Guanajuato is a fascinating region of Mexico with magical towns, delectable food and drink, and an intriguing history. On this one week in Guanajuato itinerary, I’ll highlight cultural activities, outdoor adventures and so much more. Guanajuato’s slogan is “Live Great Stories” and I am certain that you’ll come away with amazing memories to remember for the rest of your life.
Guanajuato is a state in central Mexico (and Guanajuato is also the name of a city there) with one popular destination that you’ve likely heard of, San Miguel de Allende. While I highly recommend including San Miguel on every Guanajuato itinerary, it’s also a great idea to explore as much of the state as you can. There’s so much more to see and do outside of San Miguel de Allende.
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If you’ve traveled to Mexico, you’ve likely visited popular coastal destinations like Puerto Vallarta, Playa del Carmen, or the Riviera Maya. Next time you visit Mexico, venture inland to experience more of this beautiful country’s wonders. This Guanajuato travel guide will take you on a journey around the state.
Getting There and Getting Around
If you aren’t within driving distance of Guanajuato, the best way to reach Guanajuato State is by flying to the Guanajuato International Airport in Silao, Mexico. There are direct flights from Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Mexico City, Cancun and others. If you’re visiting from a different city, you may connect through one of those destinations. You can compare flight prices here to find the best rates to Guanajuato, Mexico.
Once you’re there, I highly recommend renting a car to take a road trip around Guanajuato. For the destinations featured in this Guanajuato itinerary, it’s easiest to reach each place by car. Once you’re settled in Guanajuato City or San Miguel de Allende for the day, you can walk around and reach many places by foot. But, to get from point A to point B, it’s best to venture around by car.
Then, pick up your rental car from the Guanajuato International Airport, also known as the Del Bajio Airport. I love using Discover Cars when I rent a car abroad. You can easily compare rates between car rental companies to find the best price. Check out car rentals in Guanajuato here.
Guanajuato Itinerary Day 1: Guanajuato City
It’s day one of this 7 day Guanajuato itinerary and we’re starting the trip in Guanajuato City. In total, we’ll spend two days in Guanajuato City before moving on to our next destination in the state. The UNESCO listed city of Guanajuato is absolutely stunning. There are colorful buildings everywhere you look and postcard perfect rolling hills lining the horizon.
Take a Guided Walking Tour
When arriving in a new city, I always suggest going on a guided walking tour. You’ll be able to see some of the main highlights of the destination, and it’s a great way to familiarize yourself with a new place. A knowledgeable and expert local tour guide will take you around the city. They’ll also share historic facts and insights about the local culture that you may not learn about otherwise. Book this three-hour walking tour of Guanajuato.
Continue to Walk Around and Explore
While you may see quite a bit on your walking tour, I recommend continuing your stroll around town on the first day of your Guanajuato itinerary. Guanajuato has many cheerful and colorful little laneways and side streets. Don’t miss the “Alley of the Kiss”, a narrow alleyway where the balconies of two young lovers were so close together, they could secretly share embraces even though the girl’s father did not approve. Wander around these narrow alleyways until you reach the city center.
The city center of Guanajuato is pedestrian-only so you’ll be able to walk around freely without worrying about any traffic or cars. It’s pretty fascinating that Guanajuato has a network of tunnels beneath the city for automobiles and traffic. While the tunnels were originally built to protect the city from flooding (by the nearby Rio Guanajuato), they’re now used to keep the traffic away from pedestrians. It’s one of the most walkable cities for this very reason.
One of the most iconic structures in Guanajuato is the Basílica Colegiata de Nuestra Señora de Guanajuato, also known as the Basilica de Guanajuato. It’s the vibrant yellow church within the main city square.
Ride the Funicular
Guanajuato has a funicular that transports people up and down one of the local mountains. It’s an easy way to get to the top of the hill and see the Monumento Al Pipila. From the top of the mountain, you’ll have one of the best views of Guanajuato from the viewing platform, too.
One of the best times of day to ride the funicular is at sunset. You won’t be able to see the sunset venture below the horizon, but the entire landscape will be painted in pastel colors and a glowing hue. Admire the city down below and the surrounding hills.
The lower station is located behind the Juarez Theatre and the upper station is near the Pipila Monument. To ride the funicular, it is 30 pesos one way (60 pesos round trip). Tickets are only valid on the day you purchase them. I suggest riding the funicular to the top and walking back down.
Where to Stay in Guanajuato City
While there are many beautiful properties in Guanajuato, I suggest staying at the Casa del Rector Boutique Hotel. It’s a 5-star hotel in the perfect location, just steps from the Union Garden and the Alley of the Kiss. There’s an outdoor swimming pool, an onsite restaurant (where it’s easy to request vegan menu options!), a terrace with gorgeous views, and stunning rooms. This historic property was built in the 19th century, and it retains those old charms with modern touches. Book your stay here.
