Day Trips
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San Miguel is very centrally located in Mexico, which makes it a perfect base for day trips to fascinating sites and cities throughout the area.
We highly recommend spending a little extra time visiting the many fascinating sites and cities around San Miguel. Whether you have one or four extra days for exploration further afield, check out a few of the options below. |
Guanajuato
Colonial Guanajuato rivals San Miguel for the title of “Mexico’s Most Beautiful City.” Situated in a picturesque valley surrounded by the Sierra de Guanajuato mountains just 1.5 hours from San Miguel, Guanajuato is filled with dreamy pastel colored houses that seem to tumble down the surrounding hills. Enjoy a variety of interesting sites, including the Diego Rivera Museum, the fascinatingly morbid Mummy Museum, the El Nopal Mine, and the stunning 17th century Basilica. There’s so much to see and do in this city, we recommend staying overnight. Check out recommended accommodation options here. To reach Guanajuato, consider hiring full-day taxi or a private guide (see Resources section). Alternatively, take a comfortable first class Primera Plus or ETN bus directly from San Miguel for less than $10 each way. |
Dolores Hidalgo
Lovely little Dolores Hidalgo is a small town with a big history: the Mexican Independence movement began here when, in 1810, the legendary priest Miguel Hidalgo rang the church bells and issued the “Grito de Independencia.” Today, you can visit the beautifully preserved Church of the Grito, where the declaration of Independence was made, while the excellent Independence Museum offers an unparalleled glimpse into Mexico’s past. Interestingly, Dolores Hidalgo is also famous for its fabulous (and bizarre!) ice cream flavor tradition; think: octopus, chili, shrimp, tequila, or avocado…just to name a few! Visit one of the many street vendors along Calle Puebla, or check out Flor de Dolores ice cream shop. And, as if all of this history and quirkiness weren’t enough – Dolores Hidalgo is also the birthplace of beautiful Talavera tile and ceramics. This iconic tile can is now exported throughout Mexico (and the world!) – but you can visit several factories directly for great prices. Check out Azulejos Talavera Cortés or one of the many shops along Calle Puebla. Dolores Hidalgo is near many other fabulous sites, so it makes a great stop on your way to or from Cuna de Tierra vineyard, La Gruta Hot Springs or the beautiful Atotonilco Santuario. Check out the itineraries section for suggestions. Dolores Hidalgo is best reached from San Miguel by taxi (approximately $24 RT). |
Pozos
Quite possibly one of the most mysterious and magical places in Mexico, the ghost town of Pozos was once a viable silver mining town in the late 19th century. Explore abandoned mines, chapels and incredible stone architecture – all in the company of the resident Pozos goats! The surrounding town has been recently revived and is now home to a growing number of quaint art galleries, restaurants, and a few charming hotels. Pozos is approximately 30 miles from San Migeul; the easiest way to reach the town is by organized tour (see Resources section). Alternatively, consider hiring a private car or taxi for approximately $40-75 total for three to four hours round trip. |
Queretaro
Although Querétaro is sometimes maligned as less beautiful than its colonial cousins San Miguel and Guanajuato, the city’s stunning, UNESCO world heritage recognized Centro is filled with clean pathways, a stunningly well-preserved aqueduct, lovely colonial architecture, high-end boutique hotels, lively green plazas, and fascinating cathedrals. However, the one of the most appealing reasons to visit Querétaro is its proximity to many excellent natural and historical sites nearby. Check out the Peña de Bernal – the second largest freestanding monolith in the world, or hike to plunging waterfalls or verdant canyons with EXXI Mexico. Alternatively, take a quick trip to colonial, cobblestoned Tequisquiapan to enjoy a relaxing dip in the local thermal springs, or an adventurous peek into the local opal mines. Tequisquiapan is also famous for its cheese – visit the Vaca Feliz (Happy Cow) for a seriously delicious afternoon break. Additionally, the Querétaro area has a prominent wine-producing tradition, specializing in sparkling wines. Most vineyards in the region are found at an altitude of 6,500 feet (2,000 meters); the most well-known winery in the region is the famous Freixenet, though La Redonda winery and La Hondonada Ranch are also highly recommended wine destinations. With so much to do in the Querétaro area, consider staying overnight at one of these recommended hotels. Querétaro is approximately 1 hour from San Miguel, and can be easily reached by taxi – expect to spend around $25-35 US each way. |
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Mexico City
Put aside all of your pre-conceived notions…Mexico City is a truly beautiful, bustling, world-class city filled with sweeping European boulevards, top notch cuisine, intriguing museums, lush public parks, dramatic public art, and unique history. The city’s recent “cultural renaissance” has captivated tastemakers from around the world, with experts everywhere extolling El D.F (Distrito Federal) as a trendy, must-see megalopolis in the fine company of Tokyo, Seoul and New York City!
