Guanajuato: Mexico's Hidden Gem of History and Color

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-syahs]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Perdón
  [dees-kool-peh/pehr-dohn]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyen-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh gooh-stah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh gooh-stah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llame a la policía!
  [yah-meh ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llame a un médico!
  [yah-meh ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh gooh-stah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-har ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [lahs dyehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [seys]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está un/el...?
  [don-deh ehs-tah oon/ehl]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rek-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puede enseñarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-deh ehn-seh-nyar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (para ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (pah-rah)]

Guanajuato was officially founded in 1559 by Spanish conquistadors. The site was chosen due to the area's rich mineral resources, particularly silver. The name 'Guanajuato' is derived from the Purépecha word 'Quanaxhuato,' meaning 'Place of Frogs.'

In the 18th century, Guanajuato became one of the world's leading silver extraction centers. The Valenciana Mine, opened in 1774, was one of the richest silver mines globally, bringing immense wealth to the region and fostering the construction of grand buildings and churches.

The Alhóndiga de Granaditas, originally a grain storage building, became a significant historical site during the Mexican War of Independence. On September 28, 1810, insurgents led by Miguel Hidalgo stormed the structure, marking one of the first major victories in the struggle for independence.

Guanajuato is home to the famous Museo de las Momias, or Mummy Museum. The mummies were discovered in the late 19th century, when bodies were exhumed from the Santa Paula Pantheon due to non-payment of burial dues. The naturally mummified bodies have become a unique and macabre attraction.

The Festival Internacional Cervantino, established in 1972, is one of the most important cultural festivals in Latin America. Held annually in October, the festival celebrates the arts with performances ranging from music and dance to theater and visual arts, drawing artists and visitors from around the globe.

In 1988, the historic town of Guanajuato and adjacent mines were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The recognition was due to the city's well-preserved colonial architecture, intricate network of tunnels, and significant role in the history of mining and the Mexican War of Independence.

The University of Guanajuato, founded in 1732 as the Hospicio de la Santísima Trinidad, is one of the oldest educational institutions in Mexico. It has played a crucial role in the cultural and intellectual development of the city, and its main building, with its iconic staircase, is a landmark in Guanajuato.

The Callejón del Beso, or Alley of the Kiss, is a narrow alleyway famous for its legend of forbidden love. According to local folklore, couples who kiss on the third step of the alley will have seven years of happiness, making it a popular spot for tourists seeking a romantic experience.

Guanajuato is located in central Mexico. The nearest international airport is Del Bajío International Airport (BJX), located about 30 kilometers from the city. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle service directly to your accommodation in Guanajuato. Alternatively, buses and private car services are available from major cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Querétaro, with travel times ranging from 4 to 6 hours depending on the starting point.

Guanajuato is a walkable city, especially in its historic center where most attractions are located. For longer distances or to visit nearby towns, taxis and rideshare services like Uber are available. Public buses are also an option, providing a cost-effective way to get around. If you prefer more flexibility, car rentals are available, but be aware that parking can be challenging in the city center.

The official currency in Mexico is the Mexican Peso (MXN). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, though it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are readily available throughout the city, but it's a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash before visiting more remote areas.

Guanajuato is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. However, like any city, it's important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places. Some neighborhoods, such as Marfil and La Valenciana, have reported higher crime rates, so exercise extra caution in these areas.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The city has several hospitals and clinics, including Hospital General de Guanajuato. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably but modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially in churches. Remove hats and keep noise to a minimum. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Avoid eating or drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a friendly 'Buenos días'. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Guanajuato like a local, visit the city's vibrant markets such as Mercado Hidalgo where you can buy fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's rich history. Don't miss the Callejoneadas, traditional musical walking tours that offer a unique way to explore the city’s narrow alleys. For a breathtaking view, take the funicular to the Pípila Monument.