Guanajuato Travel Guide

Safety in Guanajuato, like in many travel destinations, can vary based on several factors, including the specific areas within the city, the time of day, and personal behaviors. While we were there it felt safer than most American cities. And like we’ve said before, time and time again, Be Smart – Just like anywhere in the world, you have to make sensible decisions in order to be safe – don’t go around flaunty your cash, jewelry and be aware of your surroundings.

The historic center of Guanajuato, which includes major attractions like Plaza de la Paz, the Juárez Theatre, and the Mummy Museum, is usually safe for tourists. Local authorities are aware of the city’s importance for tourism and take measures to maintain safety in these areas.

Common Precautions: As with any travel destination, there are common-sense precautions travelers should take:
👉 Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas.
👉 Be cautious with personal belongings; pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded locations.
👉 Use reputable transportation services, like authorized taxis or ride-sharing apps.
👉 Respect local customs and traditions. Engaging positively with locals can enhance your experience and often increases your safety.
👉 Familiarize yourself with emergency numbers and the location of your country’s embassy or consulate in case you need assistance.
👉 Get Local Advice: Don’t hesitate to ask locals or your hotel staff for advice on areas to avoid and safe travel tips.

Guanajuato is a state and city in central Mexico. The city of Guanajuato is the state capital, which is where we stayed, it’s situated in a narrow valley, located about 230 miles northwest of Mexico City. The state of Guanajuato borders the states of San Luis Potosí to the north, Querétaro to the east, Michoacán to the south, and Jalisco to the west. *Note: When we mention Guanajuato in our posts about places we’ve been, we mean the city, not the entire state of Guanajuato.

Historically known for its silver mining industry. The city is famous for its colonial architecture, narrow winding streets called callejones, and colorful buildings built along the hillsides. It’s also well-known for hosting the annual Festival Internacional Cervantino, one of Latin America’s most important cultural festivals.

For a typical tourist visit to Guanajuato city, 3-4 days is usually enough to explore the main attractions, including the mummy museum, Teatro Juárez, the Callejón del Beso (Alley of the Kiss), several historic churches, and the nearby silver mines. This gives you time to wander the colorful alleyways, take in some cultural performances, and enjoy the local cuisine.

However, if you’re considering Guanajuato as a potential place to live, we recommend staying at least 2-3 weeks, ideally a month or longer. This extended stay will allow you to:
> Experience the rhythm of daily life beyond the tourist areas
> Get to know different neighborhoods and their characteristics
> Test out the local transportation system
> Build connections with locals and expats
> Understand the local housing market
> Experience the climate across different times of the month
> Find your favorite local spots for coffee, meals, and groceries
> Get a sense of what everyday life would actually feel like

The city has a growing expat community, and spending more time there will help you determine if its unique culture, lifestyle, and infrastructure align with your needs for a potential home abroad.

Yes, Guanajuato is absolutely worth visiting. It’s one of Mexico’s most beautiful colonial cities with unique characteristics that set it apart:
👉 Architecture and Layout: The city is built into a steep valley with winding alleyways, tunnels, and staircases connecting different levels. The colorful buildings create a stunning visual tapestry against the hillsides.
👉 Cultural Significance: It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and hosts the prestigious Festival Internacional Cervantino, drawing artists and performers from around the world.
👉 History: The city was once one of the world’s leading silver mining centers, and you can still visit historic mines. The wealth from this period funded magnificent buildings and churches that remain today.
👉 Authentic Experience: Unlike some more tourist-heavy Mexican destinations, Guanajuato maintains a genuine Mexican atmosphere with a thriving university population and local culture.

Guanajuato is highly walkable in its historic center, but with some important considerations:

The historic center is designed for pedestrians, with many streets being car-free callejones (narrow alleys) and plazas connected by an extensive network of walkways. Most major attractions, restaurants, and shops are within walking distance of each other.

However, there are some physical challenges to consider:
❗ The city is built in a valley with steep hills on both sides
❗ Many streets and alleys involve climbing stairs
❗ The cobblestone streets and sidewalks can be uneven
❗ Some callejones are quite narrow and can be challenging to navigate with luggage

For areas outside the walking range or when you’re tired of climbing, the city has good alternatives:
❤ An extensive network of underground tunnels (former riverbeds) with pedestrian walkways
❤ Affordable local buses
❤ Taxis for longer trips or when carrying heavy items
❤ Funicular that takes you up to the El Pípila monument for panoramic views

For anyone with mobility issues or difficulty with stairs, it’s important to carefully choose accommodation location, as some areas of the city are more accessible than others. The flatter areas near the Jardín de la Unión (main square) are generally easier to navigate.

In addition to your normal vacation packing list, you should definitely bring:
👉 Sturdy walking shoes with good grip for the steep cobblestone streets
👉 A light jacket or sweater for chilly evenings
👉 A small backpack for exploring the city
👉 Sunscreen and hat (the altitude makes sun exposure more intense)
👉 Cash in pesos for small shops and taxis
That’s really it – Guanajuato has plenty of shops if you forget anything else!

Guanajuato city is slightly larger in population than Eugene or Salem, Oregon, but all three are in the same range (~175,000–195,000)

To put it into a perspective that we understood we had to compare it to Oregon. Guanajuato state is much smaller in area than Oregon (about 1/8th the size), but has a larger population (over 6 million vs. Oregon’s 4.2 million).