San Miguel de Allende and the Heartland
We’ve compiled the best of the best in San Miguel de Allende and the Heartland - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. El Charco del Ingenio
San Miguel's botanical garden has an extensive variety of Mexican cacti and succulents collected from different parts of the country. The area is protected from...
San Miguel's botanical garden has an extensive variety of Mexican cacti and succulents collected from different parts of the country. The area is protected from encroachment by an ecological reserve of 445 acres and was visited by the Dalai Lama, who declared El Charco one of the five "zones of peace" in Mexico. A garden area will introduce you to some of the 120 varieties of agaves that grow here. The reserve is huge and has special pathways for walking, running, and mountain biking. If you don't have MX$40 (or are with your dog, which is not allowed in the garden), the adjacent Parque Landeta has nice walking paths as well. Twice a month, during full and new moon phases, it opens the temazcales, ritual herbal steam baths (MX$250). If you're driving up Salida a Querétaro from El Centro, turn left at the traffic circle and follow the signs to the main entrance. A taxi will cost about MX$45.
Paloma s/n, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, 37700, Mexico415-154–4715Sight Details
Rate Includes: MX$40, MX$80 with guided tour, Daily 9–6 -
2. Plaza Vasco de Quiroga
El CentroA tranquil courtyard girded by towering, century-old ash and pine trees and 16th-century mansions (since converted into hotels and shops), the larger of the two...
A tranquil courtyard girded by towering, century-old ash and pine trees and 16th-century mansions (since converted into hotels and shops), the larger of the two downtown plazas commemorates the bishop who restored dignity to the Purépecha people. During the Spanish conquest, Nuño de Guzmán, a lieutenant in Hernán Cortés's army, committed atrocities against the local population in his efforts to conquer western Mexico. He was eventually arrested by the Spanish authorities, and in 1537 Vasco de Quiroga was appointed bishop of Michoacán. To regain the trust of the indigenous people, he established model villages in the area and promoted the development of artesanías (crafts) commerce among the Purépecha. Quiroga died in 1565, and his remains were consecrated in the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Salud.
Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, 61600, Mexico -
3. Teleférico
CentroThe only cable car in the world to cross an entire city, the Teleférico runs from Cerro del Grillo (Cricket Hill) above the Mina Edén...
The only cable car in the world to cross an entire city, the Teleférico runs from Cerro del Grillo (Cricket Hill) above the Mina Edén to Cerro de la Bufa. Though it crosses at the narrowest point, it showcases the city's magnificent panorama and baroque church domes and spires. It's worth the cost to get the ride up to Cerro de la Bufa, which is quite a climb otherwise.
Zacatecas, Zacatecas, 98000, Mexico492-922–5694Sight Details
Rate Includes: MX$50, Daily 10–5:45, weather permitting -
4. Alhóndiga de Granaditas
El CentroPreviously, this 18th-century grain-storage facility served as a jail under Emperor Maximilian and as a fortress during the War of Independence, where El Pípila helped...
Previously, this 18th-century grain-storage facility served as a jail under Emperor Maximilian and as a fortress during the War of Independence, where El Pípila helped the revolutionaries overcome the royalists. The hooks on which the Spanish Royalists hung the severed heads of Father Hidalgo, Ignacio Allende, and two other independence leaders still dangle on the exterior of this massive stone structure. It's now a state museum with exhibits on history, archaeology, and crafts.
Mendizábal 6, Guanajuato, Guanajuato, 36000, Mexico473-732–1112Sight Details
Rate Includes: MX$46; MX$30 camera fee, Tues.–Sat. 10–6, Sun. 10–3 -
5. Another Face of Mexico Mask Museum
El CentroAmateur anthropologist Bill LeVasseur shares with the public his collection of more than 500 ceremonial masks collected from all over Mexico. Since visits to this...
Amateur anthropologist Bill LeVasseur shares with the public his collection of more than 500 ceremonial masks collected from all over Mexico. Since visits to this private museum are by appointment only, LeVasseur or his wife, Heidi, will be on hand to talk about the masks as well as the folk art in the adjacent salon. Some of the masks and handicrafts are for sale; museum entrance fee goes to a local preschool.
Cuesta de San José 32, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, 37700, Mexico415-154–4324Sight Details
Rate Includes: MX$50, By appointment only -
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6. Basílica Colegiata de Nuestra Señora de Guanajuato
El CentroPainted in a striking marigold yellow, the 18th-century Basílica dominates Plaza de la Paz. Inside is Mexico's oldest Christian statue: a bejeweled 8th-century Virgin. The...
Painted in a striking marigold yellow, the 18th-century Basílica dominates Plaza de la Paz. Inside is Mexico's oldest Christian statue: a bejeweled 8th-century Virgin. The venerated figure was a gift from King Philip II of Spain in 1557. On the Friday preceding Good Friday, miners, accompanied by floats and mariachi bands, parade to the lovely baroque temple to pay homage to the Lady of Guanajuato.
Guanajuato, Guanajuato, 36000, Mexico473-732–0314Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Mon.–Sat. 9–9 -
7. Bellas Artes
El CentroOnce the cloister of the adjacent Convent of the Immaculate Conception, this impressive building has been an institute for the study of music, dance, and...
Once the cloister of the adjacent Convent of the Immaculate Conception, this impressive building has been an institute for the study of music, dance, and the visual arts since 1938. Renovated over a period of several years, it has an auditorium, bookstore-giftshop, and salons for rotating art exhibits. Cultural events are listed on a bulletin board at the entrance.
Calle Hernández Macías 75, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, 37700, Mexico415-152–0289Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Mon.–Sat. 10–6, Sun. 10–2 -
8. Biblioteca Pública
El CentroWithin the library complex are a lovely courtyard café, the offices of the English-language newspaper Atención San Miguel, and reading rooms with back issues of...
Within the library complex are a lovely courtyard café, the offices of the English-language newspaper Atención San Miguel, and reading rooms with back issues of popular publications and books in English. Movies, plays, lectures, and concerts are presented at its Santa Ana Theater. The bookstore sells gifts and souvenirs as well as books about Mexico and San Miguel, including those by local authors, in both English and Spanish. On Sunday at noon a two-hour house-and-garden tour (about $20) of San Miguel leaves from the library. Notices about such things as literary readings and yoga and aerobics classes are posted on the bulletin board in the library's entrance.
Insurgentes 25, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, 37700, Mexico415-152–0293Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Weekdays 10–7, Sat. 10–2, Sun. 10–noon -
9. Biblioteca Pública Gertrudis Bocanegra
El CentroThe architect and well-known painter and muralist Juan O'Gorman created a vast and wonderful mural depicting the history of the region and of the Purépecha...
The architect and well-known painter and muralist Juan O'Gorman created a vast and wonderful mural depicting the history of the region and of the Purépecha people in the back of this library in 1942. At the bottom right is Gertrudis Bocanegra, a local heroine who was shot in 1814 for refusing to divulge the revolutionaries' secrets to the Spaniards. The Biblioteca is on lively Plaza Chica.
Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, 61600, Mexico434-342–5441Sight Details
Rate Includes: Daily 9–6:30 -
10. Bocamina de San Ramón
A Valenciana mine near the church has one entrance at Bocamina de San Ramón, whose inexpensive tour you might call entry-level—you just head down 66...
A Valenciana mine near the church has one entrance at Bocamina de San Ramón, whose inexpensive tour you might call entry-level—you just head down 66 feet, look around, and pop back up.
Callejón de San Ramón 10, Guanajuato, Guanajuato, 36000, MexicoSight Details
Rate Includes: MX$30, Daily 10–5 or 6, depending on season and weather -
11. Casa de Ignacio Allende
El CentroConstructed in 1764, this house is the birthplace of Ignacio Allende, one of Mexico's great independence heroes. Allende was a Mexico-born aristocrat of Spanish blood...
Constructed in 1764, this house is the birthplace of Ignacio Allende, one of Mexico's great independence heroes. Allende was a Mexico-born aristocrat of Spanish blood who, along with Father Miguel Hidalgo, plotted in 1810 to overthrow the Spanish regime. He was captured and executed by the Spanish Royalists in 1811. As a tribute to his brave efforts, San Miguel El Grande was renamed San Miguel de Allende in 1826. The highlight of the museum is the second floor, with period rooms and furnishings including a kitchen, chapel, parlors, and bedrooms.
Cuna de Allende 1, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, 37700, Mexico415-152–2499Sight Details
Rate Includes: MX$43, Tues.–Sun. 9–5 -
12. Casa de las Artesanías del Estado de Michoacán
El CentroIn the 16th century, Vasco de Quiroga, the bishop of Michoacán, helped the Purépecha people develop artistic specialties so they could be self-supporting. At this...
In the 16th century, Vasco de Quiroga, the bishop of Michoacán, helped the Purépecha people develop artistic specialties so they could be self-supporting. At this two-story museum and store you can see the work that the Purépechas still produce: copper goods from Santa Clara del Cobre, lacquerware from Uruapan, straw items and pottery from Pátzcuaro, guitars from Paracho, fanciful ceramic devil figures from Ocumicho. Some of these items are showcased on the two main floors around the courtyard of the Museo Michoacana de las Artesanías, and artists demonstrate how they are made.
Fray Juan de San Miguel 129, Morelia, Michoacán, 58000, Mexico443-312–0848Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Daily 9–8 -
13. Catedral
Morelia's cathedral is a majestic structure built between 1640 and 1744. It's known for its 200-foot baroque towers, which are among Mexico's tallest, and its...
Morelia's cathedral is a majestic structure built between 1640 and 1744. It's known for its 200-foot baroque towers, which are among Mexico's tallest, and its 4,610-pipe organ.
Av. Madero, Morelia, Michoacán, 58000, Mexico443-312–2936Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
14. Catedral de Zacatecas
CentroThis is one of Mexico's finest interpretations of baroque style. It has three facades—the principal one dedicated to the Eucharist is best viewed from 2...
This is one of Mexico's finest interpretations of baroque style. It has three facades—the principal one dedicated to the Eucharist is best viewed from 2 to 6 pm, when the afternoon sun lights up the deeply sculpted reliefs. Inside, the 20-ton main altarpiece is bathed in 24-karat gold and has statues of 11 important saints, including the Virgin of the Assumption, to whom the cathedral is dedicated. It was completed in 2010, to replace more sober, neoclassical altar decorations that in the 19th century were installed to replace the original baroque altar.
Av. Hidalgo, Zacatecas, Zacatecas, 98000, Mexico492-922–6211Sight Details
Rate Includes: Mon.–Sat. 6:30–1 and 5–9, Sun. 6:30–3 and 5–10 -
15. Cavas Freixenet
If you have time, visit the nearby Cavas Freixenet, where inexpensive guided tours are offered daily. Several different options are available, although only one tour...
If you have time, visit the nearby Cavas Freixenet, where inexpensive guided tours are offered daily. Several different options are available, although only one tour offers tastings of several different wines.
Carretera San Juan del Río–Cadereyta, Km 40.5, Ezequiel Montes, Querétaro, Mexico441-277–0147 -
16. Cerro de la Bufa
Pancho Villa's definitive battle against dictator Victoriano Huerta occurred on this rugged hill, now a city landmark, in June 1914. The spacious Plaza de la...
Pancho Villa's definitive battle against dictator Victoriano Huerta occurred on this rugged hill, now a city landmark, in June 1914. The spacious Plaza de la Revolución, paved with three shades of pink Zacatecas stone, is crowned with huge statues of Mexican heroes. You can ride a zip line (MX$200 per person, or MX$300 for two) or have your photo taken dressed up like Pancho Villa (complete with antique rifle) and a soldadera (female soldier) companion, with outfits supplied by an enterprising young man. A walk up to the observatory gets you the best view of Zacatecas. Also on-site is the Sanctuario de la Virgen de Patrocinio, a chapel dedicated to the city's patron, and the Museo de la Toma de Zacatecas, which has a separate admission charge. Some folks take a cab up and the cable car back down to the city; others enjoy taking the cable car up to the site and walking back down.
Carretera La Bufa, Zacatecas, Zacatecas, 98000, Mexico492-922–8066-MuseumSight Details
Rate Includes: Free; cable car MX$50, zip line from MX$200, Daily 10–5 -
17. El Jardín
El CentroSan Miguel's heart, the plaza commonly known as El Jardín (the Garden), is where much of the town's action takes place, from live music to...
San Miguel's heart, the plaza commonly known as El Jardín (the Garden), is where much of the town's action takes place, from live music to dance presentations and fireworks on special occasions. You can get a real feel for the town just by sitting on one of its wrought-iron benches, where locals and expats alike enjoy the early-morning sunshine or the shade of the geometrically cut laurel trees on a hot afternoon. The Parroquia bells toll each quarter-hour, and at dusk the square fills with lovers smooching, men getting their shoes shined, roving musicians, and teenagers practicing break-dancing moves in the central kiosk.
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, 37700, Mexico -
18. El Pípila
El CentroA half-hour climb or short funicular ride from downtown is this statue of Juan José de los Reyes Martínez, a young miner and hero of...
A half-hour climb or short funicular ride from downtown is this statue of Juan José de los Reyes Martínez, a young miner and hero of the War of Independence of 1810. Nicknamed El Pípila, de los Reyes crept up to the Alhóndiga de Granaditas, where Spanish Royalists were hiding, and set the door ablaze. This enabled Father Hidalgo's army to capture the Spanish troops in this first major military victory for the independence forces. The monument has spectacular city views, as well as a clutch of souvenir and snack stands. Funiculars run daily from 9 to 9 from behind the Juárez Theater and cost MX$36 round-trip.
Guanajuato, Guanajuato, 36000, Mexico -
19. Fuente de Neptuno
El CentroRenowned Mexican architect and Bajío native Eduardo Tresguerras built this fountain in an orchard of the San Antonio monastery in 1797. According to one story,...
Renowned Mexican architect and Bajío native Eduardo Tresguerras built this fountain in an orchard of the San Antonio monastery in 1797. According to one story, the monks sold some of their land and the fountain along with it when they were facing serious economic problems. It now stands next to the Templo de Santa Clara.
Allende at Av. Madero, Queretaro, Querétaro, 76000, Mexico -
20. Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción
El CentroAdjacent to Bellas Artes cultural center this church—aka "Las Monjas" ("the nuns")—has one of the largest domes in Mexico. The two-story dome (completed in 1891)...
Adjacent to Bellas Artes cultural center this church—aka "Las Monjas" ("the nuns")—has one of the largest domes in Mexico. The two-story dome (completed in 1891) and the elegant Corinthian columns and pilasters gracing its drum are said to have been inspired by Paris's dome of the Eglise des Invalides. Zeferino Gutiérrez, the architect of La Parroquia, is credited with its design.
Calle Canal, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, 37700, Mexico415-152–0148
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