San Miguel de Allende in Mexico

About San Miguel de Allende in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico

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History of San Miguel de Allende

The town of San Miguel de Allende was founded in 1542. There is a story that the town has been around for forever and it says that the town was found because of two dogs that belonged to a Franciscan friar, Juan de San Miguel wandered off from the mission and traveled three miles to a spring called El Chorro. After finding their dogs and the discovery of this spring, the mission moved to this location and the town of San Miguel de Allende started.

San Miguel de Allende was formerly known as San Miguel el Grande and served as silver route between Zacatecas to Guanjuato and then to Mexico city.

After World War II the town of San Miguel became a tourist destination when many United States GI’s discovered that their education grants stretched further in Mexico at the US accredited art schools. In the 1960’s San Miguel became known for American expatratism and become a very popular destination for many well known people. 2010 was a very important year for Mexico for two reasons: the 200th anniversary of Mexico’s fight for independence from Spain and the 100th anniversary of it’s revolution and San Miguel was at the center of these celebrations and attracted again awareness to US expats and the world for its charm and diverse population base.

San Miguel de Allende tourism industry

Located approximately 60 miles from the state capital Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende is within Mexico’s hilly central highlands. Even though the town is extremely popular, there are no international airports so visitors either fly into Mexico City or Guanajuato airport and then take a bus into the town. This makes the experience extremely memorable because once you enter San Miguel you start hearing enjoyable church bells and pedestrians as opposed to the sound of a planes landing. Walking is the best way to explore the city and trolley's are available to take you to main points of interest in town.

Voted #1 city in the world.

There is a substantial expat community in San Miguel so it is easy to find services in English from hotels to restaurants that cater to Americans, Canadians and Europeans. The locals and the expats make this town a unique experience and their cheery faces on the streets are a welcome sight. San Miguel is a melting pot in Mexico and locals are willing to help any new visitor and will make you friends during your visit.

San Miguel is a World Heritage City which you will see immediately by its degree of preservation, authenticity and integrity in the architecture at every turn. One notable and almost hard to miss structure in the heart of the city is Cathedral de San Miguel. The style of this cathedral is gothic and baroque and one place you can not miss this during your trip. The lively and lovely Jardin Principal (principal garden) is the focal point of activity in San Miguel. Like most other towns in Mexico the main square is the hub of the city and always full of activity. The square is full of carefully trimmed trees and many flowers.

San Miguel also has numerous art galleries, handicraft shops and upscale boutiques. Be sure to bring an extra suitcase to bring treasurers you find in San Miguel.

Accomodations in San Miguel de Allende are truly amazing experiences of their own. The city is known for it’s serene oasis, luxurious boutique hotels and spas but can cost a little more than other Mexican towns. A few examples, the Casa de Sierra Nevada is made up of a collection of restored colonial mansions. The property features beautiful gardens, fountains, pools and lounges. The hotel also features a cooking school where you can learn about the local traditional cooking or visit the spa for some relaxation. The Rosewood San Miguel blends into the city’s cobblestone streets and colonial period villas. This 67 room hotel was built like a 18th century hacienda with all the modern comforts that one would expect from a hotel like this. The city has lodging and services to accommodate all budgets, without sacraficing in the traditional Mexican hospitality that the country is known for. There is no shortage of this hospitality regardless if you are staying in the city’s intimate, luxurious boutique hotels or more small and budget friendly hotels.

Travel information

Suggested Airport: Guanajuato International Airport
Address: Carr. Silao-León Km 5.5, Nuevo México, 36270 Silao, Gto., Mexico
Local phone number: +52 472 748 2120

Is a passport or travel visa required? This depends on your nationality and your country of origin. We recommend that you check with your travel agent or Mexican Consulate in your area to know what documents you need to travel to San Miguel Mexico.

About San Miguel de Allende in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico

History of San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende tourism industry

Travel information

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