Our first full day in Guanajuato we knew just what we wanted to do. We would get up in those surrounding hills and start exploring the neighborhoods of Guanajuato! I thought that visiting El Pipila would be the first step. Like him, we could have a great view from high above the city. It was easy, too, getting there. We cheated a little on the way up. We took the funicular. It is located just behind the Teatro Juarez. You’ll get some fabulous views up there.
If you are confused and lose your way in the streets of Guanajuato, look up for the monument of El Pipila standing high above the city to set your course. Even if you are not lost, look up at night. The monument will be lit up, bright and beautiful.
Pipila was the nickname for the miner and local hero who fought during the Mexican War for Independence. He gained fame by facilitating the burning of the doors to the grain warehouse. The warehouse stored not only the grain but the silver of the Spanish soldiers. This building called Alhondiga de Granadita is a museum today. It is made of high stone walls, but unfortunately for the Spanish, the doors were made of wood. https://sic.cultura.gob.mx/ficha.php?table=museo&table_id=1004
After we spent some time overlooking the city we started to look for a way down through the neighborhoods. We discovered this path. Looked worth investigating to us so with no second thoughts we started walking down.
The Long Walk Down
We were in no hurry. So we figured if we just followed any path down we would eventually find our way back to El Jardin and our hotel. So we chose a stairway to the left of El Pipila, lined on each side by homes. It is not until the very bottom of the hill that the cars have access to the winding paths.
The path we took coming down was the path that leads to El Callejon del Beso. I had no idea before I saw a sign that would have led us to this narrow corner. But alas, I got distracted by other interesting things and missed the experience.
It was a long morning of adventure and a great way to start exploring the neighborhoods of Guanajuato. We sometimes didn’t know exactly where we were, but we didn’t care, either. And we did finally find our way back to El Jardin de la Union and our hotel.
Note: For our second day of exploring the neighborhoods of Guanajuato check here: https://roadtosuchness.comguanajuato-markets-and-neighborhoods/
Lunch and a Hotel
We found some doors open to a most lovely restaurant with food that was equally nice for lunch. I later realized that it was part of a hotel. Our waiter showed me the wine cellar in the basement which they had just renovated. It is on a quiet street a mere two blocks from El Jardin de la Union. The hotel is called Hotel Alonso Boutique Hotel: a great place for dinner or lunch.
