With a History spanning thousands of years, including periods of Aztec, Mayan, and Spanish control, a host of world-class cities with stunning eclectic architecture, and as many as 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Mexico is one of the world’s leading destinations for culture.
Though Merida and Mexico City tend to take all the glory, as they’re far more popular with tourists, there’s a lesser-known historic city near the center of Mexico that is just as gorgeous and only a short nonstop flight away from key U.S. cities.
This summer, you don’t need to take on the burden of flying all the way across the Atlantic to experience some of that Old World allure:
Instead, why don’t you just go instead to Guanajuato?
One Of Mexico’s Unsung Cultural Capitals
Capital of the state of the same name, Guanajuato is one of Mexico’s unsung cultural capitals, and a world-class city break: with a history spanning at least 475 years, it was founded by Spaniards upon the demise of the Aztec civilization.
Then part of the Spanish Empire, a Transatlantic state that comprised both the European country and large swathes of the Americas, Guanajuato flourished as a prominent center for the arts and sciences, as well as an economic hub:
For instance, it is where one of the oldest universities in the Americas was established, namely the University of Guanajuato, whose main institutions are housed in a stunning building with elements of neoclassical and Baroque.
Though the long stone staircase leading up to a centuries-old auditorium with an imposing facade is the most easily recognized landmark in town, Guanajuato’s architectural wealth is not limited to its 18th-century university:
From a bird’s eye perspective, it’s not hard to mistake Guanajuato for any other Spanish or Southern European city.
Like Europe, Except It’s Right In Your Backyard
The cityscape is defined by a grid of low houses, built from either pink or green sandstone, and tall church domes, and cobbles are widely used instead of pavement.
One of the most unique passageways in town, El Callejon del Beso (literally Alley of the Kiss) refers to a short set of stairs leading up an incredibly narrow alley, where opposite balconies are so close to each other couples can reach across and kiss.
The romanticism doesn’t stop there:
Unlike other American cities of its time, Guanajuato’s UNESCO-listed historic center has been preserved as it was upon its completion––no wide boulevards for cars, but narrow alleys for pedestrians instead, and plenty of postcard-perfect plazas and stately palaces to add to the overall charm.
That’s why it feels like being back in Europe, with the monumental Juárez Theater, the richly decorated Templo de la Compañía de Jesús, and the landmark Basilica de Nuestra Señora standing as permanent reminders of Spain’s former hold on the colony.
In sum, Guanajuato is one of your best bets for getting a taste of life in the idyllic Old Continent without spending thousands of dollars on a last-minute Transatlantic trip.
Guanajuato Is Cheaper Than Mexico’s Resort Destinations
Compared to the Mexican Caribbean and Los Cabos, two of the most popular destinations for Americans going to Mexico this year, Guanajuato is definitely on the cheaper end of the price range, with the average cost of a one-week vacation for two people being $1,505.
Tourists spend roughly MXN $200, or USD $10 eating street food from local markets, $20-25 on three-course meals in inexpensive restaurants frequented mostly by locals, and a median of $55 on non-luxurious hotels.
That’s an estimate provided by Budget Your Trip, but based on Booking.com listings, they may not be too far off, with centrally-located hotels ranging from $48 at Hotel Meson Cuevano to $133 at the more-upscale Meson de Juan Valle.
Paid activities are also remarkably budget-friendly, with visits to the extensive system of underground tunnels beneath Guanajuato, including actual mummies, costing only $13.45 to book on GetYourGuide, while a private walking tour of the city’s exclusive terraces is still only $55.48.
Naturally, travel costs depend on your traveling style and how much you’re willing to spend–whether you’re budget-conscious or you like to splurge–but there are definitely many ways to enjoy Guanajuato and its vast cultural offer without breaking the bank.
Fly To Guanajuato From These U.S. Cities
If you’re visiting from the United States and wondering how to get to Guanajuato, there are nonstop flights to the Bajio International Airport, which serves both Guanajuato and the nearby city of Leon, from as many as 11 U.S. hubs.
The full list of airports and airlines can be seen below:
From Texas, TX
- Houston (IAH), United Airlines, 3 flights per day every day
- Houston (IAH), VivaAerobus, 1 flight per day every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday
- Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), American Airlines, 3 flights per day every day
- Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), VivaAerobus, 1 flight per day every Monday, Friday
- San Antonio (SAT), VivaAerobus, 1 flight per day every Tuesday, Saturday
From Illinois, IL
- Chicago Midway (MDW), Volaris, 1 flight per day every day
- Chicago-O’Hare (ORD), Volaris, 2 flights per day every Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday
- Chicago-O’Hare (ORD), VivaAerobus, 1 flight per day every Monday, Friday
From Georgia, GA
- Atlanta (ATL), Aeromexico, 1 flight per day every day
From California, CA
- Oakland (OAK), Volaris, 1 flight per day every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
- Los Angeles (LAX), Volaris, 2 flights per day every Monday, Thursday, Saturday
- Fresno (FAT), Volaris, 1 flight per day every Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
- San Jose (SJC), Volaris, 1 flight per day every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
- Sacramento (SMF), Volaris, 1 flight per day every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday
As well as you might think you know Mexico, you’re likely to have barely scratched the surface, even after several consecutive visits, but the good news for U.S. travelers is that many destinations down south are a short two to three-hour flight away, including Guanajuato.
Discover other just-as-exciting, picturesque Mexican cities yet to be overrun by the masses here.
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