San Miguel Allende’s fairytale romance keeps us coming back for more. Beautifully preserved buildings that line the historic center’s cobbled streets, bells beckoning from one of the city’s many church domes, glasses clinking on a rooftop bar overlooking pink-washed parish spires and the leafy central plaza – what’s there not to fall in love with?
Settled in the central highlands, this UNESCO-awarded city is a wow destination where local Mexican tradition and international influence collide. The town’s dynamic cultural landscape, old-world architecture, and year-round temperate climate make it a favorite among travelers; Travel+Leisure’s seasoned readers just voted San Miguel Allende as the world’s number one city for the fourth time!
We’ll help you to peel through layers of gastronomy, art and culture that bridge the city’s past and present, traditional and contemporary ideas, while getting to know people and places along the way that take you beyond the tourist track. Keep reading for a look at Journey Mexico’s travel adventures that uncover San Miguel Allende‘s art scene, mixed heritage, and the region’s emerging wine culture.
Absorb the City’s Art History
“Creatives, foodies, and romantics gravitate to San Miguel de Allende from all parts of the world, adding a cosmopolitan flair to the city´s authentic Mexican character”
– Zach Rabinor, Journey’s Founder and CEO, Travel + Leisure
Walking through the vibrant city center today, it’s hard to imagine a San Miguel without artistry at every turn: giant ‘mojiganga’ papier mâché puppets bounding through the streets at wedding parades, shops bursting with tin ´sacred hearts´, silver jewelry cascading over meticulous displays, and colorful murals painting walls in tribute to cultural figures. If we travel back a century or so, however, the city was in decline following political instability and economic hardship after the Mexican Revolution. San Miguel Allende’s art culture was instrumental in transforming a once struggling town into the lively, cosmopolitan destination we know today.
Artistic Beginnings
In the 1930s, artists and intellectuals began to arrive, attracted by the city’s Mexican authenticity, spectacular lighting, scenic landscapes and historical significance. By the end of the decade Peruvian artist, Felipe Cossío del Pomar, had established San Miguel Allende’s first art school, the Escuela de Bellas Artes. A growing international buzz attracted an influx of students, artists, and tourists from the United States, Canada, and Europe, reviving the city’s economy and securing its reputation as a creative enclave. Fast forward one hundred years to a thriving arts community that continues to be a magnet for Mexican and foreign artists in a myriad of disciplines.
Our Latest Art Adventures
We want to get you immersed in San Miguel’s captivating network of galleries, studios, workshops, and classic buildings reimagined as cool art complexes while feeling a connection with the individuals who keep the arts culture flourishing.
Our latest art adventures in the city encompass hands-on private classes with local artists, meeting the makers at their studios, observing the skilled hands of artisans, and the chance for collectors to select unique pieces from curated displays.
1. Mexican Baroque and Folk Art
Venture to the Santuario de Atotonilco on the edge of town, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Mexico’s Sistine Chapel! See how this 18th century church is a beautiful expression of Mexican Baroque and learn about the rich history that unfolds through captivating walls and ceilings, intricately adorned with religious artwork, statues, and folk murals. Head to a nearby gallery where the owner’s passion for Mexico’s artisan tradition and personal connections with its makers are present in each hand-selected from all over the country. Admire some of Mexico’s best ceramics, antique furniture, sculptures, masks, and more, in one carefully curated space – a collector’s dream.
2. Design, Galleries and Unique Finds
Art lovers and collectors are in for a treat! Enjoy an exclusive, private visit to Casa Midy, a distinguished design studio and showroom. The space specializes in furniture, interior design, and home decor, housed in a beautifully restored colonial-era building. Step into the enchanting world of Gustavo Aceves at Galería Core, where the internationally acclaimed Mexican artist unveils his impactful sculptures, a fusion of equestrian themes, traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design. You’ll be able to delve into more design spots and galleries in the city, whether meeting an oil painter or a textiles expert working in their countryside studio, we’ll tailor the experience to your individual preferences for maximum enjoyment.
3. Bespoke Class with a Local Artist
This intimate experience invites you to a private and personalized masterclass with an acclaimed local artist who’ll guide you through a painting, sculpture, or drawing workshop. Learn from a key figure in the city’s cultural canvas at an art residence in the historic center, a space dedicated to cultivating creativity. This bespoke experience will be meticulously designed to align with your preferences, tastes, and interests, ensuring a one-of-a-kind artistic adventure.
4. Guanajuato City & Gorky’s Ceramic Workshop
Journey around an hour’s drive from San Miguel to the art-packed and colorful city of Guanajuato. Explore cultural sights like Guanajuato´s beautiful university, the grand Juarez Theatre, and Digo Rivera’s house-museum to learn about the famous Mexican muralist. Indulge in an extra dose of artistry with an exclusive, invitation-only visit to the renowned Majolica Ceramic workshop of Gorky Gonzalez. Explore the fascinating world of traditional Mexican ceramics as you witness the entire process of crafting these beautiful masterpieces.
Meaningful Cultural Exchanges: Meet the Guardians of Heritage
“At the organic farm, I felt proud of my heritage when the team was showing us the process to get the nectar from the maguey – it’s hard work but the person was so calm and happy doing it. They explained to us about the use of the nectar in aguamiel, pulque, and other pre-Hispanic drinks. It took me back to my childhood when I used to watch this special preparation.”
