How Guanajuato City Won My Heart
A Traveler’s Tale
I took my very first for-pleasure solo trip to Guanajuato City, Mexico to decompress. And to write.I’d booked the hotel strictly for the view. I wanted to take in the colorful scene first thing in the morning and last thing before I closed my eyes at night. Balcon Del Cielo is an adorable boutique hotel that offers free breakfast, a friendly staff, free rides on the cable car to and from the hotel, and sick views from their balconies.
Funicular or Cable Car
Guanajuato City, Mexico is a pictoral city that is arguably one of the most scenic and vivid in all of Mexico. It is spread amongst hillsides that rise to an elevation of about 6,725 feet above sea level; its lowest points meet centrally to comprise the city’s Centro Histórico area.
During my first walk through the Centro area, I was stopped by a tourist cop, or a Policía Tourística. After warmly welcoming me, he asked me how I liked the city, where I was from and told me to find him or one of his comrades if I needed any assistance. This behavior from locals continued throughout my entire stay.
Bird’s Eye View of Jardín de la Unión
Ground view of Jardín de la Unión
Guanajuato is concave-shaped like a singing bowl, which creates its own vibe. Sounds heard on the city floor echo throughout the basin; children playing, a car alarm, or a hammer somehow doesn’t create noise, it indicates liveliness. Music played from near the center’s Jardín de la Unión reverberates gorgeously throughout the entire basin. During my stay, I heard Mariachi music, a school band, Reggaeton, Techno and Hip Hop music providing ambiance for everyone within earshot. As the sun sets, the fantastically dressed musical & entertainment troupes or “Estudiantina” perform traditional Callejoneadas entertaining crowds in the streets with Mexican music and folklore. From my hotel balcony at the top of the basin, I could see birds playing tag flying from one end to the other or hear dogs having howling contests. One thing is for sure, this is not a sleepy town. Guanajuato has more character and charm than it can handle.
Guanajuato City was founded in the 16th century and was one of the wealthiest silver mining areas. Its Baroque and Neo Classic architecture was a result of its riches. The city boasts a labyrinth of cobblestone alleyways as well as underground tunnels originally constructed to alleviate a flooding problem. The tunnels are now used for its automobile traffic, but it also kindly accommodates pedestrians. While walking through the streets, dark, mysterious stairwells appear daring one to descend to the depths of the city and explore the tunnels. I wasn’t brave enough on this trip.
Tunnel El Minero
Guanajuato is the capital city of Guanajuato State. It lures tourists, mostly from other parts of Mexico due to its rich history, mines, museums, churches, its beautiful architecture and so much more. For the very same reason it was recognized in 1988 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The citizens love and appreciate their tourists and demonstrate it by making them feel welcome and ensuring that everyone is looked after. I noticed that the vendors are not the least bit pushy. They sell their wares with confidence and never make tourists feel convinced to buy.
Teatro Juarez
When you decide to visit be sure to get a taste of the local food (don’t skip the street food), have a conversation with a cordial native and take a tour or take in some history about this awe-inspiring place. You will immediately realize how much this city has to offer.
I got quite a bit of writing done and left Guanajuato feeling uplifted and positive about my road ahead. This trip was a wink and a nod from the great beyond that I’m absolutely on the right path.
See Mexico in all its glory here in this relaxation film: Magical Mexico
