The Best Way to See Guanajuato's Breathtaking Views: Hop on the Funicular
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. Get a taste of the local fare, have a conversation with a cordial native or take in some history about this arresting place and you will immediately realize how much it has to offer. It’s no wonder that in 1988 Guanajuato was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Daytime View
Considering its breathtaking stacked hillsides sprinkled with yellows, oranges, pinks, greens and blues, one absolute must-do in Guanajuato is to take in a bird’s-eye view from atop the city. An easy and inexpensive way to get to the best vantage point of the city is to find the Funicular or cable car tucked discreetly in the city’s center.
Funicular or Cable Car
The Funicular de Guanajuato opened in 2001 to connect tourists from the city’s Centro area to the Pípila Monument and became an attraction by its own means. The entrance to the station is directly behind Teatro Juarez, next to the Tunnel el Minero. It is comprised of 2 cars, one goes up while the other goes down and the entire ride takes less than 2 minutes. The price is worth its weight in gold because visitors forego the 15 minute hike that tends to leave one breathless and ready for a nap. Another option is to take a cab to the lookout point, but the cable car is just so much more memorable.
Nighttime View
The Monumento al Pípila (or the Pipila Monument) was built in honor of a miner turned unlikely hero in 1810 during the Mexican independence movement. Juan José de los Reyes Martínez, better known as El Pípila through his courageous actions helped Mexico to gain their first victory and became a local folk legend.
Pipila Monument
The platform at the monument provides panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountain ranges. While taking in the views, just for a moment you’ll feel that you’ve borrowed the backdrop from a vintage romance scene. Photos taken just before sunset will have more clarity without the harsh glare from the Sun, but monument is open 24 hours and you’ll get amazing pics regardless of what time of day you decide to visit. There is ample opportunity to pick up souvenirs and support the local vendors as you make your way to and from the monument.
Entrance Behind Teatro Juarez
TICKET PRICES AND HOURS
Adults
$35 pesos one way
$70 pesos round trip
Children 4-11
$15 pesos one way
$30 pesos round trip
Hours
Mon - Fri 8:00am - 9:50pm
Sat 9:00am - 9:50pm
Sun 10:00am - 8:50pm
*No dogs or bikes allowed
See Mexico in all its glory here in this relaxation film: Magical Mexico
