“Narrow, serpentine streets.  Old world baroque buildings.  Steep hills – shoehorned with vivid-colored casas.  I have dropped into a spectacular place – a cross between San Francisco and Paris.” – Travel writer, Christina Nealson

The colonial city of Guanajuato located in the central part of Mexico is a charming, safe and culturally significant Mexican destination.  This magical city feels as though it has been preserved in time, and exudes a distinct European flavor unlike any other city in the country.  Guanajuato was once home to one of the riches silver mines in history where the architecture pays homage to a by-gone era of the wealth that built this unique city. In 1998 Guanajuato was given the prestigious UNESCO award as a distinctive world heritage site.

The best way to navigate the city is on foot.  Guanajuato’s framework is crisscrossed by hundreds of callejones (alleyways) and there are only two major streets; one that is coming in and one that leads out.  Wandering the cobblestone streets, you feel embraced by the history and elegance of your surroundings.  Every alleyway leads to a new jardin (garden) or another piece of exquisite Baroque architecture, and locals and tourists alike are bustling to and fro.  Down in the city centers historic district, Guanajuato’s cosmopolitan nightlife unfolds as the evening light dawns and the energy ignites.  The streets are filled with music, outdoor cafes, street theater or folks dressed in their finest to attend the Theatro Juarez.

Every turn on the cobblestone alley may lead you to your “own” Guanajuato gem whether that be a little shop, café or building that just happens to take your breath away. But check out a few of our recommendations below the photos!

Hotel Posada

The Teatro Juarez

Ladies selling fruit in a local square

A beautiful Cathedral in a city centro

A nightime look at the local University

Twists and turns of the Guanajuato alleyways

A band playing in the park

Beautiful day in the centro with cafes and a central jardin

Can’t miss these brightly colored casas!

Tunnels entering the City

Hotel Recommendations
Posada Santa Fe
Jardin de la Union No. 12 Col. Centro
Guanajuato, Mexico
01-800-112-4773
www.posadasantafe.mx
A wonderful historic hotel in the center of one of the main, lively centers.

Restaurants
Casa Valdez
Jardin de la Union No. 3 Col. Centro
Guanajuato, Mexico
01 473 73 3 0311
www.casavaldez.com

Las Mercedes
Calle de Arrba No. 6 / Fraccionamiento San Javier
Guanajuato, Mexico
52 473 7339059
www.guanajuatoesparati.com/lasmercedes

Sites
Teatro Juarez
Sopena S/N Zona Centro, 36000
Guanajuato, Mexico
01 473 732 1542

Museo Diego Rivera
Artist Diego Rivera’s birth home restored and converted into a Museum.
Calle Positos 47
Guanajuato, Mexico
01 473 732 1197

DESTINATION: Los Cabos, Baja

Anyone thinking of a trip to Los Cabos this summer will find things quiet and economical. My overall top insider pick of resorts around Cabo has to be the Fiesta Americana Grand.  Beautiful, well groomed property, numerous pools, great golf and one of the best stretches of beach anywhere. Not to mention excellent friendly service everywhere you turn.  Value you ask? The villa’s section has well appointed ocean view rooms at 106.00 per night! You cannot top this….Muy Bien!

If you’re set on heading up the pacific side to catch some cooler ocean breezes, put Hotel Rancho Pescadero on the list. Travel a little farther up the coast and you’ll find the the quaint town of Todo Santos which is also sporting a new hotel, named Guaycura. Nice rooms, roof top pool, bar and great views make it a luxurious in-town stay. MAINLAND our sister company in Mexico supplied the guest rooms here with furnishings, just as we do numerous homeowners on the Mexican Cape from Loreto to Cabo.

Take note: The pacific Hwy that takes you to these great places is under construction this summer so dust and traffic might increase travel time to and from Cabo.Salud to safe & interesting journeys,
Michael

Look for more insider  travel tips coming soon.

Here are a collection of pictures from a recent buying trip in February. Most are taken in San Miguel De Allende, in the state of Guanajuato in Mexico. It is one of the most charming and lively cities in Mexico, known for excellent craft and pottery. The brightly colored dwellings aligning the cobblestone streets are home to boutique hotels, restaurants, eclectic shops and private residences. A beautiful place to visit, shop and even live, as it has become very popular relocation destination among Americans.

The few night photos at the end of the gallery are in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico in the cities colonial district. These are historic government buildings and cathedrals. Guadalajara is Mexico’s second most populous city, and an important cultural center in Mexico.

Click on picture to see larger image