Momias de Guanajuato: Descubriendo la espeluznante historia de México

Visit the famous Guanajuato Mummies Museum and learn about the history behind these spooky and unique artifacts in Mexico.

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Introducción

Hi traveler! I have great news for you…The spooky season is here, and so are the articles about some interesting and kind of weird topics. Welcome to our Guanajuato Mummies article! Let’s start by saying where is this beautiful and important place in México. Guanajuato is an historical city in the heart of Mexico, it is famous for its edificios coloniales and many cultural institutions. For centuries, this city has played a vital role in mining and history. Its bright streets and beautiful buildings are the documents of its history.

But one thing, in particular, attracts visitors from all over the world. It’s the Museum of the Mummies of Guanajuato. This museum hosts an impressive and eerie collection of mummies. The distinctive soil and climate of the area help to preserve it. Want to know more about Guanajuato? Check this tour out: Guanajuato Tour.

guanajuato mummies
Explore the mummies of Guanajuato and get ready to discover Mexico’s fascinating historical journey.

The Guanajuato mummies are an extraordinary glimpse into the past. They were naturally mummified due to the dry conditions and mineral content of the soil. This makes them different from other types of mummies found around the world. The museum houses over 100 of these mummies, many of which are still in remarkably good condition. Some of the bodies even retain hair, skin, and clothing, which allows visitors to see details of these individuals from a different time.

The mummies range in age, with some being very young children and others adults, all of them met their end under mysterious and often tragic circumstances.

For those interested in the history of death and burial practices, the Museum of the Mummies of Guanajuato offers a chance to step back in time and understand the unique conditions that led to the preservation of these bodies. The mummies serve as a powerful reminder of the past, offering a deeper connection to the history of this region. This museum is more than just a collection of preserved bodies. Indeed, it is a place to learn about the lives of the people who lived in Guanajuato long ago and the strange, almost otherworldly process that kept them intact. No need to traveling so far to Egypt! ⚰️

mummies de guanajuato
Step into the history of Guanajuato and explore the mummies that tell the story of Mexico’s past.

Where Is the Museum?

En Museum of the Mummies of Guanajuato (Museo de las Momias de Guanajuato) is located in Guanajuato. It is a beautiful, colorful and super important city in central Mexico. It is about a 4-hour drive from Ciudad de México. The museum is in an old cemetery. The discovery of the Guanajuato mummies was here. The museum has become one of the most popular attractions in the city. In fact, in Mexico City at the Museo del Carmen, you can also find mummies!

How to Get There?

You can visit The Museum of the Mummies by bus, car or plane to Leon Guanajuato International Airport (BJX). You can travel to the museum by taxi or bus from the airport. If you’re coming out from Mexico City, you can drive or take a bus. Once you get to Guanajuato, the museum is not hard to miss downtown near the iconic Jardín de la Unión.

Places to Stay Nearby

Places to Eat Nearby

Brief Legends and Stories about the Mummies

En Guanajuato mummies have some very interesting stories behind them. They were found in the cemetery when workers were expanding the burial grounds. They were shocked to discover that many of the bodies were naturally mummified. This was due to the dry climate and special minerals in the soil, which preserved the bodies in a way that’s unusual to find elsewhere. Learn more about Mexican urban legends in this article!

mummies in mexico
When you visit this museum, you will see how every detail tells the story of the past. This city has something mystical in the air.

One famous mummy is Juan Jaramillotambién conocido como “traveling mummy.” This mummy is in the best condition and has traveled to many countries around the world. Many of the mummies in the museum still have their clothing, shoes, and even hair, making them especially fascinating to see. Some of the mummies have their faces frozen in a “death mask,” which is a natural change that happens after death.

En Guanajuato mummies also include several children and babies. Some of them were buried with special items, like clothes or even toys. The preservation of their small clothing and other personal items is amazing. There are also stories about tragic deaths. Some mummies were stabbed, drowned, or even buried alive. The position of their bodies suggest how they died. One mummy, for example, has arms and legs in a way that suggests they were buried alive, which is a haunting thought.

guanajuato mummies
Admire the incredible preservation of the Guanajuato mummies. Indeed, it is something out of this world.

Museum History and Cost

En Museum of the Mummies of Guanajuato opened in 1969, and since then, it has become one of the most well-known museums in Mexico. The mummies were first discovered when workers were digging up graves to make space for new burials. The bodies had been preserved by the natural climate and soil conditions of Guanajuato.

As of 2025, the cost of entry to the Museum of the Mummies of Guanajuato es $97 MXN (around $6 USD) for adults. Teachers, students, and children get a discount on the ticket price. For an additional $20 MXN (about $1 USD), you can visit the “cult of death” area. It features even more unique and spooky artifacts, like the vampire mummy with sharp teeth and a body that was nailed with spikes after death. The museum is open daily, and you can hire a guide to learn more about the mummies and the history behind them.

Check out the mummies souvenirs outside the museum!

