Tips for travel to San Miguel de Allende
Our San Miguel de Allende travel tips section is designed to provide
you with valuable information on the destinations we serve. You
can access weather reports, convert currency, browse through destination
guides, research passport and visa information and much more.
| |
 |
|
Introduction
San Miguel de Allende, known just as San Miguel, is one of a
group of old Silver Mining cities, which includes San Miguel,
Guanajuato, Zacatecas, Queretaro and San Luis Potosi and Alamos.
These cities all lie north-west of Mexico City. Each has its
own unique character, features and atmosphere - but together they
make up some of Mexico's best inland travel experiences. These
cities are friendly places; the areas are not overwhelmed with
tourists as some of the coastal areas can be.
It is in the colonial cities that the real Mexico begins to emerge.
You'll see real people living real lives; experience magnificent
scenery; stay at wonderful colonial hotels that offer terrific
value for money; savour local foods and flavours as colourful
and diverse as the cultures that created them.
The road network in this region is well developed, and travelling
through it is fast and efficient in most places. These cities
are safe: crime is low and its a great region to consider if you
want to treat your family to a real cultural experience in Mexico.
San Miguel de Allende itself is a quiet, quaint, cobble-lined
town that attracts in the main, artists, craftspeople and foreign
expatriates who have chosen to retire in Mexico.
Although this is a small city, it successfully combines old world
charm with modern-day cosmopolitan lifestyle. Most activities
surround arts and learning, painting, weaving, photography and
sculpture.
Like Cuernavaca, San Miguel is great for the day, or better if
you stay a few days or weeks! The town is known for its fine hotels
& B&Bs, quaint restaurants and fine shops.
Gathered around the colonial center are a number of fine examples
of great colonial architecture - including the Parish Church which
resides in front of the tree-lined main plaza.
San Miguel is a wonderful place to visit, admire and stay in
for a few days on a visit to Mexico. It is a must-see destination
as part of a tour of Mexico's colonial cities. If a local festival
is going on, much more so - but even during quieter times, this
city has a unique, attractive charm that reflects all that is
best about Mexico. Come here for a visit, and experience what
it's like to feel irresistibly drawn in by its colonial spell.
What To Do
Exploring Around San Miguel
There are Hot Springs nearby, where you bathe in natural warm
mineral waters. The most popular are La Gruta and La Taboada,
and lie about 30 minutes' outside of san Miguel.
Day Trips are available to Dolores Hidalgo, named after the famous
Patriot, from the town in which he made the "Grito"
(Cry) for Mexican Independence back. September 16th is huge in
Dolores Hidalgo - it is traditional that Mexico's President goes
here to re-enact the "Grito" on his last year in office.
Dolores Hidalgo is also famous for Talavera - a very strong ceramic
which is used to make a variety of crockery and also wall and
floor tiles. The pottery is colourfully decorated. Talavera is
plentiful here, and a lot less expensive than you could buy it
elsewhere.
The city boasts a thriving cultural and entertainment scene.
Many events (plays, lectures, art classes) are in English. The
renowned San Miguel Music Festival (featuring Mexican and international
artists) happens each December. A city with six patron saints
and dozens of churches, San Miguel hosts a full calendar of religious
festivals throughout the year. The town's biggest bash is San
Miguel Arcángel, a celebration honoring the town's chief
patron saint. The event includes a running of bulls through city
streets, traditional dancers, and lots of merriment. It is held
each September 29th.
Dining
Casa de Sierra Nevada
Perhaps the most elegant dining in town. Noveau Mexican gourmet
cuisine. Addr: 35 Calle Hospicio. Ph: 465/20415. Expensive.
Villa Jacaranda
Romantic, intimate dining in a garden setting. Mexican/continental
cuisine. Addr: Aldama 53. Ph: 465/210-15. Expensive.
Bugambilias
Located in one of the old colonial townhouses, serving delicious
regional specialties. Addr: 42 Calle Hidalgo. Ph: 465/20127. Moderate.
