Guanajuato or Queretaro (Mexico)
Guanajuato and Queteraro are both capitals of their respective states and both Unesco World Heritage Sites.
So how do these cities compare?
Guanajuato
Guanajuato translates (from the indigenous Indian language in this area) as “hilly place of frogs”. It was the richest Mexican city in the 18th century because of the mining of silver in the hills surrounding the town. The approach to the historic center is really unique; from the newer part of town, cars have to go through some long tunnels (which look like they have been chipped out of the rock) to get to the old town. Suddenly you pop out of the tunnels into one of the most picturesque cities you’ll see anywhere.
Guanajuato reminds me of Vernazza in Italy because of the winding stairs, colorful houses, and wonderful views. I had to pinch myself a few times to remember that I was actually in Mexico. And for such a small city there is an abundance of impressive churches and some very pretty plazas. Another thing that makes the town attractive is that many of the streets are closed off to car traffic; it makes the center a great place to walk around. Note however that Guanajuato is a lot less ‘walkable’ as you stray from the center. That’s because of the hills. Remember what I said about Guanajuato meaning “hilly place of frogs”?
Guanajuato is a university town and there’s lively air to the place. The large student population means a lot of cafes, bars and food stalls. You’ll see young people sitting in the very shady zocalo (watch your head, lots of low trees) or on the steps of the impressive Juarez theatre. Close by is the the Basilica (Basílica Colegiata de Nuestro Señora de Guanajuato, the largest church in Guanajuato), the University of Guanajuato (built by the Jesuits in the 18th century) and the Templo de San Francisco. All are painted in different colours.
There is a funicular in the center of town that goes up to the Pipila lookout where you get some great views looking over the city.
Most of these photos were taken on the first of three days in Guanajuato. I woke up in the middle of the first night cold, shaking and feeling as if a Dementor had sucked the life out of me. I spent the next 2 days in bed.
Where to stay in Guanajuato? A few recommendations:
Casa de Pita (tons of charm, fantastic location).
Villa Sueño Azul B&B (also very nice)
Casa Lupita Hostel (budget option – centrally located, dorms and private rooms)
Queretaro
Queretaro, like Guanajuato, has a Centro Historico that’s been designated a World Heritage Site by Unesco. It’s a much bigger place than Guanajuato and has a big city vibe (the city has a population of about 800,000 versus less than 200,000 in Guanajuato). Queretaro’s old town is impressive with the usual Mexican prerequisites: lots of impressive churches, colourful streets and large plazas packed with restaurants and bars. It’s a city that’s very walkable with lots of pedestrian-only zones. And, unlike Guanajuato, the terrain is flat in the Centro Historico. No hills.
Some of the highlights of Queretaro include the Palacio del Gobierno del Estado (the Government Palace of the Corregidora) just off Plaza de Armas (a very pretty and lively square with lots of trees, fountains and impressive buildings). There are lots of churches: the El Carmen Church, Santa Clara Church, Santa Rosa de Viterbo Church, Templo de San Francisco, Templo y ex-convento de la Santa Cruz (a 17th century Church/Convent). The art museum (Museo de Arte de Querétaro) is in a beautiful old monastery said to be one of the most beautiful baroque buildings in all of Latin America. Queretaro also has an aqueduct dating from the 1600’s – built by the Spanish it is composed of several parts, the most impressive being the 1280 meter long stretch built over a stretch of the city (it includes 74 arches with an average height of 23 meters).
But what I think makes Queretaro attractive are the pretty plazas: the Jardín Zenea, Plaza de Armas and Alameda Hidalgo. They’re great places to hang out and people watch.
Some more photos of Queretaro
We stayed at the Hidalgo Hotel (pictured above), right in the heart of the old town. Good value with a very nice courtyard.
Comparing Guanajuato and Queretaro
I have to admit I preferred Guanajuato to Queretaro. Guanajuato’s old town is colourful, churches impressive…when you climb the hills you’ll have stunning views. It’s an incredibly beautiful place. The vibe is young and friendly, it feels like a university town (because it is…). There is little traffic in the old town which makes Guanajuato a pleasure to visit.
Queretaro has some incredibly impressive monuments and churches. I love its plazas, I think it’s a very walkable city. But Queretaro is a big city. For me, it lacks the charm or magic of Guanajuato.
Note: People will argue that Queretaro has a lot of museums and cultural highlights that Guanajuato doesn’t have. They’d have a point with that.
Conclusion: Both are great cities that should be visited. Guanajuato will take your breath away and you’ll probably fall in love with it right away…Queretaro is a place to explore, a city that needs more time to appreciate and that might, ultimately, have more to offer if visiting for a longer period of time.
Note: if you come through Queretaro, make sure to visit some of the Pueblo Magico towns in the vicinity. Bernal is one of my favorite Pueblo Magicos in the country and hiking the Peña de Bernal is reason alone to come here (it’s one of Mexico’s 13 natural Wonders). Close by, Tequisquiapan is another pretty Pueblo Magical and is famous for wine and cheese (and to my surprise, both are excellent).
