State: Guanajuato

Population: 4,700,000
Size: 11,982 square miles
Location: central Mexico
Borders: States of San Luis Potosi, Queretaro, Michoacan and Jalisco
Important cities/sites within the state: Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato (capital), Irapuato, Leon, San Miguel de Allende and Yuriria
Major airport(s): Leon-Bajio International Airport of Guanajuato (BJX)
Time zone: Central Standard Time
Web site: www.guanajuato.gob.mx

The state of Guanajuato is located in an area known as Bajio, offering a diverse natural landscape of lush forests and semi-arid deserts and varying in climates, depending on the location.

Before the conquest, the region of Guanajuato was inhabited by several indigenous groups including the Otomi, Purepecha, Cascan, Pain, Guamar and the Cuacuchil. By the time the Spaniards arrived in 1546, the Tarascans had also established their empire in the area.

However, soon after their arrival, the Spaniards discovered the area’s biggest wealth – its gold and silver deposits – and colonized the entire state. In 1570, the city of Guanajuato was founded and by the end of the 18th century, it had become the second most important and richest region in New Spain, after Mexico City.

Today, Guanajuato is one of the most stunning vice regal areas in Mexico. The state flourished primarily due to its wealth deriving from its silver mines, and to this day, continues to be the country’s leading silver producer. It is also currently renowned for its well-preserved colonial cities and charming towns.

The city of Guanajuato, the state’s capital, is one of the most enchanting places in Mexico. Its magical surroundings on the slopes of Cerro del Cubilete house a number of unique attractions – everything from historical monuments to magnificent architecture, and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988. The city also hosts one of Mexico’s most important events, which originated in 1952 – the International Cervantes Festival – and other celebrations that showcase the region’s festive atmosphere, including the annual Holy Week processions and the Lady of Guanajuato commemoration. Its mild climate together with its unusual beauty, rich colonial tradition, winding roads and colorful houses perched on the hills, have made it one of the state’s major tourist destinations.

The colonial city of San Miguel de Allende is another major attraction in the state of Guanajuato. Its provincial ambiance, cultural diversity and contemporary infrastructure offer the perfect setting for a culturally enriching vacation. Strolling through its charming streets and horseback riding or cycling through its surrounding hills provide a glimpse of the city’s beauty and the state’s richness. San Miguel de Allende has attracted in recent years a large community of expatriates and retirees from the U.S. who now call this quaint town their second home.

Dolores Hidalgo, a laid-back town of about 60,000 people, is the birthplace of Mexico’s independence from Spain. On September 16, 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo, the priest of the village of Dolores, urged his parishioners to join the movement to overthrow the Spanish vice regal government. Officially know as the “Grito de Dolores” (Cry of Dolores), his call to arms is considered an important part of Mexican history. Each year on the eve of Independence Day, Mexico’s president reenacts the grito at Mexico City’s main square with cries of “Viva Mexico!” Today, Dolores Hidalgo, is a charming, sleepy town with few tourists. Ceramics, pottery and Talavera tile have been the special handicrafts of Dolores Hidalgo ever since Father Hidalgo found the first ceramics workshop in the early 19th century. The town is also famous for its ice cream, which comes in a variety of unusual flavors, including avocado, corn, cheese and honey.

Guanajuato offers visitors the opportunity to become part of true Mexican traditions through its cultural diversity, colonial cities and diverse surroundings. The state offers a unique contrast of the old and the new, of colonial and modern.