Guanajuato Mexico is home to a one-of-a-kind museum known as the Mummy Museum. This captivating and somewhat eerie museum houses over 100 mummies that have been naturally preserved in the area’s dry climate. Although the sight of mummified remains may seem strange, visiting this unique location is an incredibly interesting experience.
Learn more about the best places to stay and must see attractions on your visit, go to our Guanajuato city guide.
The Guanajuato Mummies Museum, located in central Mexico, is a unique and incredible destination for tourists to explore. You could say the museum began in 1865 when the local cemetery became overcrowded by deceased miners from the area.
After a law was passed preventing further burials due to health concerns, city officials began exhuming the graves of those who had not paid burial expenses. This led to the discovery of naturally mummified bodies that were preserved in buildings and eventually put on display as part of the museum.
The museum officially opened in 1969 with the mummies on display.
Since then, over 100 mummies have been unearthed and conserved by experts. Visitors will be able to view these historically significant remains in their original state with most of them still wearing their burial clothes.
Every mummy has its own unique story and you can learn more about them through displays that explain why they were preserved in this manner or even see X-ray images if you're brave enough!
It is fairly cheap to visit the museum, each ticket for an adult with cost $110 MXN and only $53 MXN for children.
It is believed that the first mummy dates back to 1833 – making it over 175 years old! The death toll began rising during this time due to a cholera epidemic that hit central Mexico and continues to this day.
The high mortality rate not only caused death but also created an abundance of deceased bodies which were buried in shallow graves at a nearby cemetery called El Panteon La Valenciana. Unfortunately, because of its location, the area experienced extreme dryness and aridity which resulted in perfectly preserved corpses.
As an avid traveler, I have seen my fair share of museums filled with fascinating artifacts. But my recent visit to the Guanajuato Mummies Museum was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. This unique museum houses over 100 mummies behind glass cases.
The sight of these mummified remains is both macabre and captivating at once. You will be able to see up close how each mummy looks, as well as read about their life stories and the circumstances surrounding their death. The museum also features a collection of medical instruments used during autopsies performed on some of these individuals.
You will also see the youngest mummy in human history, a 6 month old baby, and it's mother. Due to the climate, the unborn child was also mummified with it's mother after her death.
Momias de Guanajuato is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the city of Guanajuanto in Mexico. This unique, historical site houses hundreds of mummified corpses that were discovered due to the effects of an outbreak of cholera in 1833. You will be offered a fascinating glimpse into an eerie past and a chance to learn more about death and burial rituals from Mexico’s history.
Not only is Momias de Guanajuato an amazing experience for visitors, but it also serves as an important reminder of the way social life was affected by disease during this period. With over 100 mummies on display and more preserved behind glass, you can get up close with these ancient remains and gain insight into how their lives were lost through tragedy.
Getting to Momias de Guanajuato from downtown is surprisingly easy and convenient.
I would suggest taking a taxi from your hotel or downtown area. Taxies are the quickest way to get there from downtown if you don't have a car. The cost is minimal (around $55 MXN) and is a cheap way to get there.
Another option for getting to Momias de Guanajuato from downtown is by walking; however I would not suggest this. Due to the roads being narrow and no sidewalks to the museum, it would be safer to travel in a car.
You can find out more about Guanajuato in this article I wrote about visiting the city. In it I explore the beautiful city and give tips on where to stay and what to do.
In conclusion, visiting the Momias de Guanajuato is an experience like no other. It's a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with Mexico's history in a way that will stay with you forever.
From the legends of the mummies to the interesting stories behind their preservation, this tour has something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, it's a great way to learn and appreciate Mexican culture in a fun and fascinating environment. If you're interest is peaked, be sure to checkout our guide on how long to stay in Guanajuato. We also have an excellent article for you on the top things to do in Guanajuato as well.
I won't come home till after I shaken hands with native lands and kissed the old friends back there - Swim, Ambulance Ltd
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