About the city of Guanajuato in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico

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Nestled in the mountains of the Sierra de Guanajuato is the beautiful colonial city of Guanajuato. The city of Guanajuato name originates from the word Quanax-juato, which is the indigenous dialect of the region that means “place of frogs” because the tribe  thought that the place was only fit for frogs. The local Tarascan Indians believed that the frog represented the god of wisdom. Guanajuato is no city of frogs though and is now known for it’s incredible charm which any visitor will notice almost immediately when  entering it’s subterranean main street.  

Brief history of Guanajuato

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The  first known human settlement in Guanajuato dates back between 500 and 200 B.C. The first group of settlers is believed to have been very large and grew corn and other crops in this region. The Spaniards arrived in the region in 1522 and during the 17th and 18th centuries the Catholic Church sent priests to the area to convert the native population to Christianity. More than 15 convents, temples, churches and chapels were built in Guanajuato City alone. In 1915 two  major battles took place in Guanajuato, the Batalla de Celaya and the Batalla de  Leon. Political turmoil and power exchanges continued for over a decade, ending with the establishment of the Partido Nacional Revolucionario, which ushered in a period of stability for Mexico City and the rest of the country which lasted until 2000.
 
In 1994 the North America Free Trade Agreement  also known as NAFTA was designed to encourage trade among the United States, Canada and Mexico by eliminating tariffs and lifting many restrictions on various categories of trade goods, went into effect. As a result the trade industry flourished in Guanajuato. The state economy is built upon it’s silver mines which are among the richest in the world. Other minerals harvested in Guanajuato’s mountains are tin, copper, lead, mercury and opals. The state also leads the nation in the manufacture of shoes and the production of various farm products such as lettuce potatoes and fruits. Other major exports include motor vehicles and auto parts, leather goods, chemical and electric machinery. Guanajuato is considered a diverisified economy and has seen continued growth into the twentieth century.

Guanajuato tourism industry

The historic center of Guanajuato has a distinct European flavor with hundreds of narrow cobblestone alleyways running up and down the hillside. Shady plazas are dotted with sidewalk cafes, museums, theaters, markets and historic monuments. The buildings throughout the city are good examples of neo classical and baroque style colonial architecture. An underground network of legends and legendary places. One of the best known alleys is the famous Callejon del Beso (Alley of the Kiss) an alleyway so narrow that couples can kiss from opposite sides of the street.  You can take part in a callejoneada, or walking serenade, led by student musicians who strum guitars, serenade bystanders and recite local tales.
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The city of Guanajuato hosts the annual Cervantino Festival, a popular state sponsored cultural festival in October. Guanajuato is a great place to try regional Bajio cuisine. Favorite local dishes include enchilada mineras which are tortillas filled with meat, beans and ground cheese and topped with a sauce made of ancho chile's. The surrounding mountains provide a great view of the city. 

Weather in Guanajuato is very comfortable but you want to ensure you bring a light sweater for the cool evening nights. Guanajuato specializes in is it's lodgings and it's hotels maintain a consisant magical atmosphere that the town has. Whether you stay in a boutique hotel or a small bed and breakfast you will not be disappointed.

Guanajuato has many romantic hotels getaways including places to stay if you are coming with a big group of friends or family. You can find accomodations to fit your budget.

When you visit Guanajuato, make sure to stop and take a minute to look at the beauty of this town. Sit at a small café and listen while people are serenaded, soak up the experience and make sure that it is one that you will never forget.   

Travel information for travelign to Guanajuato

Suggested Airport: Guanajuato International Airport
Address: Carr. Silao-León Km 5.5, Nuevo México, 36270 Silao, Gto., Mexico
Local phone number: +52 472 748 2120

Is a passport or travel visa required? This depends on your nationality and your country of origin. We recommend that you check with your travel agent or Mexican Consulate in your area to know what documents you need to travel to Guanajuato Mexico.
Read about the next colonial city > or jump to any of these other popular colonial towns and cities below:

Oaxaca | Campeche | Cuernavaca | Dolores Hidalgo | Aguascalientes | Guanajuato | Merida | Morelia | Puebla | Queretaro | San Miguel de Allende | Tlaxcala
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