How long does it take to walk the Guanajuato tunnels?

A typical self-guided adventure through the main tunnels takes about 60 to 90 minutes. This includes time to stop for photos at the Calle Subterranea and visit the Pípila monument for a panoramic view.

Are the Guanajuato tunnels safe for pedestrians?

Yes, the tunnels are safe as they have designated sidewalks for pedestrians. However, the sidewalks are narrow, so travelers should stay alert to passing traffic and use well-lit sections during daylight hours.

Is it worth walking the Calle Subterranea?

Absolutely, it is one of the most unique experiences in Mexico. The Calle Subterranea features stunning stone arches and colonial foundations that make you feel like you've stepped back in time or onto a movie set.

Can I explore the tunnels for free?

Yes, exploring the tunnels is completely free as they are public roads. You can start your self-guided walk at any entrance, such as Túnel Santa Fe or the ramps near the Mercado Hidalgo.

What is the best time of day to visit the tunnels?

The best time is during the afternoon. The temperature inside the tunnels is much cooler than on the surface, and the lighting during the day provides a dramatic contrast for photography.

Why were the tunnels in Guanajuato built?

They were originally built as flood control channels for the Guanajuato River. In the mid-20th century, after the river was diverted further, the empty channels were paved to create a subterranean traffic system to preserve the historic city above.

Is the walking route through the tunnels difficult?

The route is generally easy and flat when you are inside the tunnels. However, Guanajuato is a hilly city, so any route that exits the tunnels to reach viewpoints like Pípila will involve some stairs or steep inclines.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Guanajuato is a city built on layers of history, both literal and metaphorical. This self-guided walk invites you to descend beneath the colorful facades of the surface and enter a world unlike any other: a sprawling network of subterranean tunnels that serve as the city's main arteries. Originally constructed to divert the Guanajuato River and prevent the devastating floods that plagued the city for centuries, these stone-arched passages were later repurposed into a unique traffic system in the mid-20th century. This neighborhood stroll captures the engineering brilliance of the colonial era and the modern ingenuity that keeps this UNESCO World Heritage site moving. As you explore, you will witness the transition from the dark, cool atmosphere of the tunnels to the vibrant, sun-drenched plazas above. Key landmarks like the Calle Subterranea showcase the masterful stone masonry and the distinctive 'Guanajuato Green' volcanic stone. By following this walking route, you will uncover how the city's geology dictated its architecture, forcing builders to go down when they could no longer go up. From the historical depths of Túnel Santa Fe to the panoramic heights of the Monumento Al Pípila, this audio walk offers a comprehensive look at the city's verticality. This walking tour Guanajuato provides an independent way to experience the hidden corners of the city, allowing you to stop and admire the play of light against the cavernous walls at your own pace. Whether you are interested in civil engineering, colonial history, or simply looking for the most Instagram-worthy stone arches in Mexico, this journey through the subterranean secrets of Guanajuato will change how you see the world above.

Highlights

Descend into the Calle Subterranea, a world-unique underground street

Admire the colonial engineering of the Túnel Santa Fe

Experience the contrast between the dark tunnels and the bright Plaza de la Paz

Climb to the Monumento Al Pípila for a bird's-eye view of the tunnel exits

Discover the history of the Guanajuato River and flood prevention

See the distinct 'Guanajuato Green' volcanic stone architecture

Tour Stops (6)

Túnel Santa Fe

Welcome to the entrance of Guanajuato's hidden world. The Túnel Santa Fe is one of the primary gateways into the subterranean network. As you stand here, notice the massive stone blocks and the cool draft emanating from the tunnel. These passages weren't originally built for cars; they were designed in the late 19th century to channel the Guanajuato River safely beneath the city. Before these tunnels existed, the city suffered from catastrophic flooding. Today, this tunnel serves as a vital transit link, showcasing the transition from 19th-century hydraulic engineering to 20th-century urban planning. Look up at the ceiling to see the soot-stained arches, a testament to decades of use.

Plaza De La Paz

Emerging from the depths, you find yourself in the heart of 'Upper' Guanajuato at the Plaza de la Paz. This triangular plaza is surrounded by some of the city's most prestigious colonial buildings, including the Basilica of Our Lady of Guanajuato with its striking yellow facade. Historically, this was the center of power for the wealthy mine owners. The contrast here is intentional: the bright, open space represents the wealth and status of the surface, while the tunnels you just left represent the industrial and practical foundations of the city. Take a moment to appreciate how the city's verticality connects the spiritual heights of the Basilica to the functional depths of the streets below.

Calle Subterranea

You are now entering the Miguel Hidalgo Underground Street, arguably the most famous subterranean road in the world. Officially inaugurated in 1963, this street follows the old bed of the Guanajuato River. Walking along the sidewalks here, you can see the foundations of colonial houses and the intricate stone buttresses that support the city above. The arches are made of 'cantera,' a local volcanic stone. Notice the staircases that seemingly lead to nowhere—these are actually 'private' entrances to the basements of the buildings overhead. This street is the crown jewel of the neighborhood stroll, offering a surreal, cinematic atmosphere that has inspired countless photographers.

Monumento Al Pipila

To understand the tunnels, you must see them from above. A short climb or funicular ride brings you to the feet of El Pípila, a local hero of the Mexican War of Independence. From this vantage point, you can trace the route of the tunnels as they snake through the valley. Look for the dark openings in the hillside; those are the exits of the subterranean network. The monument honors Juan José de los Reyes Martínez Amaro, who famously strapped a stone to his back to protect himself from bullets while he set fire to the Alhóndiga gates. The view here perfectly illustrates why Guanajuato had to go underground: the narrow valley simply ran out of room to grow horizontally.

Túnel Ponciano Aguilar

As you descend back toward the center, you encounter the Túnel Ponciano Aguilar. Named after the brilliant local engineer and astronomer who contributed significantly to the city's infrastructure, this tunnel is a masterpiece of 19th-century masonry. Aguilar was instrumental in the construction of the Presa de la Olla and several mining projects. This specific tunnel highlights the rugged beauty of the natural rock walls interspersed with carefully placed stone arches. It serves as a reminder that Guanajuato's wealth and survival have always been tied to the earth, from the silver extracted from its mines to the tunnels carved for its safety.

Balneario Los Arcos

While located a bit further from the immediate city center, the aesthetics of Los Arcos echo the stone-arched theme of the Guanajuato tunnels. This area highlights the regional use of stone masonry to create grand, enduring structures. In the context of our walk, it represents the extension of Guanajuato's architectural DNA into the surrounding landscape. The use of arches here isn't just for support; it's a stylistic choice that defines the Bajío region's identity. It's a perfect place to reflect on how the necessity of the tunnels in the city center evolved into a celebrated architectural style that defines the beauty of the entire state.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk through the subterranean tunnels is ideal for history enthusiasts. This route covers the transformation of 19th-century flood canals into the world's only underground street network, including the famous Calle Subterranea.