Experiences
You could easily spend several days wandering the narrow, cobblestoned streets of San Miguel de Allende, discovering hidden boutiques, charming courtyards, and incredible dining. But if you have a bit more time to explore, there are plenty of unforgettable day trips and cultural adventures that are well worth the effort. For excursions outside the city, you may want to hire a driver for the day.
Atotonilco
Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Atotonilco sits quietly between San Miguel de Allende and Dolores Hidalgo. The main attraction is the Sanctuary of Atotonilco, often called the “Sistine Chapel of Mexico” thanks to its richly painted ceilings and Mexican Baroque architecture.
Stroll the chapel and admire the intricate murals, then browse the local market stalls outside. Grab a bite to eat at Mama Mia Campestre for great local beer, pizza, and fun activities for the kids like feeding Koi in the fishpond. Or turn your visit into a spa day, and head to Hotel Nirvana for a soak in the hot springs pool before your treatment.
Hacienda de Jaral de Berrios
This place is pure magic. Once the home of the richest man in Mexico, this sprawling, semi-ruined ex-hacienda oozes character—peeling French wallpaper, hand-painted murals, antique woodwork, and old-world mystery around every corner.
Today, it’s also home to Mezcal Marqués de Jaral de Berrio, offering tastings of high-quality mezcal on-site. Just make sure to explore the ruins before the tasting—the uneven terrain can be tricky.
Tip: Book a tour through Discovery Tours. We went by ourselves years ago, and it would have been easier to find with a guide.
Hacienda de Jaral de Berrios
This place is pure magic. Once the home of the richest man in Mexico, this sprawling, semi-ruined ex-hacienda oozes character—peeling French wallpaper, hand-painted murals, antique woodwork, and old-world mystery around every corner.
Today, it’s also home to Mezcal Marqués de Jaral de Berrio, offering tastings of high-quality mezcal on-site. Just make sure to explore the ruins before the tasting—the uneven terrain can be tricky.
Tip: Book a tour through Discovery Tours. We went by ourselves years ago, and it would have been easier to find with a guide.
Guanajuato City
Birthplace of famed artist Diego Rivera and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Guanajuato City is bursting with color, history, and youthful energy. Its pedestrian-friendly streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant plazas make it perfect for exploring on foot.
No visit is complete without stopping by the Museo de las Momias de Guanajuato (Mummy Museum), home to a chilling collection of naturally mummified bodies exhumed from the city’s cemetery. The museum offers a fascinating (and slightly macabre) look at local history and burial customs, and is one of the most visited attractions in the region.
Guanajuato Wine Route
You might be surprised to find that central Mexico is home to a growing number of vineyards. The Ruta de Vino, or Wine Route, winds from San Miguel to Dolores Hidalgo and includes boutique wineries that offer tastings, food pairings, and gorgeous countryside views.
Some top picks:
You can hire a driver for a personalized experience or book a 6-hour tour with Catrina Tours, which includes two vineyards, wine education, tastings, and food pairings.
Guanajuato Wine Route
You might be surprised to find that central Mexico is home to a growing number of vineyards. The Ruta de Vino, or Wine Route, winds from San Miguel to Dolores Hidalgo and includes boutique wineries that offer tastings, food pairings, and gorgeous countryside views.
Some top picks:
You can hire a driver for a personalized experience or book a 6-hour tour with Catrina Tours, which includes two vineyards, wine education, tastings, and food pairings.
ICAVI Tasting Room – San Miguel de Allende
Located in the heart of San Miguel on charming Recreo Street, the ICAVI Tasting Room offers a sophisticated and accessible way to experience the best of Guanajuato’s wine country—without ever leaving town.
ICAVI (Instituto de Ciencias Avanzadas del Vino y la Vid) is a wine education and research center, and their in-town tasting room brings together expertly curated selections from the region’s top boutique vineyards. The space is sleek and welcoming, and the staff—often trained sommeliers—guide you through tastings with insight and warmth.
Whether you’re new to Mexican wines or a seasoned enthusiast, this is the perfect place to deepen your appreciation. Owner Alex Galina leads an incredible mezcal tasting as well. Make sure you eat something ahead of time!
Tip: The tasting room is located at Recreo 26. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
La Cañada de la Virgen
Located 25 km outside San Miguel, La Cañada de la Virgen is an Otomi archaeological site perched on a high mesa surrounded by canyons. Dating from 540–1050 A.D., it features ceremonial pyramids, patios, and an artificial pond across 16 hectares of government land. This is an ideal excursion for those that enjoy hiking and the great outdoors.
La Cañada de la Virgen
Located 25 km outside San Miguel, La Cañada de la Virgen is an Otomi archaeological site perched on a high mesa surrounded by canyons. Dating from 540–1050 A.D., it features ceremonial pyramids, patios, and an artificial pond across 16 hectares of government land. This is an ideal excursion for those that enjoy hiking and the great outdoors.
Zandunga
If you’re craving music, fresh air, and country charm, spend a Sunday afternoon at Zandunga. Just 20 minutes outside San Miguel, this countryside venue is run by acclaimed musician Gil Gutiérrez and features live jazz or blues with a rustic buffet.
Tickets include one alcoholic drink and a homemade Mexican lunch—grilled meats, handmade tacos, and quesadillas. This is a must for all music lovers!
Tip: Purchase tickets at Mixta boutique, Pila Seca #3.
