Discovering an Ancient Gem in Guanajuato, Mexico

by Juan Antonio (Oso) Oseguera
Last updated: 7:00 AM ET, Mon November 27, 2023

In the center of Mexico, Guanajuato State offers two small cities and a tiny town to spend a great vacation surrounded by culture, good food, enriching hikes and great activities.

A Walking Tour of Guanajuato

Guanajuato is a colonial city declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Its narrow, steep streets, historic buildings, and bohemian atmosphere make it a popular tourist destination. A walking tour of Guanajuato is an excellent way to get to know the city and its history. The following itinerary will take you to some of the most essential points.

Callejón del Beso

The Callejón del Beso is a narrow alley in the city's center. It is a popular tourist destination because of the legend that if two lovers kiss on the balcony of one of the houses in the alley, their love will be eternal.

Alhóndiga de Granaditas

The Alhóndiga de Granaditas is a historic building in the city's center. It was built in the 18th century and served as a grain warehouse. The alhóndiga was the scene of a decisive battle during Mexico's War of Independence, where the insurgents defeated the royalist forces.

Iconographic Museum of Don Quixote

The Museo Iconográfico del Quijote is a museum in the Alhóndiga de Granaditas. The museum exhibits a collection of works of art depicting the character of Don Quixote de la Mancha.

Diego Rivera House Museum

The Museo Casa "Diego Rivera" is a house museum in the city's center. The house was the home of Mexican artist Diego Rivera and his wife, painter Frida Kahlo. The museum exhibits a collection of Rivera's and Kahlo's artwork, as well as personal objects of the couple.

Do not miss these other places: Juarez Theater, coves of the San Pedro de Alcantara Convent, Jardín Unión, Guanajuato Basílica, University of Guanajuato, Peace Monument and Old Government Palace.

This itinerary can be modified to suit your interests and time available. For example, if you are interested in art, you can spend more time visiting the museums. If you are interested in history, you can see the city's historical sites. A walking tour of Guanajuato is an unforgettable experience that will allow you to get to know this beautiful city and its rich history.

Adventure Tourism and Ecotourism

Guanajuato also offers a variety of opportunities for adventure tourism and ecotourism. The city is surrounded by mountains and forests, which allow visitors to partake in activities such as hiking, mountain biking, climbing, rappelling, rafting and even zip-lining.

Some of the most popular places for adventure tourism and ecotourism in Guanajuato include:

Los Remedios National Park: a national park that offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain biking and climbing
Cueva de la Mora: a natural cave that offers visitors the opportunity to explore the region's geological wonders
Cascada de los Chorros: a 25-meter (82-foot) waterfall
Embalse de la Esperanza: a reservoir that allows visitors to practice water activities such as swimming, fishing and boating

Dolores Hidalgo, Cradle of National Independence

One hour by car from the capital of Guanajuato is Dolores Hidalgo, the Cradle of National Independence. It is a Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) where national pride is breathed everywhere.

Take a stroll through downtown and visit the Parroquia (Parish Church). Discover the colonial and historic charm of this beautiful Pueblo Mágico and visit the Plaza del Grande Hidalgo. Here, you can enjoy spectacular sunsets, contemplate the statue dedicated to the Father of the Nation, and admire the Parroquia de Nuestra Se?ora de los Dolores, an imposing building where, it is said, Miguel Hidalgo gave the cry that started the independence movement.

Take a Tour of the Town's Cantinas

After spending the day touring the town, you will surely be thirsty, and what better way to quench your thirst than with a good drink. So, escape to visit the region's traditional cantinas. It doesn't matter if you don't drink alcohol; you can still visit the cantinas and have fun.

Besides being the Cradle of Independence, Dolores Hidalgo is a fantastic town where countless potters and ceramists have made Talavera pottery their way of life by working it in various shapes (some whimsical) and multicolored tones that adorn the famous Mexican country with a deep folkloric spirit.

San Miguel de Allende

To make the most of your stay in this Pueblo Mágico, you must get up very early and have breakfast at Panio bakery. Nothing beats starting the day with a cup of coffee and the smell of freshly baked bread. We recommend you try the salmon bagel to procure maximum energy.

Visit the handicrafts market located on Lucas Balderas Street. But if you are in the mood for a cultural tour, visit the Casa del Mayorazgo de la Canal. This large house converted into a museum is an excellent example of the Novo-Hispanic architecture in the Bajío. It was built at the end of the 18th century and is of baroque style. It has temporary and permanent rooms, where you will find personal collections of sacred art and works by contemporary.

San Miguel de Allende, Magic Towns Mexico, Mexican cities, Guanajuato

How often have you wanted to learn something but needed more time? It's your free time, and you decide what to spend it on. You don't have to be a great chef; you don't even need to have culinary notions. You can take a traditional cooking class at Hacienda el Santuario and learn to make salsa borracha en molcajete and authentic mixiotes.

Besides, you will love staying at this place because the attention is always personalized. From the moment you arrive, they give you a refreshing welcome with their waters of La Samaritana, prepared with local and seasonal ingredients.

You may not believe it, but it's not just about cafes, restaurants, terraces, or art galleries. San Miguel de Allende also has spas oriented to rest, tranquility and contact with nature.

Inside the Atotonilco Sanctuary, you will find a place dedicated to wellness. Escondido Place is a park with a spa, indoor and outdoor pools, thermal waters, and wooded landscapes. If the spa is one of those pleasures you always put off until later because you think it might be an unnecessary luxury, you must change those thoughts.

If you like horses and want a different adventure, don't hesitate to ride horseback in the forest while the sun goes down. Coyote Canyon Adventures has the best experience for you. Contemplate breathtaking natural scenery in Ca?ada de la Virgen. Get ready to ride for a couple of hours, reach the highest point of the canyon, and find out how brave you are.

Relax and Enjoy

Cuna de Tierra winery in Dolores Hidalgo

Meditate in the open air, under the shade of the trees, and around a campfire, then eat a salad made with freshly harvested ingredients, and finish practicing outdoor yoga while contemplating the sunset and recharging your energy by receiving the last rays of sunlight. These are the days staying at Habitas San Miguel. The project comprises 60 luxurious suites nestled among nature, each with a panoramic window and a small terrace.

The most exciting thing about these spaces is that they are built sustainably: they are disassembled structures placed at different levels to not damage the ground and generate the smallest possible footprint, in addition to using biodigesters (one for every two rooms). They also feature sustainable bedding, rustic tables produced in San Miguel de Allende, and amenities made in Mexico.

Numu Hotel, which means "crossroads" in the Otomí language, seeks to exemplify what a symbolic place like San Miguel de Allende represents, where diverse cultures meet and enrich this Mexican destination. Numu has 44 rooms with private terraces and brings to the table 'El Fogón de Enrique,' it's flagship restaurant that creates dish assemblies of all kinds but always extols Mexican cuisine.

Complementary Activities

If you want a different dinner or a special meal, make a reservation at the Casa Hoyos restaurant, a beautiful boutique hotel. It also has a terrace if you want to have a fun night out
For wine lovers, vineyards such as Cuna de Tierra and Santa Catalina are to be noticed. In addition to tastings and tours, you can eat delicious food at their restaurant. The latter also offers the option of staying at its boutique hotel
If craft beer is your thing, you must visit the new tap room of Cervecería Allende. Here, you can taste their five types of beer and accompany them with some delicious dishes prepared on the spot

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