You can also use the handy map below to browse all accommodations in Guanajuato City. Enter your travel dates for more precise information. Click on each property to learn more and book your stay.
Guanajuato Itinerary Day 2: Guanajuato City
It’s day two of our 7 days in Guanajuato itinerary and we’re going to spend more time exploring the city. Take your pick of any of Guanajuato’s insightful museums. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the silver mines that put Guanajuato on the map. For those who love outdoor adventures, take a hike in Guanajuato and you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view.
Visit a Museum in Guanajuato
Guanajuato is an ideal place to visit for museum lovers. Spend your morning in Guanajuato at a museum to learn more about a particular topic that’s prominent within the city. One bizarre museum in Guanajuato is the Museum of the Mummies (Museo de las Momias). It’s a very unique museum for those who love dark tourism.
At the mummy museum, there are mummified remains on display where the relatives of the mummies did not keep up with payments for their burial plots. Therefore, the mummies were taken from burial plots of the local city cemetery and placed on display at the museum.
If that’s a little too strange for you, there are many other museums in Guanajuato that may appeal to your interests. Check out the Don Quixote Iconography Museum (Museo Iconográfico del Quijote), a restored 19th century home with 600 works of art devoted to the book, Don Quixote.
There’s also Diego Rivera’s House Museum (Museo y Casa de Diego Rivera). The childhood home of the artist and muralist, Diego Rivera, is transformed into a museum dedicated to him. You’ll learn more about the trials and tribulations of his life as an artist from Guanajuato City.
Discover the Silver Mines
The silver mines are one reason why the historic town of Guanajuato is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the 18th century, Guanajuato was the world’s leading silver-extraction center. The wealth from the mines resulted in the construction of the town’s fine Baroque and neoclassical buildings. In turn, this influenced the architectural style across central Mexico.
Visit the Museo Mina Valenciana 1791, the most famous mine in Guanajuato. On this tour, you’ll descend down into a silver mine and you’ll learn about the horrific working conditions back in the day. You’ll also learn about different ores and gems, and there’s a gift shop on site. As the tour on site is only conducted in Spanish, I suggest booking a private tunnels and mines tour in English with a professional guide.
Hike to the Top of Cerro de la Bufa
To end your day, embark on an incredible adventure around the hills that surround Guanajuato City. You’ll climb mountains on a hiking trail that leads to the top of Cerro de la Bufa. It’s one of the best places in the city to admire panoramic views and stunning landscapes.
A knowledgeable and helpful guide will accompany you on this hiking trip, detailing the best route and providing many great insights. You’ll witness flora and fauna of the region, as well as impressive rock formations. Book your hiking tour here.
Guanajuato Itinerary Day 3: Dolores Hidalgo
On day three of this one week Guanajuato itinerary, we make a day trip to Dolores Hidalgo. After two days in Guanajuato City, we will begin our road trip around the state of Guanajuato. After spending the day in Dolores Hidalgo, we’ll drive to Mineral de Pozos to settle in for the evening.
Visit the National Independence Museum
Dolores Hidalgo is known as “The Cradle of Independence” in Mexico. It’s a very important place to visit in terms of Mexican history. On September 16th, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla uttered the Cry of Independence that spurred the battle for independence from Spain. It’s only fitting to visit the National Independence Museum, which illustrates the events leading to the Mexican rebellion from Spanish rule.
If you have time to see more museums in Dolores Hidalgo, you can also check out the José Alfredo Jiménez Museum. It’s the childhood home of the famous mariachi musician.
See the Central Plaza and its Church
If you’re visiting the small colonial town of Dolores Hidalgo, I suggest going for a walk around this peaceful town and its historic center. It’s an incredibly charming place to visit without many tourists. Wander around the colorful buildings and witness the main square, the parish church, and the local shops. Dolores is famous for its Talavera ceramic pottery and you’ll be able to purchase tiles, vases, and pots.
The town center is also home to several ice cream vendors featuring some very bizarre flavors. Some of these “nieves” contain no dairy, so you’ll need to inquire as to which ones are dairy-free if you’re vegan like I am. For instance, there’s a zapote sorbet and other fruit sorbets to sample. There are some rather strange flavors like cactus, sweet corn, and shrimp. You’ll have to see how adventurous you feel when you travel to Dolores Hidalgo.
Visit the Hidalgo Market
I love visiting local markets. They’re a great place to experience local culture and delicious food. The Mercado Hidalgo (Hidalgo Market) was built in 1910 to celebrate Mexico’s 100th year of independence. You’ll be able to sample local food, see the beautiful architecture of the market, and go shopping for some souvenirs and trinkets.
