This well-preserved colonial city will surprise you with its beauty and uniqueness. Colorful buildings and stunning colonial architecture sprawl along several miles of clifftop and hillside. Some people say that Guanajuato is the most beautiful city in Mexico. While I vouch for its beauty, who really knows if this is indeed the most beautiful city. But for sure, this is a city you must visit when you are in Central Mexico. There are many fun things to do in Guanajuato and surrounding area. Not to mention the art scene in downtown Guanajuato.
Guanajuato is located in Central Mexico. Easily reached by car from Del Bajio international Airport. So next time you in Central Mexico, stop at Guanajuato. For a start, here is a list of things to do in Guanajuato:
Check out Don Quixote statue and Museum
Don Quixote is just a character in a Spanish novel. Nonetheless, it is interesting to actually see a character come to life in a form of a statue. He stands there on the sidewalk, waiting for any visitors to admire him. Literature is your thing? Then you must check this out. If you can’t get enough of Don Quixote statue, your next stop should be Don Quixote museum. Here you can see art and craft exhibits related to Don Quixote.
Don Quixote Statue
Take a walk on many streets in Guanajuato
Explore the downtown by foot to see every corner of this picturesque city; from Callejon del Beso or the alley of the kiss, cobble stone road, downtown park, to Teatro Juarez. There is a big Guanajuato sign on the stair of Teatro Juarez building which become one of the city icon. Many tourist flocks into Teatro Juarez to have Instagram moment with the city sign.
Teatro Juarez
Take a Funicular Ride
This is one of many things to do in Guanajuato that you don’t want to miss. The ride is fun and the view is stunning. The ride will take you to the top of the hill. Then you need to walk through art market till you see concrete steps. Climb the steps to get to the highest point of the hill and you will see a sweeping view of Guanajuato. You can also take the same funicular to visit El Pipila Statue.
The view of Guanajuato
https://youtu.be/w1uo7d1CEFM
Visit El Pipila Statue
Whether you decide to climb all the steps to get to the top or ride the funicular, you should not miss the statue of El Pipila. El Pipila is a nick name of local hero during Mexican Independence struggle. This muscular statue is located on the top of the hill overlooking Guanajuato. While you can see this statue from a far, surely you don’t want to miss a fun from seeing it up close. Not to mention all the Mexican food you can try from street vendors next to El Pipila statue.
El Pipila Statue
Explore El Cerrito
There are a couple of pyramids in the surrounding area: Canada la Virgen and El Cerrito. Canada La Virgen has an entrance fees and run on a schedule while El Cerrrito has a free entrance and you are free to explore on your own. If you don’t have much time to spend then El Cerrito is the best option. El Cerrito was built by Otomi people and located in Santiago de Queretaro, about an hour away from Guanajuato.
Take a dip in the Mayan bath
Admission to Mayan Bath is only by reservation. We didn’t make a reservation but somehow we were able to negotiate with them to allow us in. This Mayan Bath is located an hour away from Guanajuato. It is worth a drive. There are 3 different hot pools. Two outdoor pools are overlooking a valley and you can actually watch the sunset while swimming and sipping your drink. One indoor pool has a small manmade waterfall and connected to a lazy river that lead you to the outdoor pool.
The mayan bath
Explore Mummy museum
If you are the kind of people who are fascinated by death and any grim aspects associated with death, then this museum is for you. As you stroll along the hall way of museum, you can see dressed up mummies staring at you. From all things to do in Guanajuato, this museum is the one that give you the most unusual experience. Keep in mind that parking lot is hard to find unless you show up early in the morning and the road that lead to this museum is pretty packed. So start early.
