48 Hours In Guanajuato Itinerary In Mexico

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If you’re thinking of visiting Guanajuato but aren’t quite sure if it’s worth it? I’m here to tell you it absolutely is! Guanajuato city is not super popular amongst the tourist crowds of Mexico and that’s just the beginning of what makes it so special. With 48 hours in this charming city, you’ll be able to explore the colorful streets, learn about its rich history, indulge in delicious food, and experience a true taste of Mexico.

The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and just big enough to offer plenty of activities, but small enough that you can cover most of it in just two days.  The town itself dates far back to the 16th century as a silver mining town and it’s also home to the Mexican independence movement and the site of the first major victory over the Spanish in 1810. Just about everywhere you go, you’ll find beautiful architecture and colorful buildings, it’s pure Mexico magic!

What Is The Guanajuato Region?

We think one of the main reasons Guanajuato is often skipped on Mexican itineraries is because many travelers simply aren’t familiar with it. So before we dive into the itinerary, let’s quickly cover what exactly the Guanajuato region is.

Guanajuato is both a state and a city in central Mexico, located about 4 hours northwest of Mexico City. The town itself has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its well-preserved colonial architecture and historical significance. The region is known for its silver mining history, delicious food, and cultural scene.

The town is located in a narrow valley, surrounded by the Guanajuato mountains. Its winding streets and colorful buildings give it a unique charm that is hard to resist. You’ll quickly realize there is no rhyme or reason to the layout of the city, and everyone has painted their houses a different color to stand out. You’ll see a turquoise blue, next to a bright pink, next to a sunny yellow, and while they don’t always match, somehow it all just works.

The city also has one of the most significant histories in Mexico, being an important hub during the Mexican War of Independence. The streets are filled with stories, there are loads of museums to visit, and the locals are incredibly proud of their heritage. You’ll find that the city is a lot more gritty than other colonial towns in Mexico, but we just think that adds to the authenticity.

And don’t even get us started on the food. 48 hours is not nearly enough time to taste all of the delicious dishes in Guanajuato without going into a food coma. From classic Mexican street food such as tacos and tamales to the rich flavors of Bajío cuisine, the culinary scene in Guanajuato is out of this world.

Among the local favorites are enchiladas mineras—tortillas stuffed with meat, beans, or cheese, drizzled with a savory sauce made from guajillo and ancho chiles—and pacholas Guanajuatenses, which feature seasoned ground beef wrapped in corn husks and steamed to perfection.

If you’re looking for a unique destination that combines history, culture, and delicious food, then Guanajuato is the place to be. And we’ve got the perfect 2-Day Guanajuato Itinerary to show you all of it, so let’s get to it!

2 Day Itinerary For Guanajuato Mexico

Guanajuato is a city that truly charms travelers with its authentic atmosphere and rich history. The city is well lived in and doesn’t try too hard to be the next big hot spot. We’ve curated an epic Guanajuato Itinerary that will give you a genuine taste of Mexico and a chance to immerse yourself in local culture.

From visiting historical spots to tasting all the best local foods, this article will take you on a journey through the heart of one of Mexico’s most captivating cities. And trust me, by the end, you’ll be wondering why you even considered skipping Guanajuato in the first place!

Day 1 In Guanajuato

Artwork depicting the Mexican revolution inside the Alhondiga de Granaditas.

Most hotels in Guanajuato will come with breakfast, and it’s usually quite good. Think traditional Mexican dishes like chilaquiles and huevos rancheros, as well as freshly squeezed orange juice and coffee. If not, we’ve got the perfect cafe to get your fix!

Santo Cafe is located down a cute little alleyway and has budget-friendly eats, yummy Mexican coffee, and a little terrace to enjoy your breakfast on. It’s a must-try! Once you’re done, it’s time to start exploring the city on foot.

The most efficient way to see the city, as well as learn about its history, is by taking a walking tour. For 3 hours this tour will lead you through historic underground streets and alleys for a local experience, including tasting handmade ice-cream and visiting cool spots like Plaza San Fernando and Plaza San Roque.

You’ll get to check out Baroque-style temples that showcase the cultural heritage and end your adventure in front of the stunning Teatro Juárez, where you can catch an amazing show if you’re lucky. This tour will help you learn the layout of the city and get your bearings, so you can better explore on your own afterward.

While you will visit all of the above places, you won’t enter them all. This is a great way to get an overall history, and then you can come back and explore on your own time.

