Esta publicación también está disponible en:
GUANAJUATO, Mexico — Like many Puerto Vallarta residents looking for a break from the summer heat, Jacob Scherer and his partner, Alberto Retano, were searching for a different kind of getaway when they first visited Guanajuato.
They quickly found much more than a vacation destination.
“Alberto and I visited several years ago and fell in love with this city,” Scherer said.
That first visit eventually led Scherer and his longtime friend and business partner, Jim Lewis, to purchase a centuries-old colonial home tucked along Callejón de Chalico, one of Guanajuato’s historic alleyways. After more than three years of restoration, the home is nearly ready to welcome guests while also becoming a second home for Scherer and Retano.
Jacob and Jim did something very similar in Puerto Vallarta – you can read that story here – but in short, they took a derelict building and transformed the structure into the stunning Cuale Condos, a testament to his ability to blend historic charm with modern luxury.
Located within Guanajuato’s UNESCO World Heritage historic center, the property sits in one of Mexico’s most carefully protected architectural districts. Every stage of the renovation required oversight from Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), making the restoration a lengthy but rewarding process.
“This restoration project has been an intense undertaking, but it has been such a worthwhile project,” Jacob said. “All of the construction materials had to be hand carried from the street up the alleyway, and that could only be done during specific hours allowed by the city. That extended the restoration time extensively.”
Historical records indicate the home dates to the late 1700s, when Guanajuato was one of the wealthiest mining cities in New Spain. Originally constructed as a one-story adobe home, it evolved over generations while the surrounding Callejón de Chalico remained part of the city’s historic landscape.
Today, the restored property consists of two independent residences with separate entrances. The first-floor home features two bedrooms, one bathroom and a private courtyard and will soon be offered as a vacation rental through Airbnb. The upstairs residence, where Scherer and Retano plan to spend part of the year, includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms and access to a rooftop terrace overlooking Guanajuato’s colorful hillsides.
Designed by David Salvador Loyola García of Artectónica Arquitectos, the restoration blends contemporary comfort with the character of colonial Mexico.
The home features exposed wooden ceiling beams, graceful archways, warm clay-colored tile floors and clean modern finishes that preserve the warmth and charm of the original architecture. The result is a home that feels both historic and comfortable while respecting the building’s centuries-old character.
For Jacob, one of Guanajuato’s biggest attractions is its climate.
“The cooler weather provides a great escape from the Puerto Vallarta summer heat,” he said.
Visitors quickly discover there is much more to Guanajuato than comfortable temperatures.
Founded in the 16th century following the discovery of rich silver deposits, Guanajuato became one of colonial Mexico’s most prosperous cities and later played a pivotal role in the country’s War of Independence. Today, its colorful hillside neighborhoods, underground roadways, historic plazas and remarkably preserved architecture make it one of Mexico’s premier cultural destinations. UNESCO designated the Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines as a World Heritage Site in 1988.
The city is easy to explore on foot. Visitors can spend days wandering narrow alleyways, discovering neighborhood cafés, museums, rooftop restaurants and artisan shops before ending the evening with one of the city’s famous callejoneadas, guided musical walking tours through the historic center. Popular attractions include Teatro Juárez, Jardín Unión, the Diego Rivera House Museum, the Monumento al Pípila and the Museum of the Mummies of Guanajuato.
While Guanajuato’s LGBTQ+ community is considerably smaller than Puerto Vallarta’s, it continues to grow. W Club serves as the city’s best-known gay nightclub, while LGBTQ+-friendly venues such as Why Not and Barra Tres welcome a diverse mix of locals and visitors. Each June, Festival Pride Guanajuato culminates with a Pride march through the historic center and the popular Túnel Pride celebration, reflecting the city’s youthful, inclusive atmosphere.
For travelers from Puerto Vallarta, Guanajuato makes an easy long-weekend escape. Flights to nearby Guanajuato International Airport take just over an hour, followed by a 30-minute drive into the historic center. Those who prefer to drive can reach the city in about five to six hours.
For Jacob, restoring the home was never simply about renovating an old building. It was about preserving a piece of history while creating a place where others can experience one of Mexico’s most captivating cities.
