Discoverymundo Blog

Category: Guanajauto

Best things to do in Guanajuato

Guanajuato is a very cultural destination in Mexico. A beautiful town surrounded by mountains and village houses. If you visit Guanajuato for the first time, you will be enchanted. There are many things to do, I recommend to walk because the town is very small and you can walk around easily. If you are planning a trip and you don’t know the city well, the first thing to do is to find where to stay and how to move from the airport to Guanajuato, Gto. The first time I came I easily find transportation to the town by 2 buses and a taxi, which cost me around 25 USD. But if you are traveling with someone, the best way is to book an airport transfer. You save money, time, travel safe and get pick up from the airport straight to your hotel or home door.

Then get ready to know the city charm and lovely spots of Guanajuato. This are the best things to do in Guanajuato:

Visit the Mummy MuseumI didn’t know they where real until I enter to the museum of Las Momias de Guanajuato. The museum offers history of different mummies from hundred of years ago, each has a story of how they died and you can observe their petrified bodies. From old to very young bodies and incredible, scary stories. There was an old woman who was petrified alive for a disease that gave her for dead but she revive inside the coffin and trying to get out she died with her arms over her head looking desperate and anxious to get out of the grave. I didn’t take a picture of her. Take a look at some of the other ones.

Visit a TheatreThere are many theatres in town! If you like entertainment and art you can go to Teatro Principal, the biggest one from the outside close to La Plaza. They have performances every week and specially on Fridays.

Visit the Alley of the KissFind the street of the Alley of the Kiss. Apparently, two young people lived across the alley from each other and although the girl’s father forbade their relationship, they were in love and continued to see one another. The streets are very close that they could kiss in secret. The story has a tragic ending, but if you go to this alleyways and stand on the red step and kiss your significant other, you’ll have 7 years of happiness.

Go shoppingThe streets have many shopping locals. You can find every kind of handicrafts for presents to your loved ones, candies and clothe stores. They don’t have a normal shopping stores that you see in any mall, but typical artifacts from the town! The most important market is Mercado Hidalgo, vendors set here to sell everything from fresh fruits to cheese and meat.

ChurchesThere are numerous churches and cathedrals in and around the city center. The vibrant yellow Basilica de Guanajuato dominates the main plaza, while the San Cayetano is located out near the mines. The Templo de la Compañía is considered one of finest examples of baroque style in Latin America.

Taste the food

Soy Meat Burguer

The food in Guanajuato is delicious and it has very affordable prices, except for the coffee. You can find many local restaurants in every street. From chinesse to mexican and healthy restaurants. If you are a coffee lover you are going to find many coffee shops. In the main Plaza close to the Cathedral, you can find a coffee shop that offers different flavors of coffee: vainilla, mocha, mint, caramel, etc. If you want to located it just look for the wood walls and door!

Visit the librariesGuanajuato has many cute libraries around with shelters. If you want to relax you can read for free, they offer many books from different subjects, I discover that’s what people like to do here, read and relax, mostly students. You can also bring your computer! Don’t forget 50 pesos for a beverage.

June 23, 2017
Leon International Balloon Festival

Where do Air Balloon comes from?

Brothers Joseph-Michel and Jaques-Étienne Montgolfier were the pioneers of hot air ballooning. On the 4th of June of 1783, they succeeded in elevating a spherical bag made of linen wrapped in paper of 11 m in diameter, 800 m3 and 226 kg full of hot air, travelling 2 km for 10 minutes, reaching an altitude of almost 2,000 m. In 1783, a first manned flight was made reaching a height of 3280.84ft.

One of this balloon is big as a house. It’s such a imposing object! Now imagine being surrended by 800 hundred of this balloons moving to the horizon slowly.

Leon International Balloon FestivalLeon International Balloon Festival 2016, is performed November 18 to 21, 2016 at the Metropolitan Park in Leon, Guanajuato Mexico. It is the most important aerostatic festival in latin america; offers to the world admirable shows of Mexico with plenty aerostatic colorful balloons.This festival gets really popular that more than 400,000 people assist and enjoy this spectacular performance. The balloons comes with different shapes during 4 days.

This balloons are directed by recognized pilots. The show comes with many activities during each day such as concerts, concourses, exhibitions and a gastronomic area. Many participants assist to the festival from different parts of the world: United States, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Brasil, Argentina, etc.

The aerostatic ballons are made by nylon or poliester and covered of polieuretano impulsed by a gas mass and the heat.

