With a history spanning 447 years, the city of León is renowned for its prominent leather tanning industry and shoe manufacturing sector. These sectors were the driving forces behind its early economic growth and development. Today, León’s economy is far more varied, with numerous industries contributing to its status as a diversified industrial hub. Additionally, the city stands as the fourth largest destination in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions sector.
With a population of 1.5 million, León is a melting pot of cultures that attracts people from a diverse range of backgrounds and nationalities. It is a cosmopolitan city with a robust transportation infrastructure. The local airport offers direct flights to major destinations such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Mexico City, and Cancún. With an average of 62 international and 176 domestic flights per week, the city ensures efficient connectivity whether you are traveling within the country or venturing abroad.
León is a city where the past and future intersect, seamlessly blending tradition with modernity. Born from a century-old shoemaking tradition, León has evolved into a prime destination for international events. It boasts top-class infrastructure, luxury hotels, and shopping centers. The city also offers a diverse gastronomic experience, with options ranging from traditional Mexican food to international cuisine.
Welcome to León, the shoe capital of the world!
ARCO DE LA CALZADA
Built in 1893 to commemorate the 83rd anniversary of Mexican Independence, the Arco de la Calzada stands as an iconic city landmark. This stone arch, boasting a neoclassical style, is adorned with a bronze lion on top. It is the work of Mexican sculptor Humberto Peraza.
Historic City Center
León’s city center is a vibrant place where visitors can discover history and culture. Here are some must-visit locations and landmarks for your next visit:
- Main Square: The heart of the city, bustling with activity.
- Municipal Garden: A serene spot to relax and enjoy nature.
- Town Hall: A significant landmark and a symbol of the city’s governance.
- Fuente de los Leones: Spanish for ‘Fountain of the Lions’, this monument was built in 1976 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the city’s foundation.
- Metropolitan Cathedral and Basilica of the Holy Mother of Light: A stunning architectural marvel and a place of worship.
- Diego Rivera Cultural Center: A hub for arts and culture, named after the famous Mexican artist Diego Rivera.
For those who enjoy sacred architecture, there are over twenty catholic churches in the area, including:
- El Santuario de la Virgen de Guadalupe
- Inmaculado Corazón de María
- Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles
- Templo Expiatorio
As you wander through the city center, you’ll come across a variety of local gastronomic specialties unique to León. These delicacies can be found at food stalls and small family-owned restaurants. We invite you to indulge in these culinary delights
- Cebadina: A refreshing drink made from barley, sugar and lime juice. It’s best enjoyed cold.
- Caldo de Oso: Despite its name, which translates to ‘Bear Soup’, this is actually a fruit salad. It’s made with vinegar, onion, jicama (a type of Mexican turnip), and cheese.
- Guacamaya: A sandwich made with bolillo bread, chicharron (pork rinds), avocado, tomato and onion.
- Pickled vegetables and meats.
- Oreja de Elefante: Breaded and fried slices of beef or pork meat. This crispy dish is also known as milanesa. The finished product resembles an elephant ear or Oreja de Elefante.
- Traditional ice-cream and fruit sorbet.
- Baked goods.
Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús Church
Templo Expiatorio is a neogothic architectural gem that was born out of a community effort. The construction of the temple began in 1920, under the initiative of Father Bernardo Chávez Palacios, who received generous donations and resources from the people of León. However, the project faced several challenges and interruptions, such as a devastating flood in 1926 and the Cristero War that erupted in the same year. The temple would only be completed more than nine decades later.
Father Emeterio Valverde y Téllez is credited with officially naming it Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, however, it is commonly known as ‘El Expiatorio’.
The temple has two massive bronze doors, sculpted with religious motifs. In addition, the walls are adorned with stained-glass windows depicting scenes from the life of Christ and the city’s history. What truly sets this church apart is the intricate labyrinth of underground catacombs, a mysterious journey that is open to the public.
At night, the Templo Expiatorio is a dazzling sight, when the architectural lighting design further enhances the beauty of it stained glass windows and neogothic facade.
Guanajuato Cultural Forum
Inaugurated in 2006, the Guanajuato Cultural Forum stands as a strategic addition to the city of León. It is one of the most significant and ambitious cultural projects in central Mexico. This expansive complex features a variety of large-scale venues and open-air spaces, including:
- Roberto Plasencia Saldaña Theater: It was built to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Mexican Independence.