Mama Mia
Very popular spot for a cozy breakfast or late night stop while
club hopping. Terrific live music. Addr: Umaran 8. Ph: 465/22063.
Moderate.
Cafe de Jardin
Located on the corner of the always entertaining main plaza. Perfect
for a cafe con leche accompanied by some of the best pan dulce
in town. Addr: Portal Allende 2. Ph: 415/2-5006. Inexpensive.
Entertainment
San Miguel has a selection of good nigh spots to suit those looking
for culture and those looking for a party!
Locally Hosted Parties - Check with yours and
other Local hotels about public parties they may be hosting during
your stay. Traditional Mexican theme night parties are popular
with the locals, and there's a chance you could join a really
special night out - the real Mexican way, and certainly on the
eve of September 16th - Mexico's Independence Day! Hosted parties
usually include dinner, dancing, a show and / or live music (usually
authentic Mexican Mariachis) plus all drinks for a fixed fee and
are always excellent value for money! Ask at your hotel to find
out what is happening locally.
Nightclub Scene: Mexico's Colonial Cities do
have lots of young people living in them, so just because they
are steeped in history does not mean that you won't find an all-night
club party happening somewhere in town! Some night clubs charge
an all inclusive cover fee; some a smaller cover and drinks on
top. Drinks are served all night - don't even consider going to
a nightclub before 11pm. Nightclubs keep going all morning and
most people will start to leave between 5 and 7 am.
Night Bars / Restaurants - There's a good variety
of Late Night Entertainment in San Miguel to keep you happy and
entertained into the early hours.
Entry Requirements
* As of October 1, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens,
traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico,
Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be
required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S.
Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration
Card, Form I-551, if applicable.
* As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens,
traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South
America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea, may be required
to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by
the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative
changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and
Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon
as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the
public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.
Please be sure the name you give to our Reservations Specialists
matches your Driver's License and your Passport. Married women
with a different last name should carry a marriage license or
a notarized affidavit with their married name.
Money
Banks & ATMs
Banks in Mexico are rapidly expanding and improving services.
They tend to be open weekdays from 9am until 5pm, and often for
at least a half day on Saturday. In larger resorts and cities,
they can generally accommodate the exchange of dollars (which
used to stop at noon) anytime during business hours. During times
when the currency is in flux, a particular bank may not exchange
dollars, so check before standing in line. Some, but not all,
banks charge a service fee of about 1% to exchange traveler's
checks. However, you can pay for most purchases directly with
traveler's checks at the establishment's stated exchange rate.
Don't even bother with personal checks drawn on a U.S. bank --
the bank will wait for your check to clear, which can take weeks,
before giving you your money.
Travelers to Mexico can easily withdraw money from ATMs (automated
teller machine) in most major cities and resort areas. In most
resorts in Mexico, the use of ATMs is perfectly safe -- just use
the same precautions you would at any ATM. Universal bank cards
(such as the Cirrus and PLUS systems) can be used. This is a convenient
way to withdraw money and avoid carrying too much with you at
any time. The exchange rate is generally more favorable than that
at a casas de cambio. Most machines offer Spanish/English menus
and dispense pesos, but some offer the option of withdrawing dollars.
The Cirrus (tel. 800/424-7787) and PLUS (tel. 800/843-7587) networks
span the globe; look at the back of your bank card to see which
network you're on, then call or check online for ATM locations
at your destination. Be sure you know your personal identification
number (PIN) before you leave home and be sure to find out your
daily withdrawal limit before you depart. Also keep in mind that
many banks impose a fee every time a card is used at a different
bank's ATM, and that fee can be higher for international transactions
(up to $5 or more) than for domestic ones (where they're rarely
more than $1.50). On top of this, the bank from which you withdraw
cash may charge its own fee.
