Museo de las Momias de Guanajuato
Explore over 100 naturally preserved mummies, a unique testament to Guanajuato's history and environment.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Museo de las Momias de Guanajuato
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore over 100 naturally preserved mummies, a unique testament to Guanajuato's history and environment.
"These mummies aren't scary, they're full of stories and quiet wisdom."
🎯 Buy the Full Ticket
Ensure your ticket includes all exhibits to avoid missing out on key displays.
🗣️ Spanish Speakers
Guides speak Spanish. Research afterward if you don't understand.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The First Mummy
Main Exhibit
See the priest mummy, the first discovered, a testament to natural preservation.
Baby Mummy
Main Exhibit
The poignant six-month-old baby mummy, found with its mother, is a deeply moving sight.
Natural Preservation
Throughout the Museum
Witness over 100 naturally mummified bodies, preserved by Guanajuato's unique soil and climate.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ticket Tiers & What's Included
Embrace the Experience (Don't Be Scared!)
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Buy the Full Ticket
Ensure your ticket includes all exhibits to avoid missing out on key displays.
🗣️ Spanish Speakers
Guides speak Spanish. Research afterward if you don't understand.
🚗 Museum Parking
Use the museum's dedicated parking for convenience.
💰 Card Payment
Be prepared to pay extra if using a card for parking.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Buy the Full Ticket
Ensure your ticket includes all exhibits to avoid missing out on key displays.
🗣️ Spanish Speakers
Guides speak Spanish. Research afterward if you don't understand.
🚗 Museum Parking
Use the museum's dedicated parking for convenience.
💰 Card Payment
Be prepared to pay extra if using a card for parking.
🚶♀️ Walk from Funicular
A scenic, albeit uphill, walk from the funicular is possible.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Museo de las Momias de Guanajuato a fascinating and unique experience, highlighting the natural preservation of over 100 bodies. While some note a distinct earthy scent and the need for Spanish language understanding for tours, the museum is generally considered educational and thought-provoking rather than scary. Visitors recommend purchasing the full ticket for complete access and utilizing museum parking.
"Great museum, been here when I was kid and now as an adult. Very neat to see and understand. Parking is 18 pesos an hour. We spent an hour with even using the rest room and grabbing a snack."
linda dedios
"I loved this mummy—honestly, it fascinated me on so many levels.
When I first walked into the museum, there was a noticeable scent. Not a creepy or unpleasant one, but something strangely familiar… earthy, maybe? It felt like the scent of time itself.
What the staff didn’t mention was that my 106-peso ticket only allowed access to the basic exhibit. I didn’t realize this until I was about to leave and noticed there were other areas I couldn’t enter. That part was a bit disappointing—so make sure you buy the full ticket if you go.
The tour guides spoke only Spanish, so I didn’t understand much at the time. But once I got home and did my research, everything clicked. These mummies are completely natural. No embalming. No rituals. They were discovered when the government exhumed bodies due to unpaid burial taxes—and shockingly, many were perfectly preserved by the dry conditions and the unique soil.
The first mummy ever found was a priest, which is why he’s quite famous here. But the most heart-wrenching and iconic is the six-month-old baby mummy. The baby was found still in its mother’s arms—most likely both died during childbirth. That image really stuck with me.
What struck me most was how this baby, who would’ve been seen as a symbol of the divine, ended up buried without breath, sealed in sawdust, only to survive time as a mummy. It’s philosophical. It’s poetic. And no, it’s not scary at all. These mummies are oddly endearing. Almost gentle in the way they speak to mortality.
Later, while walking through the local market, I saw some sweet potatoes and tree roots in the same earthy tones as the mummies. Everything started to feel connected—like nature, death, time, and even snacks are speaking in the same color palette. Wild, right?
So if you’re visiting Guanajuato:
💀 Don’t skip the mummy museum.
🎟️ Buy the full ticket.
📚 Read up afterward if you don’t speak Spanish.
😌 And if you’re scared—honestly, don’t be. These mummies aren’t scary. They’re full of stories and quiet wisdom.
If you’re too afraid… maybe it’s best not to come. But if you’re curious, it’s absolutely worth it."
vivi Chanle
"Glad I read the reviews beforehand so I knew what to expect. GO DIRECTLY TO THE MUSEUM PARKING. Be prepared to pay extra if using a card.
Went in the morning. Hardly anyone was there besides random people (4+) trying AGRESSEVELY to hawk super inflated items in the parking lot.
