Practical Information

Guanajuato is a picturesque old town of the central highlands of México, famous for its narrow and steep streets, its colorful houses and colonial-era baroque monuments. It is the capital city of the homonymous state, and seat of the 280-year old University of Guanajuato.

Guanajuato is the venue of the most important artistic event in Latin America: the International Cervantes Festival, which is celebrated every year in October.

The city has important art, cultural and historical museums, such as the famous Alhóndiga, where the first battle in the struggle for Mexican Independence was fought.

Guanajuato has been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO; it is one of the colonial jewels of México, and has been awarded numerous titles in its history:

  • Cervantine Capital of America
  • World Cultural Heritage
  • Latin American Cradle of Don Quixote

TOURIST INFORMATION
https://www.visitmexico.com/en/actividades-principales/guanajuato/walk-the-streets-of-guanajuato
http://guanajuatotravelguide.com/index.shtml?GTGChapter1.shtml?DALanguage=EN
https://www.visitmexico.com/en/main-destinations/guanajuato
http://www.visitguanajuato.com.mx/en/
http://www.visitguanajuato.com.mx/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/mapaguanajuato.pdf

VISA INFORMATION FOR TRAVELING TO MÉXICO

Further information can be found at the local Mexican embassies or consulates abroad.

SAFETY
Regarding the seismic activity in Mexico, the southwestern corner of the Gulf of Mexico is exposed to intense deep seismic activity caused by the subduction of the Cocos Plate. However, the State of Guanajuato, located in the center of the country, is in an area of low seismic activity. In particular, the City of Guanajuato is in an earthquake-free zone. You can take a look at: http://sismos.gob.mx/en/sismos/Zonas_Sismicas_en_Mexico

About crime and personal safety, one has to acknowledge that Mexico has experienced an increase in criminal organization activities in some areas. However, the Mexican government makes efforts to protect major tourist destinations, like Guanuajuato and San Miguel de Allende.
The American travel warning (https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/mexico-travel-warning.html) does not have any advisory in effect for the State of Guanajuato. Nonetheless, as in many touristic places, one should always excercise caution, particularly at night by avoiding walking in lonely alleys.

More sites with information about travel and safety:
https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/ShowTopic-g150799-i726-k9956067-Guanajuato_Safety_Update-Guanajuato_Central_Mexico_and_Gulf_Coast.html