Traveler's Checks
Traveler's checks are something of an anachronism from
the days before the ATM made cash accessible at any time. Traveler's
checks used to be the only sound alternative to traveling with
dangerously large amounts of cash. They were as reliable as currency,
but, unlike cash, could be replaced if lost or stolen.
You can get traveler's checks at almost any bank. You can also
get American Express traveler's checks over the phone by calling
tel. 800/221-7282.
Visa offers traveler's checks at Citibank locations nationwide,
as well as at several other banks. Call tel. 800/732-1322 for
information. AAA members can obtain Visa checks without a fee
at most AAA offices or by calling tel. 866/339-3378. MasterCard
also offers traveler's checks. Call tel. 800/223-9920 for a location
near you.
If you choose to carry traveler's checks, be sure to keep a record
of their serial numbers separate from your checks in the event
that they are stolen or lost. You'll get a refund faster if you
know the numbers.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are a safe way to carry money: They also provide
a convenient record of all your expenses, and they generally offer
relatively good exchange rates. You can also withdraw cash advances
from your credit cards at banks or ATMs, provided you know your
PIN. If you've forgotten yours, or didn't even know you had one,
call the number on the back of your credit card and ask the bank
to send it to you. It usually takes 5 to 7 business days, though
some banks will provide the number over the phone if you tell
them your mother's maiden name or some other personal information.
Charges will be made in pesos, then converted into dollars by
the bank issuing the credit card. Generally you receive the favorable
bank rate when paying by credit card. However, be aware that some
establishments in Mexico add a 5% to 7% surcharge when you pay
with a credit card. This is especially true when using American
Express. Many times, advertised discounts will not apply if you
pay with a credit card.
Dear Visa: I'm Off to San Miguel de Allende! -- Some credit card
companies recommend that you notify them of any impending trip
abroad so that they don't become suspicious and block your charges
when the card is used numerous times in a foreign destination.
Even if you don't call your credit card company in advance, you
can always call the toll-free emergency number if a charge is
refused -- a good reason to carry the phone number with you. But
perhaps the most important lesson is to carry more than one card
on your trip; if one card doesn't work for any number of reasons,
you'll have a backup.
Emergency
Emergency
911 Emergency Services 152-0911
Use this number to reach all agencies listed below. English frequently
spoken. Or hail any radio-equipped police patrol(on foot, horse
or vehicle), or city or utility company vehicle, or taxi.
Police
Protectiva (Protective) 152-0022
Transito (Traffic) 152-0538 or 152-0614
Judicial 152-2018
State (Highway Patrol) 152-0164
Fire
Central de Bomberos 152-2888, 152-3238, or 152-3699
Medical
Red Cross, Libramiento 152-4121, 152-4225, 152-1616
Red Cross, Libramiento 152-4121, 152-4225, 152-1616
Hospital de la Fé 152-2545
Hospital Civíl, Reloj 56 152-0045 or 152-6015
Seguro Social Hospital, Salida a Dolores 152-0699 or 152-0278
Centro Médico Potosí 01 (444) 813-3797 or 813-6363
Map of San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende Weather
Fun Things To Do in San Miguel de Allende
Attractions & Activities
San Miguel de Allende Attractions
San Miguel de Allende has been a designated historical landmark
since 1930. As such, the town has preserved its colonial heritage
by banning new style construction, neon signs and other heralds
of "modernization". The colonial buildings remain, today,
in the same style as when they were originally constructed.
Nothing, of course, can replace actually walking down the narrow
cobblestone streets of San Miguel de Allende, but here we offer
a little virtual tour, just to give you little taste...
The Jardín has been the center of the
city since 1737. In the 16th and 17th century, this area was known
as the "plaza parroquial", as the town gathered at the
"plaza de la soledad", which is now known as the "Plaza
Cívica General Ignacio Allende". The "Jardín"
was originally an paved, open area with a fountain in the center,
much like the Zócalo of Mexico City, that has become the
pattern of cities all over the country. In the 1860's, a garden
was started and the fountain was replaced with a gazebo. The gazebo
that is there today is a replacement built in 1950.
