View 19 Prolongation de Montitlan, San Miguel De Allende in a larger map

San Miguel de Allende – The City

Declared a National Monument in 1926 and a UNESCO Heritage Site in 2008 (in conjunction with the Sanctuary of Jesus Nazareno de Atotonilico (30 miles to the north), San Miguel de Allende has been at the centre of Mexico’s history since its creation in 1542.

A fun two-hour walking tour of the central core of the historic district is available a couple of times a week and well worth it to find out the down and dirty on four of the brave Chieftains of the War of Independence when Mexico broke its ties with Spain in 1821. Learn the inside story of Miguel Hidalgo, Jose Morelos, Ignacio Allende and Juan Alverez.

Inside the main boundaries of this city in the Altiplano (cool hills) of Central Mexico is home to more than 60,000 residents but the cobblestone streets, family businesses on every block and the small parks give SMA a small-town feeling. Of the 140,000 people in the region, 12,000 are ex-pats from the USA, Canada and Europe. Known for its collection of unique doors, the architecture inside the towering walls shows a variety of architectural styles from Spanish to Moroccan to West Coast California, depending on the owner.

Bed and Breakfasts from a $50 a night room with shared bath and kitchen to a $500 room at one of the boutique hotels with Irish linens, gourmet meals and décor to die for are available. A number of hotel properties hide behind the walls of the historic area, one being the world-fashion Casa de Sierra Nevada hotel chain. These places are often the beginning of a wonderful relationship for visitors. Although many cities market their areas with the words, “come for a visit, come back to stay,” San Miguel de Allende can say with certainty that this very thing happens often. After a few days, you’ll find yourself talking to someone in the Jardin or a restaurant and they’ll tell you, with no hesitation, “I came for a week and never went home.”

With Mexican cuisine available on every street corner and also in the courtyard of lovely historic buildings, there is no shortage of rice, beans, tortillas or margaritas. But, for those who like to test their palates with a variety of options there are numerous dining opportunities offering Sri Lankan, Thai, Italian, Chinese, Japanese to name a few.

The bible for visitors and ex-pat residents alike is the newspaper Atencion. Each Friday it hits the streets filled with activities for the following week. The events’ listing is usually 8 pages. It’s worth the 70 pesos. Purchase it at the Jardin, where they also have English-language newspapers from US and European cities on certain days.

Getting around SMA is simple if you love walking. Jumping in a taxi ($3 anywhere inside the city) is the next best way to get around although there are also city buses.

Getting to SMA involves flying from any major city to Mexico City. Vancouver to Mexico City – direct via Japan Airlines, Air Canada or Alaska Airlines. Seattle to Mexico City is also a possibility. There is also the option of fling to LAX and taking a flight to Queretaro or Guanajuato/Leon.  A great bus system takes you from Mexico City to SMA, while a private driver is easy to organize from the other cities.