Mummies of Guanajuato
Museum Museum exhibiting naturally mummified bodies from 19th century
A small museum in Guanajuato exhibits naturally mummified corpses exhumed in the 19th century after unpaid burial fees; visitors come for forensic and social history, and to see preserved clothing and burial artifacts.
The Mummies of Guanajuato are a collection of naturally mummified human remains displayed in a museum in the city of Guanajuato, central Mexico. The collection is well known for the number and state of preservation of the bodies.
The museum displays more than a hundred naturally mummified individuals together with funerary objects and interpretive panels; exhibits are compact and focus on preservation and the circumstances of burial. The presentation is direct and museum spaces are small, so visits are typically short.
Most of the corpses were exhumed in the 19th century under local burial practices and stayed preserved due to the mineral and climatic conditions of the burial ground. The assembled collection and the museum grew from these exhumations and subsequent display decisions by local authorities.
The museum is located in the historic city of Guanajuato, in the state of Guanajuato. It sits within the urban core and is usually visited alongside other downtown museums and plazas.
- Content warning: Exhibits include a large number of naturally mummified bodies and associated burial objects; some displays can be graphic and are not recommended for young children.
- Date and preservation: Most mummies date from the 19th century and were exhumed under local burial regulations and soil conditions that produced natural mummification.
How to Get to Mummies of Guanajuato #
The Museo de las Momias is in central Guanajuato city. From the nearest major city, León, drive roughly 40 km on the León-Guanajuato road (toll and free routes available) into downtown Guanajuato - allow about 40-50 minutes by car depending on traffic. There are frequent intercity buses from León, San Miguel de Allende and Mexico City to Guanajuato’s central bus terminal; from the central bus terminal or main plazas the museum is a short taxi ride or a 10-20 minute walk through the historic center.
If you are already in Guanajuato look for signs to the Panteón Municipal/Calle de las Momias area near the city center; parking and local taxis are common for a quick door-to-door trip.
Tips for Visiting Mummies of Guanajuato #
- Aim for the first hour after opening or late afternoon: guided groups and school trips concentrate in the middle of the day, so early or late visits let you view the displays with fewer people and softer light for photos.
- Combine the museum visit with a short walk to the adjacent Panteón de Santa Paula: the cemetery provides important context for the collection and is often overlooked by visitors who only see the exhibition halls.
- Avoid visiting during the Festival Internacional Cervantino (mid‑October) when the city swells with visitors and lines at the museum grow considerably.
Best Time to Visit Mummies of Guanajuato #
Visit the Mummies of Guanajuato on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and see the displays at a relaxed pace.
Weather & Climate near Mummies of Guanajuato #
Mummies of Guanajuato's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with warm summers (peaking in May) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 5°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (700 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 22°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 6°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cool with highs of 27°C and lows of 8°C. The driest month with just 7 mm and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 13°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (158 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (148 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
