San Miguel de Allende Travel Guide (Guanajuato (state)/Bajío/Mexico/North America)

Introduction to San Miguel de Allende
List of Places to Visit in San Miguel de Allende
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of San Miguel de Allende: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of San Miguel de Allende
Best Things to Do in San Miguel de Allende: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for San Miguel de Allende
Food and Drink Scene of San Miguel de Allende
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in San Miguel de Allende: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in San Miguel de Allende: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of San Miguel de Allende
Best Time to Visit San Miguel de Allende
Do’s and Don’ts of San Miguel de Allende
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in San Miguel de Allende
- Health in San Miguel de Allende
Getting to San Miguel de Allende: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in San Miguel de Allende
Where to Go Next from San Miguel de Allende: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende is a charming colonial town located in the heart of Mexico, in the state of Guanajuato, in the Bajío region. This picturesque town is famous for its cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and stunning architecture that dates back to the 16th century. San Miguel de Allende is also a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its well-preserved historic center.

San Miguel de Allende is a popular destination for travelers who want to experience Mexican culture, food, and traditions, as well as enjoy its gorgeous landscapes and stunning sunsets. In this travel guide, we will take you through everything you need to know to plan your trip to San Miguel de Allende, including a list of places to visit, hiking and biking routes, the best things to do, where to stay, what to eat and drink, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende has a plethora of attractions to see and explore, from culturally significant museums and historical sites to natural wonders. Here is a list of the top places to visit in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel: This iconic church is the symbol of the city and is located in the main square. Get lost in its beautiful architecture that reflects the colonial style of the town.
El Jardín: This beautiful park is located in the center of San Miguel de Allende and is a great place to relax and people watch. It’s lined with museums, bars, restaurants, and local vendors selling handicrafts and souvenirs.
Museo Histórico Casa de Allende: This museum is dedicated to the hero of Mexican independence, Ignacio Allende, who was born in this house. It showcases the history of the town and its important role in Mexican history.
Instituto Allende: An art and design school located in a beautiful colonial-era building that offers workshops, courses, and lectures to students from all over the world.
Museo de la Esquina: This museum is dedicated to children’s literature and is an excellent place to learn about traditional Mexican children’s stories and folktales.
La Gruta Hot Springs: Located just outside San Miguel de Allende, these natural hot springs are a great place to relax and soak in mineral-rich, warm water.

Natural Attractions of San Miguel de Allende: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

El Charco del Ingenio: A botanical garden and natural reserve with walking trails, stunning views, and abundant flora and fauna.
Presidio de San Miguel de Allende: A stunning viewpoint that provides panoramic views of San Miguel de Allende’s cityscape against the mountains.
Cañada de la Virgen: A pre-Hispanic archaeological site with impressive pyramids and structures that give insight into ancient Mesoamerican civilization.
La Huerta de San Gabriel: An organic farm located in the nearby countryside that offers guided tours, tastings, and cooking classes. Perfect for a day trip to explore the rural surroundings of San Miguel.

Hiking/Biking Routes of San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore rugged terrain on foot or by bike. Here are some of the best routes for hiking and biking in San Miguel de Allende:

El Mirador: A short hike up to El Mirador viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic city views.
Cañada de la Virgen: A longer hike to the pyramids mentioned above, this adventurous route includes rugged terrain and rewarding views.
Mountain Biking in the Surrounding Hills: With several rental shops in town, mountain biking in the hills around San Miguel is a popular activity for those looking to explore the countryside.

Best Things to Do in San Miguel de Allende: Activities and Tours

San Miguel de Allende offers a variety of activities and tours for visitors of all ages and preferences. Here are some of the best things to do while in San Miguel:

Hot Air Balloon Rides: Soar above the picturesque landscapes of San Miguel de Allende and enjoy the stunning views from the air.
Food Tours: Explore the rich culinary traditions of the town on a food tour that includes visits to local markets, cooking classes, and tastings.
Horseback Riding: A leisurely ride in the countryside is an excellent way to take in the surrounding beauty of San Miguel.
Walking Tours: Guided walking tours provide an excellent way to get to know the town’s history and landmarks, and are customizable to specific interests, such as art, architecture, history, or food.

