Guanajuato Northern Central Highlands, Mexico Travel Guide
For most nationalities, including United States, Canadian, United Kingdom, European Union (Schengen Area), Australia, and Japan, a visa is not for tourist stays up to 180 days. A valid passport is sufficient. Other nationalities may require a visa. Check the official Mexican Embassy or Consulate website in your country well in advance.
A valid passport is a must, at least six months beyond your departure date. The FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple), a tourist card, is often given by airlines or at land borders. Keep the stamped portion safe for departure. Proof of onward or return travel and sufficient funds are advisable, though not always requested. No direct entry fee exists for air travelers as the FMM cost is typically included in airline tickets. Land entry may have a separate FMM fee.
Generally, no special permits are for standard tourist activities. Health-related entry requirements currently do not include proof of vaccination or negative tests for common diseases for general tourism. Always consult your doctor for personalized health advice and routine vaccination updates.
For specific visa application assistance, consider these resources: IVisa (consumer visa application service) or VisaHQ (direct visa and passport service website).
Keep your FMM card safe.
You must surrender the physical FMM card upon departure from Mexico.
Losing the FMM can result in a fine and delays at the airport.
Check its expiry date.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure.
An expired or soon-to-expire passport can lead to denial of boarding or entry.
Confirm requirements for your nationality.
Begin the visa application process well in advance of your travel dates.
Visa applications may take several weeks or months to process.
The official currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN). The symbol is $, often written as MXN$. Exchange rates fluctuate. ATMs generally offer the best rates; use ATMs inside banks or major shopping centers. Notify your bank of travel plans. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted in larger venues; choose to pay in MXN. Cash is for street food, markets, small shops, and tipping. Always carry small denominations.
Tipping (propina) is customary. 10-15% is standard for restaurant service; 20% for exceptional service. Tipping for regular taxi rides is not customary, but rounding up is fine. MXN 20-50 per bag for bellhops. MXN 50-100 per person per hour for group tour guides. MXN 10-20 for gas station attendants. MXN 5-10 for supermarket baggers. MXN 10-20 for street performers.
Hostel dorm (200-400), street food/comedores (300-500), walking/local bus (50-100), free/inexpensive attractions (100-300).
Mid-range hotel (800-2,000), local/nicer restaurants (600-1,000), walking/taxi/Uber (100-300), paid attractions/tours (300-600).
High-end hotel (2,500+), fine dining (1,200+), private transfers (400+), private tours/exclusive experiences (800+).
Hostel: 200-400, Budget Hotel: 500-1,000, Mid-Range: 1,000-2,500, Luxury: 2,500+.
Street Food: 30-100, Local Eatery: 80-150, Mid-Range: 250-600, Fine Dining: 800+.
Guanajuato is generally safe for tourists, especially in the historic city center. However, common sense and awareness are always advisable.
Traveler's diarrhea is a common ailment. Only drink bottled or purified water. Avoid tap water and ice unless confirmed safe. Eat hot, freshly cooked food from reputable places. Carry Over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medication like Imodium and rehydration salts.
Guanajuato City has public hospitals for basic care. Private clinics and hospitals offer higher standards, often with English-speaking staff, but require immediate payment or direct billing via travel insurance. Pharmacies are widely available for OTC and some prescription medications.
The cost of a trip varies widely by travel style, from budget to luxury. Guanajuato offers options for every budget, with many free attractions and affordable local food.
Guanajuato offers many ways to save money without sacrificing experience. The city's beauty is its own attraction; exploration on foot allows for admiration of architecture, plazas, and alleys. Views from El Pípila Monument are free if you walk up the hill. Local markets may allow some price negotiation, but this is less common in fixed-price shops.
Travel during the low or shoulder season for better deals on flights and accommodations. Carrying a Reusable water bottle saves money on Bottled water and reduces plastic waste.
Local Bus: MXN 7-10 per ride. Short Taxi: MXN 50-100. Long Taxi: MXN 100-150. Ride-sharing (Uber/Didi): Comparable to taxis.
Local buses are a fraction of the cost of taxis or ride-shares.
Taxis and ride-sharing are more expensive for short distances.
Diego Rivera House Museum: MXN 30-50. Alhóndiga de Granaditas Museum: MXN 50-70. Mummy Museum: MXN 90-100. El Pípila Funicular: MXN 30 (one way). Teatro Juárez: MXN 30 (lobby).
Many of Guanajuato's attractions, like its plazas and architecture, are free to explore on foot.
Museum entry fees are generally affordable, but cumulative costs add up.
Mexican Peso (MXN) is the official currency. ATMs offer the best exchange rates. Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted in larger venues.
ATMs inside banks are secure and give good rates.
Always pay in MXN with credit cards to get your bank's rate.
| Category | Accommodation (per night, MXN) | Meals (per person, MXN) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Hostel Dorm: 200-400 | Street Food: 30-100 per item |
| Mid-Range | Hotel/Boutique: 1,000-2,500 | Local Eatery/Set Lunch: 80-150 |
| Luxury | Hotel: 2,500+ | Fine Dining: 800+ |
A smooth trip starts with thorough pre-trip checks, covering everything from essential documents to health precautions.
Consult your doctor for recommended vaccinations like Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid. Ensure routine shots are current.
Pack Anti-diarrhea medication, rehydration salts, pain relievers, and any personal prescriptions in original containers.
Bring High SPF sunscreen, a Wide-brimmed hat, Sunglasses, and Insect repellent.
Guanajuato is generally safe for tourists. Stay alert, especially in crowded areas.
Petty crime like pickpocketing can occur. Keep valuables secure in a Money belt or RFID-blocking wallet. Avoid displaying expensive items.
At night, stick to well-lit main streets. Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services (Uber/Didi). Mexico is earthquake-prone; be aware of basic safety procedures ("Duck, Cover, Hold On").
Emergency number for Police, Fire, Ambulance: 911.
A valid passport is a must. Keep your physical FMM (tourist card) safe for departure. Losing it may lead to fines.
Carry digital and printed copies of your policy, including emergency contacts. Insurance for medical emergencies and evacuation is highly advisable.
Keep copies of flight itineraries, accommodation bookings, and a list of emergency contacts, including your embassy.
These resources are for health-related coverage and safety items:
For managing your finances and getting compensated for flight issues:
AirHelp helps passengers get compensation for delayed or canceled flights.
Find Money belts for secure storage of cash and passport.
Look for RFID-blocking wallets for card security.
