SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE | MEXICO
An enchanting colonial town 3.5 hours northwest of Mexico City, the cobblestone streets of San Miguel burst with authentic Mexican heritage, history, architecture and flavor. Nestled in a valley on the Sierra Nevada high desert plain, the temperate climate draws visitors year-round for culture, celebrations, and mountain adventures right where the Mexican independence movement began. The magic expands beyond the city limits with horseback adventures, hot air balloon flights, countryside hot spring pools, wineries, and even a nearby pre-hispanic pyramid.
— DON’T MISS —
Artisan Tour
Leave the expat galleries behind and enter the workshops of local artisans deep in their craft of hand-goods, textiles, ironworks and more.
Historical & Architectural Walking Tour
See the sights, learn the history, and burn off some Mezcal navigating the cobblestone streets with a 3-hour walking tour of the most notable buildings and churches in centro.
Cuna de Tierra Wine Tasting
About 40 minutes towards Dolores Hidalgo you’ll find Guanajuato’s most celebrated winery, with an excellent tour and tasting program coupled with brutalist/modern design. Ask to sample a few of their local olive oils as well.
— eat —
The Restaurant
Chef Donnie Masterton keeps it fresh with internationally inspired Mexican cuisine, an open-air courtyard, and a new vinyl disco room. Save room for the chocolate.
Moxi at Hotel Matilda
Authentic, organic, and creative Mexican fare from Chef Pancho Ibanez is presented in a stylish space with top-notch service at Moxi. Venture for the Chef’s pairing menu.
Fatima 7 Rooftop at Hotel Casa Blanca
The best polenta you’ve ever had with steeple views. Another brain child of Donnie Masterton, it’s hard to beat the combination of design, flavor, and al fresco vistas.
— drink —
Quince Rooftop Lounge
For an excellent vibe, stunning evening views of La Parroquia, great beats, and a menu of high-end creative cocktails, a few hours at Quince is not to be missed.
Trazo Rooftop at Casa 1810 Hotel
Watch the pigeons dance while the sun sets behind San Miguel’s most majestic churches at this quieter, small rooftop that offers excellent cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere.
Casa Dragones Tasting Room
You’ll need a reservation well in advance and a thick wallet, but this posh tasting room offers a unique and exclusive experience while sipping some of Mexico’s finest tequilas.
— STAY —
Casa Adela
While full of charm and magic, San Miguel’s historic centro can become overwhelming and noisy at times. Retreat to Mclean Meyer’s own countryside escape only 15 minutes outside the city for panoramic mountain views, lavender hedges, a citrus courtyard, century-old cactus gardens, and a swimming pool with a view. Hungry? Indulge in tortilla soup and Guanajuato chicken beneath the stars with Executive Chef Vanessa Romero. And if you’re an early riser, take off directly from the hacienda by Hot Air Balloon for a birds-eye view of “The Sistine Chapel of North America” at Atotonilco. Complimentary shuttle service is offered daily to San Miguel centro.
moxi restaurant
cuna de tierra winery
TRAZO TERRACE
quince rooftop lounge
GETTING THERE | ✈
Fly into Leon (BJX) or Queretaro (QRO) for the fastest travel. Each regional airport is about a 1.5 hour $90 USD private transfer from San Miguel. Have a bit more time or on a budget? Fly into Mexico City (MEX) where airfare is often more direct and more affordable and spend a night or two exploring before taking the 3.5 hour $25 USD Primera Plus luxury motor coach from Mexico Norte terminal to San Miguel.
LOVED BY LOCALS | ♥
Head over to after dinner for local live musicians and dancing that goes late into the night every weekend at this popular spot for the young (and young at heart) who live year-round in San Miguel.