Other Spooky Places in Guanajuato

In addition to the Guanajuato mummies, there are several other spooky spots in the city. One of the most famous is the Alley of the Kiss (Callejón del Beso). This narrow alley has a tragic love story, and some say the spirits of the lovers still haunt some locals. Another spooky place in Guanajuato is the Ex-Hacienda San Gabriel de Barrera, where it is said the ghost of a woman who died there still roams. The city is also filled with old mines and tunnels, some of which are rumored to be haunted by the spirits of miners who died while working.

A narrow alley in Guanajuato (callejon del beso)
Wander through the historic streets of Guanajuato and explore its hidden gems. Like El Callejon del Beso.

Another spooky location is The Noche Triste Hill (Cerro del Noche Triste)

Its name comes after the tragic event known as the Noche Triste (Sad Night), during the Spanish conquest. It’s believed that the spirits of fallen soldiers haunt the hill, with many visitors reporting strange feelings and eerie sounds, especially at night. Close to Jardín de la Unión, the Legend of the White Lady (La Leyenda de la Dama Blanca) is also popular.

The ghost of a woman in white, who met a tragic end, appears in the streets at night, searching for her lost love. Her spirit commonly appears at Teatro Juárez and Plaza de la Paz. Lastly, some locals say the Mummy of the French Doctor haunts the area where his remains are. His restless spirit is still roaming the old cemetery, and locals claim to hear footsteps and whispers, particularly on moonlit nights. These spooky spots, combined with the famous Guanajuato mummies, make the city a must-visit for anyone intrigued by the eerie side of history.

A grand shot of the Teatro Juarez in Guanajuato, with statues standing proudly above the entrance.
Explore the magnificent Teatro Juarez in Guanajuato, where history and architectural beauty come together.

Movies

El Santo vs. las Momias de Guanajuato (1972)

This classic Mexican horror-action movie features the famous wrestler El Santo, along with Blue Demon and Mil Máscaras, as they battle a horde of mummies that have come to life in Guanajuato. The story begins when a group of tourists visits the Museum of the Mummies of Guanajuato, only to learn that Satan, a wrestler who sold his soul for fame, has come back to seek revenge. The mummies awaken, and it’s up to the luchadores to stop them. The movie is a fun mix of horror, action, and wrestling, typical of the genre at the time. Get ready to get the heebie-jeebies!

La Leyenda de las Momias de Guanajuato (2014)

This animated movie is part of the Las Leyendas series, which blends Mexican folklore with adventure and comedy. The story follows Leo San Juan and his friends as they travel to Guanajuato to stop the mummies from terrorizing the city and to rescue their friend Xóchitl. The movie offers a fictionalized account of the origin of the mummies, mixing Mexican culture and traditions with supernatural elements. It’s an entertaining choice for families and fans of animated movies.

A vintage movie poster depicting haunting characters, showcasing the mysterious legends tied to Guanajuato’s history.
Vintage movie poster of El Santo vs La Momia. Sounds like a scary movie. Right?

Conclusión

The Guanajuato mummies are not only a rare sight but also a very important part of Mexico’s cultural history. These mummies, preserved by the unique conditions of the region, provide a window into the past. They allow us to connect with people from many years ago. Each with their own story, often untold and forgotten by time. The museum is a place of reflection, offering travelers a chance to learn about the lives of those who once lived in Guanajuato. Also, to learn about the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

Each mummy in the museum holds its own story, and each body offers a distinct view of history. Some of these mummies were young children, others were adults. Also, some were even buried with their personal belongings, such as shoes and clothing. The sight of these mummies, preserved with such detail, can be both cool and creepy. Giving you the opportunity to understand the mummification process and the cultural significance of burial practices in Guanajuato. Indeed, it’s a reminder of how the environment and climate can shape history in unexpected ways.

guanajuato mummies
Guanajuato’s mummies preserve the rich culture of Mexico.

The Museum of the Mummies of Guanajuato is not just about the mummies themselves.

The displays also recount how the bodies were discovered and made their way to the museum. It is a tour through the weird and spookie history of the cemetery from which these mummies have been exhumed. They were found when the cemetery was extended and bodies had to be exhumed- where they were discovered naturally mummified by the dry, salty earth. Coming to the museum is a chance to see something that’s not like normal tourist attractions.

The creepy vibes, the preserved bodies, and the stories of their lives and deaths create a unique experience that is hard to find anywhere else. It’s an educational experience as much as it is a chance to connect with the past. The Guanajuato mummies are a must-see for those with an interest in history, archaeology, or even in horror. They’re a fascinating part of Mexico’s rich heritage, and a visit to the museum offers a deeper understanding of the city’s history and culture.

It doesn’t matter if you’re exploring the dark tales of the past, learning about burial practices, or simply intrigued by the unusual. Definitely, the Museum of the Mummies of Guanajuato is an experience you won’t forget. Trust me, you will take these memories in your heart till the day you die…💀

Vídeo informativo

Learn more tips about the Guanajuato Mummies Museum. Say hi to the mummies de Guanajuato!