Guanajuato (declared a "World Heritage Site" by UNESCO), is situated in the highlands of Mexico's colonial heartland. With a population of 155,000, this beautiful city is a blend of both the old and the new worlds. The most important mining center in Mexico during the colonial period, Guanajuato still maintains its colonial charm with cobblestone streets and historic buildings that are relatively untouched by modern construction. Its intricate system of underground tunnels once helped divert the flooding of the Río Guanajuato. These tunnels now serve as the principal roadways within the city, creating a timeless appearance.

Safety in Mexico: ISA has assessed the widely reported increase in violence in Mexico, and there are no plans to cancel any of our Mexico programs at this time. The decision to continue is based on a study of various reports, including those published by OSAC and the United States Department of State. ISA is also in direct communication with a network of contacts in each of the cities where we operate. The information gathered clearly suggests that the increase in violence is taking place in specific regions of Mexico, while the rest of the country is largely unaffected. The areas that have been affected by an increase in violence include the cities along the border with the U.S., the state of Sinaloa, and the beach resorts of Acapulco and Cancún. ISA does not operate programs or excursions in any of these areas.

ISA is closely monitoring news reports and communicating with staff and contacts on site. Program participants would be immediately notified of any heightened danger in these sites as the safety of ISA participants is of the utmost importance. As of now, ISA directors in Mexico have yet to see any fundamental changes affecting student safety in the sites where we operate.

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