//
Guanajuato (state), Mexico
Photo: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Mineral de Pozos is a ghost town in Guanajuato, Mexico. It's been abandoned not just once, but at least three times, with its fortunes rising and falling along with the local silver mines. It is one of Mexico's designated Pueblos Mágicos.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Put on a hardhat and go down into the mine. Guides work for tips. Various minerals are on display as is an assortment of junk.....errrr....mining equipment, yeah, that's what it is! Very informal and friendly. Also rents ATVs so you can go bombinb around town and the nearby countryside.
Museo de Historia
Modern regional history museum with dioramas depicting scenes from the town's past. Lots of interactive display screens. Friendly staff.
Town square with stone walkways and an outdoor theatre area.
St Peter the Apostle Parish
17th century church with stunning tilework and frescoes covering every surface imaginible. The church has an iconic cupola that can be seen from almost anywhere in town. The original altar is intact though several of the walls show peeled paint and other signs of neglect.
Fields of lavendar offering tours with an on-site gift shop and restaurant. The restaurant serves lavendar ice cream and lavendar beer (among other things).
Historic silver-mining hacienda that operated in the 19th century, extracting silver, gold, and iron. The mining hacienda was abandoned in 1923. Ruined buildings, some with amazing architectural detail.
Large mining complex that was abandoned in 1888. Many ruined industrial buildings that you can walk through and photograph. The mine is open and tour guides lead groups into the mine for informative tours lasting up to an hour. Guides speak only Spanish.
Abandoned mining hacienda with amazing architecture with intricate masonry arches, porticoes, and flying buttresses. The mine entrance is open and guided tours don hardhats for a trip to the underworld. Guides speak Spanish only.
old school
Large abandoned school that bears testament to the size of the city in its heyday. Parts of the school complex have been restored and now house a Mexican history museum that concentrates on the Porfiriato era of the late 19th century. The complex also has an amphitheatre across the street. Fascinating place to delve into the colorful stories of the town's past.
Mountain bike rentals and advice on recommended sightseeing routes.
Well equipped gym with weight room, basketball court, racquetball, climbing wall, outdoor swimming pool, jacuzzi. Massage treatments available. No minors allowed.
Rustic rooftop restaurant serving traditional Mexican cuisine with regional specialties. Great views of the surrounding neighborhoods and the gardens below. Delicious food and drinks (particularly the cilantro margaritas).
Upscale restaurant serving regional specialties including some very unusual dishes that will challenge the novice diner to authentic Mexican cuisine. Handmade tortillas served with most entrees. Try the Tuetanos with Escamol.
Upscale restaurant serving regional cuisine with strong indigenous influences (the guacamole is excellent, and you can get it with dried insects in it). Excellent selection of artesanal mezcals with several signature cocktails. A tasting board of several different mezcals is a good way to learn about the amazing range of flavors and aromas in a well-made mezcal.
If pizza and brewskis in a casual environment sounds more inviting than a fancier formal restaurant, then Pizza N'Chela is your place. Comfortable outdoor dining area with eclectic decor. Full bar, though micheladas seem to be the most popular drink. Popular place that gets crowded on the weekends.
Marketplace type atmosphere with several independent vendors serving regional cuisine and casual food (tacos, tortas, etc.) Drinks include artesanal mezcal and craft beers produced in the region. Affordable place to grab a quick, casual meal.
Small artesanal distillery producing high-quality mezcals. Stop in and take the tour to see how mezcal is produced then sample a few drinks.
Delightfully run-down old-school cantina. The only departure from tradition is that women are allowed to drink in the bar. Strictly cash only.
Upscale boutique hotel with modern updates, a beautiful outdoor swimming pool with surrounding gardens, a spa that offers beer therapy, spacious comfortable rooms, On-site restaurant.
Rooms are small but comfortable and clean. Friendly service. Off-street parking available but tight fit for large vehicles.
Beautiful boutique hotel with just 4 rooms, each individually furnished and decorated. Gardens are filled with trees, palms and flowers.
Small boutique bed and breakfast with just 3 rooms. Rooms are spacious and beautifully furnished. Secure off-street parking is available.
Beautifully restored colonial era building with spacious, clean, luxuriously appointed rooms. On-site restaurant with full bar serving gourmet meals. Off-street parking available. Ideal for a romantic weekend escape.
Luxury boutique hotel with 4 standalone villas, each renovated with modern materials and contemporary furnishings. Spacious, comfortable and private. Dogs allowed.
Traditional Mexican hotel with modern updates, clean, spacious rooms. Ample parking available.
By car
From San Miguel de Allende it is a 1-hour drive to Mineral de Pozos via Guanajuato state highway 1 (Carr. San Miguel - Dr Mora).
Walking is the best option, especially given the sheer number of photogenic spots just begging for you to take pictures.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Querétaro · International · QRO
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Mineral de Pozos and Mexico.
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
InspirationExplore the best places to visit in November across autumn foliage, mild desert warmth, southern spring blooms, and off-peak travel bargains.
6 min read
ItinerariesPlan your Isla Holbox trip with our complete Mexico guide. Explore sand streets, Punta Cocos bioluminescence, whale sharks, beach clubs, and ferries.
8 min read
Travel tipsIs it safe to travel to Mexico right now? Compare safety in Cancun, Riviera Maya, Mexico City, and Oaxaca with official travel advisories and local tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.