Guanajuato Northern Central Highlands, Mexico Travel Guide
Plan in advance, especially for longer trips or peak season visits.
Follow this timeline for a stress-free travel preparation.
Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your Mexico departure date.
If your nationality requires a visa for Mexico, begin the application process well in advance.
Book international and major domestic flights early for better prices and availability.
Double-check your flights, accommodations, and any pre-booked tours for accuracy.
Consult your doctor or a travel health clinic to confirm all needed and recommended vaccinations.
Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel dates to deter fraud alerts.
Pack considering Guanajuato's climate and terrain. Supportive walking shoes are good.
Gather passport, FMM info, travel insurance, and reservation copies. Keep them accessible.
Get offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me) and the Spanish pack for Google Translate.
Flights, accommodations, and bus tickets for popular long-distance routes are important to book early.
Comprehensive travel insurance covers medical events, trip cancellations, and lost items.
Steps to take at home before your departure.
Carry your official ID (passport, visa if needed) at all times. Keep copies separate from originals. Consider a digital backup too.
Smooth entry and a comfortable start to your Guanajuato trip.
Present passport and FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) to the immigration officer. Confirm your FMM is stamped with authorized length of stay.
Proceed to the baggage claim area to collect your checked luggage.
Arrange transfer from Guanajuato International Airport (BJX) to Guanajuato City. Options include authorized airport taxis, ride-sharing apps (Uber/Didi), or shared shuttles (colectivos).
Withdraw Mexican Pesos from an ATM at the airport or city center. Purchase a local SIM card for mobile connectivity if desired. Consider an International VPN for secure internet access.
Once settled at your accommodation, take a walk around your immediate neighborhood. This approach helps you get your bearings and locate nearby services. Locate the nearest ATM, convenience store (OXXO), and pharmacy.
Consider taking a short city tour (e.g., a Turibus or a guided walking tour) early in your visit to get an overview of the city's layout and main attractions.
Purchase your souvenirs in advance of your departure day to avoid a last-minute rush.
If shipping larger items internationally, use reliable couriers like DHL or FedEx.
Mexico has a VAT (IVA) refund scheme for international tourists on purchases over a certain amount.
Keep all receipts and look for "Tax Free" signs. The process is typically at the airport.
For international flights from BJX, arrive 2-3 hours before departure. For domestic, 1.5-2 hours.
Allow 30-40 mins transfer from Guanajuato City to airport, plus buffer. For buses, 30-45 mins before departure.
Confirm your flight or bus details the day before departure. Pack your luggage according to airline baggage rules. Confirm your FMM card is ready to be surrendered.
