GUANAJUATO
The city of Guanajuato,
cultural capital of the Bajio region in central Mexico,
is one of the most charming destinations in the nation. It has three varying
climates (semi-arid, template and semi-dry) throughout the year and an average
temperature of 17º C (62º F).
Declared a
World Heritage Site by the UNESCO, the city?s Historic
Center
will impress you with its civic and religious buildings, built in the colonial
era during the mining boom between the 16th and 18th
centuries.
During your
stay, you?ll see excellent examples of New Spain Baroque art on such edifices
as the Basilica Señora de Guanajuato,
the Templo de San
Diego, the Alhondiga
de Granaditas (a grain depository) and the Monumento al Pipila. The
buildings take you back in time to the glorious independence era. As you walk
down the streets and alleyways you?ll come across spots that have inspired the
creation of myths and legends, such as the famous Callejon
del Beso (Alley of the
Kiss). You?ll also be able to walk through underground tunnels that connect one
side of the city to the other. At the plazas and fountains, you can enjoy the
tranquility that you?ll find at such places as the Baratillo,
where you can buy the finest regional crafts. Various cultural events also take
place in the squares and streets, such as the International Cervantes Festival,
which brings together many artists of diverse cultural and artistic
disciplines.
Some of the
events are also held at the beautiful Teatro Juarez,
the city?s most important venue. In museums, such as the Mummy Museum, you?ll
discover the secrets and mysteries of the mummification process. To unravel
more mysteries, visit the Cristo Rey
del Cubilete Sanctuary,
where you can also go paragliding. Finally, you can do a culinary tour of the
region, starting out in Celaya and moving on to San
Miguel de Allende. These areas have some of the best
food in Mexico.
