Under $100: Guanajuato, Mexico

Guanajuato, the World Heritage city in the heart of Mexico, takes its name from a P’urhépecha word meaning “hill of frogs.” The hilly city resembles a fairytale, and is super pedestrian friendly, if you don’t mind a few hills. Furthermore, there’s not a single traffic light or stop sign in the entire city! Guanajuanto really deserves more than one day, but if you only have one, here’s how you do it.

UNESCO Historic Town of Guanajuato © Svx94 | Dreamstime

Breakfast in the Jardín de la Unión. La Bohemia is a good choice ($6–10). In the morning, visit the Diego Rivera house and museum ($2). Walking here — which you should — will take you through some of the city’s most beautiful districts, no matter where you are coming from. Make sure you check out the tunnels under the city as well.

Grab lunch at the nearby Mestizo, but be aware restaurants in Mexico open late for lunch ($10). For the afternoon you may wish to climb to El Pípila, the giant statue on the hill overlooking the city. There’s also a funicular to the summit. You may also visit one of the many mines in and around the city. The Mina de Rayas ($5) is one of the world’s largest. A taxi to the mine should be about $3–4..

Callejoneadas on Jardin de la Union © Barna Tanko | Dreamstime

Dine at Las Mercedes, obviously ($20). After dinner join a callejoneada, a local street parade in which musicians dress up in robes and wander the streets playing traditional music and passing around a bottle of tequila. See if you can find one with a mule with a cask — that’ll be full of wine.

Finally, if all goes well, have a local tell you the legend of the callejón del beso and show you what it’s all about.

If you can, visit during the world-famous Cervantino Festival. Also, James Michener’s Mexico is recommended reading before visiting.

Festival Internacional Cervantino © Nanaleder | Dreamstime