Callejón del Beso, the Alley of the Kiss, is a very narrow stepped alley in the Zona Centro of Guanajuato, near Belén 22. It belongs to the part of the city built in the 17th and 18th centuries. Its balconies stand so close that, according to the local legend, two lovers could kiss across the gap. The story is sad and romantic, and it is what draws people here. Read it before you come, climb the steps, and for a small fee step onto a balcony for a photo.
The legend of the two balconies
The story attached to the alley is a Guanajuato version of Romeo and Juliet. Two lovers lived in houses facing each other across the alley, and their balconies stood so close that they could kiss from one to the other. The tale ends in tragedy, which is why the place is remembered as much for sorrow as for romance.
The alley belongs to the old city built in the 17th and 18th centuries. It is narrow and stepped, so it feels more like a passage between houses than a street. The setting is plain, and the legend gives it its meaning. Reading the story before you arrive makes the visit more worthwhile.
On the balcony
You can enter the alley freely, but stepping onto a balcony costs a small fee. The amount quoted at the time of one recent visit was 50 pesos per person. Couples who want to stand on separate balconies, as in the legend, pay for each balcony, so ask the price before you go up.
A guide at the site tells the legend and takes photos on your phone or camera. He works for tips, and the photos are generally good. Taking your own pictures from upstairs is also fine. Be clear about what you want if photographers offer their services at street level.
A custom on the steps
Visitors follow a tradition of kissing on the third step up. Skipping it is said to bring bad luck. It is a light-hearted custom, and many couples do it on the way up, often in front of others waiting their turn. On busy days the crowd tends to cheer, which gives the alley a festive mood.
Crowds and timing
The alley is small, so the number of people changes the visit a great deal. Over a festival weekend there can be hundreds waiting, and on a Sunday more than thirty couples may be in line. On a weekday, or when no large event is on, there is often no wait.
On crowded days and weekends the balcony opens at noon, so arriving a few minutes early helps. Daylight also gives better light for photos.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee for Callejón del Beso?
The alley can be entered freely. Stepping onto a balcony costs a small fee, quoted at about 50 pesos per person at the last report. Confirm the price on site.
What is the legend of Callejón del Beso?
Two lovers lived in houses facing each other across the narrow alley, and their balconies almost touched, so they could kiss across the gap. The story ends in tragedy.
When is the best time to visit?
Weekdays are quietest, and a Tuesday can mean no wait. Sundays and festival weekends bring long lines. Daylight gives better photos.
Is Callejón del Beso open all day?
Yes, the alley is listed as open 24 hours every day. On busy days the balcony opens at noon.
Where is Callejón del Beso?
It is in the Zona Centro of Guanajuato, at Belén 22.
