• About WordPress
    • WordPress.org
    • Documentation
    • Support
    • Feedback
  • Log In
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Backpacking Brunette

Because life is not meant to be lived in one place

  • Members
  • Move To Mexico
    • Start Here
    • Mexico Residency Roadmap: Your Guide to Living in Mexico Legally in 2022
    • Learn Spanish
    • Move To Mexico
    • Move To Spain
  • About Alex
    • About Alex
    • Contact Me
    • Consulting Services
    • Work Together
  • Mexico Travel
    • Baja California
    • Central Mexico
    • Oaxaca
    • Puerto Vallarta
    • Yucatan
    • Travel Insurance
  • Camino de Santiago
    • 25 Eye-Opening Things To Know Before Walking The Camino de Santiago
    • How to Prepare for the Camino de Santiago Like a Pro
    • Cost of the Camino de Santiago {2021}: How Much Should You Budget?
    • Travel Insurance
  • Spain Travel
    • Best Cities In Spain
    • Madrid
      • Day Trips
  • Budget Travel
    • Guides
    • Stories
    • Tips
  • Work Abroad
    • Start Here
    • Au Pair
    • Teach English Online
    • Teach English In Spain

A Backpacker’s Guide to Guanajuato, Mexico

May 1, 2018 by Alex | Backpacking Brunette 2 Comments

127 shares
  • Share
A Backpacker’s Guide to Guanajuato, Mexico

From what to do and see to where to stay, eat and drink, this guide to Guanajuato has everything you need to know about visiting Central Mexico’s most colorful city.

How to get to Guanajuato

If you haven’t picked up on this yet, I prefer bus travel within a region. I find Mexican buses both cost-effective and comfortable. I considered renting a car, but once I got to Guanajuato, I felt relieved to have stuck with my old standby. Perhaps a more confident driver would be up to the challenge, but navigating the city’s narrow one-ways and subterranean streets would have been my personal nightmare.

From Querétaro

Primera Plus offers eight daily buses at approximately two-hour intervals. The journey takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes with a brief stop in Irapuato. Round-trip tickets cost $433 MXN ($23 USD). One-way tickets cost $228 MXN ($12 USD). I recommend buying in advance online, especially if you’re traveling on the weekend, because it’s a popular trip.

You may also like: Mexico Off the Beaten Path: 7 Reasons to Visit Querétaro

From elsewhere in Mexico

From Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende and other destinations in Central Mexico, there is regular first-class bus service to and from Guanajuato. You can also find connecting services from cities all over the country. In addition to Primera Plus, ETN offers a variety of routes. Smaller lines include Group Estrella Blanca and Flecha Amarilla.

Central bus station to city center

Guanajuato’s Central de Autobuses is about five miles (eight kilometers) outside the city center. From just outside the terminal, you can take a city bus to the centro histórico for $5 MXN ($o.25 USD). Check the bus’s windshield for a list of its stops. When you see one marked “Centro” or “Mercado Hidalgo” you’re good to go. If you think the bus is too packed, just wait for the next one. They depart every 15 minutes or so. Buses often let passengers off in the underground tunnels below the city center, so if you’re not sure when to get off, ask the driver: ¿Por favor, me avisa cuál parada para el centro histórico?

A backpacker's guide to Guanajuato, Mexico! What to see, eat and do in Central Mexico's most colorful city!
Gazing up at the Basílica colegiata de Nuestra Señora de Guanajuato.

Where to stay in Guanajuato

A short walk from Jardin de la Unión, Corral d Comedias (Callejón Ave Maria 17) couldn’t be more centrally located. It’s definitely rustic, but the staff really set this hostel apart. They’re friendly, knowledgeable and genuinely hospitable. Lots of hostels include breakfast in the price of a night’s stay, but you should never expect more than toast and coffee. A banana is groundbreaking! So, imagine my surprise when the staff prepared and served us breakfast (omelettes with a side of fruit). Staying at Corral d Comedias feels like you’re crashing with friends.

Dorms cost $240 MXN ($13 USD) per night. Private rooms cost $710 MXN ($38 USD) per night.

