How long does it take to walk the Valenciana route?

A full exploration takes approximately 4 hours (half-day). This includes roughly 2 hours of walking and 2 hours spent inside the various museums and the mine.

Is the walk from the city center to Valenciana difficult?

Yes, it is considered challenging. The route gains significant elevation as you move from the canyon floor to the mountain ridge. Many visitors choose to walk the flat sections and use local buses for the steepest climbs.

Can I go inside a real mine on this route?

Yes, at Bocamina San Ramón, you can descend into the historical entrance of the mine. It features original stone steps and provides an authentic feel of the 18th-century mining environment.

Are the mummies in Guanajuato real?

Absolutely. The mummies are naturally preserved human remains from the 19th and 20th centuries. They were preserved by the specific soil and climate conditions of the local cemetery rather than intentional mummification.

What is the best time of day for this self-guided walk?

Start at 9:00 AM. This allows you to visit the Mummy Museum before the largest crowds arrive and ensures you reach the Valenciana church before it potentially closes for afternoon siesta or private events.

Is this route suitable for children?

It depends on the child. The Mummy Museum can be intense for some, while the mine descent is often an adventure for older children. The total walking distance and hills may be tiring for younger kids.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

Generally, no. Tickets for the Mummy Museum and the Hacienda are purchased at the door. However, it is always wise to check local holidays which might affect opening hours.

Is the Templo de San Cayetano free to enter?

Entry to the church is usually free, though donations are encouraged. Please be respectful of ongoing religious services and avoid flash photography inside.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

4 hr

Duration

5

Stops

Challenging

Difficulty

About This Tour

Guanajuato is a city built on silver, a place where the wealth of the earth transformed a rugged canyon into a colonial masterpiece. On this self-guided walk, you will trace the veins of history from the somber halls of the Museum of the Mummies to the heights of the Valenciana district. This route explores the stark contrasts of the 18th century, where the immense riches of the Spanish Empire met the grueling reality of industrial labor. You will begin at the world-famous mummy museum, an accidental archive of the city's past residents, before descending toward the lush gardens of a former silver-processing hacienda. This neighborhood stroll then takes a vertical turn, leading you up the steep slopes to the Valenciana mine complex. Here, the Templo de San Cayetano stands as a pink-stone monument to the 'silver kings,' featuring some of the most intricate altars in the Americas. As you explore independently, you will discover how a single mine once produced a significant portion of the entire world's silver. The trail concludes at the mouth of the mines, offering a deep dive into the tunnels that defined Mexico's colonial economy. This walking tour Guanajuato offers is more than just a sightseeing path; it is an immersion into the industrial heritage and architectural grandeur that earned the city its UNESCO World Heritage status. Whether you are marvelling at the Churrigueresque carvings of a mountain cathedral or standing at the edge of a 500-meter deep mine shaft, this self-guided adventure provides the context and stories behind Guanajuato's most iconic landmarks. Prepare for a physical challenge, as the route involves significant elevation changes, but the panoramic views and historical depth make it a highlight of any visit to the region. By the end of this neighborhood stroll, you will understand how silver and stone shaped the identity of this vibrant mountain city.

Highlights

The naturally preserved mummies of the Panteón de Santa Paula
The 17 themed gardens of the Ex Hacienda San Gabriel de Barrera
The ultra-Baroque golden altars of the Templo de San Cayetano
A descent into the historic Bocamina San Ramón
Panoramic views of the city from the Valenciana mountain ridge

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (5)

1

Museum of the Mummies of Guanajuato

Your self-guided adventure begins at one of Mexico's most unusual sites. These mummies weren't created by intentional embalming but by the unique mineral composition of the soil and the dry climate of the Panteón de Santa Paula. In the 19th century, a local burial tax led to the disinterment of bodies whose families couldn't pay. Workers were shocked to find many remains perfectly preserved. Today, the museum tells the story of these individuals, ranging from victims of cholera outbreaks to local miners. It is a poignant look at the city's social history and its unique relationship with death, set within the very cemetery where they were found.

2

Museo Ex Hacienda San Gabriel de Barrera

Moving from the somber to the spectacular, this former hacienda showcases the immense wealth generated by the silver mines. Built in the late 17th century, it served as a 'hacienda de beneficio,' where silver ore was processed using the patio process. Today, the main house is a museum filled with period furniture and art, but the real treasure is the grounds. There are 17 distinct gardens here, each designed in a different international style, from English and Italian to Oriental. It offers a peaceful contrast to the industrial history of the region and illustrates the luxury enjoyed by the colonial silver barons.

3

Templo de San Cayetano Confesor

As you reach the Valenciana district, you are greeted by the Templo de San Cayetano, also known as La Valenciana. This is one of the finest examples of Mexican Churrigueresque architecture. It was commissioned by Antonio de Obregón y Alcocer, the Count of Valenciana, as a way to thank God for the riches found in the nearby mine. The facade is carved from pink volcanic stone, but the interior is even more breathtaking. You will see three massive, gold-leafed retablos (altars) that represent the pinnacle of 18th-century craftsmanship. Legend says the mortar for the church was mixed with silver dust and Spanish wine.

4

Bocamina San Ramón

Now, it's time to see where that silver actually came from. Bocamina San Ramón was one of the first entrances to the massive Valenciana vein. Here, you can descend a stone staircase into the mouth of the mine. While the mine once reached depths of over 500 meters, this accessible portion allows you to feel the change in temperature and humidity that miners faced daily. The site also includes a small museum with original tools and a courtyard that explains the grueling labor conditions. It is a powerful reminder that the golden altars you just saw were built on the backs of thousands of indigenous laborers.

5

Calle Mina de La Valenciana

This street leads you to the heart of the Valenciana mine complex, once the most productive silver mine in the world. At its peak in the late 18th century, this single site produced roughly 25% of all the silver mined globally. Standing here, you can see the scale of the operations that funded the Spanish Empire for centuries. The massive 'Boca del Monte' shaft nearby is a feat of colonial engineering. As you walk this route, look at the surrounding mountains; they are honeycombed with tunnels. This final stop allows you to soak in the panoramic views of Guanajuato below, connecting the wealth of the heights to the city in the canyon.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Silver and Stone trail is the most comprehensive route, covering everything from the residential history at the Mummy Museum to the industrial heights of the Valenciana mines. It connects the city's wealth directly to its source in the mountains.