Favorite city - Guanajuato

If you're serious about travel and exploring Mexico you must go to Guanajuato. It's only a 4 hour luxury bus ride from lakeside and it will be an experience you will never forget. This unique, colorful and vibrant colonial city with it's architecture and history leaves few to wonder why it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lots of photo's here:
http://www.terragalleria.com/north-america/mexico/guanajuato/guanajuato.all.html

Link to blog about Guanajuato:
http://cookjmex.blogspot.mx/search/label/Guanajuato

So grab a friend or two and enjoy an over nighter. It will be a luxury adventure and a sightseers paradise to remember.

That's for sure. Guanajuato is one of our favorite destinations too. It is also an easy drive for those that wish to take their vehicle.

Just a little too claustrophobic to stay very long

It can be but the secret is to come up out of the tunnels once in a while.

We didn't stay long enough but deep in that valley I doubt you'll see a sunrise or sunset

I also love this place. Here are some pics taken during the Cervantino Fiesta five years ago.

https://www.facebook.com/steven.alexander.73/media_set?set=a.1250141219799.39263.1417531146&type=3

Settling in while we get our permanente. Building a home on an empty lot we found and bought in the historic district. Interesting working week the the historic society on facades to match 100 old structures next to us. Also building here is an amazing and challenging process. Hills and alleys require every single brick and other construction material be hand carried to the site,no vehicle access. We love Guanajuato City.

Time stopped in the 1500's......LOL

slainte39 wrote:Time stopped in the 1500's......LOL

Faster internet, reliable electricity, paved roads, water supply that is constant, considerable police presence both in vehicles and walking beat cops, clean streets, fewer stray dogs, abundant shopping, amazing restaurants, theater ( Broadway travelling companies) internationally acclaimed festivals, concerts, spontaneous public events that are free. Lower cost of living, history, close proximity to international airport, great transportation options. A mayor who walks the streets daily and listens and reacts to the needs of the community. UNESCO world heritage city. All the beauty of a 1500's city with modern and reliable services. Wow, the 1500's look pretty damn good! LOL

A few pics from our last trip there:

https://www.flickr.com/gp/40067896@N02/357Kap

Defarge wrote:

slainte39 wrote:Time stopped in the 1500's......LOL

Faster internet, reliable electricity, paved roads, water supply that is constant, considerable police presence both in vehicles and walking beat cops, clean streets, fewer stray dogs, abundant shopping, amazing restaurants, theater ( Broadway travelling companies) internationally acclaimed festivals, concerts, spontaneous public events that are free. Lower cost of living, history, close proximity to international airport, great transportation options. A mayor who walks the streets daily and listens and reacts to the needs of the community. UNESCO world heritage city. All the beauty of a 1500's city with modern and reliable services. Wow, the 1500's look pretty damn good! LOL

Correct!!!.....I should have said (added), architecturally.

You forgot to add to the merits of the city, the ghost of Jorge Negrete.  Back in the 70's and 80's, We used to frequent a cantina that was located  very near to where he was born, and was dedicated to preserving his memory and music.    Then climb the stairs to El Pipila and howl at the moon.

Probably long gone by now.

If the bar was El Incendio, it is still there and open for business. And quite lively last night as I walked home.

Defarge wrote:If the bar was El Incendio, it is still there and open for business. And quite lively last night as I walked home.

Can't remember the name but the "juke box" (that really dates me) had all of the songs he ever recorded.  We memorized them, then tried to emulate the great one up on the ridge, but as I said....it was howling. ....even, and especially, after ....ad infinitum.

Clete wrote:A few pics from our last trip there:

https://www.flickr.com/gp/40067896@N02/357Kap

Great photos, thanks!

Guanajuato is on my list of other places where I would like to live. A little cold in the winter though.....

CanuckBob wrote:Guanajuato is on my list of other places where I would like to live. A little cold in the winter though.....

Bob, it was in the high 40's (F) most of the winter this year as a low. Highs in the mid 60's or low 70's. In the process of building our home there, we had to clear a few of the mature trees on the lot which was vacant and undeveloped for 50+ years. Now we have firewood for our chiminea for about the same amount of time. We love it in GTO, so much to do and see, so many city wide activities. Almost a never ending series of events. May 30th - June 10th is a culinary expo throughout the city. Supposedly a big deal.
The only issue is driving here, it is both an art and a test of patience. Given we don't have a car here, we'll leave the stress to the taxis and bus drivers. And the tunnel system is a challenge to conquer.

High 40's is still too cold for me......jaja. I gave that up when I left Canada. Even Chapala can get too cold although this past winter was exceptionally mild across Mexico. It was the mildest I have seen here in Chapala. In previous years I have seen it get below freezing in SMA/GTO.

I totally agree with you on GTO being a wonderful place to live. I'll let you know the next time we are coming there so we can get together for a coffee and chat.

Excellent! Look forward to it. If it is the winter, I'll have a fire going!

I have a feeling I will be there this summer sometime. I need my Leon/GTO/SMA/Dolares Hidalgo fix.

Just found out I'll be here until July 9. So if in the area then,look me up! Back in the fall.

Has anyone been here lately? I know they were having some narco problems. I'm thinking of going there soon and wondering about narco road blocks etc.