Blank stares are the most frequent response when mentioning Guanajuato City to Americans and Canadians visiting Mexico.
Photo: Erik Tellez
Guanajuato City – Mexico’s Richest City
For Real! The reasons are easy to place. It’s not Mexico City or a beach destination. Guanajuato City has no Mayan Pyramids or Aztec Ruins.
What Guanajuato does have is a phenomenally rich, nearly 500-year history in a perfectly preserved colonial city.
Guanajuato is often compared to Toledo in Castilla-La Mancha, España. This is a very fair comparison. Let’s say you magically appeared in either Toledo, España, or Guanajuato, you would have difficulty telling them apart. Both are historical, set on a hill, and are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here’s a hint: Toledo has more tourist shops and a river surrounding three sides of the city. In Guanajuato, engineers re-routed the river deep underground.
Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, España (Photo: Des Mc Carthy)
While Toledo’s history predates medieval times, Guanajuato’s colonial beginnings date back to the 1540s, when the Spanish found gold. During the pre-Hispanic period, Aztecs also mention the region for its gold and silver. The name Guanajuato comes from indigenous Purépecha people meaning Frog Hill.
By the 18th century, Guanajuato was the richest and most opulent city in New Spain. The silver, sent to Spain aboard galleons, funded the Spanish government for decades. For over 250 Years, mines in Guanajuato produced over 30% of the world’s silver.
Why you should visit Guanajuato
One could go on and on about the history of the city and its importance in the Mexican Revolution. Let’s focus on why you should visit the city on your next trip to Mexico.
Guanajuato is best enjoyed on foot. Day or night, the city is safe and alive with people enjoying dining, music, theatre, and even spontaneous callejoneadas. Roughly translated means alleyway party.
Guanajuato is a major university town. Students from all over the world study at Universidad Guanajuato. It’s easily recognizable by its distinctive stairsteps.
A callejeando in Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico during the International Cervantino Festival.
The University also helped create its strong connection to Miguel de Cervantes, writer of Don Quixote. Since then, Guanajuato holds an annual International Festival of Cervantes during the last three weeks of October. Don’t miss The festival since it draws performers and visitors from all over the world. Though Miguel de Cervantes never visited Guanajuato, a world-class museum bears his name and is worth visiting.
Speaking of museums, one must visit several museums in the city. Museo de Mumias (Mummy Museum) features naturally preserved mummies on display.
Strolling through Guanajuato City
A Mexican version of Romeo and Juliet played out at the ‘Callejón del Beso’ or alley of the kiss. The players in Mexico are named Doña Carmen and Don Luis. The story is very romantic until the father stabs his daughter, Carmen. This happens because he discovers Luis secretly meets with her despite his demands that she doesn’t. As life was draining from her, Luis held and kissed the hand of Carmen. The third step from the bottom has a legend. Kiss your partner on this step, conveniently painted red. Doing so guarantees you both seven years of happiness together. What happens after seven years? Just make sure to revisit Guanajuato before the time is up.
One of Mexico’s most important people was born in Guanajuato. Mexico’s most famous artist, Diego Rivera called Guanajuato home for many years. Today, you can visit the “Museo Casa Diego Rivera” and see several paintings on display. There are even sketches from Frida Khalo, his on-again, off-again wife.
The Teatro Juarez is a grand fine arts palace named after Mexican President Benito Juarez. Juarez is considered by many to be Mexico’s greatest president.
The Alhóndiga de Granaditas is also a must-see. It’s the site of the first battle of Mexican Independence. Originally built to store a year’s grain supply for the city, it later housed the silver before transport to Spain.
Mine tours are also available in and around the city. They are worth a visit and help set the stage for a historical understanding of the city.
If Baroque architecture is your fancy, you’ll see plenty of it in Guanajuato City. The Basílica Colegiata de Nuestra Señora de Guanajuato features this style. So does the Casa Real de Ensaye and the Templo de Valenciano.
When to visit Guanajuato City
Guanajuato City is enjoyable all year long. Its high elevation keeps it temperate and pleasant, even in summer. If you can make it in October for the Cervantino Festival, then the magic is unleashed in grand fashion.
