As a nomad who travels full-time, I constantly find myself at odds with both wanting to stay in a community to immerse myself more fully, and wanting to keep moving to the next beautiful and interesting place. It’s kind of a dilemma!
Case in point: in January and early February 2022, I spent five weeks in beautiful San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato… much longer than usual, because I felt so dang comfortable. And I definitely made the rounds all around town!
Since most people don’t have the luxury of a 5-week vacation, don’t worry — I’ve condensed my favorite activities down for you. And because I am traveling Mexico with my dog, I’ve noted which are dog-friendly. Enjoy one of my favorite cities!
But first, when to go to San Miguel de Allende? In Jan/Feb, it was pleasant and temperate by day, cool or chilly at night. Because San Miguel de Allende has an elevation of 6,135 feet (1,900 meters) — a daytime 50 degrees feels more like 60 and 60 like 70 — I think because you’re closer to the sun. Layers are your friend!
But first, my recommendations for hotels in San Miguel de Allende
- Rosewood San Miguel de Allende welcomes cats and dogs, weighing up to 40 pounds (20 Kg), with a maximum of one pet per Room, Suite, or Residence
- Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende Urban Resort: add the dog-friendly component when booking. Your pet must be small or medium size with a maximum weight of 20 kilos; you can also take up to two small dogs, as long as they do not exceed 20 kilos
- Habitas San Miguel de Allende
SMA Day #1: Thursday
The Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel and the nearby Jardín Allende are the hallmarks of San Miguel de Allende’s centro, and are bustling both at day and by night. Stroll the cobbled streets, grab a bite (Sabroso Taqueria has amazing nachos), and after dinner, try Thursday night karaoke at Mama Mia starting around 9 p.m. Songs are available in both Spanish and English, and you better believe I was up there a few times during my stay! (Don’t want to sing? Go for the show and the energy!)
SMA Day #2: Friday
About 20 minutes outside the city by car is Atotonilco, home to a historic church and courtyard dubbed “The Sistine Chapel of Mexico” due to its extensive murals inside. Grab a bite at the food stalls down the main drag, and pick up some handicrafts — then visit upscale La Gruta Spa to relax and rejuvenate for your Friday night out back in town — Tupi Rooftop 33 has a highly entertaining drag show starting around 10 p.m. If something more chill is your vibe, Polp SMA is a great option too with cocktails and a DJ.
If you’d like a little more guidance and a little less DIY, I can recommend this day trip, Private Dolores Hidalgo & Atotonilco Tour.
SMA Day #3: Saturday
You’d be remiss to miss all the amazing murals painted across San Miguel de Allende’s colonias — many of which are outside “El Centro.” So fuel up with the rainbow smoothie at pet-friendly gourmet grocery store and cafe Luna de Queso, and hit the streets! Hire a guide for the art walk or follow my self-guided walk from my earlier piece, 13 of My Favorite Street Art Murals in San Miguel de Allende.
By night, hit up one of the many rooftops for a cocktail and a fine view. I can recommend La Azotea, Rooftop Mara, and Antonia Bistro SMA, which are pet-friendly.
SMA Day #4: Sunday
I love me a good brunch, and in San Miguel, Rustica and Silveyra’s were two fantastic breakfast spots I visited that are both dog-friendly and delicious. The flat white latte at Rustica comes with a biscotti (love me a little sweet with my caffeine) and both the breakfast sandwich and frittata are awesome. At Silveyra’s, I loved the daily fruit-infused agua, the club sandwich, and the omelet. (Good luck choosing — everything on each menu sounds so good!) And because Sundays are for church and wine (obvi), head over to Hacienda San José Lavista viñedo (must call ahead) for Sunday funday and walking the beautiful grounds, which include an old church — it’s about a 20 minutes’ drive out of town.
Another option? This 6-hour Private Vineyards With Wine Tasting and Pairing Tour.
SMA Day #5: Monday
The horseback ride with Coyote Canyon Adventures was one of my favorite excursions in San Miguel de Allende, and it also includes an authentic ranch-hand meal! Highly recommend.
SMA Day #6: Tuesday
The botanical garden of San Miguel, Charco del Ingenio, features a network of trails and beautiful indigenous desert plants and landscapes. Since it’s an uphill walk from town, driving is recommended, and unfortunately, it’s not dog-friendly. After your morning hike, head over to Fábrica de Aurora for awe-inspiring sights of another variety (man-made). If you fancy a quick, delicious, and affordable burrito, check out Mamá Mela.
SMA Day #7: Wednesday
Archaeology and history buffs, this one’s for you! About 20 minutes outside of San Miguel lies the visitor center for Cañada De La Virgen, an ancient pre-Aztec, pre-Hispanic pyramid. You must have a guide to get to the actual ruins (a ways away from the visitor’s center), so I recommend Albert Coffee Tours — he was actually one of the excavators of the site and the foremost expert of the area. After the tour, grab some dinner and finish up the night salsa dancing to the live band at El Faro.
Well there you have it — a one week travel itinerary in San Miguel de Allende! Is there anything else I should add to this list?
This looks so fun. Thanks for the recommendations!
You’re welcome! I hope you make it there 😄
Thank you so much for sharing! Love the pics and the places you visited. We plan on going back but now thanks to you we have some new places to see. Thanks again
You’re so welcome, Raul! Happy to help, and enjoy your visit 🙂
I’m also planning to travel MX with my dog. It’ll be a mini retirement, no employment as you did. Where did you leave the dog when visiting places that are not dog friendly? I don’t want to miss on ruins and pyramids where he’s not allowed. Thanks
Hello! I left Penny where I was staying; first, a dog-friendly boutique hostel, and then in some friends’ guest suite. If your dog is non-destructive when left alone, I’d recommend that!