One of the cities that truly stole our heart in Mexico was Guanajuato. You could spend days just soaking up the charm. But there are so many amazing things to do in Guanajuato, so we're here to narrow them down for you.
Guanajuato, Mexico is much more than just a city. Not just because of its beauty, but actually because UNESCO has declared it a World Heritage Site in 1988. As well because it's associated with special events or traditions, ideas, beliefs and artistic creations of universal value.
The colorful houses, the endless amount of cute alleys, and musical nights are just some of the features that will make you love this place. We have listed some of the best activities you can experience and the best things to do in Guanajuato. Let's jump right in!
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Things to Do in Guanajuato #1: Museo de las Momias de Guanajuato
Have you ever seen a mummy? Well, the ones you'll find here aren't in a sarcophagus, but they will certainly get your attention instantly.
With over 100 corpses exposed, the exposition shows the story of locals that have been found for over 100 years now. From babies to older adults, the mummies are preserved the way they were found. Here also lies the smallest mummy in the world!
Guanajuato holds the smallest mummy in the world!
Things to Do in Guanajuato #2: Monumento Al Pipila
You can find this monument at an incredible viewpoint. Juan José de los Reyes Martínez Amaro (a.k.a. El Pipila) was a brave man who participated in Mexico's independence.
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What makes this monument so worth visiting isn't just the huge statue in the honor of Juan José, but the fact that both during the day and at night you get a fascinating view from the city of Guanajuato.
We personally recommend you to visit it right before sunrise since the place is literally empty, there are no vendors around, and because you can get clear pictures of the city. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Guanajuato.
This viewpoint is beautiful at any time of the day.
Things to Do in Guanajuato #3: Museo de la Inquisición
Have you ever wondered in how many ways people tortured others in history? Well, this place will redefine your idea of what torture is. With 48 original pieces of punishment, the tour guide will explain how they used each device back in time (and to whom).
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Some acts of torture were for the snitches, others were for the nosy, and many more for liars and for gay people. Lastly, they show you how they forced women accused of being witches to confess. The confession wouldn't save them from death, but it would let them be hung before burning them so they could avoid the pain of fire.
So be ready for the journey, because you will even be able to test some of the devices!
A museum of different ancient torture techniques
Things to Do in Guanajuato #4: Get Lost Through Its Alleys
Guanajuato was once a small town in the mountains that later on expanded into the big city it is today. Because of this, you can only find 4 main streets connecting the whole city. All the rest of formed by 3600 alleys from all sizes and lengths.
Some of them have famous names, like Callejón del beso (with a tragic love story which we will tell you all about down below), and some others are just regular alleys. But you should definitely lock some time of your day to walk through them.
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Another reason why you should walk the alleys is because it takes almost the same time to move around in a car than by walking. Alleys may seem like a lot of effort but many of them are actually shortcuts to get anywhere.
Things to Do in Guanajuato #5:
Join a Callejoneada
Hands down one of the best things to do in Guanajuato. A group of very charismatic musicians will play live and sing songs with you while they take you through some of the 3600 alleys that compose Guanajuato.
Along the way you will play dancing & singing contests, boys vs girls competitions, will learn about some tragic love stories and have a blast along the way. You may think we're overreacting but we honestly think this has been the best tour we've ever done.
The activity lasts a little over an hour, and will not only put a smile on your face but also will make you exercise (remember that the alleys go up & down). We recommend you to grab a drink or two beforehand, since you will find almost no places along the tour to get them if you want to.
Things to Do in Guanajuato #6:
Callejón del Beso
The tragic love story that you will learn about in the Callejoneada has everything to do with this. There are a lot of legends around Guanajuato's alleys but this one is the most popular.
Ana and Carlos were in love, but Ana's father didn't approve this because he wanted her to marry some other rich man. After warning her once to not see Carlos ever again, the father caught them together. Because of this, he killed his own daughter by stabbing her.
So now, the alley called Callejón del beso has one step painted red. They say that every couple that passes through here has to kiss on the 3rd step (painted in red as a symbol of Ana's blood) to have good luck for 7 years. Not doing this will result in 15 years of cheating. Would you take a chance?
Things to Do in Guanajuato #7:
Casa de los Lamentos
How many times have you been told a story or a legend? Well, people in Guanajuato have decided to take storytelling to the next level and make you experience a story with all your senses.