Summary
There is no bad time to go to Guanajuato but there certainly is the ‘Best’ time to go. Guanajuato is about a day and a half south of Mc Allen, Tx. Alternatively, if you fly into CDMX, it’s a four-hour car drive from Mexico City.
Learn more about Guanajuato and discover opportunities to learn Spanish at the same time with Spanish and Go. Jim and May are a Gringo/Mexican couple. Join them as they explore beautiful destinations, share travel tips, and teach you Spanish.
At Mexican Insurance Store, customers often ask what “Actual Cash Value” to put on your policy. How do you find out?
Let’s learn how to best navigate current used car values
This is tricky since most used car values have jumped, sometimes exceeding their original price, in recent months.
Photo: Obi Onyeador
OK, Let’s explain a little. When purchasing a full-coverage policy, one of the most critical questions determining your rate and coverage is ‘Actual Cash Value.’ It’s vital to get this right. Make the value too high, and you can overpay for your policy. If you put too low of a value, It may hurt you. If the vehicle gets totaled, the policy will max out at the entered value.
So, how do you choose the correct Actual Cash Value For Your Mexican Insurance Policy?
Traditionally, the source the insurance companies use to determine the value of your car is Kelley Blue Book.
The team at Kelley Blue Book works very hard to keep the car values listed up to date. Even then, late model pre-owned cars are still selling for drastically more than KBB right now.
Reputable publications, including Motor Trend and the Miami Herald covered the currently used care price phenomenon.
So, What do you do?
Lazy insurance brokers will say, use KBB, and that’s it. Not here. The policy stipulates ‘Actual Cash Value.’ While KBB is a starting point, it’s not the end of the line. Let’s say you have a 2018 Toyota Tacoma 4×4 TRD Double Cab in excellent condition. KBB lists the private party range between $37,142 and $40,103. Dealer prices are also available. They are the most reliable.
No Now, go to a website that lists used cars from name-brand dealers (These are dealers associated with a new car brand such as Toyota, Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz, etc.). Don’t use the values at the independent lots as these have less credibility in the eyes of an insurance company.
There are a number of places to find this out. Car Gurus (below), Auto Trader, or a dealer’s website works. Use the same year, model, and features.
Now, before you enter $47,000 as the value, make sure that there are several models listed at similar prices. If a reasonable person would conclude that the car on offer is very similar to the care you have insured, the value will hold in the event of a payout.
There is a pitfall with this method. Let’s say the value comes down to normal levels during your policy’s duration. If your vehicle is totaled, you may not get the full value your policy is insured for.
Naturally, if your policy duration is relatively short (less than 30 days), you have nothing to worry about. Go with the higher amount. If you are buying a 6-month or 1-year policy, it’s better to go with the high private-party or dealer value on KBB.
There you have it.
No matter what, enjoy your trip through Mexico and rely on us to take good care of you.
It’s hard to believe in 2020 that some people think you don’t need Mexican auto insurance when driving your car, motorcycle, or RV in Mexico.
Seriously, it’s an eye-roller when a proud ignoramus proclaims that you don’t need insurance and that, in all of their travels, they never had it. First off, they probably haven’t been to Mexico since 1989. Second, they tend to have loud contrarian opinions on a whole litany of topics, from UFOs to conspiracy theories. Third, 9 times out of 10, they’ve been drinking rather heavily.
Occasionally, someone on a Mex Facebook Group will post something that reads like this. “My friend’s uncle, who lives in Mexico, says Mexico car insurance is for stupid Gringos, and you really don’t need it.” Peruse through the posts long enough, and you’ll eventually see a post that looks like this. If you’re gullible enough to believe any story that begins with “My friend’s Uncle…” or something along this line, you really shouldn’t leave your home. The only stupid Gringos are the ones who think Mexico has no laws and that they are somehow immune from obeying them. These fine MENSA candidates invariably end up in jail, broke, and sometimes dead. It’s a sad but real truth. It’s not the ‘cartels’ who seemingly risk their multi-billion dollar operation to hassle a dumb tourist. Rather it’s the visitors’ own acute stupidity that led to their misfortune.
