Day Trips from Guanajuato

Guanajuato sits in a region of colonial cities and mining heritage. Most day trips involve other historic towns within easy reach by bus or colectivo.

Dolores Hidalgo

50 km north of Guanajuato (1 hour by bus from Central de Autobuses). The town where Miguel Hidalgo rang the church bell on September 16, 1810, beginning the Mexican War of Independence — the original “Grito de Independencia.” The Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, where the grito was delivered, is the main historic site.

Dolores Hidalgo is also known for two things: Talavera pottery (distinctive blue-and-white ceramic tiles and tableware, cheaper here than in tourist cities) and unusual ice cream flavours — the Jardín Principal has multiple ice cream stalls serving flavours including mole, pulque, shrimp, beer, and corn. Worth trying at least one.

San Miguel de Allende

90 km east of Guanajuato (1.5 hours by bus). The most elegant of the Bajío colonial cities, with a higher concentration of expats and upscale hotels, restaurants, and galleries than any comparable Mexican town. Worth a full day: the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel (the Gothic-inspired parish church), the Instituto Allende arts centre, the Mercado de Artesanías, and the Jardín Principal.

Buses depart from Guanajuato’s Central de Autobuses to San Miguel throughout the day.

Valenciana silver mine

5 km outside Guanajuato city (accessible by local bus or taxi). One of the most productive silver mines in colonial history — at peak production in the 18th century it supplied a third of the world’s silver. The mine is still active; guided tours go underground. The adjacent Iglesia de la Valenciana (18th century) is among the finest churrigueresque churches in Mexico — the façade is extraordinarily ornate.

A short trip rather than a full day.

León

60 km northwest (1 hour). Mexico’s shoe-making and leather-goods capital — the city produces the majority of Mexico’s domestic leather footwear and goods, and it’s sold at factory prices in the Zona Piel (leather zone) and the central market. Worth a half-day if you want to buy leather goods, shoes, boots, or belts at significantly lower prices than tourist markets.