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Day Trips Around San Miguel de Allende Guanajuato
Dolores Hidalgo, also known as the Cradle of Independence – Dolores Hidalgo is world renowned for its Talavera, artisan ice cream and its place in Mexican history. Best of all, it’s only a short 42 minute drive from SMA. Make sure to visit Jose Alfredo Jimenez’ resting place and be sure to taste the local artisan ice creams because as they say, “if visited Dolores Hidalgo but you didn’t try the ice cream, it’s like you were never there.”
Distance from SMA: 28 Miles(45km)
Approximate drive time from SMA: 42 min
La Gruta Hot Springs(Balneario) –It’s only a short 20 minute drive from SMA to this beautiful oasis in the countryside. It’s a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the hot springs. It’s family friendly so if you have kids it’s a must. Go early if you don’t want it to be too crowded and a more relaxing. The grotto at the end of the tunnel is a fantastic steam bath. Enjoy! There are also other hot springs in the area like, Escondido Place, the Mayan Baths and Taboada. Make sure to stop at La Burger, just down the street from the grutas, for a great organic hamburger.
Distance from SMA: 7 Miles(11.5km)
Approximate drive time from SMA: 16 min
Sanctuary of Atotonilco(World Heritage Site) – Many consider this church complex the Mexican Sistine Chapel. It attracts as many as 5,000 vistors every week and possibly many more during holy week. It’s a wonderful place to walk around, take pictures and take in the breathtaking Mexican Baroque views.
Mineral de Pozos(Pueblo Magico)– Experience an old mining town located just an hour away from San Miguel de Allende. You can rest in Parque Juarez or hike its countryside.
Distance from SMA: 8 Miles(12.6km)
Approximate drive time from SMA: 21 min
Guanajuato City(World Heritage Site) – I just got back from a visit to Guanajuato and it’s just magical. My family and I enjoyed great walking, sites, eats and time relaxing in the jardines. Go here to see all the things we did in the city of Guanajuato and begin planning your trip to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Leon – Self-proclaimed leather capital of the world, you can find all kinds of leather goods in Leon’s leather market(Zona Piel) so for those interested in anything leather, Leon is the ideal place to go!
Distance from SMA: 49 Miles(77.9km)
Approximate drive time from SMA: 1hr 34 min
Queretaro City – You won’t see this on most San Miguel day trip lists but it’s only about an hour drive from SMA to this modern day city. Many people forget the importance Queretaro played in Mexican Independence and most overlook the fact that its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thus, if you plan on taking a day trip from SMA to Queretaro it’s best arrive early in the morning to take advantage of the an entire day of history, sites and adventure that awaits.
Distance from SMA: 1 hr 9 min
Approximate drive time from SMA: 41 Miles(66.1km)
Bernal – My first impression of Bernal was I can’t believe how organized this little town is. We just happened to be there on the last Sunday in July dia de la Santa Cruz so it was packed. It is a small colonial town with so much energy. The main attraction to Bernal is climbing to the top of el Cerro de Bernal. It’s a great hike so I recommend good comfortable shoes. The views from the top are amazing and the shops and eateries(puestos) at the base of the cerro are fantastic. Overall, take plenty of water and be careful with kids as you hike to the top of one of the tallest monoliths in the world. Enjoy!
It’s an hour and a half drive so plan on leaving san Miguel early to take advantage of a full day of walking, shopping and fun in Bernal. There are also great places to stay if you don’t want to drive back the same day but totally doable as a day trip.
Distance from SMA: 70 Miles(112.1 km)
Approximate drive time from SMA: 1hr 34 min
Grutas de Tolantongo – All I can say is Wow! The grutas were everything I expected and so much more. This is definitely NOT a day trip from San Miguel de Allende but it’s such a close 4 hour drive that it’s hard not to recommend for those visiting SMA for more than a week. It’s just that good.
Distance from SMA: 152 Miles(245.9km)
Approximate drive time from SMA: 3hr 34min
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