San Miguel de Allende’s Outdoor Allure

Published June 11th, 2021

By Nadine Jacomo

As a new travel standard takes shape in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is comforting for tourists to know that a destination is taking every precaution to ensure the health of its residents and visitors.

On July 15th , San Miguel De Allende opened its doors so that guests can once again experience the magnificent magic of this region, earning the World Travel and Tourism Council’s “safe travel” seal of approval.

This designation recognizes the city’s implementation of globally standardized hygiene and health products to protect locals and visitors in the wake of the pandemic.

6200 feet above

Montar a caballo en el Cañón del Coyote, cerca de San Miguel de Allende, México.

Located on the eastern edge of Guanajuato, Mexico, at 6,200 feet above sea level, San Miguel de Allende is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

The charming mountaintop community, nicknamed the Heart of Mexico, earned a distinctive honor as a UNESCO World Heritage City and is full of unforgettable old Mexican charm.

A Magical Blend

It is here in this magical place where the modern and the ancient blend in perfect harmony.

Quaint cobblestone streets, Spanish colonial architecture, inspired artwork and fascinating 18th-century churches celebrate San Miguel de Allende’s centuries-old folklore and age-old traditions. Newer architecturally designed structures add complementary touches of cosmopolitan flare.

Painters and writers

Café en San Miguel de Allende

The purity of San Miguel’s seductive colors, character and light draws painters, writers and sculptures like moths to a flame. It is all this and more that gives the city a mystical quality that draws visitors back time and time again.

One of the best-kept secrets of this stunning area is its innate ability to immerse visitors in an authentic Mexican experience that few cities can match.

While its incredible history, culture and food are a major draw, San Miguel’s spectacular natural setting is so appealing, it invites guests to interact with the beauty of the region through nature and the outdoors.

Here are some experiences that outdoor enthusiasts should have on their “to do” list while exploring charming San Miguel de Allende.

El Charco Del Ingenio

El Charco Del Ingenio

A privately funded ecological reserve and botanical garden, El Charco Del Ingenio is located just minutes from the heart of the historic city. The name is derived from the spring-fed pool located within its impressive canyon.

Dedicated to the restoration and conservation of rare, threatened and endangered Mexican cacti and plants, the picturesque reserve features a network of meandering trails where visitors can stroll, hike and jog surrounded by nature’s beauty.

The remains of an old mill and hacienda manor house reside within the reserve. The more adventurous will love to climb the canyon walls in search of the best bird watching spots.

Cañada de la Virgen

Pirámide de San Miguel, ¡vale la pena visitarla!

Excavations that began in 1995 revealed evidence that they were Otomi, an indigenous people of Mexico who once inhabited the Cañada de la Virgen area for thousands of years.

Located just 13 miles from San Miguel de Allende, the vast and rugged area features towering mountain ranges, ancient pyramids and natural springs.

The archaeological park, with its 6th century origins, contains ruins of a Native American Indian observatory, a colossal temple and burial chambers.

Kevin Varner, a recent Stanford graduate says that “walking the grounds of the pyramid and archaeological site with 5 college buddies blew our minds. Imagine being among the ruins from the 6th century.”

Three of the five architectural complexes within the less-traveled ruins can be explored, including Complex A’s “13 Sky House,” a 16-meter-high pyramid ideal for celestial navigation.

Complex B, the “House of the Longest Night,” known for its pyramidal basement, and the mostly circular “House of the Wind” of Complex D.

Parque Benito Juárez

Parroquia de San Miguel de Allende

A charming park and garden located in the heart of the city, Benito Juarez Park boasts a French-inspired design with ponds, fountains, wrought iron benches and antique bridges. Playgrounds and basketball courts add to the ambiance of this outdoor recreational area.

The wide paths and trails of this 20th-century park are ideal for exploring the region’s flora and fauna, such as cherimoya, mulberry and walnut trees.

Jardín Principal (El Jardín)

El Jardín, la Plaza de Armas de San Miguel de Allende

El Jardín is San Miguel’s main square and central plaza located in the heart of the historic district.

Although the area is a perfect place to explore the magnificent arches of the portals, the colonial buildings and the old Palacio Municipal, it is the garden, with its myriad of colorful plants and shady laurels that draws visitors to this central location.

Locals and visitors alike can be found relaxing on the wrought iron benches while being entertained by local musicians, or watching one of the town’s lively and colorful parades.

San Miguel’s famous hot springs

Natural hot springs, or balnearios, as they are known locally, are also found within the San Miguel de Allende region. Believed to have healing, detoxifying and regenerative powers, these mineral-rich waters ranging from warm to hot, heated by subway volcanic activity are incredible.

La Gruta San Miguel de Allende

I loved the peace, quiet and relaxation at my favorite hot spring in San Miguel, La Gruta (The Grotto).

The spa contains several thermal pools and a subway cave where hot water gushing from a tube gives guests a pleasant head and shoulder water massage.

The property also contains a workout pool, a temescal (traditional steam bath) and a variety of massage treatments to choose from. Guests can even stay for lunch or enjoy a traditional margarita in paradise.

San Miguel Parque de Aventura

Ecotourism, adventure and nature lovers flock to the San Miguel Adventure Park, which offers a wide variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts.

From horseback riding with scenic views, mountain biking and off-road ATVs to ziplining nearly 500 feet over a scenic canyon and a suspension bridge, this adventure park offers plenty of fun along with plenty of incredible adrenaline rushes.

Vadear un arroyo en un vehículo todo terreno en San Miguel Adventure ParkIn addition to individual activities, combination packages are available for ziplining and horseback riding, ziplining and ATV riding, and more for a full day of outdoor getaways.

Cañón del Coyote Guanajuato

Coyote Canyon Adventures, a family-owned destination management company specializing in adventure and ecotourism, offers numerous outdoor adventures, excursions, archaeological and cultural tours around San Miguel de Allende.

Guests can enjoy horseback riding, cattle roundups and rodeos, hiking, hot springs, geode hunting, stargazing, off-road vehicle tours, zip-lining, cliff rappelling and more. Several combo packages are available for full-day adventures.

“I live for adventure and the zipline at San Miguel Adventure Park was totally awesome. I had to do it again, this time with friends,” exclaims Dan Nadolo, an IT specialist from Seattle.

Escalada en Coyote Canyon

Other outdoor treasures include captivating cultural tours that allow visitors to explore the traditions of Mesoamerica and get up close and personal with its fascinating pyramid and archaeological sites and the region’s storied past.

For food and wine lovers, cooking classes and wine tours are a fun way to celebrate San Miguel de Allende’s festive lifestyle.

Hot air ballooning at sunrise is one of the best ways to get a panoramic view of the San Miguel countryside and enjoy the beauty of this magnificent landscape.

Brenda Hill, a marketing executive from Austin says, “I had one of the best experiences of my life on the balloon ride. I just couldn’t get over the incredible views.”

Life is good. Yes, in San Miguel de Allende life is good.

One of the best ways to see the sights of San Miguel de Allende, located in the state of Guanajuato, is on an early morning hot air balloon ride.