La Casa de los lamentos narrates the story of a man whose wife was murdered. In a crazy attempt to bring her back to life, he started kidnapping women and trying to put his wife's "essence" into them.
You will find skeletons, potions and everything related to it while a very mysterious character guides you through the place. Definitely an interesting experience to do while visiting the city.
Going to Casa de los Lamentos is one of the most unique things to do in Guanajuato
Things to Do in Guanajuato #8: Walk Into a Mine
Guanajuato is famous for having a big past in the mining industry, and they show it with great pride. Bocamina San Ramon is a place where you can not only go down an actual old mine but also enjoy the views of an old residence with it's original architecture.
The tour is short and simple, but really gives you a hint of how the process was of going into a mine to find metals (particularly, silver) back in time. The hole you'll go into is 60 meters deep (so around 180 feet). The moment you go downstairs you will feel the heat. Are you ready?
In Guanajuato you can go down into an old mine!
Things to Do in Guanajuato #9: Feel Like Royalty in Castillo Santa Cecilia
You know what they say about castles... "once you saw one you've seen them all". Incredibly, we used to agree with this until we saw Santa Cecilia. This castle, built in the XVII century, was later on transformed into the hotel it is today, and you can stay at night inside the castle!
The whole architecture has been preserved to detail, giving the result of a place with a vibe that will take you back to old times and will make you feel like you are in a movie.
In Guanajuato you can actually stay overnight in an old castle.
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Things to Do in Guanajuato #10:
Walk Through Its Network of Tunnels
It may be common to find cities around the world where instead of going around a mountain you find a tunnel that goes through it. What's crazy about Guanajuato is that they have a whole network of tunnels that connect to each other. Some of them are about 3 km long (something like 1.9 miles) and they go across each other. Nothing like you've ever seen before.
You can find even some tunnels where you can park your car for up to two hours and walk right into the city center. And during that time you can get a random person to wash your car for you. Quite a deal, isn't it?
Going through this network of tunnels is a very unique experience, and one of the best things to do in Guanajuato.
The city of Guanajuato is made up of an entire network of tunnels.
Things to Do in Guanajuato #11:
Visit Teatro Juárez
One beautiful piece of architecture with a lot of history is Teatro Juárez. This marvelous theater, built in the late 19th century, saw some historically epic moments.
Its peak period occurred at the end of the 19th century until the outbreak of the war of the Mexican Revolution at the beginning of the 20th century, being an important forum for artistic activity where famous exponents of the time appeared.
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Things to Do in Guanajuato #12:
Get food & gifts at Mercado Hidalgo
This is one of the most emblematic buildings in Guanajuato. Just walking in front of it caught our eye with its beautiful facade made of pink quarry and 10 arches.
The Hidalgo Market was inaugurated on September 16, 1910, on the occasion of the one hundred years of Independence of Mexico. Its structure is far from conventional, because it was initially thought of as a railway station.
In here you will find all kinds of food & souvenirs, so make sure you give it a visit if you're around.
Visiting Mercado Hidalgo is one of the most popular things to do in Guanajuato.
Things to Do in Guanajuato #13: Take a Day Trip From Guanajuato
If you want to get to know the area better, you can always do day trips. There are a lot of incredible places around Guanajuato. Here are the best ones we found.
San Miguel de Allende
Also declared a World Heritage Site, this city has a lot in common with Guanajuato. From a stunning pink cathedral to an epic spa, there is so much to do in San Miguel de Allende. This place has become so popular that there are tons of Americans buying properties here!
San Miguel de Allende is an excellent day trip from Guanajuato.
It takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to get to San Miguel de Allende from Guanajuato.
Want to know more reasons to visit San Miguel de Allende? Simply check out our full article.
Another great place to visit from Guanajuato is Leon. Not only you can walk through its streets but also there is a very unique event going on every year. Leon hosts a hot air balloon festival every year in November. So if you're around this is a great opportunity to enjoy a very special event.
It takes approximately one hour to get to Leon from Guanajuato.
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Guanajuato has shown us things that we had never seen before. Whether you're a very eager traveler or a newbie, this city will blow your mind. If you're planning a trip through Mexico, save this blog and check out the other Mexican guides we've written for you.
And if your travel plans go beyond Mexico, take a look at some more Caribbean guides to add to your list.
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