Dolores Hidalgo
Dolores Hidalgo [1] is a small colonial town of 60,000 inhabitants in the state of Guanajuato in Central Mexico. The full name of this town is Dolores Hidalgo, Cuna de la Independencia Nacional (Cradle of the National Independence)
Understand
The importance of this town lies in the fact that this was the starting point of the fight for Mexican independence from the Spanish empire in 1810, leaded by priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. The quiet atmosphere in this town makes it really charming and without tourist crowds could make it a highlight in your trip.
Get in
To reach Dolores Hidalgo you should be able to get a bus from Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende or Leon all of them are around 1 hour away. Taking a bus from Queretaro is also an option. From Mexico City you need to take a bus to any of the before mentioned cities and then to Dolores. The bus station is located at Hidalgo Street and Rio Dolores.
Get around
The town is really small, everything is within walking distance.
See
- Independence Statue Just in the entrance of the town * Jardin del Grande Hidalgo The main square, where a statue of Hidalgo overlooks the parish
- Parish of our Lady of Dolores
- Museo de la Independencia (Independence museum) Next to the main square.
- Casa de Visitas located in one of the sidestreets of the main square, this is a guest house for V.I.P. Tell the guard to let you in and see inside.
- Casa de Miguel Hidalgo Hidalgo and Morelos streets. This was the place where priest Hidalgo lived. Shortly after the rebelion started, the spanish arrived to Dolores and burned the original house. Most of the original furniture were lost but a they did a very well done replica of this national hero home. Interesting is a plaque in one of the outside walls dedicated by Emperor Maximiliano of Habsburg during French occupation.
Do
Every night there's a re-creation of the famous cry for freedom at the main square with light and sound effects.
Buy
Dolores is famous for its Talavera Ceramic (pottery) items such as tiles, vases, pots, etc. Experts say is one of the best places to buy this kind of goods. Next to the parish, there are several stalls selling small cacti, local liquors such as honey liquor or cacti liquor, and other local crafts. Buying from them will make their day.
Eat
Dolores is famous for its exotic ice cream flavors. Try them at the Main Square, there are two vendors, offering strange flavors such as Mole (chili and chocolate sauce), Beer, Strawberries and Cream, Avocado, etc. Each ice cream or "Nieve" in Spanish is around $15 pesos.
Restaurants
- El Caporal Plaza Principal 5.
- La Taberna Plaza Principal 18
- Plaza Plaza Principal 17B.
Drink
Sleep
- Hotel Hidalgo [2] Hidalgo street 15.
Get out
Stay Safe
Dolores is a safe place for Mexican standards. Overall, people is nice and willing to help if you need directions.