When it comes to driving in Mexico (or anywhere, for that matter), ignorance is not bliss.
Hopefully, these people aren’t the ones you listen to about anything. Especially anything about our neighbors to the South.
Here is the reality spelled out.
If you are in a car accident South of the Border, it’s not like in the USA. First, the police show up and immediately assign fault. Then, they estimate an amount for damages and detain the ‘responsible’ party until they pay the full amount.
Now, if you have (good) insurance, you call them with their local (non-toll free) number from your US Mobile phone and report a claim. First, make sure you have Whatsapp installed on your phone. Many times you won’t know your location, but the agent on the phone will have Whatsapp. You can send your exact location using the app. Next, you wait until they or the authorities arrive. If the police arrive first, tell them, “Tengo Seguro.” It means you have insurance.
From here, you will know why you were smart and bought the good coverage instead of listening to your dumb friend’s uncle. If you bought a Mexico insurance policy from Mexican Insurance Store .com. There are no bad policies or insurers offered for sale at Mexican Insurance Store.
Your Insurance representative that shows up will verify your policy with you. Try to have a copy on paper. They can also use your phone, or you can send it to their phone with Whatsapp. From here, 95% of all of your problems are taken care of. They will negotiate on your behalf and guarantee any damages assigned to you. Most importantly, you will not be detained or go to jail.
Concept of insurance man protective and car insurance policy examining
What happens if…
If you bought a cheap policy or were an imbecile and didn’t get insurance, start calling family and friends to get ready to wire money to you. La Policía will assign an amount in damages, and you need to pay up, right then and there. If you don’t have the money, cops will take you, under detainment, to a bank or Western Union to get the money. Can’t get the money they assign as your damages? You’ll get to sit in a Mexican jail until you do.
If you don’t agree with the amount, you will be seen by a traffic judge within 24 hours. They will most likely side with the cop and probably make you pay even more. This is because the damages will, no doubt, increase in the hours after the collision.
If there’s one thing you learn from all of this, it’s that:
Yes! It would be best if you had Mexican auto insurance to bring your vehicle into Mexico.
A well-backed policy from a reputable carrier will cover you completely and ensure you stay out of jail in the event of an accident.
Cheap policies are just that. They can be nearly worthless at protecting you from the unpleasant aftermath of a collision. You might be able to use them for toilet paper in the jail cell.
Nearly all policies purchased at the border kiosks appear cheap, but leave you quite vulnerable in a collision. Ultimately kiosks often cost you more, because significant fees are added to the total cost.
Your dumb friend, the loud drunk guy, or the blustering fool on the Facebook group (who probably never actually went to Mexico) is an idiot. You probably shouldn’t be listening to idiots.
Here is an infographic we created to help you understand the process if you are involved in a collision South of the Border.
Infographic of a Mexico Accident Timeline – Carry Mexican Auto Insurance
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us in the USA and Canada are desperate to enjoy Mexico. Because of a host of reasons, many of us remain unable or unwilling to travel.
It’s easy to reminisce on Mexico’s many riches including culture, community, and the food we all love.
What can we do now?
Fortunately, there are many things we can do to enjoy “The Mexican Experience.”
Enjoy Mexico from home with an authentic Mexican meal.
Once there, discover the many ways you can enjoy the best South of the border Culture. Learn ways to have the best experience of your life when you return.
Whether it’s an illness, injury, finances, or COVID-19, there are many ways to enjoy Mexico from home.
Mexican Insurance Store is committed to providing real, honest, and authentic information about Mexico. We offer the highest quality policies available in the marketplace. That’s why we hired the best travel writers to craft stories that are both entertaining and informative.
Use your newfound skills and cultural appreciation to make the next trip one of your best. Remember to get high-quality protection from MexicanInsuranceStore.com.
When American and Canadian travelers think about heading to Mexico, the choices are bountiful. For example, destinations like San Miguel de Allende, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas come to mind. These are all great locations worthy of a visit.