So! What is there to see and do? First of all…EAT! Eat everything! We had two of the best meals of our lives in Mexico City – and one of them came from a cart on the street! Experience street food safely and deliciously with Eat Mexico. Then, take a stroll through a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Centro Historico, to ogle at the lovely colonial architecture. Stop by El Templo Mayor for a glimpse of the fantastic archaeological foundations of the city, and don’t forget to step into the imposing Palacio Nacional situated on the famous Plaza. Our favorite museum, however, is the stunning Museum of Anthropology – check out the fabulous exhibits and the breathtaking modern architecture.
One of our favorite neighborhoods – Coyoacan – should be your next stop. This leafy, peaceful, artsy neighborhood was home to Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, and you can still visit their home, now an excellent museum.
Perhaps one of Mexico City’s most interesting destinations and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Xochimilco floating gardens are often called the “Venice of Mexico.” Make a day of it in Xochimilco, enjoying the colorful boats, ice cream vendors. and lively atmosphere.
This is a mere sampling of all there is to do in this great city. Check out TripAdvisor for even more ideas.
Mexico City is located three hours from San Miguel, so we recommend staying overnight if possible. There’s so much to do in this huge city, you could easily fill several fantastic days. We recommend staying in the Polanco or Condesa neighborhoods – both of which are hip, safe and filled with incredible shopping and restaurants. Click here for the top rated B&B’s and hotels in the D.F.
Put aside all of your pre-conceived notions…Mexico City is a truly beautiful, bustling, world-class city filled with sweeping European boulevards, top notch cuisine, intriguing museums, lush public parks, dramatic public art, and unique history. The city’s recent “cultural renaissance” has captivated tastemakers from around the world, with experts everywhere extolling El D.F (Distrito Federal) as a trendy, must-see megalopolis in the fine company of Tokyo, Seoul and New York City!
So! What is there to see and do? First of all…EAT! Eat everything! We had two of the best meals of our lives in Mexico City – and one of them came from a cart on the street! Experience street food safely and deliciously with Eat Mexico. Then, take a stroll through a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Centro Historico, to ogle at the lovely colonial architecture. Stop by El Templo Mayor for a glimpse of the fantastic archaeological foundations of the city, and don’t forget to step into the imposing Palacio Nacional situated on the famous Plaza. Our favorite museum, however, is the stunning Museum of Anthropology – check out the fabulous exhibits and the breathtaking modern architecture.
One of our favorite neighborhoods – Coyoacan – should be your next stop. This leafy, peaceful, artsy neighborhood was home to Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, and you can still visit their home, now an excellent museum.
Perhaps one of Mexico City’s most interesting destinations and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Xochimilco floating gardens are often called the “Venice of Mexico.” Make a day of it in Xochimilco, enjoying the colorful boats, ice cream vendors. and lively atmosphere.
This is a mere sampling of all there is to do in this great city. Check out TripAdvisor for even more ideas.
Mexico City is located three hours from San Miguel, so we recommend staying overnight if possible. There’s so much to do in this huge city, you could easily fill several fantastic days. We recommend staying in the Polanco or Condesa neighborhoods – both of which are hip, safe and filled with incredible shopping and restaurants. Click here for the top rated B&B’s and hotels in the D.F.
