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Dec 30 - Jan 1: Guanajuato, Mexico

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Guanajuato was founded in 1557 and became an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Its name comes from the local Tarascan indian name, "Quanax-huato", meaning "Place of Frogs" (I saw no frogs though). It was once the most important silver mining town in Mexico, and is now a popular tourist destination with great weather, lots of history, culture and colorful homes blanketing the hillsides. There is a maze of tunnels carved in the mountain, that were originally created to keep the city from flooding, and are now used as roads that connect the different parts of the city.

The best way to explore the city is on foot...winding your way through the cobblestone streets, finding beautiful plazas and enjoying the colonial architecture. Some of the sites to visit on your walking tour: Alhondiga de Granaditas, Museum of Diego Rivera, Mercado Hidalgo, Guanajuato University, Basilica and the cable car to view the city from above. [View Photos]

Places to stay in Guanajuato:

    Camino Real - Guanajuato: There are few fine hotels in Guanajuato. One exceptional property is the Camino Real Guanajuato which is is a five star resort that is built on the remains of the San Francisco Javier Hacienda, a former metal-processing center whose construction dates from the 17th century. The hotel achieves a perfect balance between modernity and the building’s historic aspects. Every corner of the hacienda bears the Camino Real touch of distinction. The creativity of the Mexican team that restored the building is reflected in the care with which historical and traditional values have been preserved in every paving stone, every facade, and in each room. The building has been proclaimed part of a World Heritage Site protected by Mexico’s National Institute of History and Anthropology.
    Book your hotel now via Hotels.com.

Things to do in Guanajuato:

    Callejon del Beso: I've talked to a few people that have been to Guanajuato and I was amazed to hear they never knew about the Callejoneadas walking tours...when you go, don't miss out on this unique, must-do experience. There are several student minstral groups, called Estudiantinas (or Tunas), that gather in front of Templo de San Diego and Teatro Juarez and escort groups of visitors through the narrow winding streets to the famous Callejon del Beso (Kissing Alleyway), which is 23 inches wide and there are two balconies so close to each other that neighbors can kiss from one to another.

    Festival Cervantino: Every year in October, thousands of people come to Guanajuato for the Festival Cervantino; a festival of arts, culture and music.

    Mummy Museum: This museum is not for those that have a weak stomach. These are not your typical Egyptian type mummies that are wrapped in bandages and roam the streets on Halloween. These are local townspeople that have been buried and their bodies have been extremely well preserved due to the natural conditions of the cavern.

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