Guanajuato Travel Forum

Hi,

I have booked a flight for a one week visit to Mexico in November. I've been to Oaxaxa several times before, and to the Yucatan. This time I thought I'd try Guanajuato, from things I read and photos I've seen, it looks like a nice place to relax, do a little exploring, and soak up some local culture.

I'm trying to decide if I should just base myself in Guanajuato for the week , and do day trips to a few other places, or to spend 1/2 the time in Gunajuato and 1/2 in San Miguel. I hear good things about San Miguel, but I'm afraid it might be too crowded with Americans, and I might not get as much of the local culture there. Any suggestions?

One of the good things about Guanajuato is that is near by other towns. You can absolutely submerge into the colonial towns and explore around.
You might be done in Guanajuato a couple days, so you could either head to San Juan de los Lagos, Zacatecas, Queretaro or even visit curious things as Xilitla in La Huasteca in San Luis Potosi and see Las Pozas... or... even visit President Fox, his ranch is in somewhere there in Guanajuato *I am kidding about this last one...

I think the good side of visiting colonial towns is that they are pretty relaxed and you can even decide what you want to do once you are there.

Here is a link for the Festivals there: http://www.guanajuatocapital.com/espanol/Festival.htm

It's common to find Agendas Culturales in the Tourism Information Kioskos in Centro almost in each of this cities..
Here is the one for Zacatecas..
http://www.zacatecas.gob.mx/agendacultural05.asp

San Miguel de Allende is always a suggested visit.

Guanajuato compared to Oaxaca is a small charming medieval town with lots of little alleyways, but unless you are ready to just chill out a couple day visit should be enough. There are lots of places nearby to explore. If you are concerned about the high American presence in San Miguel de Allende, you might consider a trip to the city of Morelia. For me Morelia is second only to Oaxaca as a fascinating cultural place to visit. Have a good trip. bob

There are several places in Guanajuato that are worth seeing, I would suggest you go to San Miguel, make sure to take good walking shoes. Other places you may be interested in going is Dolores Hidalgo (for the best ice-cream, they make every flavor imaginable ex. fish, mole, cactus, tequila as well as your basic flavors) you can visit the museum of Miguel Hidalgo and one for Jose Alfredo Jimenez. There is also "el cerro del cubilete" that you can visit in Guanajuato. People are friendly and you are sure to have a great time!

Uiish! I remember climbing Cerro del Cubilete for a pilgrimage.. from bottom to top..

There are quite a few museums and churches to see in Guanajuato. You may even be able to take in a symphony concert or an art film or a performance in Teatro Juárez.

It is a good town to walk in, so you should bring some sturdy walking shoes (especially if you also plan to go to San Miguel de Allende).

San Miguel de Allende is an interesting town to visit...lots of shops and galleries. Lots of American and Canadian expats as well.

Other side trips that are interesting are to Cristo Rey (El Cubilete) between Guanajuato and Silao (be sure to take a jacket or coat as the wind can be quite strong on top of the mountain!), Dolores Hidalgo (where the fight for Mexican Independence began and where you can eat the best ice cream), Querétaro, and San Luis Potosí.

Have a great time!

Don't hestitate to ask questions about the area. I've lived in Guanajuato for the past 4+ years.