If you haven’t noticed, the city is absolutely packed with history and culture. And one of the best ways to immerse yourself in it is by visiting the Alhondiga de Granaditas Museum. You will have stopped by on your walking tour, but this will be your chance to go inside.

This fantastic museum is all about preserving the rich history of the region and its important role in Mexico’s fight for independence. Originally built in the 18th century as a grain storage facility, this impressive building features a cool mix of neoclassical and baroque architectural styles that will really wow you.

Inside, you’ll find a variety of exhibits diving into local history, showcasing fascinating artifacts, documents, and interactive displays that bring the independence movement to life. One of the most gripping stories connected to the Alhondiga is its siege in 1810 when revolutionary forces led by Miguel Hidalgo bravely fought to free the city from Spanish rule.

Visiting the Alhondiga de Granaditas was one of our favorite things to do in Guanajuato, it gave us such a deeper understanding of the city and its roots.

Afterward, head to the Diego Rivera’s House Museum. This is the artist’s childhood home, turned into a museum that showcases his life and works. Known as one of Mexico’s most famous painters, Diego Rivera is best known for his large-scale murals depicting social and political themes.

The museum features a wide collection of paintings, drawings, and personal artifacts from Rivera’s life and career. You can even see some of his unfinished works, giving you a glimpse into his creative process. Unfortunately, the majority of his famous murals are located in Mexico City, but it’s still quite special to see some of his pieces in the place where he grew up.

Yes, today is pretty packed, but with only 48 hours in Guanajuato you’ll want to make the most of your time. But we can give our brain a break from the history lessons. After visiting the museums, head to the Mercado Hidalgo, the perfect place to people-watch, buy souvenirs, and of course—EAT!

The market was built in 1910 as a tribute to Mexico’s independence and is still as busy as ever. It’s exactly what you would expect from a traditional Mexican market, with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handicrafts. We highly recommend trying the street food in the market, as it’s a great way to taste authentic Mexican dishes at affordable prices.

But keep in mind that English isn’t widely spoken in the market, so try to brush up on some basic Spanish phrases or use hand gestures to communicate with the vendors.

After exploring the market, take a stroll through Guanajuato’s iconic Callejón del Beso (Alley of the Kiss). It’s actually quite a tragic love story. You know the whole Romeo and Juliet thing? Well, this city has its own version.

The narrow alleyway is famous for being so close that lovers could kiss from their balconies on opposite sides. Unfortunately, the story goes that a wealthy man forbade his daughter to marry her true love who lived in the house across the alley. The tale has a few different endings depending on who you ask, one ending in murder, and another in suicide—like we said tragic.

But also legend has it that if two people kiss on the third step of the alley, they will have either seven years or a lifetime of happiness. (Again, it depends on who you ask, ha!)

As the day is winding down, make your way to Jardin de la Union, right in the heart of the city. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists to enjoy an evening and people-watch. The place is seriously buzzing every night. Street performers are putting on shows and vendors selling local snacks like churros, marquesitas, and elotes (corn on the cob), make sure to get the mayo and chili powder on top, trust me.

Sit at one of the outdoor cafes and enjoy a cold cerveza (beer) or try a spicy michelada, which is basically just a bloody mary with beer instead of vodka. Typically, mariachi bands will wander around playing for tips, slip them some pesos and they’ll serenade you with traditional Mexican songs.

You’ll see different types of sculptures scattered throughout the gardens, and one thing we found very strange was the shape of all the trees. It sounds weird but they’ve all been trimmed in a very specific way, almost like trimmed bushes on stilts.

Day 2 In Guanajuato

In the morning, enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the many cafes in the city. Our favorite was Cafe Tal, the coffee is next-level good, and with all the little windows overlooking the street, it had a real European vibe.

After your caffeine fix, make your way to Templo Valenciana in Guanajuato. This beautiful 18th-century Baroque church is a true gem, featuring an intricate façade and stunning interiors that really showcase the artistry of its era.

But it’s more than just a church. Situated near the historic La Valenciana mine, the temple is a significant landmark in the region’s rich mining history. The mine itself is renowned for being the site of Mexico’s largest silver vein, which played a crucial role in the country’s economy during the colonial period. 

After visiting the church, it’s time for something a little more… interesting.  Head over to the Museum of the Mummies! Yes, you read that right. This museum houses over 100+ mummified bodies and tbh it’s a little creepy. But Mexico has such a different perspective on death, that it’s worth a visit.

It can feel weird to look at leathery skin and see hair on a mummified body, but it’s also fascinating to learn about the process of natural mummification, like what we saw in our Egypt itinerary, and how people were preserved in different cultures. Plus, the mummy museum has great exhibitions on Mexican death rituals and beliefs. It’s definitely one of the most unique museums you’ll ever visit.

