Sarah & James
Things To Do
Cañada de la Virgen
This is a partially restored pyramid that's the most important pre-Hispanic site discovered in the region.
El Charco del Ingenio Jardín Botánico
This ecological preserve and botanical garden—the largest of its kind in Mexico—is home to hundreds of rare and endangered species, cacti, and succulents. There are walking paths, temescals (steam baths), picnic areas, a cafe, a shop, a nursery, and a greenhouse.
Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel
The parish church's pink 'wedding cake' towers dominate the Jardín. These strange pinnacles were designed by indigenous stonemason Zeferino Gutiérrez in the late 19th century. He reputedly 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.
Fabrica La Aurora
Renovated textile mill housing cafes, shops & galleries with works by local artists in many mediums.
San Miguel de Allende Public Library
Check out the incredible murals in this 18th century convent that is today a library. It is also a great place to find local music, art, and cooking events.
Guided Tours of Cultural Sites
For those of you interested in booking a guided tour of some of San Miguel's cultural sites, please visit the website to choose one of the many tours offered!
Bici Burro Bike Tours
Bici Burro is the premier mountain bike store in San Miguel and its owner, Alberto Martinez, leads fantastic bike tours throughout the countryside. His bike fleet is upgraded constantly and now has new 27-speed 29-inch bikes (the new standard in offroad riding). He is incredibly knowledgable about local trails and the environment. The rides can be easy or moderate, depending on your preference.
La Esquina Toy Museum
It's worth a trek up the hill to see the toys owner Angelica Tijerina has collected over the last fifty years. Focused primarily on the preservation and celebration of Mexican toys, there are four rooms where toys are displayed, sometimes in the air and strung across the stairwell. It's fanciful and educational at the same time. Various regions are highlighted, starting with Guanajuato. Classes and workshops for children are offered. It's unique and well worth the admission price. There's also a play space and small shop.
Mask Museum of San Miguel
This collection of more than 500 masks collected by the owners of Casa de la Cuesta B&B is the largest assembly you'll see in San Miguel. Nowhere else are there so many hisotric one-of-a-kind masks used in rituals, dances, and parades. They come from all over the country and there is a small group for sale. The museum also hosts visiting master weavers from Oaxaca who sell their high-quality hand-woven rugs and runners there.
Casa Dragones Tequila
There are very few tequilas in the league of Casa Dragones joven, very likely the best sipping tequila made. It is the pronounced favorite of world-famous chefs for its easy pairing with food and was named the Official Tequila of Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants. Oprah called it out as one of her favorite things, echoing Martha Stewart. Made exclusively in small batches, each bottle is hand-numbered and signed at the distillery in the town of Tequila, Jalisco. Visitors to the Casa Dragones, inside the former stables for the Dragones calvary battalion in the 17th century in San Miguel, can embark on a private tequila tasting.
Mercado de Artesanias
Mercado de Artesanias (The Artisan Market) is open daily from 9 am until 7 pm. Each stall is overloaded with hand-crafted items. Jewelry stalls sell pendants and rings, some of which are made from local stones such as Mexican jade or shaped like skulls. Hand-painted, traditional Mexican ceramics are piled high alongside hanging lamps and Oaxacan rugs and clothing. Even the souvenirs at touristy stalls are hand-painted. A cascade of hats falls from one man’s stall and live birds in cages are the feature of another. Mercado de Artesanias stretches from a large undercover area, in which there is a mix of craft stalls and food stalls selling local honey, handmade sweets and medicinal herbs.
ATV Tours
Explore San Miguel de Allende on a four wheeler!