For Puerto Vallarta residents looking to trade beaches for cobblestone streets, mountain views and centuries of history, Guanajuato offers an unforgettable change of pace—and soon, they’ll have the opportunity to experience it from a beautifully restored colonial home that almost became one of the city’s lost treasures.
You can book this home on AirBnB. Click here.
Getting There from Puerto Vallarta
Guanajuato is an easy getaway from Puerto Vallarta, whether you’re planning a long weekend or an extended stay.
By Air
The fastest option is flying from Puerto Vallarta (PVR) to Bajío International Airport (BJX), which serves León and Guanajuato. Nonstop flights typically take just over one hour, followed by about a 30-minute drive to Guanajuato’s historic center. Round-trip airfare generally ranges from MXN $2,100 to $3,900, depending on the airline and how far in advance you book. Prices increase during holidays and the Festival Internacional Cervantino in October.
By Car
For travelers who enjoy a road trip, Guanajuato is approximately 360 kilometers (225 miles) from Puerto Vallarta. The drive takes about six to eight hours, passing through the scenic mountains of Jalisco before entering the Bajío region.
Whether you fly or drive, Guanajuato is close enough to make a relaxing escape from Puerto Vallarta’s summer heat.
Five Things Not to Miss
Ride the Funicular to El Pípila
Take the short ride—or hike—to the city’s best panoramic viewpoint.
Explore the Underground Streets
Guanajuato’s unique tunnel system, originally built to control flooding, now serves as the city’s roadway network.
Join a Callejoneada
These evening musical walking tours led by university students are one of Guanajuato’s most beloved traditions.
Visit Teatro Juárez
One of Mexico’s most beautiful historic theaters, known for its impressive architecture and rich cultural history.
Spend an Evening in Jardín Unión
The city’s central plaza comes alive each evening with music, cafés, restaurants and outdoor dining.
LGBTQ+ Guanajuato
While Guanajuato isn’t a traditional LGBTQ+ destination like Puerto Vallarta, it offers a welcoming atmosphere for gay travelers seeking history, culture and a more relaxed pace.
The city’s best-known LGBTQ+ venue is W Club, while Why Not and Barra Tres are among several gay-friendly bars that attract a diverse mix of locals and visitors.
Each June, Festival Pride Guanajuato culminates in a Pride march through the historic center and the popular Túnel Pride celebration, held inside one of the city’s iconic underground tunnels.
The city’s large university population contributes to an open-minded, youthful atmosphere, making LGBTQ+ visitors feel comfortable exploring the historic center day and night.
Jacob and Alberto’s Favorites:
Favorite café: Docha — An inviting neighborhood spot known for its specialty coffee and cozy atmosphere, making it the ideal morning stop in Guanajuato.
Favorite rooftop: One Bar — Perched above the historic heart of the city at Hotel 1850, an exclusive, stylish rooftop setting where vibrant lounge music and creative mixology meet unbeatable panoramic views of Guanajuato’s colorful hillside, the majestic University, and the bustling plazas below.
Favorite restaurant: Casa Valadez — A historic staple right across from the Teatro Juárez, offering incredible traditional cuisine (like their famous enchiladas mineras) and freshly baked breads.
Favorite morning walk: Presa de la Olla to Paseo de la Presa — A peaceful, shaded historic promenade along the water, flanked by grand 19th-century architecture and lush greenery before the city wakes up.
Favorite view: El Pípila Monument — The classic, breathtaking overlook where the entire cascading, colorful basin of Guanajuato unfolds right beneath you.
Favorite hidden alley: Callejón del Beso (Alley of the Kiss) — Narrow, historic, and steeped in local romance, capturing the true intimacy of Guanajuato’s famous pedestrian maze.
Mezcal shots bar: Mezcalito Destilados Mexicanos – is a highly rated, steampunk-themed speakeasy and mezcal bar located at Truco 1 in the Zona Centro. Known for its excellent music and intimate vibe, it offers a vast selection of 100% Mexican spirits including mezcal, bacanora, pox, raicilla, sotol, and charanda.
Esta publicación también está disponible en:
