Guanajuato

Once the most prominent silver-mining city in colonial Mexico, Guanajuato is in a gorge surrounded by mountains at 6,700 feet. Its cobblestone streets, which are peppered with colorful houses, wind precipitously up the mountainside. The city's other distinguishing feature is a vast subterranean roadway, where a rushing river once coursed through the city.

The city was settled by wealthy land- and mine-owners, and many of its colonial buildings date back to the 18th century. Those buildings around the center of town have become museums, restaurants, hotels, and government offices. Add to this its many imposing churches, plus the green-limestone University of Guanajuato, and it's no wonder the town was named a World Heritage Site in 1988.

One thing you don't need in Guanajuato is a car. Guanajuato's streets are often clogged with traffic, and you can find yourself stuck in an exhaust-filled tunnel for up to an hour waiting for traffic to clear. It's easy and much more practical to stroll along the two main arteries, Avenida Juárez and Positos, from which you can access the main sights.

Start your exploration of Guanajuato with a ride on the funicular (behind the Teatro Juárez) up to the statue of El Pípila to get a great view of this colorful town. If you study your map, you'll be able to identify most of the important buildings, like the university, the cathedral, and the Mercado Hidalgo. This perspective may come in handy later, when the curving streets spin you around.

A walk around the center of town will take a couple of hours. Remember that most museums and the theater are closed Monday.