After the Museum, make your way to visit Cristo Rey, a large statue of Jesus Christ that stands atop a hill overlooking the city. It’s one of the largest statues of Christ in the world and is a popular pilgrimage site for religious believers.

Located 2400 meters above sea level, this marks the geographical center of Mexico. The view from the top of the hill is absolutely breathtaking and makes for some amazing photos.

Head to the town’s central square, Plaza de la Paz, for a taste of local life and some lunch. You have to stop at Restaurant Bar la Bohemia, with al fresco dining on the cobblestone streets it’s the perfect place to enjoy the energy of the city and some delicious Mexican food.

After lunch, take a stroll through the colorful streets and admire the colonial architecture. Stop by the Teatro Juarez, you ended your tour here yesterday, but this is a chance to spend a little more time here. It’s one of the most beautiful theaters in Mexico and is always hosting cultural events and performances. You can sit on the steps and people watch, or take a tour inside to see the stunning interior.

Feel free to head back to your hotel for a siesta before sunset, or if you need some energy head to one of the many cantinas (traditional Mexican bars) for a refreshing drink. After a full two days of nonstop exploring, there is one last view that you have to see before you leave. Before sunset, you’ll want to make your way to the city’s funicular and take a ride up to the top of the El Pipila monument. This offers an unforgettable panoramic view of Guanajuato with its colorful houses, winding streets, and surrounding mountains. You really can do this at any time but watching the sun go down from the top is truly magical.

Spend your last evening in town, enjoying a meal that you definitely won’t forget about anytime soon. Enchiladas de Lupe was the best decision we made while feasting our way through the city. Open every night from 6 PM – 11 PM, they only serve one dish, and one dish only—the famous enchiladas mineras. Don’t worry, they have vegetarian and meat options to choose from!

Since it’s the only dish they do, you know they do it well. Delicious corn tortillas filled with potato and covered in a rich, spicy sauce, topped with cheese, onions, and cream. It’s the perfect way to end your trip to Guanajuato on a high note.

Map Of Guanajuato

This is also linked above and really comes in handy when you don’t know much about the area you are in!

What To Pack For Guanajuato

As weather in Mexico goes, it’s typically hot regardless of what time of year it is. Since this is only a 2 day itinerary there’s not a ton you’ll need. Check out our extensive packing list, but here’s what we recommend:

• Comfortable shoes – This trip contains lots of walking, especially if you signup for the walking tour like we did. These Keen Newport H2 are a favorite of ours. While being a cool sandal, they are still comfortable to walk in for long periods.
• Light Rain Jacket – This is a must to Mexico as pop-up showers are likely. This lighter rain jacket will keep you dry and still let you move freely.
• Clothes – As Mexico can be pretty muggy and hot, breathable t-shirts like the Outdoor Research Echo t-shirt are our go-to.
• Ball Cap – To help keep the sun off your face and head. This lightweight cap is thin and not too hot on your head.
• Sunglasses – There’s no trip we don’t have our Maui Jim Chee Hoo sunglasses with us. Protect your eyes from that equator sun with a pair!
• Bug Repellant – Hot and muggy means mosquitos. Itchy bites can ruin a vacation in no time. Don’t forget that bug spray!
• Sun Screen – The sun is powerful here. Just like bug bites, a sunburn can ruin a good time! Be prepared.

48 Hour Magic In Guanajuato

Image via Unplash by Gerardo Martin Fernandez Vallejo

Guanajuato is an explorer’s dream, with so many alleys to get lost in, and attractions to see along the way, 48 hours may not seem like enough time. However, with this jam-packed Guanajuato itinerary, you’ll get a taste of everything the city has to offer.

After spending so long visiting more popular destinations in Mexico, we thought we had seen it all. But being able to get away from the spring breakers in Cancun, and the ultra-private resorts of Cabo, allowed us to get a glimpse into true Mexican culture and history. Guanajuato is truly a gem waiting to be discovered, and we hope this itinerary has inspired you to plan your own 48-hour adventure in this magical city.

Visit on your way to another destination, or plan a weekend getaway from Mexico City. Either way, we guarantee you will fall in love with this unique destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Resources For Your Next Trip

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100%.

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card. Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature. Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

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Wifi Hotspot: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.

eSIM: Lately, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. We’ve tested several over the years and we have access to a few special promotions.

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Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts. Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental (now eligible for One Key).

Tours: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

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If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.