Explore San Miguel
Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel
San Miguel's most recognizable sight and its parish church, characterized by pink 'wedding cake' towers that soar above the town. Located in the main square of San Miguel, it boasts some of the best people-watching. These pinnacles were designed by indigenous stonemason Zeferino Gutiérrez in the late 19th century, and it's said that he based the design on a postcard of a Belgian church and instructed builders by scratching plans in the sand with a stick. The rest of the church dates from the late 17th century. You can't (and won't) miss it—because we’re getting married here!
Attractions You Can Walk To
SMA is a walking town. The limited traffic crawls at a snail's pace—pedestrians always have the right of way. The single best thing = wander & explore. If a door is open, poke your head inside-chances are you'll encounter something beautiful & unexpected. • Trolley tour: experienced bilingual guides +52 415 152 6305 • Art tour with Arturo through local artists’ shops: Trip Advisor. • City Walking Tour: Mon-Wed-Fri, 9:45a–meet in Jardin across from Parroquia. 2.5 hrs. +52 415 152 7796 • Pedro Friederberg Gallery--one of Mexico’s greatest living artists • Street Mural walking tour: Mon-Th-Fri 10-12pm, meet at Fabrica Aurora street entrance • Yoga at Casa Shala, Callejón Arias 7A La Palmita +52 415 100 0850 • Mountain bike tours with Bici Burro 011-52-415 152 1526 • Cooking classes with Alicia Wilson Rivera at Pura Vida +52 415 104 5923 • Art classes at Instituto Allende: +52 415 152 0929 • Cooking classes family-style dinner, local wine, margs. Chef Gaby Green www.chefgabygreen.com
Cultural and Historical Activities
Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel Sanctuary of Atotonilco Cañada de la Virgen El Jardín Charco del Ingenio Juárez Park Museo Casa Ignacio Allende (Museo Histórico) Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramírez El Nigromante (Bellas Artes) Fábrica La Aurora Templo de San Francisco El Mirador Templo de la Inmaculada Concepción Learn More at the NAT GEO website listed below.
Jardín Allende
The central square of town, the Jardin Principal is the “heart” of San Miguel de Allende that bustles with activity at all hours. On the south side of the square is the iconic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, with its Gothic style towers and its pink façade. Balloon and hat vendors mingle with wedding parties and mariachi musicians as tourists and locals stroll the rod iron benches. Friends meet here to find out about the latest gossip or just to watch people and pass the time. There are regular tours of the historic buildings located around the plaza, including the home of Ignacio Allende, who was one of the main characters of the War of Independence of Mexico. The cobblestone streets surrounding the Jardin are filled with shops for tourists, restaurants, coffee shops, markets and galleries.
Ignacio Ramírez Market
Open daily from 10am to 6pm. The Mercado Artisans, a short walk down Homobono is the perfect place to see an array of handmade work of local artisans as well as to get fresh fruit and fresh and cooked vegetables. Artwork in brass, wool, quarry and mesquite wood carving, papier mache, glass, obrajería, goldsmithing and ceramics abound. There are many different items here - pottery, jewelry, some clothes, folk art, herbal remedies, embroidered throw pillow covers, shawls, leather goods, masks, bound journals, mirrors and hanging light fixtures and pewter ware. Prices are reasonable, and vendors distribute grilled sweetcorn to passers-by. The energy is pure San Miguel de Allende
Fabrica la Aurora
Open daily from 10am to 6pm (5pm on Sun.). What was once a textile Factory, is today the ‘La Aurora’ Cultural Arts and Design Center, home to canvases, sculptures and artisanal craftwork made by the great artists who live in San Miguel. The Aurora Factory’s walls have transformed to shelter canvas paintings, arts and crafts where giant looms once stood, replacing and enhancing their fame. The factory’s halls are filled with Modern Art galleries, designer furniture and interior design stores, along with antiques, jewelry, embroidery and restaurants. Here, renowned artists from Mexico and around the world can find over a decade of history, creating a space where they can develop their creativity and show their work. The atmosphere at La Aurora has continued to draw new creators who add to the corridors as they join distinguished artists such as Peter Leventhal, Juan Ezcurdia, Ricardo García and Santiago Corral in dedicating part of their career to expressing their passions here.
THE MAYAN BATHS
Road to Xote A alone, San Miguel de Allende, Gto. 37880, Mexico, +52 415 101 0045 The most dramatic hot springs in the area. Arrive early. They are open only on weekends and have limited capacity - call in advance or send them a WhatsApp to book. [Chat on WhatsApp +52 415 101 004 510] minutes from downtown SMA. Mayan Baths Underground Pools: A Sanctuary of exclusive mineral and thermal waters in San Miguel de Allende. Discover these exclusive underground, thermal, natural, and mineral pools. Live this experience through stone, quartz, and crystal tunnels illuminated with more than 100 candles. Contemplate beautiful sunsets from its outdoor pools and gardens.
