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San Miguel de Allende Hotels, Resorts & Vacation Rentals
- Local Tours
- Horseback Riding & Ranches
Most of San Miguel's sightseeing highlights are clustered around the compact downtown area. This is a wonderful city for aimless wandering along its narrow cobbled lanes. Guided walking tours of the city are available. The Mercado is a pleasant place to shop and eat traditional meals. There is also a renowned music festival in December, The San Miguel Music Festival. Parque Juarez is an excellent park near downtown.
WHAT
TO
SEE
El Jardin
A visit to the city's lovely main plaza will quickly give you a feel for San Miguel's magic. Relax and watch the town at work and play. Make sure you are here in the evening when stolling musicians entertain the crowds.
The Jardin (main square) also known as Plaza Principal
Iglesia de San Francisco
A fine example of Mexico's Churrigueresque architecture. Built in the late 18th century on Juarez between San Francisco & Mesones.
Jardin Bótanico
One of the areas premiere botanical gardens. You'll find over 1,900 species and 5 miles of walking paths. The gardens are on a hill above town, just ask for directions. It is open daily sunrise-sunset and there is a small donation suggested.
La Parroquia
This pink, gothic-style parish church dominates the plaza with it's soaring sandcastle-like spires. It is one of Mexico's great treasures. The story says the church was designed by a self-taught Indian mason who was inspired by postcards of gothic European cathedrals. The original building dates to the late 17th century. |
La Parroquia on the main plaza |
Bellas Artes
Also known as El Nigromante Cultural Center is part museum, part artist showcase, and part arts school. It is housed in the former 18th century Convento de la Concepción at Macias #75.
Parque Juarez
A large shady park perfect for relaxing or strolling. The park is at
Aldama & Diezmo.
Templo del Oratorio de San Felipe Neri
A clash of architectural styles such as neoclassic, baroque and others provides for one unique church. The inside is wonderful. Found at Canal & Macias.
Mercado Ignacio Ramirez
This is the city's main market and is filled with both foods and goods. It is in front of Oratorio de San Felipe Neri.
SIDE
TRIPS
El Charco del Ingenio
El Charco del Ingenio is a nature preserve dedicated to the conservation, appreciation and enjoyment of its natural resources. Located on the outskirts of San Miguel de Allende, it consists of
approximately 250 acres of the town's Ecological Conservation Area.
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El Charco del Ingenio |
It is a space open to the public, a community gathering place, and a site of historical interest.
El Charco del Ingenio is the ancestral name of a pond nestled in a spectacular canyon where native plants and diverse natural ecosystems flourish. Among the vegetation are remains of aqueducts, dams, haciendas, and old factories of past centuries.
Open daily from dawn to sunset. Admission is 30 pesos. Children under 10 free. For more information, see www.elcharco.org.mx.
Dolores Hidalgo
On September 16, 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla shouted a cry for independence, "El Grito de Dolores", from Spain here in Dolores Hidalgo. Thus began Mexico's independence movement. The town is considered the birthplace of independence and Father Hidalgo is considered the 'father of the revolution' throughout Mexico. Today, Dolores Hidalgo is a small village known for it's crafts such as talavera and various types of pottery. It is a perfect day trip for visitors from San Miguel (40 kms. away), but it also offers nice, small hotels and inns if you wish to stay over. It is on the way to Guanajuato (50 kms away).
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