San Miguel de Allende is a charming town that seamlessly blends a picturesque colonial townscape with elements of a cosmopolitan city. Once a thriving mining hub, it was one of the major cities of the Silver Belt, a region that produced most of the silver in New Spain. This critical commercial route extended from Zacatecas to Mexico City. Today, San Miguel de Allende is known for its artistic and cultural scene.
The Historic City Center is teeming with architectural gems from the 17th and 19th centuries, showcasing lavish interior designs. The essence of San Miguel de Allende’s townscape is defined by its narrow cobblestone streets and elegant colonial architecture.
San Miguel de Allende is a stunning destination, it is often regarded as the most beautiful city in Mexico by many!
San Miguel de Allende is a stunning destination, it is often regarded as the most beautiful city in Mexico by many!
Touristic Attractions
San Miguel Arcángel Parish
The parish of San Miguel Arcángel was erected in the late 17th century. It was originally designed in a Baroque-style architecture with two majestic belltowers on each side. However, in 1880, it underwent a radical transformation when Don Zeferino Gutiérrez Muñoz, a self-taught architect from San Miguel de Allende, was commissioned to renovate the facade.
Don Zeferino drew inspiration from drawings and postcards of famous European cathedrals, resulting in the intricate neo-gothic design of the San Miguel Arcángel Parish that we see today.
For those who love photography and culture, this impressive architectural masterpiece is a destination that you won’t want to miss!
Phone: 415 152 0544
Address: Principal S/N, Zona Centro
Website: https://www.sanmiguelarcangelsma.org/
Social media: N/A
Sanctuary of Jesús De Nazareno
Set amid a valley brimming with thorny shrubs, cacti, mesquites and natural springs, the Sanctuary of Jesús de Nazareno in the Atotonilco community, stands as a site of profound spiritual significance and a fine exemplar of New Spanish Baroque art. The mural paintings inside—or frescoes— showcase exceptional artistry and a fervent devotion to the Catholic faith. The lavish interior design and ornaments are in direct contrast with the simpler exterior.
Legend has it that Father Luis Felipe Neri de Alfaro, after a long day of preaching, decided to rest under a mesquite tree. In his dreams, he saw the image of Jesus Christ himself. He instructed Father Luis Felipe Neri to build a church at that very place where people could express their faith and repent for their sins. And so it was on May 3, 1740, that a ceremony was held to set the first foundational stone for the church.
On July 20, 1748, the bell tower, sacristy, and main nave were completed. The precious image of Jesus of Nazareth was then ceremoniously positioned at the altar. The congregation gathered to witness this momentous event, with Father Manuel de Villegas presiding over the ceremony.
Phone: 415 185 2160
Address: Santuario de Jesús de Nazareno de Atotonilco, Calle Principal s/n.
Website: https://www.santuariodeatotonilco.org/
Social media: N/A
Allende House Museum
This magnificent building was once the residence of General Ignacio Allende, a hero of the Mexican War of Independence. Its luxurious facade boasts elaborate details made of stone and wrought iron. It stands as a fine exemplar of the opulent Baroque style, which was reserved for the wealthy elite of the 18th century.
The museum offers an insight into General Allende’s achievements as a combatant and tactician; it also showcases items related to the El Bajío’s historical and archaeological heritage.
Phone: 415 152 2499
Address: Cuna de Allende 1, Zona Centro.
Website: N/A
Social media: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057360583265
Cañada de la Virgen Archaeological Site
At first glance, the edifications present on this site appear to be of Nahuatl origin; however, after further examination of the archaeological evidence, experts in the field determined the city was inhabited by the Otomi civilization.
This archaeological site consists of five remarkable architectural ensembles, three of which are open to exploration.
Ensemble A: The House of Thirteen Heavens consists of a sixteen-meter-high pyramid, a sunken patio and three platforms.
Ensemble B: The House of the Longest Night comprises structures like a pyramidal base, a sunken patio and various platforms. These structures were likely used for both ritualistic purposes and everyday life.
Ensemble D: The House of the Wind is a large three-tier circular structure.
Cañada de la Virgen is a fascinating place that reveals the ancient culture and astronomy of the Otomi civilization.
Phone: 415 109 2466
Address: Carretera San Miguel de Allende – Guanajuato, Km 9.5
Website: https://cultura.guanajuato.gob.mx/index.php/canada-de-la-virgen/
Social Media:
El Charco Del Ingenio Botanical Garden
This nature reserve and botanical garden is located on the outskirts of San Miguel de Allende; it is dedicated to the conservation and restoration of Mexico’s flora. As a vital part of its conservation strategy, the garden cultivates and reproduces endangered native plant species.
