KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

san miguel de allende

It’s wonderful!

The moment we first set foot in San Miguel de Allende 4 years ago we fell in love with the magic of this beautiful city and we hope and expect you'll feel the same!

Voted "Best City in the World", this UNESCO World Heritage city has been attracting writers, artists, well-heeled retirees and expats for decades. With its cobblestone streets, colorful colonial facades, fuchsia bougainvillea and intricate wooden doors, it’s no wonder Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler both named San Miguel the #1 city in the world. An enchanting oasis of restaurants, hot springs, quaint shops, art galleries and organic restaurants, it is impossible not to fall in love with the people, culture and history of this picturesque city.

Most everything in the city is walkable, however the cobble stone streets require good walking shoes. Taxis are readily available and can be arrange by your house or hotel staff. Renting a car is not necessary.

November brings warm days and chilly nights. The days will be mid-70s (24°C) and sunny, while the nights can get down to the 50s (12°C).

The city sits at an elevation of 6,235 feet (1,900 meters) above sea level. As such, the days are mostly temperate, not humid, and the nights cool or chilly at times. Mosquitoes are not common as they are at lower elevations.

Many places take credit cards but we recommend carrying pesos with you always, you will encounter cash only places or street vendors that will only accept pesos.

Although English is readily heard and spoken throughout the city center, using any Spanish you can muster is helpful, as the people are very friendly and willing to try to understand you.

TRANSPORTATION

FLIGHTS

QRO AIRPORT

Querétaro (QRO) is the closest airport and is about a 1 hour taxi or shuttle ride from San Miguel de Allende.

Once you arrive a QRO there is a taxi kiosk with the prices listed in pesos.

BJX AIRPORT

Guanajuato/Del Bajío International (BJX) is another great option just outside of Guanajuato and Leon, about 1.5 hours away from San Miguel by taxi or shuttle.

Some direct flights are available from the San Francisco Bay Area.

MEX AIRPORT

Mexico City / Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) is 3.5 hours away by car, shuttle, or bus.

Although it is is the farthest of the 3 airports from San Miguel, it is very accessible and inexpensive as nonstop flights are available from most major U.S. cities and Europe. There are also inexpensive connection options to either QRO or BJX.

If you decide to connect, be sure to give yourself enough time to go through customs.

TRANSPORT TO/FROM THE AIRPORT

From the QRO or BJX airports, we recommend you take a pre-arranged taxi or shuttle to San Miguel. Arrangements can often be made through your hotel. From MEX airport we recommend a pre-arranged shuttle or first class bus. Due to the drive from BJX or MEX we recommend all arrivals and departures during the daytime if possible.

Additionally, shuttle services can be arranged with the local companies listed below:

BajiGo

info@bajiogo.com

USA 1 (202) 609-9905 Mexico +52 (415) 152-1999

Jesús 11, Centro, San Miguel de Allende Guanajuato, México 37700

Shared shuttle service pairs you up with other passengers who are arriving or departing at the same time as you.
Shared shuttles service the León (BJX), Querétaro (QRO) and Mexico City (MEX) airports 24 hours a day. Shared shuttles have no minimum of passengers and have a maximum of three pick-ups on outgoing trips and will only wait for other passengers arriving at the same or similar time as you on incoming trips.

Viajes San Miguel

viajessanmiguel.com

Mexico +52 415 152 2537

Mesones 38 int. 7, Centro, 37700 San Miguel de Allende, Gto., Mexico

Viajes San Miguel is a trusted and reliable Airport Transportation. They service both QRO and BJX airports.

FIRST CLASS BUSES TO/FROM MEXICO CITY

ETN or Primera Plus are the 2 first-class bus companies servicing Mexico City (CDMX) and San Miguel.

Travel time is about 3.5hrs. The buses are very comfortable, with toilets, personal screens, and snacks provided. They are either direct or have one layover at Queretaro Bus Terminal. There are 2 ways to travel from MEX airport to San Miguel via the bus system:

Option 1

Taxi from MEX aiport to Mexico Nortel Bus Terminal (Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte).

Purchase bus ticket to San Miguel de Allende via ETN or Primera Plus (may or may not layover at Queretaro).

Arrive at San Miguel de Allende bus terminal and take taxi to final destination.

Option 2

From MEX Aiport take first class Primera Plus bus to Queretaro.

Arrive at Queretaro and purchase ticket to San Migeul de Allende via ETN or Primera Plus.

Arrive at San Miguel de Allende bus terminal and take taxi to final destination.

This website is helpful and prvides step-by-step information on the 2 options listed above.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Stay in a cool place!

There is no shortage of beautiful and unique places to stay in San Miguel de Allende.

A matter of personal preference but we highly encourage those in larger groups to stay in one of the many historic homes/villas in the city, many of which come with house staff to make your stay more comfortable.

For those traveling with less people or if you prefer more seclusion, you can find many a beautiful boutique hotel in the center of town. No matter where you make arrangements, we recommend you stay in or near the City Center. Doing so will place you near all the events and eliminate the need for numerous taxis rides, as the entire center is walkable.

READ: Don't wait until the last minute!

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PRIVATE HOMES / VILLAS

Can be found using the following services:

HOTELS

Too many to list however here are a few outstanding locations for every budget:

NOTE: We do not currently have a hotel block so please take advantage of such services as hotels.com where you can find better rates than at the hotel's website!

EXTENDED VACATION