It's another must! Guanajuato is a little famous for is the mummy museum. There are different stories as to why these mummies exist.
Callejoneadas- My favorite thing to do! If you walk by the centro in front of Teatro Juarez a lot of students will come up to you to invite you to the alley performance. It should cost you around $100 pesos. You meet at the Teatro Juarez to go on a walking/dancing/singing tour at night around allies in Guanajuato! There's plenty of student groups who are dressed up in 17th century costumes with musical instruments. It's so much fun! I went twice while on my trip!
Callejón del Beso(Alley of the Kiss)- Once upon a time there was a couple who was prohibited to date and would kiss on their balcony in this alley every night... (I think)... I don't remember exactly who, what, when, and where BUT if you go on a "callejoneada" you will find out!
San Miguel de Allende and Dolores Hidalgo- There are plenty of day trips you can take to different areas, however I think that the one that takes you to San Miguel de Allende and Dolores Hidalgo is the best one! Dolores Hidalgo is where the famous Mexican singer Jose Alfredo Jimenez was born and buried. The tour will take you to his tomb and to his house. It will also take you to taste some of the best ice cream I have ever tasted! They had rare flavors like michelada, shrimp, and avocado! The last stop on this tour is in San Miguel de Allende, which to me is such a beautiful small town! The cathedral is beautiful!! We were able to experience a wedding that day with some traditions. The groom and bride walked around with a banda and the family following them dancing, singing, and drinking tequila! I fell so in love with this town and tradition that I hope to one day get married there with that tradition!
Food
I'm a big foodie! Though I wasn't too amazed by the food in this city, I have two recommendations! One thing I love about travel is trying different foods, and I tried my best to try the most traditional foods this city had, there wasn't much.
Enchiladas Mineras- This is the most traditional food in Guanajuato. There are a lot of mines in this city and the enchiladas are what miners used to eat back in the day. It's literally just potato enchiladas but they are delicious! I tried them at the market near the Alhóndiga de Granaditas museum.
Gorditas las Güeras- OMG! These are the BEST gorditas I have ever tasted! The mole con pollo and salsa verde ones were my favorite! We had these for breakfast twice, and I wish I could just get a plane to go and eat some! They are located in an alley and you could find them on Yelp to know exactly where they are! They are there certain hours so I suggest going in the morning!
Where to Stay
I stayed in an Airbnb near downtown Guanajuato. I tipically stay in Airbnb's since I find it to be cheaper! Plus, it's always nice to meet people (like the host) to suggest things to do and places to visit!
TIP
I spent four full days in this colorful city and I think it was enough! We got to do everything we wanted and even had some down time. If you want to stay longer I do suggest taking other day trips!
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