You may also like: What It’s Really Like to Stay in a Hostel
A backpacker's guide to Guanajuato, Mexico! What to see, eat and do in Central Mexico's most colorful city!
Chill out and chat with other travelers in the common space at Corral d Comedias. Image Credit: Hostelworld

What to do in Guanajuato

 Take in the views from La Pípila

Perched on a hill at the edge of the city center, La Pípila, which pays tribute to a hero of the Mexican War of Independence, is visible throughout Guanajuato. Climb up to the foot of the statue for incredible views of the city. A funicular is available, but I recommend walking so as not to miss some colorful street art along the way. 

How to get there:

  • From behind Jardin de la Unión, take Callejón de Calvario.
  • Keep straight (or as straight as you can in this winding alley) until you see an abandoned brick building with large arches on your right. It’s painted green and red.
  • After the brick building, turn right on Subida a San Miguel. That will take you to La Pípila via the street art.
A backpacker's guide to Guanajuato, Mexico! What to see, eat and do in Central Mexico's most colorful city!
This view was worth every step I had to climb.

Visit at least one museum

Guanajuato is known for its many cultural offerings, including (but definitely not limited to) museums. In the three days I was there, I manged to visit two: Museo Casa Diego Rivera and Museo de las Momias. The former is the childhood home of early-20th-century artist Diego Rivera, and the latter is something a bit more macabre.

In Guanajuato’s Santa Paula cemetery, mummification occurred naturally due to the soil’s unusual mineral content. The museum displays more than 100 mummified corpses—among them children and babies. While it’s definitely not for the squeamish, it’s an original way to learn about the city’s history.

From anywhere in the city center, the museums are easily reachable on foot (although be prepared to walk uphill to las Momias). Both visits took approximately an hour.

  • Museo Casa Diego Rivera (Positos 47)
    • Hours: Open 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday; 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday.
    • Price: $25 MXN ($1.30 USD)
  • Museo de las Momias (Explanada del Panteón Municipal s/n)
    • Hours: Open 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Thursday; 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Friday – Sunday.
    • Price: $60 MXN ($3.20 USD)
A backpacker's guide to Guanajuato, Mexico! What to see, eat and do in Central Mexico's most colorful city!
One of the bedrooms in the Museo Casa Diego Rivera. Rivera was born in Guanajuato!

Share an awkward kiss

Of all Guanajuato’s narrow alleys, Callejón del Beso is the most famous. According to local legend, two young lovers (à la Romeo and Juliet) lived in houses on opposite sides of the alley. Although their families forbid their relationship, at night, the couple would lean over their balconies for an evening kiss.

Today, you and your sweetheart can climb up to the balconies, stretch across the 70 centimeters and reenact the secret smooch. It’s sure to be super romantic in front of an alley full of other tourists. Before I stepped onto the balcony, the woman working in the gift shop asked for $20 MXN ($1 USD). Someone on the other side collected the same from my boyfriend. Professional photography is available, but I just left my phone with the woman in line behind me, and she snapped a picture for me.

If you don’t want to pay, just exchange a kiss on the staircase below. Same idea and easier to photograph!

A backpacker's guide to Guanajuato, Mexico! What to see, eat and do in Central Mexico's most colorful city!
Not pictured: An alley full of gawking tourists!

 Challenge yourself on Cero de la Bufa

From La Pípila, you can see rugged peaks surround Guanajuato. One of those peaks is Cero de la Bufa. It’s a steep climb with lots of loose rocks and slippery faces. You’ll need to watch out for broken beer bottles and barbed wire. From the base, it took us a little over 30 minutes to reach the top, but we were pushing it.

Don’t take an unnecessary risks, and give yourself at least 45 minutes for the way up. Maybe even an hour! Bring water and wear sunscreen. Once you’ve reached the faro (lighthouse), look down for a new set of panoramic views including Presa de la Olla. My guidebook said Cero de la Bufa is a popular day hike, but we had the peak to ourselves.

How to get there: 

  • From the city center, walk 30 minutes through the posh Presa de la Olla neighborhood. The route is lined with cute cafes and beautiful homes. Signs with arrows will keep you going in the right direction along Paseo la Presa.
  • The Presa de la Olla, which is a reservoir, is impossible to miss. If it’s the weekend, you might see people paddling around in rented boats. Walk around the dam to the back left corner.
  • Climb the stairs and keep right. Signs mark the start of the trail at the end of the walkway.
  • Signs with a picture of a lighthouse will guide you through the first portion and lead you to a dirt road.
  • You’re only on the road for a second before a sign reading “Subida al Faro” points you back onto a narrow, rocky trail.
  • When you’ve made it back down, catch a city bus to the center from the park you passed through to get to the trailhead.
A backpacker's guide to Guanajuato, Mexico! What to see, eat and do in Central Mexico's most colorful city!
We earned a cerveza (or two) after this hike!

