Are you an avid hiker looking for the best view in the city or someone who wants a half-day activity in Guanajuato? Cerro de la Bufa is the trek for you. Located just outside of the city, this hike offers incredible views of the city and surrounding mountainscape. A must for anyone here for more than a few days.
Facts To Know About El Cerro De La Bufa:
- Type: Out-and-back, although there are other trails to blaze to the other hills nearby, or a path up to Presa de la Olla.
- Distance: ~6km.
- Elevation: ~2350 meters at max.
- Level: Moderate – mostly follows a dirt vehicle path, there is a long rock scramble at the end that requires hands and feet.
Where To Start / Trailhead Location
The easiest place to start this hike is at the ISSSTE Clinic Hospital of Guanajuato (click here for Google Maps location.) There is a dirt parking lot right beside the clinic and the trailhead extends from the back of the lot.
Hiking Guide
Follow the trail left towards the power plant then go right around the plant to another open, dirt parking lot. Here, you’ll find a fork. The left stays on even ground while right goes up. Stay left. (Another couple that hiked near us took the right path and ended up in the same spot. It’s a harder climb though.)
Continue to follow the dirt path until you approach a cave and venture upwards along the cliffside. You’ll really start to enjoy the views of the city at this point. There’s no guard rails to protect from the steep drops, but the path is very wide.
You’ll follow this for little while until you reach the cave with a sanctuary dedicated to San Ignacio de Loyola. Take advantage of the shade and grab a drink of water and maybe a snack because the next section is the hardest part of the hike.
Shortly past the cave, you’ll see some stairs that lead into the rocks. Take these and follow the rock ledge around an unused lamp post. From here, scale the rocks. They are just non-steep enough that you could carefully walk your way up, but feel free to use hands to stabilize yourself as you scramble up the rockface.
You’ll see two round rocks at the top, dubbed las hermanas, that signal you’re close to the end. Once you reach them, catch your breath and take in the surrounding mountains.
The rest of the way is a more gentle climb to the top of the hill. You’ll even find steps carved into the rock to help with your footing.
Congrats, you’ve made it! Make your way across the top (watch for crevices and gaps) until you reach the cross and take in the gorgeous view of the city.
After you’ve accepted your victory and snapped your photos, the descent down is a bit easier knowing that once you get down the rock scramble, it’s a simple dirt path walk back to the parking lot.
Tips
- Bring water. As with all hiking activities, and life in general, you want to stay hydrated.
- Bring sunscreen and proper clothing. There is little shade to be found on this hike. You’ll be exposed to a lot of sun and it may not be hot so you won’t know you’re burning until it’s too late.
- Are there wild animals? We didn’t see much, just a couple birds, lizards, and crickets. However, we did see a lot of scat, so be wary of the potential for coyotes, wild cats, and the illusive Chupacabra.
Have you done this hike? Did you find this guide helpful? Let me know in the comments below!
Kelton Goes 
Always watch out for the Chupacabra.
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