Adventure Tourism
GUANAJUATO Fifteen minutes from Guanajuato, on the Dolores Hidalgo road, lies the Esperanza basin and the Las Palomas recreational zone and wildlife preserve. Situated on the migratory path of many neo-tropical species on their way south from Canada, Alaska and the northern American states, Las Palomas is an important area of biodiversity, ideal for naturalists and birdwatchers. The preserve employs trained guides with first hand knowledge of botany, bird migration, and the flora and fauna of the Guanajuato sierras. There are also facilities for mountain biking, hiking and camping. Guanajuato also has a number of tourist routes through old mining districts which can be visited by car or on mountain bikes, including, on one side, La Valenciana, Mina de Guadalupe, Real de Santa Ana and Mineral de la Luz. On the other side of the city, tourists can visit the Calderones, El Cubo and Peregrina mines. A visit to the mines is a chance to come into contact with the vestiges of the immense mineral wealth of Guanajuato (even today, after 400 years, silver is still being extracted at other sites), as well as the impressive system of artificial lakes that provided the mines' power source, and not forgetting the breathtaking scenery of the Sierra Madre mountains.