San Miguel de Allende: A destination for a romantic getaway with your sweetheart

Published February 11th, 2022

An immense parish of pink quarry stone rises in the center of San Miguel de Allende, a viceregal town surrounded by baroque and neo-Gothic architecture, among cobblestone streets that lead you through roads where so many stories have been built over time, even Ignacio Allende, insurgent of the War of Independence, passed through here. It has become the epicenter of art, festivals, culinary delights, nightlife, and also of lovers.

In 2008, this city of Guanajuato was declared a World Heritage Site by the World Heritage Committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), it is located about four hours from Mexico City and its tourist offer is ideal to celebrate any special occasion.

It is one of the favorite destinations for a romantic getaway, from horseback riding, hot air balloon rides, vineyards, and restaurants to enjoy gourmet flavors with a view of this city lost in time.

Horseback riding in the highlands
A horseback ride through the mountains, from a ranch in Boca de la Cañada, through paths surrounded by trees and silence, until ascending to the Peña de la Cruz, a peak from where you can see San Miguel de Allende in the distance. This place has seen many engagement rings, as it is one of the favorite places for marriage proposals, where musicians arrive by surprise to celebrate.

The tour continues through the center of town, with the option of visiting traditional cantinas such as El Tenampa, El Cucú, and El Tupinamba.

So that this experience does not take you by surprise, do not forget that it is best to wear comfortable clothes (pants and long sleeves) that cover you from the sun, sunscreen, and even a hat.

How much does it cost? The price varies according to the type of experience you choose, about 1800 pesos per person.
Where to go? Coyote Canyon Adventures offers excursions of five, eight, or 30 hours (with camping), among its options, is the sunset ride, ideal for romantic occasions.

Balloon flight: ‘Love is in the air’.
Ballooning is an unrepeatable experience and San Miguel de Allende is one of the best options for its views of the colonial city and its surroundings.

The balloons usually take off very early, to see the sunrise from the heights, so it is advisable to go in warm clothes; the ride lasts about an hour, depending on the wind speed.

There are some businesses that offer complete packages, with breakfast, toast with sparkling wine, transportation, hotel, even specials to ask for marriage.

How much does it cost? The classic flight costs approximately 2,600 pesos per person.
Where to go? You can find several companies dedicated to this option, for example, Globo San Miguel and Vuela en Globo.

Dining with a view of the city
One of the most attractive views of the historic center of San Miguel Allende, with a view of the San Miguel Arcángel Parish Church, is at The Rooftop at Selina, a panoramic terrace with a wide range of gourmet dishes created by chef Abel Hernández, as well as a menu of signature cocktails and mocktails (non-alcoholic cocktails) created by bartender Kevin Romero.

You can find, for example, the Margarita San Miguel (tequila, pineapple, and cilantro cordial with chili) or Matlazihua (Mezcal, Frangelico, Guava, and strawberry mix).

Among its snacks, the guacamole with castacán (crispy pork on the outside and soft on the inside) or the octopus tacos with chicharrón stand out.

As main courses, among their options you can find ravioli stuffed with ricotta cheese (bed of chard, walnuts, nugget cheese, and Parmesan cheese); or picaña barbacoa cooked in maguey stalk, white onion, cilantro, and blue corn tortillas.

How much? Entrees range from 230 to 480 pesos.
Where? Cuna de Allende 11, Zona Centro, 37700 San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato.

A glass of wine? Vineyards in San Miguel de Allende
In this city is Viñedos San Lucas, with its tasting rooms surrounded by vineyards where you can learn about the process of wine, olive and lavender production.

There are workshops, personalized wine, olive oil tastings, tastings, and even wine and food pairing dinners.

They also have two Mediterranean food restaurants to pair with their wines.

How much does it cost? The tastings cost 690 pesos.
Where? Kilometer 26 of the Querétaro-San Miguel de Allende Highway, Pie de Gallo, Guanajuato.