For people living in Southern California, a weekend visit to Ensenada is closer and more accessible than Vegas. For most visitors, it’s also a lot more fun.
Ensenada is a seaside port city about 70 miles south of San Diego, CA. The city is surrounded by mountain ranges and features year-round perfect weather 350 days a year.
Ensenada is also the gateway to the world-famous Baja California Wine Region. A serious up and comer, the Ruta del Vino begins minutes north of Ensenada.
Ensenada features a commercial airport, however, the most common method for travelers to visit is by car.
Several major events are happening in February and March, for instance there’s Carnival. Above all these events bring massive crowds to the city from all over Mexico and the world.
2017’s Queen of the Carnaval Yazmín Adriana Figueroa
Carnaval
The first event is the celebration of Carnaval. In other words, this is the weeklong celebration of all things before the Catholic period of Lent.
For non-Catholics, Lent is a 40-day period where you give something up to show faith and repentance.
Carnaval in Ensenada is an amazing event celebrated with parades, fireworks, concerts, meals, parties, and more. There’s a festive atmosphere throughout the week, and the crescendo occurs Friday through Tuesday. After that, the celebration abruptly ends at midnight. Carnival features parties throughout Mexico with sizable celebrations in Mazatlán, Cozumel, and Veracruz.
If you plan on going to Ensenada for Carnaval, hurry. For instance, all the hotels room sell out early, so secure a room quickly.
Ensenada Beer Fest
The second major event is the Ensenada Beer Fest. Coinciding with St. Patrick’s Day Weekend, the city hosts one of the premier beer-related events in all of Mexico.
Therefore, over 100 cervezarias (breweries) from all over Mexico come to the beautiful museum grounds of the Teatro Cultural Riviera to celebrate the golden elixir.
The event takes place on Friday and Saturday with conferences held Wednesday and Thursday to discuss making beer.
Above all, this event draws a classy crowd of mid 20’s to late 40’s Mexicans. Similarly, there are no egos or pretentious attitudes found in similar festivals in the US.
Again, hotels book up pretty quickly so make your travel arrangements rapidly.
Events in Mexico rarely have a strong social media presence. However, don’t be discouraged. The events are going to be awesome and worth the trip.
Scenic Highway Mex 1 Heading South
Getting to Ensenada is super easy by car, you just have to cross the border at Tijuana or Tecate. From Tijuana, the Scenic Mex 1 is a spectacular seaside drive that matches some of the best parts of CA-1 at Big Sur in Central California.
Just remember to bring your passport and your Mexico Insurance policies with you on your trip.
New Year is a time of celebration around the world, but in Mexico, the New Year’s Eve celebrations are truly special. Here are some of the ways that Mexicans celebrate the arrival of the New Year
Fireworks: Celebrations Mexico Style
Just like in other parts of the world, fireworks are a popular way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Mexico. Many cities and towns will have official fireworks displays, but it’s also common for people to set off their own fireworks in their backyards or in the streets.
Eating 12 grapes:
Just like in other parts of the world, fireworks are a popular way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Mexico. Many cities and towns will have official fireworks displays, but it’s also common for people to set off their own fireworks in their backyards or in the streets.
Sweeping the House:
Some Mexicans believe that sweeping the house on New Year’s Eve will sweep away any bad luck from the previous year and make room for good luck in the new year.
Making noise:
Mexicans love to make noise on New Year’s Eve, as it’s believed to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck. It’s common to use noisemakers, bells, or even pots and pans to make noise at midnight.
Making noise:
Just like in other parts of the world, champagne is a popular drink for New Year’s Eve in Mexico. It’s common to toast the new year with a glass of champagne at midnight.
Whether you're in Mexico or elsewhere, New Year's Eve is a time to celebrate new beginnings and look forward to the future. So, grab your grapes, put on your red underwear, and make some noise as you ring in the new year Mexican style!
Now, go to a website that lists used cars from name-brand dealers (These are dealers associated with a new car brand such as Toyota, Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz, etc.). Don’t use the values at the independent lots as these have less credibility in the eyes of an insurance company.