- Guanajuato Museum of History and Art: The museum is a repository that safeguards Guanajuato’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage. It stands as a collective memoir of our history. Its various exhibits aim to educate and connect people with our art, promoting cultural tourism. The museum is also committed to accessibility and inclusion, providing facilities to accommodate a diverse range of visitors, including those with disabilities and reduced mobility.
- Green Spaces: The complex has three beautiful gardens, the Esculturas Garden, the Jacarandas Garden, and the Tabachines Garden. These open-air spaces host a collection of sculptures and serve as venues for cultural events. The administration of the Guanajuato Cultural Forum is committed to preserving the beauty and life of the plant species in these gardens, all necessary resources are devoted to their ongoing maintenance.
- Calzada de las Artes: This open-air walkway is the heart of the complex, inviting visitors to explore the different venues of the complex. It also hosts art exhibitions and live performances, ranging from concerts to theater, in an effort to make cultural events more accessible and appealing to the public.
- Mateo Herrera Auditorium: This theater, which can accommodate up to 262 people, is renowned for its superior acoustic design. It regularly hosts a variety of events, including televised concerts, small-scale theatrical performances, and live broadcasts of performances from the New York Metropolitan Opera, known as the Metropolitan Opera Live.
- Wigberto Jiménez Moreno State Library: This state-of-the-art library aims to enhance the reading and learning experience by taking advantage of modern digital tools. This architectural project was developed by the Instituto Estatal de la Cultura, and designed by renowned architect Chien Chung Pei, who has worked on high-profile projects such as the remodeling of the Louvre Museum and the construction of the Bank of China. The library is named after Wigberto Jiménez Moreno, a Mexican archaeologist, historian, and researcher born in León. It houses a collection of over 40,000 specialized books in Anthropology, Mexican History, and Ethnology.
Address: C. Calz. de los Heroes 908, La Martinica León, Gto.
Administrative Building
Monday to Friday | 09:00-17:00 hrs.
477 104 1105
Open-air areas:
Monday to Sunday| 06:00-22:00 hrs.
https://www.instagram.com/forumculturalgto/?hl=es-la
https://www.facebook.com/Forum.Cultural.Guanajuato/
Distrito León MX is a modern and extensive complex that spans 68 hectares of land. It comprises a series of venues:
- Poliforum: A multipurpose convention center.
- Leon State Fair: The area where the municipal fair of Leon takes place every year.
- Guanajuato Cultural Forum
- Explora Management Board Office: A non-profit organization responsible for managing the Explora Science Center.
The complex is a space where culture and commerce converge, it is ideal for commercial, economic, cultural, and touristic events.
Address: Blvd. Adolfo López Mateos 1820, León, Mexico
477 711 1717 | hola@distritoleonmx.org
https://www.facebook.com/DistritoLeonMx/
https://twitter.com/DistritoLeonMx
ZOOLEON
Located at the base of a hill in the community of Ibarrilla, Zooleon welcomes visitors with two colossal metal tusks at its entrance. These tusks serve as a symbol and a reminder of the value of wildlife.
The zoo is a sanctuary for 1345 living specimens, representing 227 different species.
Zooleon offers an adventure-filled experience with attractions like the Safari Ride. Here, visitors can observe and learn about animals that inhabit the African savanna. The ride takes place in an area where most species can roam freely, with weather conditions replicating their original habitat.
At Zoona Reptil, visitors can admire a fascinating collection of reptiles. Meanwhile, Zoona Mito is an exhibit for the brave of heart, where venomous creatures are on display. This area was created with the purpose of debunking myths around these animals.
As a certified member of the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Zooleon adheres to high-quality standards and good practices. It also contributes to the preservation of endangered species such as the horned guan (a large turkey-like bird), the Mexican wolf, and the golden eagle. Notably, the golden eagle has been breeding successfully in the zoo since 2010 thanks to the dedicated efforts of our staff.
At Zooleon, we deeply value and cherish all forms of life. Our primary goal is to inspire a similar passion for wildlife conservation in every visitor. We strive to create a fun, interactive environment that fosters learning and cultivates an appreciation for the diverse forms of life on our planet.
Parque Zoológico de León
Camino a Ibarrilla Km 6, CP. 37207, León
(477) 210 23 25 | info@zooleon.org.mx
https://www.zooleon.org.mx/
https://www.facebook.com/ZoologicodeLeon
https://www.instagram.com/zoologicodeleon/
PARQUE METROPOLITANO
Parque Metropolitano—Spanish for Metropolitan Park—is a 337-hectare nature reserve. A significant 85% of the park is occupied by a water reservoir. The park is a breeding ground for plant and animal species, most prominently birds. It is home to 204 species of migratory and resident birds, including pelicans, Canadian ducks, herons, seagulls, and cormorants.
