Founded in 1537, Silao is a historic city located in the heart of Guanajuato state that preserves a cultural legacy of incalculable value. In recent years, it has been growing as a touristic destination thanks to its high-quality services, modern infrastructure and a busy calendar of cultural events.
Silao welcomes visitors with open arms, inviting everyone to enjoy its ample gastronomic offer, hotels, venues, recreational activities and the warm hospitality of its people.
In Silao, the past converges with the present, the comforts of a modern city coexist with the timeless charm of historic churches and haciendas. Whether it’s business or pleasure, this destination has everything you need.
The city is home to the Sanctuary of Cristo Rey, a popular pilgrimage site for Catholics in the country. This sanctuary stands on top of the Cerro del Cubilete hill, attracting thousands of visitors every year.
The land that the city of Silao occupies today was originally inhabited by the Otomi people. Later, when the Tarascos conquered the territory, they called the settlement Tzinacua, which means “place where smoke emerges”. However, over time, the name changed to Sinaua, meaning “place with no water”. Eventually, the name evolved to Silagua, and finally to its current name, Silao.
Silao benefits greatly from a strategic position in the center of the country, which affords it excellent land, air and rail transport networks. The city is an industrial powerhouse where most of the automobile manufacturers in the state have established their operations.
Sanctuary of Cristo Rey
Standing on the summit of the Cerro del Cubilete hill, the Sanctuary of Cristo Rey is a testament to the faith and devotion of the Mexican people. The temple itself serves as a pedestal for a monumental twenty-meter-tall statue of Jesus Christ, which is visible from miles away.
A cobblestone road winds up the hill, allowing easy vehicle access to the summit. There, visitors will find a lookout point and parking area that offers a great panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
Inside the temple, a collection of religious art is on display.
Every year, thousands of pilgrims and devoted Catholics from every corner of the world visit this place of worship.
Comanjilla Mission Hotel
Surrounded by mountains and fields, Comanjilla is a community in the countryside of Silao, with a temperate climate year-round, and a lush landscape nourished by the natural springs in the area.
Set amid this breathtaking scenery, the Comanjilla Mission Hotel offers a serene retreat, where visitors can relax in thermal pools or enjoy a variety of spa treatments. The resort has a colonial-hacienda architecture decorated with traditional Mexican furniture and art, with spacious and comfortable rooms, restaurants, and bars. There are four fully equipped conference rooms for different events and needs, which can accommodate from 10 to 300 attendees.
Phone: 477 745 2026
Address: Congregación Comanjilla, S/N Rancho Agua Caliente, 36270 Silao, Gto.
Historic City Center
In the city center, visitors will discover a magnificent collection of historic churches, which represent different styles and periods of sacred architecture. Some of the churches you should not miss are:
- The Santiago Apóstol Parish
- The Templo de la Tercera Orden Church
- The Templo Casa de Ejercicios Church
- The Templo del Señor del Perdón Church.
The large-scale of these buildings is a clear indication of the influence of the Catholic faith in the history and culture of Silao.
María de la Paz Distillery
The distillery is located in the historic Hacienda Franco de Benavente, a colonial estate that has its origins in the 16th century. The hacienda witnessed relevant battles during the Mexican War of Independence and the Mexican Revolution.
This iconic hacienda honors the legacy of the land and its people by producing high-quality agave spirits such as: the Sulibeyo, the Oro de Guanajuato, the Plata de Guanajuato, and the Rascabuche.
Take a guided tour through María de la Paz Distillery and learn everything there is to know about the production of agave spirits, from the planting of the agaves in Silao to the fermentation and distilling of the juice.
The hacienda is equipped to host social or business events for up to 500 attendees.
Discover the secrets and traditions behind this ancient craft and taste the different varieties of tequila and mezcal that the distillery offers.
Address: Carretera Silao a Bajío de Bonillas km. 3, sin número, Franco.
Phone: 472 119 4803
Website: www.ladestileriademariadelapaz.com
Rincón Prohibido Cellar
Rincón Prohibido is a cellar and store where visitors will find various brands of tequila, mezcal, and rum produced by Casa Corralejo. Additionally, the store offers traditional Mexican candy, and leather products such as jackets, handbags, and belts.
The main cellar is open to the public, with architectural elements reminiscent of a Charro hat. A “Charro” is a horseman who practices charreada, a sport similar to a rodeo.
If you would like to know more about the production process of Casa Corralejo’s distillates, guided tours are available.
Phone: 01 469 696 4104.
Address: Autopista Irapuato – Silao km. 140
José and Tomás Chávez Morado Museum
The museum is dedicated to the life and work of the Chávez Morado brothers, who were iconic figures of the Mexican muralism movement in the 20th century. Their primary body of work was dedicated to depictions of everyday life, celebrations, tradition, and portraits—also known as genre painting. Moreover, the Chávez brothers did not shy away from political satire; they often used art as a medium to comment on the political affairs of their time.
The exhibition showcases a collection of more than 400 artworks, personally donated by Don Tomás Chávez Morado. It represents a diverse range of creative expressions and techniques such as colored cement, painted plaster and materials like stone, and bronze.
Address: General Vicente Guerrero 1, Centro
Phone: 472 722 5038
Guanajuato Eco-friendly Hiking – Luis Pérez Cuéllar
Phone: 472 729 8867
Email: senderista57@gmail.com
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/senderismoenguanajuato
Benefits of eco-friendly hiking:
Exploring forests and nature reserves is a very satisfying recreational activity. Delve into the world of hiking with an environmentally friendly approach.
We can group the benefits of hiking in three major areas: physical, mental, and spiritual.
Physical benefits: From the moment we begin our walk, different systems in our body start firing up, resulting in:
- Increased energy levels
- Better stamina
- Weight loss or Weight control
- Production of Vitamin D
- Regulation of blood pressure
Mental benefits: Exercising regularly in a natural environment offers great mental and emotional advantages. It will:
- Reduce stress levels
- Control anxiety
- Boost self-esteem
- Prevent cognitive decline
- Improve interpersonal relationships
- Aid in controlling addiction
Spiritual benefits: A portion of our hiking adventure is silent; participants will be able to hear the sounds of nature, leading to:
- Entering a state of relaxation
- Connecting with nature
- Connecting with your inner self
Our motto is “solvitur ambulando”, which means “solve it by walking” in Latin.
Department of Tourism of Silao
Contact info:
Oficina de Desarrollo Económico y Turismo
Address:
Plaza de la Paz No.102, Piso 7, Puerto Interior, Silao, Guanajuato G100 BUSINESS DISTRICT
Email: turismo@silao.gob.mx
