Tours near : San Miguel de Allende
Queretaro - 50 minutes away from sma (4 to 6 hour tour) The capital of the state of Querétaro is one of the most surprising colonial cities in the area. It has a very well preserved historical center with several magnificent old mansions and some of the country’s finest architecture. It is a lively and undiscovered city that is prettiest at night with its many plazas filled with bars and restaurants. It is said to be one of Mexico’s cleanest cities and in 1996 it was inscribed as a World Heritage Site because of its unique street plan and colonial monuments. Main sites of interests are the Church of San Francisco; the former monastery Museo Regional de Querétaro and the former market square Plaza de la Constitución. Don’t forget to shop for Mexican opals that are mined nearby.
Dolores Hidalgo - 30 minutes away from sma (4 to 6 hour tour) known for the talevera (hand painted ceramics) This is where Father Miguel Hidalgo delivered the famous “El Grito de Dolores,” the battle cry that began the Mexican War for Independence in 1810. The main square is beautifully preserved, with the rose-colored Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de los Dolores—the church where Hidalgo issued el grito on the north side. is known for its homemade ice cream and talavera tile.
Atotonilco, The main reason to stop in this pueblo 15 minutes north of San Miguel is to see the fascinating Sanctuary of Atotonilco, an important Mexican shrine and a United Nation’s World Heritage site. The walls and ceiling of the church and the six chapels, built in 1740, are adorned with intricate frescoes and folk murals.
Guanajuato - 1 hour away from sma (8 hour tour) this mining town, produced 35% of all the silver in the world back in the 17th hundreds, among other minerals. However, one of its most incredible natural wonders is the museum of the mummies. There you will be able to see the world's smallest mummy. This enchanted city has built its homes on the mountain side giving each colourful home a distinctive bright and happy look. This the birth town of Diego Rivera where he spent his childhood and now shows some wonderful painting of the artist.
Suggested pick up time at your home: 9:30 a.m. This tour begins with a spectacular view of the monument to El Pipila, a great hero in the fight for independence against Spain.
Morelia - (a day or overnight trip) the monarch butterfly in the winter or the art folk such as the alebrijes (woodcarving figures) dragon snakes etc..in the town of Paztcuaro and Zintzuntzan...
This is a two day, with one night in Morelia, located just 3 ½ hours from San Miguel and the second night in Patzcuaro, where we will visit Janitzio?s Island and Tzintzuntzan ,,,
Monarch Butterflies
The most beautiful and plentiful of the many visitors that come to Central Mexico in the winter is the glorious Monarch butterfly. In the mountains of the state of Michoacan, three to four hours south of San Miguel, are two butterfly sanctuaries open to the public. Hundreds of millions of Monarchs spend the winter clinging together in clumps that look like large growths of Spanish moss dripping from fir-tree branches. They come to this remote and high (10,000 feet) spot from all over the U.S. and Canada to hibernate and, as the weather warms, to mate. The mining town of Angangeuo is the closest staging point to both preserves. The best time for viewing the Monarchs is in February and early March.
Mexico City Pyramids - 3 hours away from sma (8 to 10 hour tour) imagine being transported 500 years back into history. Where the Aztecs lived, fought and disappeared. These massive pyramids in the honor of the Sun and the moon will take your breath away.
Teotihuacán, named by the Aztecs Indians is the place where men became gods. It is the most important archaeological site in all of Mexico.
Pozos - 50 minutes away from sma, is the rugged town of Pozos, officially known as Pozos de Mineral. For several centuries, Pozos produced an assortment of minerals, from silver to mercury, and the town, now mostly in ruins, has the mines to show for it. Recently, newcomers have begun renovating crumbled buildings, turning them into hotels, restaurants and art galleries. Pozos has been called by some the “Next San Miguel” and described as looking like San Miguel did 40 years ago. Spend the day walking the cobblestoned streets, exploring the mines and eating lunch in a shady courtyard of one of four delightful restaurants. click here for more info
patzcuaro michoacan, ( over night trip )This historical mountain town is an easy 3 hour drive from san miguel de allende. Many historical fountains adorn the city. A multitude of churches, plazas and shrines make this a truly great historical destination. Patzcuaro is famous for its sidewalk cafes and great restaurants. Small and large market places line the plazas and ancient side streets. Woven tablecloths, trays, carved and finely painted furniture, and gold laminated handwork are among the treasures to be found in this colonial settlement.