Weekend in San Miguel de Allende
Once a frontier post for colonial Mexico, and a rich mining center in the 17th century, San Miguel de Allende has become a very popular destination for Americans who want to live in romantic Mexico. There is lovely architecture and great shopping. Some of the best of Mexican arts and crafts are gathered here and there are many painters, sculptors, and writers who are attracted to San Miguel. In 1926 Mexico declared San Miguel a National Monument. This has limited construction and is responsible for keeping San Miguel and its rich old buildings safe.
San Miguel is protected by a number of patron saints and there is a church for every one, most of the churches were built during the mining boom and are in the highly decorated Mexican Baroque style. We will visit some of them on our walking tour. The restaurants are wonderful and of course we will sample a few of the best. The group will stay at the Casa de Sierra Nevada, a member of the Relais y Chateau group. There are 18 suites in five old mansions and each room has its own personality and décor. The hotel has one of the best restaurants in the city, in house spa and all the amenities.
Flights are easy and do not go into the Mexico City Airport. Fly directly to León, which has a small nice airport. I suggest that we meet the group there since they will be flying on American carriers and can even use frequent flier miles. The flight from Houston is about 1-1/2 hours and about the same from Dallas. Once they are in Mexico, the drive to San Miguel is about 1-1/12 hours so everyone should get in by 7 pm.
Day 1
Fly to León from Houston or Dallas, on Continental or American
Check into Casa de Sierra Nevada. This is the best hotel in town and has been recently sold to Orient Express, where they have added a cooking school and shop. It is a former Archbishop's 18th century palace is decorated with colonial and antique furnishings, situated one block from the historic district. Casa de Sierra Nevada consists of five magnificently restored colonial houses, which were built in the 16th century.
Cocktail reception at hotel. Welcome and orientation.
Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight at Casa de Sierra Nevada.
Day 2
Breakfast at the Casa de Sierra Nevada.
Morning lecture on the history of San Miguel Allende, the cradle of Mexican Independence, by a Mexican historian.
Morning visit to the Artesian market. Also stop at La Antigua, everything in white, handmade tablecloths, napkins and other textiles in this very Mexican shop.
Lunch at El Market Bistro; eat outside on a beautiful patio owned by a French couple, lots of fresh produce. People may not feel comfortable eating lettuce, but in this place it is fine. San Miguel has pure water.
Return to hotel. Rest, have a massage, meet a friend, take a siesta.
Late afternoon Walking Tour of San Miguel ending at the Jardin Botanico El Charco del Ingenio, one of the most comprehensive botanical gardens in Mexico which contains over 1,000 different types of cacti as well as a large variety of orchids. Lovely to visit in the late afternoon when the bird are abundant.
Dinner at Bugamvillea, old Mexican revered charming restaurant, famous for
chiles en nogada.
Other restaurant choices include Café de la Parroquia and La Capilla.
Overnight at Casa de Sierra Nevada
Day 3
Breakfast at the Casa de Sierra Nevada.
After breakfast there will be a field trip to Pozos, an old mining town, a hidden treasure not on tourist routes, great old haciendas. Pozos is about 40 minutes south from San Miguel.
Lunch in Pozos, at Casa Mexicana on Main Square. The local art gallery is a serious place where collectors will enjoy the selection.
Return to hotel
Afternoon tour of the noteworthy and beautiful nearby ranches, haciendas and ruins.
Dinner at El Campanario, across from the old bell town, or at La Capilla, means the old chapel, great upstairs terrace one of the most beautiful views of San Miguel.
Overnight at Casa de Sierra Nevada.
Day 4
Breakfast at the Casa de Sierra Nevada.
Today visit the great ceramic town of Dolores Hidalgo.
On the way to Dolores Hidalgo, there will be a stop a the Santuario de Atotonilco, founded in 1740 as a spiritual retreat. This is a goal for pilgrims and penitents from all over mexico. The sanctuary has six chapels and statues, folk mural and paintings.
Optional: Visit the hot springs around San Miguel Allende. This can be arranged and will be offered as an additional cost.
In Dolores Hidalgo, there are many small factories and ceramic shops that line the streets. The ceramics industry of Dolores Hidalgo is yet another of the legacies left to his people by the Mexican hero of the Revolution of the early 1800’s, Padre Hidalgo brought industry to the area and started the tradition of making ceramics. The group will visit some if these factories and have an opportunity to buy some of the famous Talavera pottery.
Lunch will be a one of the wonderful cafés in Dolores Hidalgo.
Ice cream vendors are a major attraction in Dolores Hidalgo Dolores Hidalgo. Each tries to outdo the other with exotic flavors. We will stop at the main plaza to sample some of the treats such as shrimp and alfalfa to avocado and tequila.
Return to San Miguel for a farewell dinner at the Hacienda de la Landeta, just outside of town.
Overnight at Casa de Sierra Nevada
Day 5
Breakfast at the Casa de Sierra Nevada.
Flights back home.
Itineraries are samples and may change according to availability of the speaker and locations. All itineraries may be customized and modified to suit circumstances.