Opened in 2001, the Guanajuato Funicular provides a cheap and scenic way to climb up the hillside to the Monumento Al Pipila.
The monument offers a panoramic view of the bright buildings and rolling hills in and around the city. And is one of the best viewpoints in the entire city.
If you’re in Guanajuato, riding the funicular must-do activity! This handy guide – with up-to-date information – has all the information you need to plan your trip.
Guanajuato Funicular Tickets
Tickets can only be purchased in person. There’s a ticket office at both the top and bottom funicular stations.
Tickets are only valid on the day of purchase. And, although you can buy a return ticket, there is no saving (other than in time) in doing so.
Guanajuato Funicular Prices
Adults
- 35 pesos one way
- 70 pesos return
Children (aged 4 to 11) and Older Adults (with INAPAM ID – no other documents accepted)
- 15 pesos one way
- 30 pesos return
Children (aged 3 and under)
- Free
Locals’ discount
Adult residents of Guanajuato City also receive a discount to ride the funicular.
A photo ID showing an address in the city is needed. Examples include the credencial de elector, licencia de conducir or credencial de estudiante.
Additionally, adult residents can also purchase a block of 7 tickets to be used over time. Which saves having to queue at the ticket office each time. Child residents receive no further discount with tickets still priced at 15 pesos.
Funicular Opening Times
- Mondays to Fridays: 8 am to 9.50 pm
- Saturdays: 9 am to 9.50 pm
- Sundays: 10 am to 8.50 pm
Review
It’s more practical than fun. But for the price, you really can’t complain and it saves you walking uphill in the heat of central Mexico.
If your budget is really tight, you can just walk to the monument and viewpoint instead. And it’s pretty easy to do so for most people.
That said, the funicular might be skippable but the view from the monument is absolutely worth visiting for. It has the best view of the city!
Where is the Guanajuato Funicular?
There’s 2 stations – one at the top and one at the bottom.
The lower funicular station is located just behind Teatro Juarez in the centre of Guanajuato City.
The entrance is in a small, discrete, red-and-white building on Calle Constancia. Recognisable by the simple ‘FUNICULAR’ sign on the front.
This station is just 130 metres from Jardín de la Unión. As well as just 270 metres from Plaza de La Paz (in front of the iconic yellow church in the city centre). Meaning you can walk here in just a few minutes.
The upper funicular station is next to the Pipila Monument, on Cerro de San Miguel.
You can find the upper station in a building under the Hotel Balcón Del Cielo alongside a handful of shops. The upper station is also within short walking distance of Mirador Panoramica – another viewpoint along the same road.
Guanajuato is a city in northern Mexico, not far from Guadalajara and San Miguel de Allende.
About the Guanajuato Funicular
The Guanajuato Funicular operates along a short but steep 102-metre stretch of the city’s valley side. Necessary, to save the legs of unsuspecting tourists who want to reach the viewpoint but without a 30-degree ascent climb.
The funicular connects the heart of the city to the Pipila Monument in just a couple of minutes. With the slow-moving cars perfect for photo- and video-taking.
Two cars operate – one goes up as the other goes down, acting as counterweights to each other. Each car fits an operator and around 5 people.
For the best view, you’ll want to be at the window.
You can find the lower station just behind the Juarez Theatre in central Guanajuato. While the upper station is just metres from the Pipila Monument.
The upper station is located underneath Hotel Balcón Del Cielo. And guests of the hotel receive a pass to use the funicular. This also allows them to skip to the front of the queue. Quite the perk if you’re looking for somewhere to stay!
Additionally, the upper station is also full of independent shops selling crafts, souvenirs and gifts. A perfect place to treat yourself or someone else.
And, while the funicular may seem like an easy option, it isn’t entirely step-free. You’ll need to climb stairs in both the lower and upper stations to access the funicular car as well as to exit to the Pipila Monument. Unfortunately, this does mean that the funicular is not access-friendly.
Further, pets and bicycles are also not permitted onboard.
When is the best time to visit?
Expect the funicular to be busiest at weekends and on weekday evenings. Visit on a weekday if you can for the best chance to avoid queues and ride alone.
Many people visit the monument for sunset. Although, it does face northeast so it’s not going to be the place to watch the sun dip below the horizon.
But, it will bless you with that golden hour glow. Sunset is usually around 6pm between November and March, while from April to October it varies between 7pm to 8.30pm.
Visiting after dark is a great way to see the city with the lights glistening under the darkness. It’ll feel like a whole different experience to visiting in the daytime.
Luckily, Guanajuato is blessed with good weather year-round. On average, daily temperature highs are at least 20 degrees Celsius every month. As such, there’s no bad time to visit.
Is there a Guanajuato Teleferico (Cable Car)?
Despite what the video game Forza Horizon 5 would have you believe, there isn’t a cable car in Guanajuato. And if you hear people talking about one, they’ll be referring to this funicular.
A cable car is generally suspended from the top and cars can be added or removed from the cables.
On the other hand, funicular cars are fixed to and are pulled by a steel cable from below. They operate on a fixed track with a car at either end of the cable – and the two move in tandem. As one goes up, the other goes down providing a counterbalance.
If you have any questions or want any more information, drop a comment below and I’ll get back to you! And, if you visited, leave your review below – I’d love to know what you thought!
Information is correct as of August 2023 but is subject to change in future.
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