Where to eat in Guanajuato

La Santurrona Gastropub

For craft brews and tall micheladas, check out La Santurrona. Because I wasn’t very hungry, I only had the chicken soup which was served in a miniature vintage cooking pot. Just one of the many details that make this place a fun spot for a meal.

Address: Del Portero 2

La Bohmeia

In order to get an early start on the hike, we left our hostel before breakfast was served and stopped in La Bohemia for some pre-trek fuel. All the breakfast options come with a choice of fruit or juice and coffee. Additional seating is available upstairs.

Address: Allendae 3

Mestizo

Since we were in Guanajuato celebrating our eight-year anniversary, my boyfriend and I decided to treat ourselves to a nice dinner. Located in a former art gallery, Mestizo is a modern-Mexican restaurant. The showroom vibes gave the place an upscale feel, but the meal didn’t break the bank. Drinks, a shared salad, two entrees and dessert cost around $800 MXN ($42 USD).

Address: Positos 69

Escarola

Just across the street from Museo Casa Diego Rivera, Escarola offers fresh, healthy meal options. For $50 MXN ($2.70), I ordered a paquete  which included my choice of taco, a salad and agua del día. The taco had nopales (cactus) and black beans. The agua del día (flavored water) was strawberry. Escarola is vegetarian-friendly and also has vegan items on its menu.

Address: Positos 38

A backpacker's guide to Guanajuato, Mexico! What to see, eat and do in Central Mexico's most colorful city!
My fave meal of the weekend! My taco, salad and strawberry water cost $50 MXN ($2.70) at Escarola.

Where to drink in Guanajuato

Bar Fly

Guanajuato is a university town, so nightlife options abound. On Saturday night, we headed over to Bar Fly just before 11 p.m. While waiting for a local band to go on, we sipped bottled beer and listened to a reggae mix which included a Pink Floyd cover. By the time the band (screamo-emo something or other) started to play, patrons of a variety of ages had packed in for the show.

Address: Sostenes Rocha 30

Bossa Nova Café

Jardin de la Unión is regarded as the heart of the city and is lined with many places to eat and drink. For something a little more relaxed though, head over to Plazuela de San Fernando. I fell in love with this square, and tipped back cañas at Boss Nova Café twice during my weekend in Guanajuato. You heard me right: cañas! You can order Spain’s famous mini beers for just $15 MXN ($0.80 USD).

Address: Cantaritos 44

A backpacker's guide to Guanajuato, Mexico! What to see, eat and do in Central Mexico's most colorful city!
If you need to hydrate before starting in on the cerveza, try Bossa Nova’s agua del día (flavored water of the day). This pitcher is strawberry!

Have you ever visited Guanajuato? What’s the best city in Mexico for backpackers?


Psst…Don’t forget to pin this post for later

A backpacker's guide to Guanajuato, Mexico! What to see, eat and do in Central Mexico's most colorful city!Spend you Mexico vacation in the country's most colorful city! This guide has all the best things to do in Guanajuato, Mexico. Plus, budget travel tips for Mexico!

127 shares
  • Share

Filed Under: Central Mexico

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dave Stamboulis says

    November 15, 2020 at 1:17 pm

    Just a note, your hike up to the lighthouse has nothing to do with La Bufa, they are totally separate places. The hike you did was to El Faro from Presa de Olla. La Bufa is on the other side of town, accessible from the ISSTE hospital.

    Reply
    • Alex | Backpacking Brunette says

      February 16, 2021 at 6:02 pm

      Thanks for the correction, David! I will go back & change it in the post. Much appreciated!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

Primary Sidebar

Search the Site

Recent Posts

  • Best Time for Whale Watching in Cabo San Lucas (Ultimate Guide)
  • Ultimate Guide for Best Bars & Nightlife in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
  • Best Time to Visit Puerto Vallarta, Mexico + the Time of Year to AVOID
  • Best Snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta + How to Go WITHOUT a Tour
  • How to Celebrate Thanksgiving in Mexico (Tasty Recipes + Mexican Traditions)

© 2023 Backpacking Brunette

Privacy Policy and Disclosure

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT
127 shares