About Guanajuato, Mexico

The city of Guanajuato, one of the loveliest in Mexico, in set in fairy-tale surroundings on the slopes of the Cerro del Cubilete. As a result of the magnificent architecture of its many historical monuments, as well as its unusual urban lay-out, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988. Its fame and fortune originated in the rich gold and silver deposits discovered by the Spaniards in the vicinity of what would later become the city. The region was formerly inhabited by nomadic groups of Chichimeca. In 1541, the Spaniards arrived for the first time and in 1546, the viceroy granted don Rodrigo de Vázquez permission to built a cattle ranch on the outskirts of Guanajuato. The city was founded in 1570, a title it was granted by Philip V. By the end of the 18th century, Guanajuato was the second most important and richest city in New Spain, after Mexico City.



Its history, cultural tradition, magnificent architecture and mild climate with an annual temperature of 18ºC have made it a center of attraction. Nowadays, Guanajuato is a city of unusual beauty, with a rich colonial tradition. In the midst of ravines and gullies, its streets taper off into steep, twisting alleys or underground tunnels and streets that wind their way through brightly colored houses perched in the hills.



Guanjuato, the capital of the state of the same name, has a wide range of hotels in the city and its surroundings, as well as several restaurants and nightclubs. Guanajuato¡¯s festive spirit comes to the fore in its fiestas and popular events such as the Holy Week celebrations, the feast of our Lady of Guanajuato, the celebrations of the Presa de la Olla, the sugar figure fair, the festival of hot-air balloons and the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Christmas in Guanajuato is an unforgettable experience that is worth experiencing to the full. This is the time of the traditional callejoneadas, when the lively tunes of student music groups fill the night air. One of the most important events in Mexico is undoubtedly the International Cervantes Festival, which originated in 1952, with the presentation of the Entremeses Cervantinos in the Plaza de San Roque. If you are interested in seeing this festival or any other of the city¡¯s events, Guanajuato one of the easiest states to reach because of its broad network of highways and international airport in the city of León.