Attracting over one million visitors annually, the park provides a green space for those who enjoy outdoor activities. It offers amenities such as a camping area, restaurants, bathrooms and medical assistance. A scenic seven-kilometer two-lane track encircles the reservoir, providing an ideal route for runners and cyclists. Every November, the park hosts the International Hot Air Balloon Festival, when hundreds of balloons lift-off from the park grounds, creating a spectacular display of colors in the sky.
If you find yourself in the city, Parque Metropolitano is a must-visit destination for a fun family adventure. Enjoy a ride on the trackless mini express train that travels around the park or take a leisurely stroll through “Ciudad Infantil”. This miniature city simulates the urban environment of León and features small buildings for children to explore.
On the weekends, the waters of Parque Metropolitano become a stage for water skiing enthusiasts. Their impressive skills and stunts dazzle spectators, adding to the park’s lively atmosphere.
Adress: Prol. Blvd. Adolfo López Mateos Nte. S/N, El Palote, 37130 León, Gto.
Monday to Saturday | 6:00 to 21:20 hrs.
Sundays | 6:00 to 20:00 hrs.
Park Office
Monday to Friday| 8:00 to 15:30 hrs.
Phone: 477 717 4410 AND 477 717 4411
WhatsApp +52 477 1099534
atencion.parquemetroleon@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/parkmetroleon/
ZONA PIEL
Zona Piel is a bustling market and commercial area with a staggering 4,500 shops offering leather goods from 12,000 different brands. With an impressive inventory of over 5 million items, including shoes, jackets, bags, and a variety of other leather accessories, it caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences. The market is the largest in Mexico and Latin America in the leather goods segment. Whether you are looking for a new pair of boots or a stylish jacket, Zona Piel has something for you!
Address: Blvd. Hilario Medina, Los Gavilanes, 37270 León, Gto.
Tours and Touristic Experiences:
Tierra de Luz Hacienda Tour
Embark on a journey through the world of wine at our hacienda. Guided by a sommelier or an enologist, visitors will explore our vineyard, wine cellar, and other facilities. Our expert guides are ready to answer any questions you may have about wine!
The experience includes:
- A tour of the vineyard
- A wine flight
- Food pairing
Available Languages:
- Spanish (default)
- English and French (available upon request in advance)
Contact info:
Tierra de Luz Hacienda Vinícola
Carretera León – Lagos Km. 22.5
477 289 09 42 | info@tierradeluzhaciendavinicola.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057060655921
https://www.instagram.com/tierradeluz_hdavinicola/?fbclid=IwAR1oq0IsjLnIeNxApaBDs
Q24_MvowjNmSNRRhMm91SZgxF0rW5M1VGq1WK8
Alfaro Canyon Rock Climbing and Rappelling
Join us for an adventure in the Alfaro community, a scenic area located just 45 minutes from the center of León. We have designed safe and exciting routes for beginners interested in rock climbing and rappelling. These routes vary in height from 10 to 25 meters, providing a range of challenges.
As part of your experience, you will be treated to a meal featuring traditional Mexican food.
Included Services:
- Certified guide
- Safety equipment
- Insurance
- Transportation
- Photos for your social media
- One traditional Mexican meal
Available Languages: Spanish and English.
Contact info:
Guanajuato Expediciones de Aventura
Oficina (477) 713 6962
Cel. y Whatsapp (477) 117 3307
info@expedicionesdeaventura.com
https://www.facebook.com/guanajuatoexpedicionesdeaventura
The Leather and Shoe Route
This experience delves into the vast history of leather tanning and shoemaking in León. Our itinerary begins with a visit to a tannery, where tour members will learn about the process of transforming animal hides into fine leather. Afterward, you will have the opportunity to witness how skilled artisans make footwear at a traditional shoemaking studio.
Itinerary:
- Visit to a tannery.
- Visit to a leathercraft workshop.
- Visit to a shoemaking workshop.
Available Languages: Spanish, French, and English.
Contact info:
Picaso Tours
Av. Olímpica 208, Col. Punto Verde, C.P. 37298 León, Gto.
477 166 85 37 | rutapicaso@gmail.com
