Day 3
Travel log
Independence tour
SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE
San Miguel de Allende is a city that manages to be both quaint and cosmopolitan at the same time. Once an important stop on the silver route between Zacatecas and Mexico City, its historic center is filled with well-preserved buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. With its narrow cobblestone streets, leafy courtyards, fine architectural details and sumptuous interiors, San Miguel de Allende is arguably the prettiest town in Mexico.
In 2008 UNESCO recognized San Miguel de Allende and the neighboring Sanctuary of Jesus de Atotonilco as World Heritage of Humanity sites, citing the town's religious and civil architecture as a demonstration of the evolution of different trends and styles, from Baroque to late 19th century Neo-Gothic.
Located in Guanajuato state, 265 km (165 miles) northeast of Mexico City and 96 km (60 miles) from the state capital, Guanajuato city, San Miguel is located within Mexico's hilly central highlands.
Walking is undoubtedly the best way to explore San Miguel. A car can be more of a hindrance than a help in town, though it can be useful for day trips to the nearby cities of Guanajuato, Dolores Hidalgo or Queretaro. When your feet get tired, hop on the sightseeing trolley that departs from the tourism office on the north side of the Jardín Principal. After a tour of the main points of interest, it will take you to the Mirador, a lookout point where you'll be able to have a panoramic view of the city.
San Miguel is a preferred destination of art lovers. Whether you're an aspiring or accomplished artist, or just prefer to admire the creations of others, you'll be happy here. Studio openings, courses and workshops form a vital part of the thriving arts scene. Galleries, boutiques and shops selling a wide range of art and handicrafts are plentiful so it won't be hard to find souvenirs to take home with you.
San Miguel de Allende has an air of tranquility about it, belying the fact that there is always something happening. This is the perfect city for an extended stay. It is safe to walk around day and night and the climate is pleasant year-round.
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DOLORES, HIDALGO
Located just in front of the main square, the Parish of “Nuestra señora de los Dolores” (Our Lady of Sorrows) is considered the most visited construction of the place. In addition, it is one of the best examples of baroque from the last part of the eighteenth century. The interior of the Parish of Our Lady of Sorrows is adorned with beautiful retablos, one of which takes as a motive the Virgin of Guadalupe and the other to San Jose. In one of the bell towers of this sacred building, two centuries ago, the bell that called the arms of the insurgents was on the eve of September 16, 1810.
Near main square of Dolores Hidalgo, there is an elegant 17th-century mansion, named “La Casa de Visitas” which has a attractive baroque doorway, lobed arches at its first floor, and the cornice which from the center of this facade is adorned with a cross stands out. Just as interesting is “Casa Hidalgo” Museum, housed in a building where the famous priest lived and which dates from the seventeenth century. In this museum there are various documents and belongings of that great personage of the Independence of Mexico. Do not forget, in relation to the most representative buildings of Dolores Hidalgo, the so-called Casa de Abasolo, where the Municipal Presidency is currently located. It is a building that was bought by the Town Hall at the beginning of the 20th century and has as decoration an arcade and simple balconies.
The most traditional dishes of Dolores Hidalgo are the chiles rellenos, mole and helados (ice cream) made with beer, nopal, tequila, avocado, shrimp, as well as those elaborated with cheese and butterfish. To finish, after so many tasty dishes and goodies, nothing better than a few good drinks of tequila.
In the vicinity of Dolores Hidalgo there are several attractive places, such as the “Hacienda de la Erre” one of the oldest ranch in the country and which at a certain historical moment, served as the base of operations of the insurgent movement. Another suggestion is to explore San Miguel de Allende, one of the most beautiful city that has the state of Guanajuato. This city was founded in 1542 by the friar Juan de San Miguel, in an area populated mainly by indigenous Purépecha.
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