Guanajuato's climate, central location, cultural ambience, and friendly people make it an especially fine place to immerse yourself in the language, culture, and history of Mexico.
Location and Climate
Guanajuato is the Capital of the State of Guanajuato. It is located in the Central Mesa, about four hours north-northwest of Mexico City. At an elevation of 6,650 feet (1,996 meters), the city enjoys a temperate "not too hot, not too cold" climate all year. Summertime temperatures average 70°F (21°C) during the day and 59°F (15°C) at night. During the winter, they average 68°F (20°C) during the day and 41°F (5°C) at night. Refreshing late-afternoon showers or thunderstorms can be expected daily during the rainy season which is June through August. At other times of the year, rain is infrequent.
Culture and Attractions
The city of Guanajuato was founded in 1554. It became one the richest of Mexico's colonial cities because of the vast silver deposits found in the surrounding mountains. Several silver mines are still operating and are open for tours.
Guanajuato is considered part of the World Heritage by UNESCO and was designated a World Heritage Site in 1988. The legacy of Guanajuato's rich past is reflected in the fine colonial architecture that graces many of the buildings in the city's historic center. Today, Guanajuato is a medium-sized city of approximately 150,000 inhabitants and is home to the University of Guanajuato, whose students bring a youthful exuberance to the city's restaurants, cafes, and public spaces. The presence of the University also enriches the city's cultural life, with weekly symphony concerts, regularly scheduled lectures and seminars open to the public, and "callejoneadas" every Thursday through Sunday. These evening musical walks through the streets of Guanajuato are led by "estudiantinas" who are student musicians and singers. The "estudiantina" tradition is rooted in AndalucÃa, Spain, and was brought to Guanajuato in 1972. It has become a unique attraction in this compact city of narrow streets and steep, twisting alleyways.
Other attractions in Guanajuato include numerous museums such as the Museo-Casa Diego Rivera where the famous muralist was born and brought up, the Museo del Pueblo de Guanajuato in the 17th century home of the Marqueses de San Juan de Rayas, the Museo de Arte Olga Costa y Chavez Morado, the Alhóndiga de Granaditas history museum, the Museo Iconográfico del Quijote, and the Museo de las Momias, among others. Guanajuato's four theaters, including the beautiful Teatro Juarez, offer live performances of music, dance, and theater year round. The Teatro Principal and the Teatro Cervantes also offer a weekly program of current and classic films.
For the young at heart, Guanajuato's numerous discos will keep your feet moving. Moreover, there are numerous street festivals throughout the year including the grandest festival of them all, the 19-day Festival Internacional Cervantino which takes place every October.
Finally, Guanajuato's central location in the heart of Mexico also makes it an ideal "home base" for daytrips or weekend jaunts throughout the country. For daytrips, you can explore Mexico's cradle of independence, Dolores Hidalgo, which is 45 minutes away by car or bus, or the artist community of San Miguel de Allende which is one hour away, or the historic city of Querétaro, about 1½ hours away.
Farther afield is the state of Michoacán where you can explore the museums and fine architecture of the capital city of Morelia, about 3 hours away, or add another hour on to your drive and visit the lakeside community of Patzcuaro with its magnificent "artesania". You could also make a special visit to the monarch butterfly sanctuary near Angangueo (in season). That's about a 5-hour trip.
Another fine weekend destination is Mexico's second largest city, Guadalajara. That's about 4 hours away by bus. And, of course, you could venture toward the Pacific Coast beaches of Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo, which are each a day's travel away. Closer to "home base" is the modern city of León, which is just 45 minutes from Guanajuato and filled with stores that sell a huge variety of fine quality shoes and other leather goods.