Mexico Trip: San Miguel de Allende

I wanted to spend a few days on my Mexico Trip in San Miguel de Allende, or SMA as I’ve seen it short-handed. It’s long been a place with lots of immigrants (or expats or whatever you want to call them) from the U.S. and Canada.

Even though I read somewhere that it was kind of “Disneyland version of Mexico for expats” I really wanted to check it out for myself.

Another view.

Was only there for three days and nights but I found it delightful.

Situated on a number of hills in a kind of “bowl,” there are amazing vistas of the town from all over but especially along the rim.

Centro Historico and sights there

The older, colonial part of town spans a few different hills in the center of the city. At the top of the biggest one stands the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel, a beautiful church, somewhat salmon-colored.

Across from the church is the leafy plaza Jardin Allende. As you might expect, a central gathering spot for tourists and locals alike (or at least it seemed to me). Lots of food, vendors, musicians, people watching.

Here’s some photos from the Centro Historico area of San Miguel de Allende:

I enjoyed the way so many doorways were framed with flowers or other decorations.
Charming street looking up to the Parroquia.
Parroquia view.
Another view.
A view from the Jardin across the street.
Momma restaurant view.
View of where I was sitting to take the previous Momma photo.
That terrace or mirador is heaven, is it not?
These hills and cobblestones destroyed me!
I liked these windows.
A Church. How odd. Kidding.
Do love me some Catholic drama.
More Jesus dramatics!
A warning. Hellfire awaits you if you make fun on your blog.

Jardin Botanico

One of the places I would not miss is the Botanical Garden, or El Charco del Ingenio, which sits on the edge of town up on a ridge.

It has a few pretty easy yet private trails showing flora and some fauna from this area of Mexico’s Central Highlands. It also is the location of an old aqueduct which still has a lot of the ruined infrastructure from that era still visible.

I spent a few lovely, quiet hours there and had some fresh juice and water before leaving. Since the (short) way back to town was all downhill, I decided to trust the GPS on the phone and walk. It was a hot hike but worth it, as I had to go through some of SMA’s tonier areas. So, if you’re adventurous. . .

Photos from the Jardin Botanico:

Barrel Cactus Array
Prickly pear
Cactus blooms
Local pal
View of SMA below
Canyon/gorge
Another view
The pool of El Chan
Explaining the pool
Steep hill down to Centro SMA
Looking behind me uphill.
Shrine and flags

The Airbnb

This time (as opposed to CDMX) I did take a few photos of the Airbnb. It was on three levels: ground floor was a full kitchen with a table and chairs. Up one flight of outside stairs was the bedroom, closet and bathroom level. Another flight of stairs led you to the roof deck (sometimes they call this a mirador in Mexico).

The bedroom/sitting area
AirBnB Bathroom
Stairs leading up to deck/mirador
View of deck with Church in bg
Another deck view
Night view from mirador
Church cupola lit up at night

Un Poco Mas

Thus ended my Mexico Trip sojourn to San Miguel de Allende. Back to the Bus Station to catch the ETN to Guanajuato (next post). Some random shots to end with. . .

Interior garden off a church
Signs on the street where I stayed.
This was also on my street – AA – how did they know
Waiting for the bus.
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