La Gruta Spa
Hot springs
Escondido Hot Springs
Next door to La Gruta hot springs, off Dolores Highway. La Gruta is a bit nicer, but go to Escondido to avoid crowds.
Coyote Canyon Adventures
Hot air balloons (a really big thing in SMA!), traditional Temazcal or sweat lodge, ATVs, bird watching, flight lessons, horseback riding, hiking, rappelling, climbing, nature tours—also archeological tours of Cañada de la Virgin.
Cooking Class with Paco Cardenas
El Petit Four, Jesús 2-B, Centro, C.P. 37700, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato C.P. 37700, Mexico, +52 (415) 154 4010 Originally from Mexico City, Paco has lived in San Miguel for 15 years where he owns and operates the finest bakery-patisserie in town, Petit Four. By appointment, Paco will conduct cooking classes for small groups. It all starts with Paco's tour of the San Miguel de Allende Marketplace where everything you need is being sold by the local farmers who grow it. Email to inquire about class schedules and booking: pacopos3@yahoo.com
Sense Spa at the Rosewood
Nemesio Diez 11, Colonia Centro, San Miguel de Allende, GTO 37700, Mexico Sense, A Rosewood Spa® is inspired by San Miguel de Allende's recognized positive energy and Mexican healing traditions with indigenous ingredients. Rosewood also offers short-term gym memberships, including access to their pool and tennis courts.
Hotel Matilda Spa
A unique spa in San Miguel de Allende, famous for its charm and singularity, where guests discover therapies focused on beauty and relaxation of the body, mind, and spirit. The specialties of the spa are rituals inspired by five points of wellness — Energy · Focus · Recovery · Radiance · Decompression. OPEN DAILY, 9am – 8pm CLOSED TUESDAY
Ventanas de San Miguel Golf & Resort
Highly recommended if golf is your thing. Reservations can be made via the link below or at +52 (415) 688 0061 ext. 105
Malanquín Golf Club
Tuesday - Saturday: 6:30 am to 9:00 pm Sunday: 7 am to 7 pm Monday: Closed Questions: email recepcion@malanquin.com.mx
Dôce 18 Concept House
The destination located in the heart of downtown San Miguel that brings together the best in design, fashion, art, gastronomy and hospitality in an unparalleled experience that awakens the senses, the aromas, the textures, the flavors and the sounds. All in one place.
La Casa Dragones
Amazing (like, really, really good) tequila tasting in one of the original homes of San Miguel de Allende. A must!
Vineyards (In Mexico?! Yes! In Mexico!)
SMA has several vineyards. A summary of the most popular are listed for you below.
Viñedos San Lucas
Stunning Property with wine tastings and vineyard tours. Santissima Trinidad and Viñedos San Lucas are sister vineyards that act as dual real estate and wine projects on the road between San Miguel and Dolores Hidalgo — a luxury residential complex where the vineyard is run by the development’s management. Their aim is boutique production of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo, Carmenere, and Caladoc grapes, as well as growing olive trees and lavender plants. A personalized tasting on the property, surrounded by the smell of lavender, makes it an experience nobody should miss. You'll want to call ahead to get a tour! While the restaurant on site is nothing to write home about food-wise, my goodness you'll feel like you're in Jurassic Park with the views, and the wine doesn't hurt.
Viñedo Dos Buhos
Formally a cattle ranch, Dos Buhos now incorporates local art, history, and beauty into its design and location. They produce around 5,000 bottles a year using organic farming techniques, manual harvesting, and the introduction of natural yeasts with no preservatives in the fermentation process. However, Dos Buhos’ tiny annual production means their wine can only be found in local stores and restaurants. They produce two white wines: Moscato Gialo and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as a few reds: Grenache, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Aglianico. Tours of the vineyard can be arranged Monday through Friday from 10am to 2pm for 350 pesos per person. They are incredibly friendly at Dos Buhos!
Vinícola Toyan
Rancho Toyan is both a vineyard and a ranch growing various types of organic produce. They offer 6 different wines: a 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, 2013 Sauvignon Blanc, 2013 Merlot, a 2011 Merlot-Cabernet blend, 2014 Chardonnay-Sauvignon Blanc, and a 2015 Sauvignon Blanc. Take a tour of their underground, eerily-lit wine cave, but don’t forget to also tour the grounds and arrange a wine tasting well in advance. Their wines are available at local San Miguel stores like Via Organic and Natura.
Cuna de Tierra
They offer numerous different tours and food and wine pairings. Beautiful property. Designed by the architects Ignacio Urquiza Seoane and Bernardo Quinzaños Oria, from the Center for Architectural Collaboration. The project works on the link between the site and the particular needs of the wine production processes, focusing on the material and the structure where it can be contained. The winery has been the recipient of different awards: Best industrial project at the Architecture Biennial of Mexico City Icons of Mexican Design by Architectural Digest magazine Silver medal at the XIII Biennial of Mexican Architecture WhatsApp: 415 181 7691 Mon-Sat 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Rancho Via Organica
A Mexican non-profit organic ranch. Have a tour and eat at their restaurant!