There is a “Box” in the metropolitan park to bring the balloon to their origin place.
Many persons like to sleep in the festival and rent a tent to sleep there. You just need to have all the papers they ask to get it. Remember to bring yours cause they will not give you one. If you got a vehicle, you will have to pay the parking.

May 18, 2016
Top Places to Celebrate the Independence Day of Mexico

We’re practically on national holidays and many want to plan an outing with the family, here you will find the most symbolic places with some tips for an unforgettable Independence Day of Mexico on this September 15 and 16.

Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato

This is a magical city and the top place to celebrate the Independence Day of Mexico because it is the city where the night of September 15, the father Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla called the people from the parish of Dolores to take up arms and began the struggle for Independence.

Nothing could be more symbolic, to celebrate outside the parish where this great event originally took place.

In this city you can take a tour in a bus to know the colonial city and the parish, also you can visit the Museo Casa Hidalgo is the house in which the priest lived and was declared a National Monument. Also visit the Museum of Independence, the Mexican author José Alfredo Jimenez Museum, the Mausoleum, La Hacienda de la Erre, House of visits (Baroque style, this is the place where leaders and officials stay) & Crafts (Here you can find potters and ceramists that are distinctive of Guanajuato).

Also you can eat delicious mexican food like mole or chiles rellenos. For dessert enjoy an ice cream of different flavors like exotic cactus, avocado, tequila or mezcal.

San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

This city retains a colonial style, in one of his old but elegant mansions born the right arm of Hidalgo: General Ignacio Allende.

At night on the Independence Day of Mexico, hundreds of visitors gather in the main square to hear (around 10:30) the “Independence scream” given by the mayor of the city.

Queretaro

In 1810, Doña Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez, wife of the mayor of the city, discovered the conspiracy against the colonial governor, and sent a letter to Father Miguel Hidalgo. Because of this, he rang the bells of the parish and took up arms early on September 16.

The tourist sites are: the house of the magistrate in the city center, the Aqueduct, the Cathedral (Temple of San Felipe Neri) and the Theatre of the Republic.

In Queretaro there are beautiful colonial hotels and exquisite cuisine. You can not miss the fireworks show projected from across the historic center for the Independence Day of Mexico.

Guanajuato

In this city, Miguel Hidalgo on September 28, 1810, sent a letter of intimidation to the mayor of the city to deliver the square. As he did not have an answer, he decided to conquer by force and start the first battle, known as “the taking of the Alhóndiga”.

The main tourist sites are: Juarez Theater, the Kiss Alley, the Plaza de la Paz, the Mummy Museum, La Valenciana (church), among others.

Being here, you can not miss the Museum of Independence, located in the center and take the opportunity to buy crafts typical of Guanajuato. The festivities take place in all the alleys of the city, but especially in the Jardin Union, the main rallying point.

Mexico City

During the celebrations for the Independence Day of Mexico in September, this city gets completely different, the main buildings around the Zocalo become a spectacle of lights and Paseo de la Reforma is illuminated with patriotic colors.

On September 15 the President gives “The Scream” from the balcony of the National Palace, accompanied by a festival of lights, fireworks and music with mariachi. All bars and restaurants in town join the celebration.

The next day the military parade performance starts from the Zocalo and ends at the National Auditorium.

The main tourist sites are: Historical Center, Chapultepec Park, Xochimilco and colonies Roma-Condesa, Polanco, More Info…

I recommend the Grand Hotel of Mexico, from there you can enjoy dinner while you watch the whole event from the unique view of the Zocalo restaurant. How to get there

Puebla, Puebla.

Beautiful hotels in Puebla are a reason to go for a few days and especially during the Independence Day of Mexico weekend bridge by its colonial style and the beautiful views of Popocatepetl. The historic center of the city has been declared a World Heritage Site for its architectural beauty.

Besides the Cathedral, you must know the Artist Quarter, which is surrounded by a creative magic

Las Vegas, United States

If you prefer to take your national pride abroad, then Las Vegas, Nevada is the perfect choice for you!

Go to Las Vegas for the Independence Day of Mexico is tradition for many Mexicans who manage this city put on the national colors during the weekend. In addition, Mexican music is well represented with Mexican artists like Alejandro Fernandez, Carlos Santana, Lila Downs, Marco Antonio Solis, Luis Miguel and there is even an international mariachi festival.

On the other hand, it is a tradition that at this time, or even the same September 15, a boxing match in which a Mexican defends the sport is held.

Therefore, the Independence Day of Mexico is to Las Vegas and its visitors the opportunity to celebrate and honor the cultural heritage of Mexico in a dynamic and fun way.

Xcaret, Quintana Roo.

If you have decided that Cancun and the Riviera Maya is your destination for the Independence Day of Mexico, we recommend that you spend a whole day and enjoy a park with water activities in addition to its main theme the traditions of our country. September is the cheapest month to visit Cancun, so get advantage of it!

You do not want miss the spectacular show that will beat Mexico pride to your heart.

September 4, 2015
Best 10 places to visit in the city of Guanajuato

Alleyway of the Kiss

A romantic alcove created by two balconies separated only by 27 inches, this famous landmark owes its name to a popular legend of two lovers. Nice place to take your girl!

Funicular Tram to the Pípila Monument

It´s a ride where you can observe the city from a unique panoramic perspective. Continuous rides from behind the Teatro Juárez to the Pípila Monument and return.

Jardín de la Unión

A beautiful triangular-shaped park located in the center of the city, this is one of the places where locals gather. On Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. and Sundays from 12:00 p.m., the State Band plays for the enjoyment of everyone. Everyone dances and listen to the bands, if you want to have a relaxing, happy and enjoyable time give this a try!

“El Pípila” monument

Monument built in honor of Juan Jose de los Reyes Martinez, nick-named “El Pípila”, who heroically burned down the door of the Spanish stronghold Alhóndiga de Granaditas on September 28th 1810, during the first major battle in the Mexican War of Independence. The Monument offers a spectacular view of Guanajuato, that is the best part. At night you can see all the city lights, it is beautiful!!

University of Guanajuato

The University was a school/hospice in 1732. This beautiful neoclassic building of green limestone has an impressive outdoor staircase. The University is the most important center of academic activity in the State, as well as promoter of artistic and cultural activities. The building has an amazing architecture, it is beautiful!

The Experimental Mine El Nopal

Exploratory work began on this mine before 1868. During this year the “Nopal Mining and Company” was formed with the goal of exploring and exploiting the silver veins at “El Nopal” and other mines. Today, the mine is dedicated to educating residents and visitors and providing guided tours. It has trained guides and accident insurance.

The Mummies Museum

The construction of the Santa Paula Municipal cemetery was begun by the City council on August 30 of 1853. The mummification in Guanajuato is a spontaneous and natural phenomenon caused by the lack of oxygen in the wooden burial niches or drawers and the absorption of the fluids that come from the body when it begins to decompose. This, in addition of the microclimates inside the drawers, promotes the dehydration of the human tissues and inhibits the process of rot. The first exhumed mummy was the French Doctor Remigio Leroy and was found on June 9 of 1865. The Mummies museum of Guanajuato has in exhibition 57 bodies including adults and infants that can be observed in 10 rooms. The rooms have been renovated for the visitors comfort. However, the museum’s total collection is 111 mummified bodies and three skulls.

This is really incredible, this is a museum you can´t miss if your traveling to Guanajuato!

Alhóndiga de Granaditas Museum

The construction of Alhóndiga de Granaditas began in 1797 and it was concluded in 1809. This imposing work of neoclassical architecture, with a simple design but an impeccable technique, reflects Guanajuato ́s peacefulness toward the end of the XVIII century. This was used initially as warehouse in 1810. Also, it was scenario of the heroic act from the “Pípila”, burning down the door and allowing the entrance of the rebels on September 28 of 1810. This was one of the initial battles of the Independence movement and its victory motivated the rebels to continue the fight. The wealth of the Regional Museum of Guanajuato is renowned for cultural goods of the national archaeological, historical and artistic patrimony. The permanent exhibitions are organized in four main sections: archaeology, history, ethnography and art. Besides the rooms of permanent exhibitions, there are many temporary exhibitions. The main collections include: Pre-Hispanic stamps, paintings by of Hermenegildo Bustos, and Meso-American Art.

“Teatro Juárez”

This famous theater was officially opened on October 27, 1903, by President Porfirio Díaz, with a performance of the opera “Aida”. It is without a doubt one of the most attractive theaters in the country and known worldwide for its architecture and for being the scene of diverse and important international cultural events.

It is a building that the eclecticism of architecture of that time. It was built in a Doric style of Roman inspiration.

The facade is formed by twelve columns of green stone, finished off by capitals of brass. On the roofline are sculptures of eight of the nine muses.

The interior of the theatre is in Moorish style, with arabesque balconies, boxes and panels.

The first stone was placed on May 5, 1873 on the site of the former Temple of San Pedro, which itself later became the hotel Emporium.

Its is a georgous theater that everyone should see if you have the opportunity!

Diego Rivera Museum

The Diego Rivera Museum is in the Historical Center of the city. It was founded in 1975, in the house where Diego María Rivera Barrientos, one of the most famous Mexican painters of all time, was born. Rivera was born on December 8 of 1886, in one of the rooms of the ground floor where he inhabited the first six years of his life; this time marked the development of his creative personality.

In the year of 1971, the project to transform the house into museum began. This was a tribute to the illustrious Mexican muralist in his native city. In 1975, the Federal Government started the restoration work.

The museum exhibits around 175 original works of Diego Rivera, primarily from a collection of the generous donor, Marte R. Gómez. This collection is one of the most important of the country because it represents the artist’s diverse creative stages, such as the years of his formation and his cubist period, among others. Portraits, landscapes, nudes, allegories, and sketches of murals can be enjoyed in the museum. They are made in diverse techniques such as oil,

drawing, tints, lithographs, and watercolor.. Absolutly beautiful, something you can´t miss.

July 14, 2015
High school trip to Guanajuato, México.

This was a trip to Guanajuato with my school about 3 years ago, going to this beatiful and historical city. We arrived to “Hotel Minero” , which was not the nicest hotel but it was comfortable for us, we live our luggage right away and head to the “Alhóndiga de granaditas” a regional museum so we didn´t waste time.

We walked from the hotel to the Museum which was really close (we walked everywhere really) and enjoy the views and took some photos. We enojed the museum, which is a very awesome building and the story about the place it´s really attractive.

After the museum we stopped for some icecream on our way to the next visit, “Teatro Juarez” a famous theatre everyone must visit on their trip to Guanajuato which is regarded as one of themost beautiful theatres in Mexico. We took a tour of the theatre and it was incredible, we were amazed with it. Then we started to feel hungry and decided to grab something to eat near the place, everyone went to a different restaurant , some friends and I decided to eat in a restaurant just in front of the theatre where we relax and enjoyed the food and view. Then we went to have a glance of the “Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guanajuato”, a well conserved old temple which was really close to the restaurant and we decided to go and have a look. There was a wedding happening so everything was outstanding and we where there for about 20 minutes until we realized the group was waiting for us, so we we had to run!

Once everyone rested it was time to go to “El Monumento al Pipila” a famous monument dedicated to “Pipila” who performed an heroic act in the war of Independence on the fire to the “Alondiga de granaditas”. It was and absolutly amazing place, it was up hill so we had the best view of the city! Once the sun went down and the city lit, we were astonished. It is a place I highly recommend to visit if you are on a trip to Guanajuato, as I said it is the nicest view of this city.

The next day we woke up early in the morning to start our second day, we were tired of all the walking and the sun of the day before, but we were excited because we were visiting the “Museum of the Mummies” that day. It was really sunny this day so the heat was terrible but once we arrived to the museum we enjoyed all the mummies and have a great time at themuseum. You need to go to these museum, is one of the best and most famous attractions in the city.

Later on we went to “University of Guanajuato” one of the oldest in Latin America. Which first opened in the eighteenth century as a jesuit school. The architecture of the building is really beautiful but we weren´t allowed to enter that day so we just took some photos and have a great time fooling around. We enjoyed some “Alley performances” on the evening, it is a leisure stroll along Guanajuato´s old cobbled alleys (one of them the famous “Alley of the kiss”), we walked alongside troupes of musicians dressed in 17th- century costumes. We really have and incredible time dancing, laughing and having a blast.

After walking all day long again we decided to go to the hotel early get dinner and go to sleep, because the next day we were going to visit “La Mina Valenciana” which is an old minewe were going to visit!

We woke up the next day, we had breakfast and then we got all our luggage into the bus to get to “La valencia” a village where the mine is located. When we arrived we got into groups, each group with one guider. They started by telling us the story of the mine and that it was one of the richest silver mines in Guanajuato. Everyone got a helmet in orderto enter the mine, which had a lot of stairs and not a lot of space , also they turned the lights off for a moment so we could see the darkness in that place, you couldn´t see a thing! It was a great experience and I think many people would like to know a mine if they had the chance.

This trip was brilliant, I had a great time with my classmates and teachers and we all enjoy this georgous city, you all need to make a trip to Guanajuato sometime if you have the time and opportunity it was a great weekend!

June 29, 2015