About San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende is the principal city in the municipality of San Miguel de Allende, located in the far eastern part of Guanajuato, Mexico. A part of the Bajío region, the town lies 274 km (170 mi) from Mexico City, 86 km (53 mi) from Querétaro and 97 km (60 mi) from the state capital of Guanajuato. The town's name derives from a 16th-century friar, Juan de San Miguel, and a martyr of Mexican Independence, Ignacio Allende, who was born in a house facing the central plaza. San Miguel de Allende was a critical epicenter during the historic Chichimeca War (1540–1590) when the Chichimeca held back the Spanish Empire during the initial phases of European colonization. Today, an old section of the town is part of a proclaimed World Heritage Site, attracting thousands of tourists and new residents from abroad every year.
Places to visit in San Miguel de Allende
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Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel
ReligiousThe pink neo-Gothic parish church whose spires dominate the main square of San Miguel de Allende. See it lit up after dark from the Jardín, and dress respectfully if you go inside during Mass.
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Sanctuary of Atotonilco
Religious · 7 mi from centreAn 18th-century pilgrimage church whose murals cover almost every wall and ceiling, often called the Sistine Chapel of Mexico. It is a short drive north of town; visit on a weekday to avoid the pilgrim crowds.
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El Charco del Ingenio
ParkA botanical garden and nature reserve on the edge of town, with large cactus collections and a small canyon with a reservoir. Walk the trails in the morning when it is cooler, and bring water and sun protection.
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Fábrica La Aurora
MarketA former textile factory converted into a complex of art galleries, design studios, antique shops and cafés. Allow a couple of hours to browse; it is a pleasant walk or a short taxi ride from the center.
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Guanajuato
Neighborhood · 34 mi from centreA colorful colonial city built into a narrow ravine, with underground roads and steep alleys about 90 minutes from San Miguel. Ride the funicular to the Pípila monument for views, and stay overnight to see it lit up.
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Cañada de la Virgen
Historic · 13 mi from centreA pre-Hispanic pyramid complex in the countryside southwest of San Miguel, aligned with astronomical events. Visits are by guided tour, which includes transport along the final stretch to the pyramids.
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Dolores Hidalgo
Neighborhood · 21 mi from centreThe town where Mexico's independence movement began in 1810, now known for its hand-painted Talavera-style ceramics. Browse the pottery workshops, and try the unusual ice cream flavors sold on the main square.
Things to do in San Miguel de Allende by type
13 tours, tickets and experiences across 1 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
- 1-3 hours 6
- 3-6 hours 6
- Over 6 hours 1
Top experiences in San Miguel de Allende
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 13 available.
ATV Tour San Miguel Allende
From $111 per adult
7 Zipline Circuit & Suspension Bridge in San Miguel de Allende
From $45 per adult
Historic tour of the city of San Miguel de Allende – Walking Tour
From $38 per adult
Horseback Riding with Delicious Typical Lunch – Half-Day Tour
From $163 per adult
Discover the Historic Center of this Magical Colonial City on Horseback at Sunset
From $164 per adult
Horseback Riding at Sunset through Town with Pub Crawl
From $174 per adult
Discover The Cañada de la Virgen Archaeological Site - Half-Day Tour
From $105 per adult
Combo: ATV Tour + Zipline
From $99 per adult
Live an Authentic Cowboy Experience and Camp under the Stars
From $329 per adult
Canyon Hiking Experience – Half-Day Tour
From $105 per adult
Horseback Riding with Multiple Activities at the Ranch – Full-Day Tour
From $220 per adult
Enjoy a Unique Horseback Riding Through the Vineyard with Wine Tasting
From $177 per adult
Where to stay in San Miguel de Allende
Popular hotels in San Miguel de Allende, out of 78 properties you can book.
