Things To Do
in Charo

Charo is a small Guanajuato town in central Mexico, surrounded by rolling farmland and gentle hills. Its laid-back pace, colorful streets, and warm, hospitable residents create a welcoming vibe for visitors. The town center features a historic church and a lively plaza where locals gather to chat and snack on traditional foods.

Nearby landscapes offer scenic views and easy day trips to cultural sites and natural reserves.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Charo
morning
:

Arrive in Charo and settle into your hotel. Enjoy breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Mexican dishes like chilaquiles or huevos rancheros. Take some time to rest and acclimate to the charming ambiance of this small town.

afternoon
:

Explore the quaint streets adorned with colonial architecture and vibrant murals. Visit the local market to experience the bustling atmosphere and try some homemade snacks. Engage with the friendly locals to learn about their culture and traditions.

evening
:

Dine at a family-owned restaurant, indulging in regional specialties. After dinner, take a leisurely walk to enjoy the calm evening ambiance of Charo. Optional: Join a local gathering or festival if available, to immerse yourself in their music and dance.

day 2
Cultural Exploration
morning
:

Visit the iconic Church of San Bartolomé, a stunning example of colonial architecture. Spend time admiring the intricate designs and learning about the history of this religious site. Enjoy a fresh juice from a nearby stand to refresh yourself.

afternoon
:

Take a guided tour to learn about the local artisans, focusing on traditional crafts like pottery and textiles. Participate in a workshop to create your own piece, connecting with the history and craftsmanship of Charo. Enjoy lunch at a traditional eatery that represents the local flavors.

evening
:

Attend a cultural performance or dance presentation to experience the vibrant heritage of Charo. Savor dinner at an upscale restaurant that emphasizes local ingredients. Relax and reflect on your day over a nightcap in a cozy bar.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
Cup of coffee or tea$1-3
🏨Budget hotel room (per night)$25-60
🛒Groceries for a week$40-100
🚕Taxi ride (short trip)$2-6

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Friendly locals and a welcoming village vibe
  • Compact, walkable center with cultural charm
  • Low costs for food, accommodations, and daily needs
  • Limited nightlife and fewer big-city amenities
  • Fewer English speakers; language barrier in some spots
  • Occasional limited public transport and slower infrastructure
  • "Hola" - Hello
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Gracias" - Thank you
  • "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Charo

Visit one of these nice places.

Charo Central Plaza and Parish Church

The sunlit square framed by colonial façades and a historic church makes for classic street photography and portraits.

Colorful Calle Principal Façades

Vibrant, pastel-colored walls and traditional balconies provide a perfect backdrop for urban photography.

Local Market Interior

Candid shots of vendors and fresh produce capture daily life and the market’s textures and colors.

Rural Hills and Countryside Lookout

A short drive outside town yields wide-angle vistas of farmland, orchards, and distant hills—ideal for landscape shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Charo

Charo’s cuisine reflects Guanajuato’s farm-to-table traditions, with hearty beans, corn, chiles, and fresh produce taking center stage.

Charo Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Birria de chivo

Slow-cooked goat stew flavored with chiles, onions, and herbs; served with onions, cilantro, lime, and warm tortillas.

Must-Try!

Tacos de trompo

Spit-roasted pork tacos with pineapple, cilantro, onions, and arbol salsa; a street-food favorite.

Pozole Guanajuatense

A hominy-based stew with pork or chicken, topped with lettuce, onions, radish, lime, and oregano.

Enchiladas rojas

Corn tortillas filled with cheese or chicken, bathed in red chili sauce and topped with cheese and crema.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Charo Central Market

Bustling market offering fresh produce, cheeses, bread, and prepared snacks to sample on the go.

Plaza Street Food Row

A line of stalls around the plaza serving tlacoyos, sopes, elotes, and aguas frescas.

Climate Guide

Weather

Charo experiences a warm temperate climate with hot summers and mild winters. The rainy season runs roughly from June to September, bringing afternoon showers and lush landscapes. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures ideal for outdoor exploration, while winter nights can be cool but rarely freezing. Overall, the weather is favorable for most of the year, with the best times to visit being spring and fall.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A handshake is common; a kiss on the cheek may occur among friends and family in familiar settings.

Dress and modesty

Dress modestly in religious sites and rural areas; shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting churches.

Politeness and conversations

Polite introductions and using Señora/Señor forms shows respect; avoid public confrontation.

Tipping and sharing meals

Tips are appreciated and sharing portions is common; wait for everyone to be served before starting a meal.

Safety Guide

Safety

Patio security in the town center is generally good, but petty theft can occur in crowded markets. Keep valuables secure, use licensed taxis, and avoid poorly lit areas at night. Travel with a copy of your passport and emergency numbers; in an emergency contact local authorities or your embassy.

Tipping in Charo

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, 10-15% is customary if service is not included. Round up street vendors and tip guides or drivers a few pesos.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted; many places also take cards. Use ATMs for local currency; small vendors may require cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Pleasant temperatures, blooming jacarandas and fruit trees; perfect for outdoor markets and street photography. Pack a light jacket for cool mornings.

Summer

Warmer days with a chance of afternoon showers; stay hydrated and seek shade in plazas. Expect lush greenery and vibrant sunsets.

Autumn

Mild days with clear skies and harvest-season flavors; great for photography in golden light and farmers’ markets.

Winter

Cool to mild days, cooler nights; layers recommended. Fewer crowds, making it a peaceful time to explore.

Nightlife Guide

Charo at Night

Charo’s nightlife is relaxed and community-centered, centered around the plaza and local bars. Most venues close by late evening, with occasional live music or mariachi on weekends. It’s a place for casual conversations, family-friendly nights, and enjoying traditional snacks after sunset.

Hiking in Charo

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Cerro del Mirador Trail

A short-to-moderate hike offering panoramic views of valleys and distant towns.

Ruta de la Piedra

Rocky outcrops and scenic switchbacks that suit a half-day hike.

Airports

How to reach Charo by plane.

Del Bajío International Airport (BJX)

Located in Silao, Guanajuato; major domestic flights and some international connections. Typical transfer hub for travelers to Charo.

Querétaro International Airport (QRO)

About 2–3 hours by road; serves several domestic and some international routes; can be a gateway for longer trips.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and walkable, with most sights reachable on foot. Sidewalks are common in the plaza area but some streets outside the core can be uneven. Parking can be found near the plaza, but traffic can slow down during market days.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families and farming communities

A mix of long-time residents and agricultural workers who maintain traditional customs.

Youth and students

A smaller but growing group connected to regional education and work opportunities.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Soccer

Football is the most popular sport, with local games often organized in plazas and parks.

Cycling

Rural roads and trails are favored for road and mountain biking by locals and visitors.

Transportation

Traffic

Charo’s traffic is generally light inside the town center, with peak times during market days and festival weekends. Public transportation is limited; buses connect to larger cities, and taxis are widely available. Driving outside the core can involve rural two-lane roads with occasional slow sections.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Charo.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Look for dishes centered on beans, corn, rice, nopales, and vegetables. Ask for meals without lard and for cheese or crema on the side; many markets offer vegetarian options alongside meat dishes.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Charo is complemented by regional clinics and hospitals in Guanajuato state. For major emergencies or specialized care, residents typically go to Guanajuato city or Silao, where larger hospitals and private clinics are available. There are private doctors and pharmacies in town as well; carry basic medications and travel insurance.

Discover Mexico

Read more in our Mexico 2025 Travel Guide.

Mexico Travel Guide