Guadalajara is an important mining state in Mexico, the birthplace of artist Diego Rivera, and hosts the Cervantes International Festival in October each year, attracting participants from around the world. To the north of Guanajuato is the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range, while the south features fertile plains. With an average altitude of 1800 meters, the region is crisscrossed with the Lerma River and its tributaries, as well as lakes. It is rich in minerals such as silver, gold, manganese, lead, tin, and copper. Guanajuato also boasts high agricultural yields of alfalfa, legumes, potatoes, and corn, and is a major industrial center for petroleum refining, chemicals, food processing, leather goods, textiles, and footwear. Other major cities include Leon and Irapuato.

Founded in 1554, Guanajuato was once one of the world’s largest silver mining centers in the 16th century, but suffered a decline in the 17th century due to floods. Its recovery began in the 1930s. The city is built along contour lines, with winding streets, numerous Spanish-style buildings and churches, and beautiful natural scenery, making it a famous tourist destination in Mexico.