Cañada de la Virgen
Delve into the fascinating Cañada de la Virgen Archaeological Zone, an emblematic pre-Hispanic settlement that stands in the municipality of San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato. This site, resplendent with the history of the Otomí-Hñahñu peoples, was a vital center on the northern border of Mesoamerica, where the observation of the sky and the cosmic cycles guided the lives of its inhabitants.
Location:
Carr. San Miguel de Allende km 10
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
Contact us:
Tel: 473 10 22 700 exts. 105, 133.
473 733 10 69, 473 733 08 57, 473 733 08 58
Schedules:
Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (last tour leaves at 4 p.m.) at the CAV's in the archaeological zone, two official Volkswagen Crafter 22-seater vehicles transfer, leaving every hour mentioned above, which takes them to the Archaeological Zone 8 kilometers away where they will walk 1.1 km, the tour takes 2.5 hours.
During your visit, you cannot miss the three main architectural complexes that have been restored and are accessible to the public:
House of the Thirteen Heavens (Complex “A”): Ascending with its impressive 16-meter pyramid, this space was a key point for astronomical observation and trade. In its courtyard, which was filled with water during the rainy season, the sky was reflected, creating a magical connection between the earthly and celestial worlds. Here, you can also admire the majestic Red Temple, the largest in Mesoamerica, adorned with murals of profound meanings.
House of the Longest Night (Complex “B”): With a design that reflects its connection to the winter solstice, this complex includes a water conveyance system and rooms with hearths, revealing the daily life of its ancient inhabitants. The history of significant burials, such as “La Niña de Lluvia”, adds a touch of mystery and depth to the site.
Casa del Viento (Complex “D”): This circular structure, with its three construction stages, offers a unique view that simulates a toril. Its design and the temple on top invite visitors to reflect on the rituals and beliefs of those who inhabited this sacred place.
Cañada de la Virgen is not only an archaeological site; it is a journey through time, where the echoes of ceremonies and rituals still resound. The rich biodiversity of its surroundings and the presence of commercial materials such as obsidian and turquoise make this destination a key point in the commercial routes of Mesoamerica.
Recovery fees: $90 for children over 12 years old. $25 for children under 12 years old.
How to get there:
From San Miguel de Allende, take the highway that goes to Celaya until the junction with highway 51 to continue in the direction of Guanajuato. After passing by the Ignacio Allende dam and later through the community of Agustin Gonzalez, a few minutes later you will find the access to the archaeological zone indicated (kilometer 10+800 of highway 51).
From Guanajuato, take highway 110 towards Juventino Rosas until the junction with highway 51 (at Don Sebastián) to continue towards San Miguel de Allende. Continue on highway 51 until you reach kilometer 10+800, where the access to the archeological zone is indicated.
Its urban layout reflects the cosmic cycles to which the lives of groups of farmers, who also practiced gathering and hunting, were linked.