Under $100: Guanajuato, Mexico

The picturesque town of Guanajuato became incredibly wealthy thanks to nearby silver mines, and it’s a wonderful place to visit. Here’s how to see the highlights on a budget.

For breakfast go to Café Tal, with great coffee and food ($7). You can even get online on the strong internet connection while you eat. Afterward, take a walk to the outskirts of town and visit the Mummy Museum (admission $3) where you can see the mummified remains of people whose families couldn’t pay the local grave tax. If it sounds bizarre that’s because it is, but it’s fascinating nonetheless.

Have lunch at Los Campos, a small restaurant with just seven tables in cozy surroundings ($10). After you eat, take a spin around the house of famed muralist Diego Rivera, one of Guanajuato’s most famous sons. The avowed Communist and atheist was incredibly popular in Mexico despite his controversial views, and the museum (admission $1.50) housed in his former home tells the story of his life and work.

Take a walk up to the “El Pipila” statue above town for a great view at sunset, and then come back into town for dinner at Mexico Lindo y Sabroso ($12). If the weather is good, bag a table on the veranda.

After dinner go for drinks at El Incendio, a historic cantina in the center of town (beers $1.50) before dancing the night away at Why Not? (beers $1.50).