The first building in the Jardín was the "Templo
de San Rafael", also known as the "Santa Escuela de
Cristo". Construction was begun in 1564 by order of the first
bishop of Michoacán.
The construction of the Parroquia de San Miguel
Arcangel was started in 1689 with 1000 pesos. The building was
completed in 1730, when the baroque-style towers were completed.
In 1880, the neo-gothic tower of the Parroquia was added by command
of the first Bishop of León, Father Diez de Sollano y Davalos,
giving San Miguel's parish church its distinctive look that has
made it an internationally recognized landmark. The master builder,
Serefino Gutiérrez based the design of the new construction
from European postcards.
The mansion immediately to the right of the Parroquia is the
Casa de Allende. It is one of the best surviving examples
of 18th century architecture of the Spanish colonial noblity.
On the stonework decorating the balconies which face the Jardín,
one finds such motifs such as grape clusters, flowers and other
symbols of bounty. The Casa de Allende was constructed during
the Golden Age of the colonial period. Ironically, it was the
birthplace of the hero of Mexican independence from Spain, Ignacio
de Allende y Unzaga. Born in 1769, Ignacio Allende joined the
rebel forces that had gathered in nearby Dolores Hidalgo on September
19, 1810. He went on to fight a number of battles on behalf of
the rebels, but was eventually captured and beheaded. The town,
formerly called San Miguel el Grande, changed to San Miguel de
Allende in his honor.
Walking between the Parroquia and Casa de Allende, on the street
called Cuna de Allende (Allende's Cradle), we take a walk down
one of San Miguel's typically narrow streets. This street was
formerly known as Calle del Hospital, as it was home to a hospital,
which was constructed in 1784. This building now houses one of
San Miguel's many restaurants.
At the end of this block we turn up the hill on the street called
Cuadrante for just a few feet and enter the beginning of the street
named Aldama. From here it is two blocks to Parque Juarez. This
typical San Miguel street has been the subject of many painters'
canvases, framing the old dome of the Parroquia so perfectly.
To get to Parque Juarez, we follow Aldama until it intersects
with Diezmo Viejo and Tenerias (the road where all San Miguel's
tanneries were once located.) The park is modeled after the French
style, and is planted with many native tree species, including
walnut, mulberry and chirimoya. Many of the trees are over 100
years old, and provide a shady oasis from the summer heat.
San Miguel de Allende Activities
San Miguel is a small city, with a population of 80,000 inhabitants.
Approximately, 9,000 are foreign residents. This mixture gives
it a cosmopolitan environment, where you will find excellent restaurants
with international and Mexican food, first class hotels, jazz
concerts or theater shows.
Night life is varied, you can either have a drink in a romantic
patio under the stars, or dance salsa, disco, blues, or rock all
night long and finish up at dawn, enjoying the great view at "el
mirador".
Another option is to enjoy the Mexican music in any of the many
bars that offer mariachis with joyful tunes, romantic trios, tropical
groups or folk band music.
During the day, you can enjoy a hot springs resort, where the
water temperature is about 105ºf. Such as Taboada, Sta. Veronica,
Escondido place, La Gruta and many more.
We also have a golf club, where you can play golf, tennis or
a good poker hand ; or enjoy the swimming pool, steam bath or
just take a nap in their beautiful gardens. This will give you
the opportunity of enjoying the facilities at a moderate monthly
rate, and the chance of making new friends.
Make sure to spend at least a few minutes a day relaxing in the
shade of the Jardín listening to the strolling estudiantinas
(student musicians) or walking through the tropical gardens (with
resident snowy egrets) in the Parque Juarez or the Botanical Gardens.
Take the Sunday morning House and Garden Tour to get a peak at
some of the treasures hidden behind the brightly painted walls
of the town.
|