– Amalia, Operations Coordinator
The multi-faceted heritage of San Miguel and its surroundings can be explored through a captivating tapestry of culture, arts, history, spirituality, and annual festivities. We love guiding you beyond surface level to engage with the guardians and visionaries that honor tradition while illustrating its value in contemporary life. The historic center tells stories of the city’s mixed influences: Spanish baroque buildings and countless Catholic churches; indigenous ingredients and cooking techniques; timeless craftsmanship like weaving, wood-carving and silver jewelry; and cultural syncretism seen through religious artwork and celebrations like Day of the Dead (DOD).
As well as discovery walks in the city, we love diving deeper into the region’s rich legacy, and the people striving to preserve it, through day trips into the surrounding area. Here are some of our newest adventures we’re excited about!
1. Meet a Master Molcajete Artisan
Journey to Comonfort, a Pueblo Mágico that’s celebrated for its preservation of local heritage like the pre-Hispanic ‘molcajete’ (mortar) bowl, meticulously shaped from local volcanic rock. You’ll have the privilege of meeting master artisan, Juan Manuel Quintero, a descendant of a lineage deeply rooted in this ancient craft, who’ll share the rich history of his trade and its profound cultural significance. Witness generational wisdom in action as you watch Juan’s demonstration and join in if the mood takes you! Absorb a timeless ritual and taste mouthwatering salsas prepared traditionally in a molcajete.
2. Indulge in an Exclusive Rural Chef’s Lunch
Get off the beaten path in a rural countryside village, where you’ll connect with a local family in their vegetable garden. Gain insight into the grand efforts behind the family’s organic, regionally focused produce, a unique opportunity to chat to the people at the source. For lunch, an exclusive countryside experience awaits, courtesy of Chef Jorge Corcega. Your culinary expert honed his skills in European haute cuisine from San Sebastián to London and incorporates his passion for the countryside and farmers into his life philosophy. Relax in a tranquil outdoor set-up as Jorge and his team deliver a one-of-a-kind dining experience accompanied by a special selection of exquisite wines. You won’t find this culinary adventure anywhere else!
3. Unveil Maguey Culture & Heirloom Seeds at an Organic Farm
Dive into organic food production and sustainable living at an ecological ranch in the Jalpa Valley. Learn about the benefits of organic produce, regenerative agriculture, and fair trade, with a focus on the ranch’s invaluable maguey and seed projects. Take a mountain bike or RZR to the maguey crops to uncover the plant’s traditional uses, taste pulque, and its contribution to an ambitious regeneration project. Make a stop at the seed bank to learn about the challenges faced by Mexico’s heirloom seeds and the initiatives in place to rescue the integrity of ingredients like corn, squash, beans, and chilis.
4. Take Part in Day of the Dead Rituals
We’ve designed the ultimate seven-day adventure to celebrate an authentic Día de Muertos in San Miguel Allende. Guided by one of our local experts, our exclusive itinerary is interwoven with cultural exchange and immersion. Become a walking piece of art and take part in personalized altar-making, get energized in colorful street parades and join joyful tributes at a local cemetery. Experiencing Day of the Dead with us fosters a deeper understanding and respect for the poignant generational rituals that take place each year.
Get Inside San Miguel Allende’s Wine Revival
“There are lots of vineyards popping up on the area’s fertile land as the wine scene increasingly becomes a part of San Miguel Allende’s modern identity”
– Zach Rabinor, Journey’s Founder and CEO, Travel + Leisure
A renaissance of wine making is happening in Bajío, a region stretching between the states of Michoacán, Querétaro and San Miguel’s home, Guanajuato. A lesser-known fact is that the Mexico’s history of viniculture goes back to the 16th century. Shortly after the Spanish arrived, conquistadors and missionaries brought vine cuttings from Europe to ensure a steady supply of wine for religious ceremonies and daily consumption. The industry took off so much that by the end of the century, King Philip II had prohibited production to protect Spain’s wine industry, with restrictions only lifted after Mexico won its independence in 1821.
Today, boutique wineries scatter the countryside around San Miguel Allende, offering unique wines thanks to the region’s high altitude, diverse microclimates, and volcanic soils. While on trip to the city, getting out to one of the nearby vineyards is a must. From award-winning vineyards to family-run organic wineries and hidden gems you might not find on your own, we love arranging door-to-door visits to enjoy relaxing tastings with scenic views and wonderful paired culinary experiences. Also, the vendemia takes place around the area’s grape harvesting season, roughly from July to August. With grape-stomping, live music, gourmet pairings, and wine aplenty, the celebrations are a great addition to summer travel in San Miguel.
Here’s a couple of our new experiences to get a taste of central Mexico as an emerging wine destination:
1. Relaxing Afternoon at a Local Vineyard
We’ll whisk you to one of our favorite vineyards just outside the city. Meet the winery’s sommelier at a private reception for a scenic glass of wine atop the contemporary tower. Stroll around the grounds to see the journey of grapes to wine cellar and finish the visit at a private table reserved for you to enjoy a three-course, gourmet meal, paired with a selection of the vineyard’s wines.
2. Taste Great Food and Wine at a Hidden Gem
We’ve found a great little vineyard off the tourist track; enhance the transfer between Mexico City and San Miguel with a stop-off at this secret spot. There’s nothing like a well-timed meal to break up a long journey and our mouths are watering remembering the beautiful, al fresco lunch at this place. We love the sparkling and red wines too.
Want an Insider’s Experience in San Miguel Allende?
We recommend getting started by browsing Journey Mexico’s curated guide of ways to explore the city and our portfolio of handpicked hotels in the city, tried and tested by our team. Feel free to chat with our travel planners who can answer any burning questions, help to expand your ideas, and put together a unique itinerary that’s personalized to your wanderlust.
More from Travel + Leisure / Zachary Rabinor:
12 Ways to Maximize Your Time in Mexico’s San Miguel de Allende, According to a Travel Expert
