Clearly, based on the reviews thus far there is no need to go into the magic of Guanajuato! The music of the Callejoneada, the beautiful plazas (personal favorite, Plaza de San Fernando), Teatro Juarez, and the University steps each offer their own reward. The numerous historic Churches are noteworthy, though I would highlight Templo de San Francisco and the surrounding small streets 'Manuel Doblado' and 'Del Campanero' as particularly worthwhile areas to explore. Based on the glowing reviews here, I determined 4 days in Guanajuato would be ideal, considering there would be some closures on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. The festive holidays only added to the city's beauty. From here on I'll focus exclusively on 3 historic museum experiences that were briefly mentioned or not covered in previous reviews.

Alhóndiga de Granaditas Regional Museum [José Chávez Morado Murals]

This museum has fairly standard, though interesting collections/exhibits on Mexican History and Culture. Yet, what left the strongest impact were the José Chávez Morado Murals in the stairways, some of you will be familiar with his work (whether you recognize the name or not) if you visited UNAM campus in Mexico City. His mural here tells some of the dramatic History of Mexico around the time of the Revolution, its a stunning work.

Museo Iconográfico del Quijote [Free on Tuesday]

There is such a wonderful whimsiness to much of the artwork here. Located adjacent to the Templo de San Francisco (mentioned above), this museum offers a real treat to visitors. The spectacular 'Capilla Cervantina', a room-wide mural by Gabriel Flores was one of many memorable works in the museum.

Museo Ex-Hacienda San Gabriel de Barrera [Confirmed as part of the World Heritage Site]

Located about 15 minutes outside central Guanajuato (via taxi), this 'Ex-Hacienda' is known for its gardens and is often used as an event/wedding space. On your way you will pass the Torre de Noria Alta (tower) on your right hand side; soon after you will cross a stream and enter the grounds of the Hacienda San Gabriel de Barrera. This late 17th century property was the grand hacienda of Captain Gabriel de Barrera, a man directly related to the Count of La Valenciana mine. As noted by other reviews, the map of the inscribed boundary of Guanajuato is not always easy to pinpoint and its quiet large, I confirmed that the Ex-Hacienda San Gabriel de Barrera is completely within that boundary. Furthermore, I found the best Map of Guanajuato for World Heritage Travelers, which identifies 42 different attractions/monuments. See the map here. You can also find more about the 'Ex-Hacienda" at the official website, which includes the Hacienda and Guanajuato map at the bottom.

Guanajuato can be thoroughly covered in 2-3 days. Yet, the extra time we spent here during the holidays was special. We visited the Monumental al Pipila viewpoint twice, once in the evening and once as it opened in the morning. I will miss the pleasant walks around the city, sipping Champurrado at a local cafe, and the lively atmosphere as day turns to night.