Guanajuato: World Heritage City in Central Mexico

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Downtown Guanajuato, a U.N. World Heritage Site, has long been one of the most popular destinations for Mexican tourists. While increasingly becoming discovered by international travelers and expatriates, it is not a destination for package foreign tourism and, thus, remains one of the country’s most purely “Mexican” cities. Founded in the early 16th century, Guanajuato is rich in history and culture and, because of its large student population, is known throughout Mexico as having one of the liveliest downtowns in the country. City planners developed a unique system of underground streets and tunnels which enable to traffic to flow under the central city while leaving much of the area aboveground to pedestrians. Every night of the year, crowds gather in the main “jardin”, the city’s central plaza to enjoy the sounds of the strolling musicians, to eat and drink at the lively outdoor cafes, or just to go for a walk.

 

The city of Guanajuato, capital of Guanajuato state,  remains one of the safest places in Mexico, untouched by the problems that have affected some other parts of Mexico.

 

The city is home to the annual “International Cervantino Festival”, a three week long cultural celebration held in October each year, featuring prominent performers in dance, theater, and music from around the world.

 

Our home is located just above the center, a steep, but quick, 7-10 minute walk to the main plaza, enabling you to enjoy the delightful atmosphere of downtown but to escape to a refuge above the fray at the end of the evening.  From our terrace, one can enjoy a bird’s eye view of all of the major monuments of the city, including the 16th century basilica, the University, the Teatro Juarez, the 19th century market, and the Alhondiga, site of the first major battle of the Mexican war of Independence.

 

Guanajuato is at approximately 6,600 feet (a bit over 2,000 meters) and, therefore, has a temperate climate, with warm days and cool nights year round. The dry season goes from October to roughly June. During the summer, rains come on many days, but usually don’t last long.

 

Within 1-2 hours’ drive are San Miguel de Allende, famous for its high quality arts and crafts, the ceramics producing center of Dolores Hidalgo, and the lovely colonial city of Queretaro. Read more and see photos of nearby sites here.