Expert: Fernando Betanzos y M.. - 3/29/2004

Question
Fernando,

I am 26 years old.  I will be staying in several locations outside of the  cities-- one of which will be San Geronimo outside of Salamanca. Due to exactly what you said about Leon, I will probably only rest one night there and head on to Salamanca.  I would like to spend time in San Miguel and Guanajuato before leaving Mexico.  I plan to fly into Mexico via Atlanta (because it seems to be the cheapest option) on July 6th. (I found tickets for $385 from aeromexico, is that a good deal?)  I will be returning to NC on or around July 26th.  I have no set itinerary for my time there.  I did locate several hostels in the city of Guanajuato that seem okay.  The one mentioned most is La Casa de las Brujas which costs somewhere between $9 and $12/night.  My primary concern is safety, however, I would ideally like to stay at or know of some place (like a youth or tourist/traveling center) where I might meet up with other people that would be interested in the night life. (I love salsa dancing!)  I am not afraid to go to a disco solo, but would feel much better venturing out with others.  THanks so much!  Emily

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Followup To
Question -
Fernando,

I am an ESL (English as a second language) teacher in North Carolina and will be traveling to the state of Guanajuato this July.  For a portion of my visit I will be residing with the families of my students in the countryside.  However, I don't want to rely on those families for all of my travel and would like to spend some time in the cities of Guanajuato and Leon.  My spanish is only mediocre.  I am very comfortable using Spanish but I am not great at it.  (Improving my spanish is, of course, one of my travel goals.)  Since I am an American female traveling alone, I would like to know of some safe places (preferably hostel types) that I can stay in in Leon and Guanajuato.  I would also like some heads up about the public transportation and any seedy parts of the cities.  Also, if you know of any cheap airfare-- I am planning to fly into Leon-- let me know.  I really appreciate your help.  Thanks! Emily Coolbeth
Answer -
Buenos dias, Ms. Coolbert,

I am happy to hear you will be spending some time in Mexico. Guanajuato is a wonderful area where people are warm-hearted and with a great sense of hospitality. You do not tell me where you will be staying, so I do not know how far you will be from Guanajuato or Leon, nor what bus route to take.

Guanajuato is a beautiful colonial, historical city, while Leon is a modern bustling industrial center. Not much for a tourist to see in Leon.

You do not tell me your age (approximate?).  Advise differs, you know?

Hostels are not abundant in Mexico.  You will have to do with a 2 (hopefully 3-star hotel) Give me your dates of travel and I will try to get you something nice, clean and not expensive.

The only airline flying from North Carolina to Leon (via Houston) is Continental. I am afraid you will not have much of a choice concerning fares. Your best bet is to book ahead.

Cordially,

FERNANDO BETANZOS

Answer
Dear Emily,
I can see you like adventure.  In Mexico, going to a disco "solo" is a no-no.  Plus..., remember, Mexican boys are just like the American boys and have only one thing in their mind whe they see a solo girl.

The Aeromexico airfare you indicate seems OK, but only if it includes the flight from Mexico City to Leon and return as well.  A bus ride from Mexico City to Leon is a good four hours!

I am sorry but I do not have experience with hostels in Guanajuato. I suggest you visit the government tourist office at
Web: www.guanajuato.gob.mx/turismo/
E-mail: turismo@guanajuato.gob.mx
Tel: (473) 732-1574
Fax: (473) 732-4251

I am sure they will help you.

Cordially,
FERNANDO BETANZOS