Guanajuato, Mexico: Why You Should Plan a Trip to the Small Mexican City
Mexico has been a wildly popular destination for American tourists for the past few decades. In recent years, many have stopped visiting the country because of domestic problems in the nation, but over the past year the tourism industry has taken off once again! If you’re planning a trip to the region, there are plenty of safe spots to hit – don’t shy away from making a journey over the Southern border. Most people visiting the region tend to aim for Cancun, Cabo, and Puerto Vallarta. But if you’re not insistent on a coastal vacation, there are plenty of inland destinations that you should consider before planning your trip. One of these cities is Guanajuato, the capital of the state of Guanajuato. It’s a beautiful city in central Mexico with wonderful European architecture and a wealth of interesting places to visit. This article will outline why you should consider Guanajuato a prime location for your next trip to Mexico.
The Mummy Museum (El Museo de las Momias)
It may sound morbid but the Mummies Museum in Guanajuato is extremely interesting. It houses the naturally mummified bodies found beneath the city of Guanajuato after a cholera outbreak in the early 1800’s. The museum is popular with locals who often celebrate ‘The Day of The Dead’ to honor their ancestors. This is a really interesting place to visit if you’re interested in human anatomy and Mexican history.
Mercardo Hildago
The Mercardo Hildago is the main market in the city of Guanajuato. If you’re looking for an authentic Mexican market experience, this is the place to go. They sell a wide variety of fresh produce, along with clothing, souvenirs and other local goods. It’s extremely busy with locals as it is one of the primary shopping destinations in the area. So take a break and travel to a destination outside of your comfort zone.
The Juarez Theatre
The Juarez Theatre is one of the continent’s most beautiful Neoclassical theatres. It still hosts a range of different productions – make sure to look up if there are any shows on before you depart. This is a great activity for a night out in the city.
La Gruta Spa (Natural Springs)
La Gruta Spa is a short drive away in the city of San Miguel De Allende. It’s a formation of natural springs that pumps water into various pools and swimming areas. There are even caverns you can swim through while you enjoy the rejuvenating water. You can have a picnic along the grass within the park. It’s a great place for a relaxing day trip.
Don’t Wait, Guanajuato Won’t be Tourist Free Forever!
If you like authentic travel you should make plans to visit the area as soon as possible. The region is relatively untouched from tourism, which means its low in crime. Accommodation is plentiful throughout the city at extremely affordable prices. If you’re planning on flying to the city, you’ll need to catch a plane to the city of Leon, and then take a short taxi ride into Guanajuato.
Take a Break and Travel to: Vietnam: Asia’s Undiscovered Gem
Many travelers thinking of jetting off to Asia think of popular destinations such as Japan, Singapore, and China. What many don’t realize is that Vietnam is one of the best destinations in the area, and is much more affordable than many the other countries in the region. Vietnam is home to a range of luxury hotels that are all on offer at extremely affordable prices. They also have a great backpacking culture that is sure to suit any younger travelers looking for a more rugged experience. This article will outline some of the country’s highlights and how to get the most out of a trip to the region.
Phu Quoc
Phu Qouc is an island off the west coast of Vietnam. It’s extremely isolated and shielded from large portions of the tourism industry. The northern parts of the island have great beaches with clear blue water – it’s quite similar to some of the beaches in Thailand and other neighboring regions. You can get authentic street food from some of the markets in the area, but there are also some more expensive restaurants that serve food as well. This is a great spot for tourists looking to avoid other travelers, while still getting a beautiful coastal experience.
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are the two largest cities in the country. Ho Chi Minh lies in the South while Hanoi is the Northern capital. Hanoi is considered the most authentic of the two as it was a communist stronghold during the Vietnam War – it has been shielded by Western Influence. Ho Chi Minh City is a beautiful Asian city, but its hustle-and-bustle may surprise you. Make sure to check out the old Post Office in the city center if you’re in the area. It’s a great place to see some of the French architecture built during the 19th century.
Halong Bay
Halong Bay is another of Vietnam’s best hidden secrets. It has beautiful waters that are relatively untouched by the tourism industry. You can take junk boat tours around the bay and enjoy local food that has little Western influence. This is a great destination for those looking for a more authentic experience. If you’re into scuba diving or rock climbing, this is also the perfect place to enjoy your favorite hobbies.
Verdict
As you can see, Vietnam has a lot to offer. You could take weeks travelling through the small nation and still not see all this beautiful country has to offer. If you do have a lot of time on your hands, you should consider heading to Laos, Cambodia, or Thailand. All three destinations are easily accessible from Vietnam and have a wealth of unique culture and history. They’re also similarly priced, although Thailand can get quite pricey in certain regions. For those seeking to fly into Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City Airport is traditionally the cheapest option. Many travelers from overseas will need to fly to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia first to connect.