Week-Long Itinerary for San Miguel de Allende

Here is a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to San Miguel de Allende:

Day 1: Wander through the historic center, visit Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, and El Jardín.
Day 2: Visit La Huerta de San Gabriel for a tour and cooking class, followed by a relaxing after lunch at La Gruta Hot Springs.
Day 3: Take a guided walking tour of the city center to learn more about San Miguel de Allende’s history and architecture and landmark sites.
Day 4: Hike Cañada de la Virgen to discover the pre-Hispanic archaeological site and enjoy the stunning views from the pyramids.
Day 5: Take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise to witness the beautiful landscapes of San Miguel from above and enjoy a champagne breakfast after landing.
Day 6: Visit the botanical gardens and natural reserve and take a leisurely walk on the trails at El Charco del Ingenio.
Day 7: Explore the town’s food scene on a food tour, sampling delicious local dishes and delicacies.

Food and Drink Scene of San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende is famous for its rich culinary traditions and flavors that reflect the region’s heritage. Here are some of the must-try dishes and drinks of San Miguel:

Must-Try Dishes

Chiles en Nogada: A famous dish of the region, made with poblano peppers stuffed with a mixture of meat, fruit, and spices and topped with a walnut cream sauce and garnished with pomegranate seeds and parsley.
Tacos al Pastor: This quintessential Mexican dish is made with marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit and served on a tortilla with pineapple and salsa.
Enchiladas Mineras: Corn tortillas filled with beef, potatoes, onions, and cheese, smothered in a thick, spicy tomato sauce, and topped with grated cheese and sour cream.
Helado de Nieve: A refreshing, traditional Mexican ice cream, which comes in many flavors and is made with fresh ingredients.

Local Beverages

Tequila: A world-famous spirit made from the agave plant that is native to Mexico. San Miguel de Allende has a variety of local tequila brands and offer tasting tours.
Mezcal: Similar to tequila but is made from multiple varieties of agave. Mezcal has its own unique smoky flavor and pronounced taste.
Pulque: A traditional fermented drink made from the agave plant, known as the “drink of the gods.” It is slightly sweet, slightly sour, and has a unique texture and consistency.

Where to Stay in San Miguel de Allende: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

San Miguel de Allende has plenty of lodging options for all types of travelers, from luxury boutique hotels to budget hostels and guesthouses. Here are some of our top recommendations:

Hotel Matilda: A luxurious and stylish hotel that features contemporary Mexican artwork and sculptures and an exceptional restaurant that offers modern Mexican cuisine.
Casa No Name: A romantic and charming bed & breakfast that features air-conditioned suites nestled in a beautiful garden.
Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende Urban Resort: A 5-star resort located outside of San Miguel’s town center that boasts an infinity pool and an elegant spa.
Hostal de la Luz: A budget-friendly location that offers comfortable beds in shared dorms or private rooms, a pool area, and a rooftop bar.

What to Buy in San Miguel de Allende: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

San Miguel de Allende has a vibrant arts and crafts scene; you will find handmade goods, textiles, pottery, jewelry, and art by local artisans. Here are some of the most popular souvenirs and products to bring home:

Textiles: Embroidered clothes, blankets, and tablecloths with traditional Mexican designs and patterns.
Talavera Pottery: Hand-painted ceramics featuring blue and white patterns unique to San Miguel.
Handcrafted Jewelry: Silver and beaded jewelry made by local artisans.
Huichol Art: Intricate beadwork and yarn art that originated in the indigenous Huichol communities.

Local Culture and Customs of San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende is famous for its rich culture and traditions that are deeply ingrained in its daily life. Here are some important customs to keep in mind:

Greet People: Greet people with a friendly “Hola” or “Buen dia” and remember to say “gracias” when someone helps or serves you.
Dress Conservatively for Churches: When visiting a church or religious site, dress appropriately, typically covering your shoulders, and avoid revealing clothing.
Respectful Language: Mexicans usually use formal language. Use respectful titles such as “Señor” or “Señora” and “Por favor” and “Gracias” are polite additions to any requests.
Fiestas and Celebrations: San Miguel celebrates several festivals throughout the year, and visitors are welcomed to participate with locals. During fiestas, expect to hear live mariachi music, dancing, fireworks, and plenty of food and drinks.

