While summer travelers tend to plug directly into Mexico’s stellar coastal resorts, the State of Guanajuato is offering six exciting reasons to switch things up a bit this year. Sans the sand, the destination is touting its cultural and recreation lures that include outdoor adventures, historical tours, culinary experiences and libations-focused activities from grapes to blue agave. 

“Visitors to Guanajuato must experience the Tequila Circuit, the Nopal Circuit, the Wine Trail, our historical sites and cities, as well as our five Magic Towns,” said Fernando Olivera Rocha, secretary of tourism for the State of Guanajuato. “There is truly something for every age and taste.”

1. The Great Outdoors

Saddle up for a romantic countryside horseback ride or gallop through the historic silver mining area of Camino Real de la Plata. Zip line above a tree canopy where beautiful terrain paints the backdrop. Hike, rappel, ATV or hot air balloon through and above diverse desert, country and colonial landscapes. Whether your clients are traveling for a couple’s getaway or family vacation, you can shower them with the bevy of recreation options that you’ll find under the “Experiences” tab at guanajuato.mx.

READ MORE: 15 Photos of Guanajuato That Will Spark Your Wanderlust

2. Diverse Culinary Delights

Prepare your clients for delicious adventures in this destination that was honored in 2015 by the Spanish Royal Academy of Gastronomy as the Ibero-American Capital of Food & Culture. A rich gastro scene appeases palates via restaurants, plus a culinary calendar packed with food festivals and tasting events.

“We’ve embarked on an extraordinary statewide push to develop Guanajuato’s culinary offerings in everything from the professionalism of our service providers to the development of gastronomy-related tourism opportunities such that they are an annual attraction to the destination,” said Olivera Rocha.

“With that in mind, we created our annual festival, ¡Si Sabe! that celebrates and supports initiatives such as our Tequila Circuit, Wine Trail, Mezcal Circuit, Nopal Circuit and Strawberry Circuit, as well all of our other culinary experiences across the state.”

3. Art, History & Culture

Also the state’s capital, the city of Guanajuato was tapped as a UNESCO World Heritage City in 1988. Architecture is key, with the city lauded for its Baroque and Neoclassical buildings, and tunnels and streets bringing a peek into colonial culture and life.

On a larger scale, the State of Guanajuato is lauded as a cultural destination with mega appeal for travelers coveting history, art, dining and culture. From its Ibero-American Capital of Food & Culture status and UNESCO recognition for outstanding universal value, the state delivers a cornucopia of distinctive experiences.

4. San Miguel de Allende’s UNESCO Status

Perhaps the most popular destination within Guanajuato is San Miguel de Allende, the artsy outpost recognized by Conde Nast Traveler as the “Best City in the World.” Cobblestone streets coupled with Neoclassical and Baroque facades complement the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s landscape that’s punctuated by the Sanctuary of Jesus Nazareno de Atotonilco.

5. The Wine Trail

Known as the Circuito del Vino, this savory trail encompasses three vineyards stretching from Dolores Hidalgo to San Miguel de Allende. Merging culture, history and quality, the trio presents the chance to learn how vino is grown and nurtured, witness the winemaking process, and indulge in swirling and sipping. 

Each August, the burgeoning wine region toasts its summer harvest and its award-winning vinos with spirited events in the cities of Guanajuato, Dolores Hidalgo, Comonfort and San Miguel de Allende. Your clients can enjoy tastings, grape stomps, dancing and music during five wine festivals that appeal to everyone from casual sippers to card-carrying oenophiles. For more details, visit guanajuatosisabe.com.

6. The Tequila Circuit

Akin to Champagne, Tequila can only be produced from blue agave grown in an officially demarcated area. To be labeled as Tequila, production must adhere to specifications designated by the Official Standard for Tequila. In addition to Guanajuato, other Mexican states included in “the Tequila zone” are Nayarit, Jalisco, Tamaulipas and Michoacan.

READ MORE: The Magic Towns of Guanajuato

To showcase the beverage, Guanajuato State has created the Tequila Circuit that allows visitors to take in old factories and learn about the production process and walk through mountain fields of precious blue agave. From the city of Irapuato that’s known for its strawberry production, through Penjamo and eventually to Plazuelas, inspired explorers can dig into earthy pursuits that include rolling up their sleeves to get their hands into the soil.

For more information on Guanajuato, as well as events and accommodations for your clients opting to experience Mexico’s deep-rooted heritage and culture, visit guanajuato.mx.  

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