Hotel Casa Blanca 7
From $315 per night
Real de Minas San Miguel de Allende
From $91 per night
Krystal Grand San Miguel
From $102 per night
Casa Laní Luxury B&B
From $294 per night
Misión San Miguel de Allende
From $53 per night
Hacienda El Santuario San Miguel de Allende
From $181 per night
Imperio de los Angeles
From $51 per night
Selina San Miguel de Allende
From $105 per night
La Morada
From $137 per night
Albor San Miguel de Allende, Tapestry Collection
From $132 per night
Live Aqua Urban Resort San Miguel De Allende
From $494 per night
Monteverde Best Inns
From $63 per night
Best time to visit San Miguel de Allende
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit San Miguel de Allende is October to February, when average daytime highs are around 74–79°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
San Miguel de Allende weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 74° 54° 6%
- Thu 22 Oct 72° 56° 6%
- Fri 23 Oct 74° 54° 34%
- Sat 24 Oct 73° 53° 16%
- Sun 25 Oct 72° 53° 38%
- Mon 26 Oct 69° 55° 39%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Mexican peso (MXN)1 US dollar ≈ $18.4
- Language
- Spanish
- Calling code
- +52
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/Mexico_CityUTC−6
- Capital
- Mexico City
Upcoming public holidays in Mexico
- Revolution DayDía de la Revolución
- Christmas DayNavidad
- New Year's DayAño Nuevo
- Constitution DayDía de la Constitución
- Benito Juárez's birthdayNatalicio de Benito Juárez
- Labour DayDía del Trabajo
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to San Miguel de Allende
These are the airports closest to central San Miguel de Allende. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- CYW Captain Rogelio Castillo National Airport27 mi (44 km) from the city centre
- QRO Querétaro International Airport41 mi (66 km) from the city centre
- BJX Del Bajío International Airport48 mi (77 km) from the city centre
Getting around San Miguel de Allende
Maybe 90% of San Miguel's attractions are within walking distance. Just keep in mind that because San Miguel was built into the side of a mountain, it can turn out to be difficult to traverse, some inclines are 15 or 20 degrees. Furthermore, the streets are cobbled and narrow – some were nothing but goat tracks before they were paved – and many have fallen into disrepair. Curbs are often a high step away from the road. All in all, the town can be unforgiving to an inexperienced walker.
By bus
San Miguel has its own pleasant and reliable bus system that serves the entire town, including out-of-the-way places like the Luciérnega Shopping Center. Buses are called urbanos and run from 07:00-21:00 daily for a flat rate of M$8 (Dec 2021) inside the city center (single ride, no transfer, driver gives change).
By taxi
Catch a taxi to any destination within central San Miguel for M$35-40 (2016), and M$40-50 after dark. In-town taxis are abundant and a great option after an afternoon of shopping. Taxis do not use meters and the price should be confirmed first. Taxis in front of the bus station are notorious for over-charging; most locals walk a few meters past them to flag down a cab on the street. If calling for a taxi to pick you up, the price doubles.
By tourist trolley
Two different companies provide sightseeing rides using trolley-looking buses. You can ask for tickets in the main tourist office just in the main square. The ride lasts 1½ hours (if traffic allows) and reaches the top of the El Mirador hill for a fantastic view of the town.
San Miguel de Allende travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit San Miguel de Allende?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit San Miguel de Allende is October to February, when average daytime highs are around 74–79°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
What is the weather like in San Miguel de Allende?
May is usually the warmest month in San Miguel de Allende, with average highs of 91°F (33°C). December is the coolest, with average lows of 48°F (9°C). The wettest month is typically July, with about 200 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to San Miguel de Allende?
Captain Rogelio Castillo National Airport (CYW) is the closest airport, about 27 miles (44 km) from the centre of San Miguel de Allende. Other nearby airports include Querétaro International Airport (QRO, 41 mi) and Del Bajío International Airport (BJX, 48 mi).
What currency is used in San Miguel de Allende?
San Miguel de Allende uses the Mexican peso (MXN). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $18.4.
What time zone is San Miguel de Allende in?
San Miguel de Allende uses the America/Mexico_City time zone (currently UTC−6). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around San Miguel de Allende?
Maybe 90% of San Miguel's attractions are within walking distance. Just keep in mind that because San Miguel was built into the side of a mountain, it can turn out to be difficult to traverse, some inclines are 15 or 20 degrees.
What are the best places to visit in San Miguel de Allende?
Top sights in San Miguel de Allende include Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, Sanctuary of Atotonilco, El Charco del Ingenio and Fábrica La Aurora. The pink neo-Gothic parish church whose spires dominate the main square of San Miguel de Allende. See it lit up after dark from the Jardín, and dress respectfully if you go inside during Mass.
What are the top things to do in San Miguel de Allende?
Popular experiences you can book in San Miguel de Allende include ATV Tour San Miguel Allende, 7 Zipline Circuit & Suspension Bridge in San Miguel de Allende and Historic tour of the city of San Miguel de Allende – Walking Tour. Destina Holidays offers 13 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in San Miguel de Allende?
The most popular types of experiences in San Miguel de Allende are outdoor activities & adventure (9), city tours (1), classes (1) and gastronomy & nightlife (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in San Miguel de Allende?
Popular areas for hotels in San Miguel de Allende include San Miguel de Allende. Well-reviewed options include Hotel Casa Blanca 7 and Real de Minas San Miguel de Allende.
How many hotels can I book in San Miguel de Allende?
Destina Holidays currently lists 78 properties in and around San Miguel de Allende, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
