How do I get to Guanajuato?
So now that you are thinking about visiting this magical region, getting there is pretty easy. When booking flights, you want to make sure to fly into Leon (BJX) International Airport.
– From the airport: Once you arrive, you have several options getting transportation at the airport, but I recommend Uber or Taxi which is the most efficient and safest way out of the airport. The city of Guanajuato, San Miguel Allende, León and Dolores Hidalgo are a close drive away:
- Guanajuato (city): 35 min (32km/19mi)
- San Miguel de Allende: 90 min (94km/58mi)
- León: 35 min (27km/35mi)
- Dolores Hidalgo: 90 min (83km/51 mi)
– In the city: Uber is the most popular way of moving within the city. Your app will work in Mexico with proper cellular reception. I have Verizon and it works just like home. The prices are in Mexican Pesos (MXN), so you may be surprised that a ride is far less than your hometown. As you use Uber within the city, prices significantly drop to about 50-100 MXN – that’s less than $6 USD a ride!
If you are more adventurous, and like to travel by bus from city to city, you can buy tickets via Primera Plus online ($10-20 USD). These buses are incredibly safe and very comfortable (better seating than a plane). They will take you to the central bus station of each city in Guanajuato.
Is it safe to walk around?
Absolutely! It is safe to walk around any of these cities in main plazas, malls and tours booked with reliable sources (like Viator). During the day, the plazas are busy with locals, tourists, vendors and performers. The state of Guanajuato is one of the safest states in Mexico; but as always, take precautions with outside vendors. Viator works with many local registered tour guides that have safety factored into these amazing experiences.
Some plazas, like the one in the city of Guanajuato, are lively at night. Expect to see a lot of tourists. As with any place you visit, don’t wear anything too flashy to bring attention to yourself.
Recommended walking experiences
Recommended walking shoes
You may want to invest on some good walking shoes when you visit Guanajuato. Unlike the sidewalks in the United States, Guanajuato has cobblestones in the historical part of the city. You will be doing a lot of walking and getting your step numbers beyond 10,000, so picking the right shoes will make your feet happy!
Should I carry money around?
It’s always good to have cash with you wherever you go. I usually exchange a couple hundred dollars so I have cash at any time during my stay. If you are out and about, carry around 500 MXN ($27 USD) in smaller bills and coins in case you want to buy a snack, drink or a souvenir at one of the pop-up vendors. They only deal with cash.
Don’t be afraid of using a credit card (not ATM cards) at restaurants, malls and in established venues. Make sure you let your bank know you’re traveling to this region so your card won’t get blocked. Many places ask if you want to use “la terminal” which is a small wireless credit card machine to pay via card, Apple or Google Pay. I use this all the time when it’s an option – they are safe and ask for a receipt. You can take cash out from a nearby bank that is compatible with your bank. I have a credit union ATM card , I take money out from Scotiabank or Santander ATMs in Mexican Pesos.
When is a good time go?
The best months to visit Guanajuato is in January, February, March, April, October, November and December when most of the festival happen. The weather is nice during that time – from scattered clouds to beautiful clear skies for most days. During the months of June, July and August, there is more precipitation.
