We began our four-month journey through Mexico in Guanajuato, a city not just famous as the birthplace of Diego Rivera, but that also was a significant influence on his art. This influence is clearly reflected in his paintings, where the vibrant colors that epitomize Guanajuato are prominently featured.
Nestled in the heart of Mexico, Guanajuato is a city bursting with color. It’s widely considered Mexico’s most picturesque city, and undeniably the most colorful. The video above is a testament to that. With brightly painted buildings that spill down the steep hills and line its beautiful streets and alleyways, Guanajuato is a visual feast of color.
Not only is the city beautiful, but the warmth of its people instantly made us feel welcomed. Known for their openness and friendliness, we found that the people of Guanajuato certainly embodied the generous hospitality that Mexico is celebrated for - allowing us to feel comfortable in their community from the moment we arrived.
As for the food - Guanajuato’s culinary scene was remarkable - offering us a glimpse into authentic Mexican cuisine. From street vendors with their delicious tacos and tamales to the more traditional restaurants where foods like mole and pozole are prepared using age-old recipes, each dish was a blend of indigenous elements and Spanish influences, and we enjoyed many wonderfully flavorful and memorable meals.
Guanajuato, known for its terrain that’s often compared to San Francisco, is a city dominated by steep hills. Even a casual stroll can be a physical challenge. In addition to the unexpected cardio workouts, these hilly paths led us up to some beautiful vistas. The reward for climbing these heights was a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, framed by the majestic mountains in the background.
Despite our fondness for our time in Guanajuato, we have realized that it will not be our next home. The appeal of its authenticity, along with the challenges of adapting to a predominantly Spanish-speaking city, gave us lots to think about. For anyone in great shape and looking to fully integrate into an authentic Mexican setting with a very small expat community, Guanajuato could be ideal. We can easily understand how its rich cultural history, along with its more relaxed lifestyle and a deeply rooted connection to Mexican traditions, makes the city a very compelling choice.
Although we deeply appreciate the genuine charm and the authentic culture in Guanajuato, we realize we need to be in a place with a larger expat community, while also not compromising the essence of authentic Mexican culture. Because Carla and I are beginners in Spanish, we need to be able to have friends who are in the same boat as we are so we can learn with them and do a slower immersion into the culture. We want to find a place that bridges the gap between the comfort of familiarity and the thrill of discovery.
Our stay in Guanajuato was nothing short of magical, and the city was a wonderful starting point for our four-month exploration of Mexico. It was set against a backdrop of stunning beauty and introduced us to the heart and soul of Mexican culture. As we continue in our journey, the memories of Guanajuato will hold a special place in our hearts . . . Â a reminder of where our adventure began and a guide for the authentic experiences we hope to find along the way.
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