Guanajuato
A vibrant UNESCO university town of colorful hillside homes and underground tunnels
GuanajuatoHighland climate similar to San Miguel de Allende. Pleasant year-round with rainy season May-October.
Overview
Guanajuato may be Mexico's most visually striking city—a UNESCO World Heritage site built into a dramatic ravine, with colorful buildings climbing hillsides and traffic flowing through converted mining tunnels underground. The University of Guanajuato brings youthful energy and cultural events including the acclaimed Cervantino Festival. The small expat community (300-500) enjoys authentic Mexican life at extremely affordable prices. The terrain—endless stairs and steep hills—makes it unsuitable for those with mobility issues.
Highlights
- Dramatically beautiful UNESCO World Heritage city
- Underground street system through former mines
- Vibrant university atmosphere and cultural events
- Annual Festival Cervantino (October)
- Exceptionally affordable ($1,200-1,600/month)
Best For
ArtistsAdventurersSpanish StudentsBudget ConsciousCulture Enthusiasts