Related: Guanajuato, Mexico. One of the most beautiful cities in the World?
Related: A roadtrip through Mexico’s most beautiful towns and cities (by bus)
Related: A Photographic Walking Tour of San Miguel de Allende (Mexico)
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Hi – so which is it on San Miguel? thumbs up or down? We don’t care for Park City, for the reasons mentioned in your first trip. Was the second trip just a change in mood and season? we will not be going in summer. Cheers!
I really like San Miguel. Yes it’s full of expats. But I`m back every year because my mother lives there. It’s pretty, it’s clean, feels safe, lots to see. I almost feel guilty saying I like SMA but it’s grown on me…
I love both cities but, of the two, I favor Queretaro. But this is only one guy’s opinion/preference.
Everyone is entitled to an opinion, we don’t have to agree 🙂
My husband and I are going to spend the month of January in Guanajuato. We would like to leave the US, and we have already eliminated PV, San Miguel and Lake Chapala from the list, as well as all the other conventional retirement spots (Costa Rica, Panama, etc.). I am looking forward to having a wonderful time. Thanks for the beautiful photos. Tips and suggestions are appreciated. 🙂
Hi Bunny!
It’s a beautiful place to be. I haven’t lived there so I have no tips except that you should make sure not to live up a steep hill. My mom lived there for a few months and made the mistake of doing that and it was all uphill/downhill every day to get to the main town square to do her shopping.
I actually went back to Guanajuato a few months ago for another visit: https://bbqboy.net/guanajuato-mexico-prettiest-town-ive-ever/
Have a wonderful time and feel free to write more when your visit is done with your impressions after a month there.
Frank
We loved Guanajuato as well. We had only spent one day there but plan on returning again some time in the future. We are hoping to make it to Queretaro this winter. We love Mexico, it has stolen our heart and it is a place that we return to often. We definitely like being inland and in the mountains opposed to the beach.
Guanajuato is special and most people have never heard of it. San Miguel is nice – but Guanajuato is spectacular.
Glad to hear that you are also big fans of Mexico. I’ll make sure to check out your blog.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
We fell in love with Guanajuato too! We’ve linked to our post on the Juarez Theater. Sorry you got ill, though. After Guanajuato, we visited San Miguel de Allende and Morelia, both lovely also, but Guanajuato’s museums, maze of tunnels, hilly pedestrian streets and classy colonial architecture captured our hearts.
Very good post you have on the Juarez Theater! I felt the same as you – Guanajuato’s crazy geography really stands out and we also loved the town. Beautiful place.
Hi guys, I’m glad you enjoyed México, I understand why you felt in love with Guanajuato ’cause to me is the most beautiful estate of México but, we have more nice places to go as Oaxaca, Chiapas, Puebla, etc, etc. I promise you gonna love them too.
As a mexican can tell you “the border” have nothing to do with all the beauties México have to offer to tourists and, besides de paradisiac beaches (and I can tell you about it ’cause I’m from Acapulco) we have many colonial towns whit those great churches and cobblestone streets. The only recommendation (as you aready know) have to be careful where you eat 😉
Anyways, I feel good for you guys and if you ever visit Acapulco you can let me know and I’ll be more than happy to help you in case you need it or have a drink or coffe or whatever…take care and keep travelling and sharing your experiences with the world 😀
Rossy Avila 🙂
Acapulco, México.
Thank you very much Rossy for the comment. It’s funny you mention Oaxaca and Puebla – I’ll be going there in 6 weeks to visit my mom again! Look forward to some Mexican food, love it. I’ll just make sure not to eat any salads; nothing that’s not fried, boiled, or baked! 🙂
I ever we go to Acapulco I’ll let you know. Thank you for the invitation, it’s always very nice when readers want to meet us – unfortunately we won’t be in Acapulco. Maybe one day! If so we’ll make sure to contact you.
It looks pretty. Mexico is just one of those countries I really have no desire to go to. I’ve been across the border and that was enough for me.
The thing is that sometimes you never know. I felt the same way about Mexico but would go back anytime now. Great food and great people, very few tourists. Some of my biggest disappointments were in places that everyone “loves” (Costa Rica, Brazil, Greece). I like to go places where the tourist hordes haven’t been and the towns we visited in Mexico fit that bill.
That’s too bad it’s gorgeous and the people are the best you’re the only one missing out!!
Ha, yes Trish. Fortunately I was back just a year or so ago and it was even more beautiful the 2nd time! https://bbqboy.net/guanajuato-mexico-prettiest-town-ive-ever/
Thanks for taking time to comment!
It looks very colonial! I’ve been through a lot of Mexico, not these towns, so places are as colorful as these towns and definitely colonial but almost abandoned.
I am a huge fan of Mexico, it’s so huge and has sooo much to offer and see.