¡Vamos a disfrutar

aprendiendo españolen el Instituto

Tonali!The institute was established in July 1995 to fill a need for a more pleasant and efficient

environment to learn Spanish. Our instructors are full time and have many years of experience

in teaching Spanish as a foreign language.

Groups are small and classes are intensive, because our goal is for students to speak and

understand Spanish through personalized instruction. The institute is located in the heart of the

city, which is very convenient, and, after school, you can enjoy the charm of the surroundings:

the city's majestic colonial architecture and its famous alleys, narrow streets and sunny plazas,

infused with history at every turn.

Guanajuato is a multicultural university town par excellence, where Mexican and foreign

students intermingle in a fraternal atmosphere. There is so much to do here: culture, tradition

and festivity in countless events like the Festival Internacional Cervantino, the GIFF

(Guanajuato International Film Festival), the Festival de Gastronomía, the Festival de Globo,

etc. Here, you will surely find something to do and friends to practice your Spanish with.

¡Te esperamos con los brazos abiertos!

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us through the form below, or, if you prefer, you can send us an email at .

COURSE CONTENT

Our Own Program

We have our own program, which is based on the explanation of the topic by the teacher, an

exercise book given according to your level, and activities that involve grammar, vocabulary,

reading, writing, pronunciation, culture and some other elements that complement your

education, according to your level.

For beginners, we have teachers who speak English and Japanese to help you build

confidence.

At Tonali, groups are small, with 3 students máximum. This allows each student to receive

personalized instruction according to their needs. And, if you are interested in a particular topic

such as history, culture, music, translation, business terminology, etc., we have a class for

you. We also often help students prepare for jobs with multinational industrial companies

nearby, since Guanajuato has one of the largest concentrations of such companies anywhere

in Mexico.

Our conversation classes focus on helping you put grammar into practice and learn useful

vocabulary that will help you in daily conversation. To keep things lively, discussion topics

include history, culture, expressions and idioms, and of course other topics of your interest.

GUANAJUATO, UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

A ColonialJewelThe school is located in the city of Guanajuato, capital city of the state of Guanajuato, located

300 km north of Mexico City. The city enjoyed silver and gold mining prosperity for centuries

and conserves one of Mexico's most beautiful colonial city centers, worthy of being called a

UNESCO World Heritage Site. Brilliant sunshine, colorful houses and a relaxed atmosphere

combined along with historical importance to make Guanajuato a tourist destination. Add in the

bustle of university students, the art and culture and you have an environment perfect for

language learners, with interesting people and topics everywhere.

HISTORY

The city of Guanajuato was home to the indigenous Tarasco and Chichimeca cultures. The

firsts called the place Quanaxhuato, meaning "hilly place of frogs."

In the mid 1500s, the silver mother lode was discovered, setting off a silver and gold rush that

made Guanajuato one of New Spain's most important cities. In 1570, the town of Santa Fe de

Guanajuato was founded, and in 1741 King Philip V granted the city the title of “Most Noble

and Loyal City of Santa Fe and Real de Minas de Guanajuato”.

Guanajuato played a central role in Mexican Independence. On September 28, 1810, Hidalgo

and his army took the city, waging the first battle of the insurgency known as the Taking of the

Alhóndiga de Granaditas. A miner known as El Pípila, carrying a massive stone on his back,

burned the doors of the Alhóndiga to breach the Spanish defense.

GEOGRAPHY AND WEATHER

Guanajuato is located in the highlands of Mexico, 2000 meters above sea level. It has

excellent weather most of the year, dry and warm/hot from March to June, warm with

afternoon rain storms from June to September, and temperate from October through February.

Students are advised to bring an umbrella if they come during the summer rainy season, and a

jacket for cold nights during winter but are also frequent in other seasons.

Guanajuato Attractions

Guanajuato, the capital of the state known as Mexico's "Cradle of Independence," is visited by

large numbers of Mexican and foreign tourists every year. Among the most popular sites are:

Teatro Juárez

Is considered one of the most beautiful theaters in Mexico.

Teatro Principal

Venue of many cultural events, including some of those of the Festival Internacional

Cervantino program .

Universidad de Guanajuato

The main building of which was built in the mid 20th century and which is front and

center on the new Mexican 1000 peso bill.

Museo de la Alhóndiga de Granaditas

Site of the first battle for Mexico independence on September 28, 1810; now a museum

featuring historical documents, paintings and various other historical objects.

Museo de las Momias

A museum exhibiting mummified bodies perfectly preserved because of the special

composition of the region soil.

Just strolling the streets, you will stumble on museums, churches,

plazas and gardens where you can relax and enjoy the art and culture.

We recommend a late afternoon walk around the city following by a

sunset ride up the funicular tram to the Pípila, where the view of the city

will wrap you in its magic.

Many of the city's mines continue operating to this day, such as the

mines of Rayas, San Ramón and Cubo. Some others are no longer

operating, but are open to the public to explore, including the

Valenciana and Nopal mines, offering tours that provide a glimpse of

the miner's experience!

GETTING TO GUANAJUATO

By Air

Guanajuato International Airport (IATA: BJX) is located in the city of

Silao, just 25 minutes from Guanajuato.

Direct domestic flights are available to and from Mexico City, Tijuana,

Monterrey and Cancun.

Direct international flights are available to and from the hubs of San

Francisco, Dallas/Fort Worth, Atlanta, Los Angeles and Houston.

We provide shuttle service from the airport to the city of Guanajuato.

Ground Transportation

Several bus lines, including Primera Plus and ETN, serve the Mexico

City - Guanajuato route. There are frequent direct departures from the

North Central Bus Station in Mexico City to Guanajuato, and the trip

takes 5 hours.

CITIES NEAR GUANAJUATO

San Miguel de Allende

One of the most important things to see here is the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel,

which has become the symbol of the city. The church was built in the 18th century with

a Baroque facade, which, in 1880, was replaced by a Neo-Gothic facade by master

architect Ceferino Gutiérrez.

Dolores Hidalgo

Known also as “the cradle of Mexican Independence”, as well as for its pottery and

exotic flavors of ice cream.

León

One of the major industrial cities in the state, especially important in the manufacture of

leather items, which are exported around the world.

Irapuato

A city which has seen major growth recently because of the arrival of a number of

different automotive companies.