The exhibits were nice enough, but not very informative. Maybe 15 of the mummies actually had an explanation of their origins. Didn't pay extra for the fancier exhibits though.
The gift shop had a decent selection, but also inflated prices. $230 pesos for a T shirt when other vendors are selling for around $150.
All in all if you're in the area it's a fine museum, but I wouldn't make this the sole reason to visit GTO."
Israel Santos
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can walk from the city center, though it's an uphill climb. Many visitors opt to take a taxi or Uber directly to the museum. Some reviews suggest walking from the funicular, but be prepared for a steep ascent.
Yes, there is museum parking available. However, be aware that there might be an extra charge if you pay with a card.
While specific bus routes might be available, walking or taking a taxi/Uber are generally more convenient options for reaching the museum directly.
The walk can be challenging as it involves uphill sections, especially if coming from the funicular. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
For a smoother arrival, consider using the museum's dedicated parking or arranging a taxi/Uber. This avoids navigating unfamiliar streets and steep inclines.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, and it's crucial to understand that there are different tiers. Some visitors reported that a basic ticket only grants access to a portion of the museum.
Yes, reviews indicate that there are different ticket levels. Make sure to inquire about and purchase the 'full ticket' to see all exhibits.
Information on online ticket purchasing is not widely available in reviews. It's generally recommended to purchase tickets upon arrival at the museum.
The basic ticket typically covers the main exhibit area. However, some visitors found it limiting and recommend opting for the comprehensive ticket.
Specific discount information is not readily available in the provided content. It's advisable to check at the ticket counter upon arrival for any available concessions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll see over 100 naturally mummified bodies, including notable figures like a priest and a baby. The museum explains the natural preservation process and the history behind the exhumations.
While it's a museum of mummies, many visitors find it more fascinating and philosophical than scary. The natural preservation is described as poetic rather than terrifying.
No, the tour guides primarily speak Spanish. If you don't understand Spanish, it's recommended to do some research afterward to fully grasp the exhibits' context.
Most visitors spend about an hour in the museum, including time for restrooms and a snack. This can vary depending on how much time you spend with each exhibit.
This depends on the child's sensitivity. While some find it educational, others might be frightened. It's best to gauge your child's comfort level with macabre subjects.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can change, but generally, flash photography is prohibited to protect the exhibits. It's always best to check for signage or ask staff.
While not explicitly stated in all reviews, it's common practice in museums to restrict photography in certain sensitive areas or for specific artifacts. Be observant of any posted rules.
The well-preserved mummies themselves, especially the baby mummy and the priest, are popular subjects. The overall atmosphere of the museum also lends itself to unique shots.
A smartphone is usually sufficient for capturing memories. If you plan on taking more professional-style photos, ensure you are aware of and adhere to any photography restrictions.
The exterior of the museum and the surrounding Guanajuato cityscape offer picturesque views. Consider capturing the journey to the museum as well.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you decide to visit, focus on the historical and scientific aspects of natural mummification. The story of why these bodies were exhumed due to unpaid burial taxes can be a lesson in responsibility. Ensure you purchase the full ticket to provide a more complete and engaging experience for older children who can appreciate the historical significance.
🤔 Curious Travelers
To enhance your experience, be sure to buy the full ticket to access all exhibits and consider doing some research after your visit, especially if you don't speak Spanish, to fully grasp the stories behind each mummy. The unique 'earthy' scent is also an interesting sensory detail that adds to the atmosphere.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Science of Guanajuato's Mummies
This natural phenomenon is what sets the Museo de las Momias apart. Visitors are often struck by the lifelike appearance of the mummies, a testament to the effectiveness of these environmental factors. The museum showcases over 100 of these naturally preserved individuals, offering a unique glimpse into mortality and the passage of time.
Understanding this natural process adds a layer of scientific curiosity to the visit. It's not about gruesome displays, but rather an exploration of how nature can preserve life's remnants in extraordinary ways. The dry, earthy scent noted by some visitors is a subtle reminder of this natural preservation.
Navigating the Museum Experience
Language can also be a factor, as tours are conducted in Spanish. While this might be a barrier for some, many visitors found that researching the history and context of the mummies after their visit enriched their understanding. The museum itself provides an explanatory video, which can offer some initial insights.
Beyond the exhibits, practicalities like parking and payment methods are worth noting. The museum offers parking, but card payments might incur extra fees. Ultimately, the museum offers a unique, thought-provoking experience that many find memorable, even if it's not for the faint of heart.
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