Wine Museum in Dolores Hidalgo
Love wine? You need to make a trip to the Guanajuato Wine Museum (Museo del Vino de Guanajuato). There are five interactive rooms where you’ll learn more about wine production in Guanajuato, as well as the history of wine in this region. Naturally, there’s a wine bar on site where you’ll be able to taste the wine, too. Overall, this is the perfect place for wine lovers and a must visit on any Guanajuato itinerary.
Where to Stay in Mineral de Pozos
If you’re looking for a fabulous hotel in Mineral de Pozos, stay at La Casona Minera. It’s a five-star sustainable property with a garden, shared lounge, a terrace and restaurant. The hotel rooms have many modern amenities and you can rent bicycles at the hotel if you’d like to go for a ride. Book your stay here.
You can also use the handy map below to browse all accommodations in Mineral de Pozos. Enter your travel dates for more precise information. Click on each property to learn more and book your stay.
Guanajuato Itinerary Day 4: Mineral de Pozos
On day four of this Guanajuato itinerary, we’re spending one full day in Mineral de Pozos since arriving the night before. It’s a magical town that’s officially declared as one of Guanajuato’s “Pueblos Magicos” for its historical significance. Once a prosperous mining town, Mineral de Pozos became known as a ghost town before being resettled and abandoned once again after the Mexican Revolution.
Walk Around the Ghost Town
Like most places that I visit, I always recommend going for a walk around the city streets to observe the buildings and daily life there. There is a pretty white church in the middle of town and some other colorful structures as well.
In fact, many of the buildings in Mineral de Pozos remain just as you would have found them in the 19th century. The designation of “Pueblo Magico” means that the homeowners must maintain the historic integrity of their homes without making any drastic changes. Mineral de Pozos is much smaller than many of the other towns on this list, but it doesn’t mean that it isn’t worth a stroll!
Explore the Mine at Los Hornos
Just a short 15 minute drive outside of Mineral de Pozos in Santa Brigida, you can visit Los Hornos. It’s one of the deactivated old mines that brought the town into prosperity. Los Hornos is best known for its three intriguing pyramid-shaped furnaces that are the emblem of Mineral de Pozos.
It’s the oldest mine in Guanajuato and was once used to extract minerals, such as gold, silver, copper, zinc, lead and mercury. The furnaces were used to melt down metals and separate the minerals from the rocks. You can visit Los Hornos for a small admission fee.
Visit the Beautiful Lavender Farm
How can you resist the delightful aromas of lavender? Take a stroll around the lavender farm that’s about 15 minutes from Mineral de Pozos’ downtown core. You can learn about the production of lavender, take a walk in the lavender fields and purchase things made from lavender.
Relax at the Beer Spa
Have you ever been to a beer spa? I’ve seen beer spas in the Czech Republic, at home in Canada, and you can also visit one in Mineral de Pozos, Mexico. Located at La Casona Minera Boutique Hotel (where I suggest you stay overnight!), you can soak in beer-infused waters while drinking a locally produced beer, too!
There are also additional spa treatments available at La Casona Minera, so you may just want to make an entire spa day out of your trip there. You’ll quickly see why La Casona Minera is worth visiting, whether you stay the night here or simply visit the spa.
Guanajuato Itinerary Day 5: San Miguel de Allende
On day five of this 7 day Guanajuato itinerary, you’ll travel to the magical town of San Miguel de Allende. You’ve likely heard of San Miguel de Allende as it continually tops lists of the best destinations in the world by notable publications like Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Travel.
In recent years, San Miguel de Allende is one of the most popular destinations to visit in Mexico, particularly for expats to call a home base. A trip to Guanajuato wouldn’t be complete without visiting this jewel known for its Spanish Colonial architecture and colorful facades.
Cañada de La Virgen Pyramid Tour
On your way to San Miguel de Allende, make a stop at the Cañada de La Virgen Pyramid. This is a Mesoamerican complex and recently uncovered archaeological find from the site’s 2004 excavations. If you love ancient ruins, check out my article about the top 50 Maya ruins you need to visit. For history lovers, this is one of the best things to do in Guanajuato.
You can book a tour with an archaeologist who helped discover the original site. You’ll walk the same path as the ancient residents did, enjoying impressive landscapes and structures on the way. It’s even possible to climb to the top of the pyramid, which is a forbidden activity at many other Maya ruin sites. Book your tour here.
Guided Walking Tour of San Miguel de Allende
When you arrive in San Miguel de Allende, I recommend taking a walking tour of the historic district with a professional local guide. This two hour walking tour takes you to prominent sites, like the central square, important churches, and historical monuments.