The reserve encompasses a vast expanse of land, and is home to different species of cacti, agaves and succulent plants. It is also a sanctuary for native and migratory avian species. The winding paths and trails in the area present a great opportunity for a thorough exploration of the stunning scenery. The rugged terrain creates rocky outcrops and steep cliffs, which are ideal for climbing enthusiasts seeking an adrenaline-packed experience.
For those who prefer a more relaxed encounter with nature, there are plenty of activities to enjoy: from bird watching to visiting the old windmill or exploring the remnants of an old hacienda.
Immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance of the Charco Del Ingenio Botanical Garden!
Phone: 415 154 4715
Address: Paloma S/N, Las Colonias, San Miguel de Allende.
Website: https://elcharco.org.mx/
Social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elcharcodelingenio
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elcharco_del_ingenio/
Ignacio Ramírez Cultural Center
The cultural center is named after Ignacio Ramírez, a Mexican writer and journalist, who was also known by his pseudonym “El Nigromante”, which means “The Necromancer” in Spanish. During the year, the center hosts a variety of conferences, workshops, concerts, and temporary exhibitions, aiming to bring the arts to new and diverse audiences.
Throughout forty-six years of existence, the center has been a bridge between classical art forms and innovation, while strictly adhering to the initiatives and objectives set forth by the National Institute of Fine Arts, always striving to further enrich the cultural legacy of Guanajuato.
A destination for musicians, visual artists, writers and all forms of creators, San Miguel de Allende is a hub of creativity, bringing together artists from every corner of the country and the world.
Phone: 415 152 0289
Address: Calle del Dr Ignacio Hernandez Macias 75, Centro.
Website: N/A
Social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BellasArtesSMA/
Adventure Park
Located in the Aguila Cola Roja Canyon, this park offers a thrilling adventure amid a vibrant scenery teeming with wildlife. From the top of the canyon, you can enjoy panoramic vistas, zipline over a rocky cliff and cross a hanging bridge.
For those who enjoy ground adventures, the park also offers activities such as: ATV rides, horseback riding, cycling, trekking and camping.
Phone: 415 121 2291
Address: Club Colonial, San Miguel de Allende, Gto.
Website: https://www.parquedeaventurasanmiguel.com/
Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tirolesas_sma/?hl=es-la
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParquedeAventuraSanMiguel/
Coyote Canyon Adventures
Coyote Canyon Adventures is a family-owned business, established in 2000, that offers unique guided tours for visitors to explore the natural beauty of San Miguel de Allende’s countryside.
Our experienced tour guides will take you through canyons, rivers, rocky trails, and plains. They have ample knowledge of the flora and fauna of the region.
We offer:
- Horse riding tours, ranging from a 2-hour experience to weekly adventures.
- Tours to archaeological sites.
- Hot air balloon rides
- ATV rides
- Rappelling
- Cycling adventures
- Trekking
- Camping
- Flight lessons
- Ultralight flying sessions.
- Parachute jumping
No previous experience is required, and every adventure is tailored to the group’s needs.
Phone: 415 154 4193
Address: Zacateros 54, Zona Centro.
Website: https://coyotecanyonadventures.com/
Social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Coyotecanyonadventuressma/?locale=es_LA
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/coyotecanyonadventures/?hl=es
Hot Air Balloon Rides in San Miguel
Soar to the skies with the sunrise and enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of San Miguel de Allende. This is an experience you will remember for years to come!
Phone: 415 120 3750
Address: Blvrd de la Conspiración, Arcos de San Miguel.
Website: http://vuelaenglobo.com/en/
Social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vuelaenglobo/?hl=es
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vuelaenglobosanmiguel/?locale=es_LA
Vuela en Globo San Miguel
Teléfono: 415 120 3750
Dirección: Blvrd de la Conspiración, Arcos de San Miguel.
Página Web: http://vuelaenglobo.com/en/
Redes Sociales:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vuelaenglobo/?hl=es
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vuelaenglobosanmiguel/?locale=es_LA
Descripción:
Elévate con el amanecer y disfruta el paisaje que se despliega frente a ti al atravesar lugares desde una vista completamente nueva. Los lugares pueden ser los mismos, la experiencia, no.
