Guanajuato
History, cuisine, culture and legend come together in this beautiful state at the heart of the country
Guanajuato is a state rich in culture, history and cuisine where all kinds of activities can be enjoyed.
The unusual geography of the state endows it with varied landscapes that change over the space of a few miles, from a lake in a volcanic crater to a natural reserve with over 150 bird species – perfect spots for camping and adventure sports; it also takes in semi-arid areas where villages that experienced the silver rush in the 18th and 19th centuries remain as a surreal reminder of past glories.
Culture is in the very air of the state. It is home to one of the country’s leading arts festivals, the Cervantino (International Cervantes Festival), which has earned a worldwide reputation. Artists in all fields, past and present, have lived in this state, which has a wealth of colonial architecture that surprises and inspires visitors from around the world.
The city of Guanajuato, capital of the state and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a fantastic city plan, full of winding streets and unexpected turns, with legendary alleys waiting to be explored to the sound of the musicians and artists who explore them with you. The center of the city is a perfect setting for the bohemian life, with a busy vibe around the cafés and bars that surround the central Jardín de la Unión square, the main meeting point for locals.
The state’s wealth of history means you can also view places that witnessed key scenes leading to the nation’s Independence. The Alhóndiga de Granaditas, the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Dolores parish church and the very house where independence hero and priest Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla lived are some of its leading attractions.
The town of San Miguel de Allende, meanwhile, famous for the beauty of its architecture, offers visitors enchanting surroundings in which to enjoy its tranquility, handicrafts and cultural and culinary diversity.
A number of monasteries and missions are dotted all round the state, as well as archeological ruins from the earliest Mesoamerican peoples who settled in this region.
As for its gastronomical diversity, Guanajuato offers the world singular products with unrivalled flavors, such as cajeta (goat milk caramel), products using the matchless strawberries of Irapuato, and traditional breads and sweets.
Climate: Semi-dry, temperate and semi-warm
Temperature: 66°F / 19°C annual average
Location: Central Mexico
Area: 11,818 sq miles
Capital: Guanajuato