Discover the charming hidden narrow streets of this beautiful city and visit the must see attractions. Your private tour guide will answer any questions you might have and share what it’s like to be a resident of such a beautiful place. Book your tour here.
Visit El Jardin
El Jardin is San Miguel de Allende’s central public square and the heart of the town (also known as Jardín Principal or the Main Garden). It’s a lively place that’s the center of all the action in town. I suggest spending a bit more time there to absorb the atmosphere of San Miguel de Allende.
This is where many people meet to hang out, as well as a place to go for street food or ice cream. You can also watch folkloric dance or take in a local concert.
Where to Stay in San Miguel de Allende
My top pick for where to stay in San Miguel de Allende is the Casa del Tio Hotel Boutique. It’s located within the historic city center and just 200 meters from Jardín Allende, the city’s main square. There are two terraces with amazing views of the town, and you’re within walking distance of most of the town’s major attractions. The rooms contain many modern amenities, including a Nespresso machine. Book your stay here.
You can also use the handy map below to browse all accommodations in San Miguel de Allende. Enter your travel dates for more precise information. Click on each property to learn more and book your stay.
Guanajuato Itinerary Day 6: San Miguel de Allende
It’s day two in San Miguel de Allende and there’s still so much more to see and do here. You can check some items off your bucket list, like taking a hot air balloon ride and relaxing in Mexican hot springs.
Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
There’s nothing like taking a hot air balloon ride over one of the most beautiful places in the world. You’ll wake up bright and early to embark on a hot air balloon ride in San Miguel de Allende. Take flight on a 45 to 60 minute balloon ride over downtown San Miguel de Allende and its pastoral surroundings.
Marvel at the natural landscapes and the brilliant colors of the sunrise as the world awakens. Admire endless panoramic views off towards the horizon. You might even see a few other hot air balloons making an appearance across the vast scenery. Book your tour here.
Check out the Local Markets
Checking out local markets is one of the best ways to partake in the local culture and gastronomy, and San Miguel de Allende has several tempting markets to visit. San Juan de Dios is one of the main markets in San Miguel de Allende with both an indoor and outdoor section. You can sample authentic eats and purchase local fruits and vegetables, too.
For handcrafted wares, visit the Mercado de Artesanias (Artisan Market). You’ll find locally made jewelry, hand painted ceramics, food stalls and more. Tianguis Organico is a Saturday market featuring local organic traders selling organic produce, prepared food like tamales and guacamole, chocolates and condiments.
Visit the Mask Museum
Here’s another unique museum in Guanajuato, Mexico: the San Miguel Mask Museum. The owner and curator, Bill LeVasseur, has spent over 25 years collecting a vast array of 500 Mexican ceremonial masks. He acquired the masks through his personal visits to remote indigenous communities where he observed their dance ceremonies.
In addition to the wide assortment of masks are photos, texts and videos from over 40 dance ceremonies. This offers a one-of-a-kind glimpse into the traditional cultures of Guanajuato. All proceeds from the entrance admission benefits the Casa de los Angeles Day Care Center in San Miguel de Allende.
Relax at Nearby Hot Springs
La Gruta, or The Grotto, are the best hot springs in San Miguel de Allende. After a day of touring around, it’s time to soak and relax at the natural hot springs. There are contrasting hot and cold springs to soothe your aching muscles and benefit your entire body.
The cave is a man-made sauna with just the right amount of beneficial heat and steam. There’s also a spa on-site with professional massage services, as well as green spaces for everyone to enjoy. With a restaurant at the location for breakfast, brunch, and dessert, you may be tempted to spend the whole day here.
Guanajuato Itinerary Day 7: Ruta del Vino
Did you know that Guanajuato has its own wine route? The Ruta del Vino in Guanajuato features more than 25 wineries where you can tour the vineyards, have a small food pairing, and of course, taste the wine. The Ruta del Vino meanders from Dolores Hidalgo down to San Miguel de Allende.
While it is a relatively new wine region that emerged in the 1990s and 2000s, the high altitude and cool evenings of the area makes it ideal for growing grapes. Many of the wineries are organic and focus on creating high quality wine without any additives or preservatives.
I suggest spending your last day on this one week Guanajuato itinerary visiting a few of the wineries on the Ruta del Vino. If you’re departing from San Miguel de Allende, you can visit these wineries on your way back to Guanajuato City and Leon.
It’s also a good idea to spend another night in San Miguel de Allende. After your wine tour, you can relax back at your accommodation for the night or savor another magical evening in town. It’s also possible to take an Uber from San Miguel to the wineries so you don’t have to drive. Of course, if you drive yourself, your driver won’t be able to partake in the wine tastings, so it might be a good idea to Uber around.
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This blog post is brought to you by Guanajuato State Tourism.
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Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ countries around the world. Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns.