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Where is San Miguel de Allende?

📌 San Miguel de Allende is located in the state of Guanajuato in central Mexico. It’s an easy three-hour drive from CDMX or just under ninety minutes from Guanajuato City. The delightful Queretaro City is also just one hour away.

So What Are The Best Day Trips From San Miguel de Allende?

Given that San Miguel de Allende is an extremely popular vacation destination, you can imagine that it has a vast array of hotels and guesthouses to suit all budgets. Once you’ve spent a day or two getting to know San Miguel de Allende and an evening or two sampling the excellent nightlife there then it’s time to rent a car and start exploring outside the city. Don’t worry if you don’t want to rent a car because I have also included links to some awesome tour options for each place I’ve recommended.

Day Trip to Mineral de Pozos

 

⭐️ Mineral de Pozos isn’t especially well known but once I stumbled across a mention of it on the internet I was obsessed. Truly. We planned our whole five-day trip to the San Miguel area based on the fact that I HAD to go to Mineral de Pozos as a day trip from San Miguel de Allende. (My family is apparently very accommodating of my travel needs, they sigh, laugh at me and then let me have my way more or less). 

📌 Like so many of Mexico’s cute little towns, Mineral de Pozos is a pueblo magico (so named by the government to attract visitors). This town was abandoned in the 1920s but it actually began life as a nomadic station for Indigenous groups. Once the Spanish arrived they founded a fort there to try and protect the silver of Zacatecas. They apparently didn’t realise what was available right under the ground here until later. At its height, over 70,000 people lived in town working in the mines.

Today it’s a small town with a  small population but it is absolutely trying to attract visitors. The town square is gorgeous and there are many cute shops that are well worth checking out. Every year there is a Mariachi Festival during the last week of April. I can’t imagine much I’d enjoy more than a Mariachi festival.

What to do in Mineral de Pozos

In our one day here we crammed  A LOT in! If you prefer a slower pace then, of course, you could stay in one of the few hotels in town.

Visiting the Lavender Fields of Mineral de Pozos as a Day Trip from San Miguel de Allende

📌 The lavender fields are just outside of Mineral de Pozos and can be visited as part of a tour from San Miguel or alone if you’re visiting with your own transport.

📌 My family just loved prancing and shoving our faces in the lavender. The kids loved the playgrounds and we all enjoyed trying the various homemade lavender-flavoured foods and beer they sell on site here.

📌 You can actually stay on the farm, which I wish I’d known in advance as it looks gorgeous. 

Visiting The Mines of Mineral de Pozos

📌 There are many mines around town and you essentially have three options for visiting them:

1. Take a tour from San Miguel de Allende.
2. Drive yourself to Mineral de Pozos and pick up the town’s tour bus.
3. Take your chances on what’s open and drive yourself around (we chose this option).

 

📌 Ex-hacienda Santa Brigida: We began here since this is one of the most famous mines in the area. The drive to reach the hacienda is spectacular and was almost as much fun as visiting the mine (almost, not quite). If you’re feeling short on cash you can see the famous pyramid-shaped Jesuit ovens from outside but it is well worth paying the 80-ish pesos each to see the whole site – there’s a lot to see. 

We went for the ovens but stayed for the Arcos Magicos and you must too. It took us a while to find them but once we did we spent ages wandering around, grinning inanely and letting the kids run (just around us as obviously there are open mine pits). The arches are part of the ventilation system. They’re lovely and shaded and really extremely beautiful to see. 

📌 Cinco Señores: This ex-hacienda/mine says it’s open on Google but when we got there was absolutely closed and from what I hear, we aren’t the only people to experience this. We were extremely lucky though as while we were standing outside the gate pondering our options (you know what we were thinking, don’t pretend you don’t) the tour bus drove up and a  guide unlocked the gate. I had a quick chat with the guides and they kindly let us inside too. And wow, are we glad they did for this huge compound full of ruined buildings is just fascinating. We had so much fun exploring here. If you can find a way in, please do take it (I mean legally. Don’t climb over the gate).

Also around Cinco Señores are other mines and a field full of old train carriages that you can’t visit but can admire from outside. The views are stunning in this area. 

📌 El Triangulo: We also didn’t manage to get in here but we wandered around outside hoping someone would come and let us in. They did not. 

📌 Mine Tours: We’d hoped to do an actual mine tour at Cinco Señores but since we were kind of clandestinely in, we didn’t have that option. Instead, we found an open mine in town that was offering tours. People appear to have mines in their gardens. The tour itself was on a pay-as-you-please basis. After a chat about minerals with the store owner, we headed into the back with tools in hand. I have no idea if everyone is given tools or if it was just my son’s love of minerals that got them for us. My son was very excited when we were told that anything we mined we could keep. The tour itself was short but fun and we did not mine anything (obviously). 

🍽 Where to Eat in Mineral de Pozos

We ate a great meal in Mineros Restaurante. It was strangely difficult to find though. We found the location on the map and it got good reviews so we went in. We were only given a cake menu and when we asked about real food we were walked across the plaza and ushered inside another restaurant that is obviously linked to them but doesn’t appear to be on maps. It has a menu outside the door and the setting is absolutely perfect. Everything was delicious and the staff were very friendly. Highly recommend following this confusion!

Take a Day Trip to Dolores de Hidalgo

⭐️ You absolutely must visit the city of Dolores de Hidalgo. It is the most delightful place and we wished we’d had longer to explore. If I go again I’d definitely stay overnight. As it is we took a walk around, checked out the main church, very much enjoyed the atmosphere on the plaza, and ate a lot. 

📌 The city’s official name is Dolores de Hidalgo Cuna de la Independencia Nacional. You can see why the official name isn’t used so much, right?  Dolores de Hidalgo is famous for two things: the first is that it was the birthplace of Mexican independence. The town was known just as Dolores until the priest, Hidalgo, uttered his famous ‘Grito de Dolores’ (cry for independence) from here. After independence was won, the city changed its name to honour him. 

🍦 The second most famous thing about Dolores de Hidalgo is its dedication to ice cream and weird ice cream at that. My family is extremely happy to try weird stuff so we were in our element and actually left disappointed that we only had space and time for two ice creams each. 

🍦 We began at Los Garcas and between us, we tried:  lavender, bubble gum, borracha (a type of cactus ice cream) and dulce de leche with nuts. We found ourselves in conversation with the owner who then brought out a very strong mezcal ice cream for us to try. 

🍦 After a little pause, we headed to Helados el More on the plaza to try: prawn and octopus, avocado, more lavender and strawberry. We would have added red wine and carrot had we had more space (we had a taste of the carrot and it was amazing).  Highly recommend trying out the wild flavours as some of them you’ll never see anywhere else. 

What To Do In Dolores de Hidalgo

📌 Apart from eating ice cream, there’s plenty to enjoy in Dolores de Hidalgo. As you might imagine, most of the activities in Dolores de Hidalgo focus around Mexico’s independence (Independence Day, by the way, is 16th September, not 5th May. Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of the Battle of Puebla and is really only celebrated in Puebla and the USA)

1. Be sure to talk a walk around town as the plazas are lovely. Check out the decorated lamp posts!
2. Stop and admire the Jardín del Gran de Hidalgo. This is the main plaza and it is home to the statue of Hidalgo seen above. There are many ice cream stands on the plaza. Locals love to sit and watch the world go by here.
3. Casa de la Visitas. This is a house linked to the insurgents and Dolores. Today it is used to house dignitaries who come to town to hear the Grito on 16th September.
4. Casa Hidalgo Museum
5. National Independence Museum
6. Visit the colourful tomb of José Alfredo Jiminez, a famous Mexican singer.
7. Stop in the souvenir and artisan shops and markets to buy local products that included fabulous ceramics (my favorite coffee mug comes from here).
8. Visit the Wine Museum (Museo de Vino de Guanajuato) and even taste some local wines.

Where to Eat in Dolores de Hidalgo

We ate in El Fruty, just off the Plaza Grande. The restaurant is in a courtyard so it’s nice and airy. Prices are extremely reasonable and the food was great. Highly recommended. 

Explore Mexico Lindo Vintage Yard

⭐️ On Route 51 between San Miguel and Dolores de Hidalgo (direction Dolores de Hidalgo), you’ll find the most wonderful Mexico Lindo Vintage Yard. It is the most fascinating place full of old movie props and other bits and pieces. It really has to be seen to be understood. Do not miss it.

Atotonilco

⭐️ This tiny town is famous for being a pilgrimage town and the church has incredible biblical paintings all over it. Sadly, the church was closed for covid when we tried to visit. 

Explore the Thermal Pools Around San Miguel

⭐️ There are quite a few thermal pools options in the area. We went to Escondido Place. From my very spoiled vantage point, it wasn’t worth it basically because we live in Mérida, Yucatán, where it is very hot and where we have plenty of access to outstanding natural water options. For us, it wasn’t really warm enough to be in water outside and the water wasn’t warm enough to make it a magical Icelandic Blue Lagoon experience. Other people really seem to enjoy these places so I guess we just weren’t in the right mood.

Charco del Ingenio (Botanical Gardens)

⭐️ Just outside of San Miguel de Allende are the Botanical Gardens and I can not stress enough how incredibly wonderful they are. We fell in love with this place and I highly recommend you visit. This nature preserve is huge (70 hectares) and you can have a real adventure here. It runs alongside the reservoir, Presa Las Colonias, which makes for spectacular views. The collection of cacti and other succulents is wonderful and if you like insects then you’ll be fascinated. Absolutely don’t forget to stop at the cafe/shop because it has a lovely selection of items and the cafe has AMAZING ice cream (sandwiches looked good but we only had ice cream).

If, like me, you love Botanical Gardens, I highly recommend checking out the one in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas. With this one it beats every other I’ve ever seen.

Take a Day Trip to Guanajuato

⭐️ With its incredibly colourful houses, hilly, steep roads, and twisting tunnels, Guanajauto is like nowhere you’ve ever visited before. Everywhere you look there are perfect plazas, ornate churches, sculptures and museums. Guanauato is a feast for the eyes and the brain. If you can’t get there under your own steam, there are many tours from San Miguel de Allende available.

Guanajuato, of course, is better visited over a few days if possible because there is just so much to see and do in this gorgeous city. If you do have time, why not find a hotel and stay a day or two?

What to do in Guanajuato

1. Mummy Museum – this fascinatingly strange museum is home to modern(ish) mummies. The oldest body was dug up in 1865 and the newest is from the 1960s. It’s an interesting place and definitely deserves a moment of your time.
2. El Pípila Monument – up above the town stands the enormous monument to Pípila, the hero of Guanajuato. You can either ride the funicular or walk up the hundreds of steps. I walked because I love a challenge. The views and the street art made it well worth walkin in my opinion.
3. Museo de la Alhóndiga de Granaditas – This was my favourite museum in Guanajuato by far. It was originally a granary but a year after its completion in 1809, this incredible building became a landmark of the War of Independence. If you look up when walking around the building, you’ll see the names of the leaders of the revolution high up on top.
4. Teatro Juarez – apparently this is the second most beautiful building in Mexico after the Bellas Artes in CDMX (and wow is that a stunning building). It was built by Antonio Rivas Mercado and was inaugurated by Porfirio Dias in 1903. From the columned facade to the stained glass window bar to the intricate red and gold theatre, everything will have you exclaiming in wonder.
5. Callejon del Beso – this landmark point is a favourite with the Instagrammers. Join the lines and get your photo taken here.
6. Museo Casa Diego Rivera – this is the house in which the famous muralist was born. It’s pretty interesting.
7. Museo Iconografico del Quijote – Guanajuato has a fascinating relationship with Don Quixote. This museum is dedicated to art inspired by Don Quixote.

There was a professor at the university who always made his students read Cervantes and then perform a play based on their reading. This professor had a huge impact on the city of Guanajuato. His students’ annual play was the inspiration for the now world famous annual Cervantino festival that is held every year in Guanajuato. And because of this festival and the inpouring of visitors, the city’s public water and sewage system was upgraded to cover all homes and the houses were painted the joyful colours they are today.

Guanajuato loves a party and it seems as if October is THE month to be there for the party since the Cervantino Festival blends seamlessly into Día de los Muertos here.

Take a Day Trip to Querétaro

A short drive from San Miguel de Allende is Querétaro, a quieter and less visited city that is slowly becoming more popular with visitors to central Mexico. Thus far though, it remains kind of quiet and therefore, a joy to visit. Don’t miss out on a visit to this UNESCO World Heritage town.

If you don’t have a car, never fear for there are many tours from San Miguel going to Queretaro. And, again, if you can, stay overnight but if you can’t, a day trip to Querétaro will be just fine.

What to do in Querétaro

1. Visit El Cerrito Archaeological site – this Toltec site dates from 300 BCE and there is a pretty impressive pyramid and museum to peruse.
2. Aqueduct – this is obviously one of Querétaro’s most famous landmarks. Head to the mirador for the best views but it’s also fun to drive around an find it right next to you.
3. Explore Queretaro’s Centro – it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site Monumental Zone. You will not manage to see all 1400 monuments but take a walk around Jardín Zenea as a good starting point.
4. Templo de San Francisco de Asis – this striking red church is one of the most beautiful churches in Queretaro and with the statue of the Dancing Chimicheca next to it, makes for a great photo (see above).
5. Plaza de los Fundadores and Templo y Convento de la Santa Cruz – when the Spanish arrived in the area (early 1500s) the Otomis sided with them in the hopes of getting rid of the Aztecs. While the two sides were battling there was a solar eclipse, which was interpreted as a sign of the Christian god’s power by the Aztecs who promptly surrendered. The temple was erected on the site of the battle and the city (Santiago de Queretaro) was established there in 1531.

Other Highly Recommended Day Trips From San Miguel De Allende

1. Visit La Cañada de la Virgen Pyramid – a recently uncovered Otomi complex
2. Explore Coyote Canyon on horseback
3. Visit Finca Serena and learn about San Miguel’s olive growing scene
4. Vineyard tour with wine tasting

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do I need in San Miguel de Allende?

If you just want to see San Miguel de Allende then two days is the minimum but if you want to see the surrounding region (which of course you do now you’ve read this article), you could base yourself in San Miguel for a week and be busy every day.

Is it better to stay in San Miguel de Allende or in Guanajuato?

That really depends on you and your needs. If you have any mobility issues at all then San Miguel is a better option as Guanajuato is extremely steep and there are many stairs to climb to get around.

When is the best time to visit San Miguel de Allende?

San Miguel is popular all year round. Easter and Christmas will be very busy with tourists. It can be very hot in the summer but is still visitable. Between November and April sees the best weather. When you go, of course, impacts what you pack.

How safe is San Miguel de Allende?

San Miguel de Allende is very safe. It ranks alongside Mérida as one of the safest cities in Mexico.

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