Best Time to Visit San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende offers a pleasant climate throughout the year, making it an ideal destination anytime. However, the best time to visit San Miguel de Allende is between November and April, when the weather is dry and mild and perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the town.

Do’s and Don’ts of San Miguel de Allende

Here are some essential dos and don’ts in San Miguel de Allende:

Do:

Taste the traditional Mexican food and cuisine
Get lost in the cobblestone streets and explore the colonial architecture.
Learn to dance Salsa and Mariachi music in the evenings at local bars.

Don’t:

Ignore Mexican culture, traditions, and customs.
Disrespect any Catholic Church and culture.
Assume local people speak only English.

Safety and Health

Safety in San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende is generally a safe city to visit but like any cities, travelers should exercise caution and take common-sense precautions such as:

Always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
Keep your valuables in a safe place
Avoid walking alone in dimly lit or isolated areas at night
Take official taxis or Uber when going to remote or less busy areas.

Health in San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende is considered a safe destination regarding health concerns. However, Visitors should bring insect-repellent and basic medicines in case of emergencies. Always try to drink bottled water and use sunscreen when going outside to avoid heatstrokes.

Getting to San Miguel de Allende: Transportation Options and Logistics

San Miguel de Allende is located in Central Mexico and is relatively easy to travel by public transportation or by renting a car.

Airports Near San Miguel de Allende

Aeropuerto Interno de Queretaro: The closest airport to San Miguel de Allende is located 30 minutes away by car. This airport offers flights from several major US cities through United Airlines and Delta Air Lines.
Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de Mexico (MEX) - Benito Juarez: Approximate distance from San Miguel de Allende is 174 km (108 miles).

Bus Stations Near San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende Bus Station: The bus station is located in the north of the city and offers regular services to several destinations in Mexico and surrounding areas.

Other Options

Rent a Car: Renting a car can be a great way to explore the region’s countryside and nearby towns, ridding one of the most grueling traffic.
Private Shuttle services: Private shuttle companies also offer pick up and drop off service to San Miguel de Allende from major cities in Mexico, including Mexico City airport.

How to Get Around in San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende is a walkable town, however, it’s unique layout and topography means that getting around other than by walking can be challenging. The town is full of steep hills and narrow cobblestone streets, making all-terrain shoes and transportation at times necessary. Here are some ways to get around in San Miguel de Allende:

Taxis and Rideshare: Taxis and ride-share services such as Uber are widely available and affordable and a common way of transportation in San Miguel de Allende.
Car rental: For visitors who want the convenience of having their vehicle, several car rental agencies operate in and around the area.
Walking and Cycling tours: guided walking and cycling tours offer an excellent way to explore the town center, including learning its history and culture while stopping to enjoy the cuisine or shop at local stores.

Where to Go Next from San Miguel de Allende: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

San Miguel de Allende is a great starting point to explore other nearby towns and attractions. Here are some of the destinations that are worth visiting:

Guanajuato: A picturesque colonial town, just 1.5 hours away from San Miguel de Allende, famous for its silver mines and underground alleys.
Queretaro: A lively colonial-era town known for its beautiful churches, plazas, museums, and wine bars.
San Luis Potosi: A beautiful city famous for its colonial-era Architecture and green spaces. The Huasteca Potosina region is worth visiting, famous for its waterfalls and caves.
Bajio Vineyards: The Bajío region has fantastic wineries and vineyards to visit for anyone interested in wine-tasting.

Conclusion

San Miguel de Allende is undeniably a Mexican treasure with a mix of rich history, culture, flavors, and stunning natural beauty. Whether you want to explore its cobbled streets, visit historical sites, taste the local cuisine, or hike up its natural wonders, this town offers everything that makes Mexico unique. We hope this guide helps you plan the perfect trip to San Miguel de Allende.