La Bufa Loop

A nice 2-3 hr hike to the best viewpoint in Guanajuato. I started recording at the stadium, to use an easy landmark near the old centro area. However, if you are staying up the hill or on the other side of town it might make sense to just join up with the trail at the clinic. It is also possible to drive (or take a taxi) all the way to la Cueva de San Ignacio. Since I had already done the hike once I went fairly quickly, only stopping to take waypoint photos. Most people will probably want to allow more time (approx. 3 hours).

I did it as a figure-8 loop because I prefer to go up the steepest parts and down the more gradual ones. For those who like the opposite it can easily be done in reverse or you can switch either of the two main sections.

From the clinic there is a dirt trail behind the parking lot that follows a ravine up the hill, eventually joining up with the road to la Cueva de San Ignacio. Crossing the ravine is a bit tricky but it only lasts about 5 minutes until you're back in the clear. The other route parallels the Panoramico road for a while before joining the dirt road to the cave.

After the cave the trail splits - the flatter, longer route goes all the way around the hill and climbs up the backside. I went up the stairs to the left and climbed straight up, then took the more gradual route down. The steep part involves some rocky scrambling but at least the rock is solid and not slippery. Going down (or up) the backside isn't quite as steep but does have some slippery sections. What you know about yourself on inclines will help you decide which direction to go.

There is also a Wikiloc from a person who went to the cross then back down and followed the ridge the other direction to come out at the Presa de Olla ponds if you want to extend the hike and avoid backtracking.

Enjoy the views!