Yes, there is a lot to see and do in San Miguel de Allende, but if your adventurous and traveling spirit tells you that you need more, we have a couple of recommendations for you to prepare a very complete route through the state of Guanajuato and our neighbors of Querétaro and Hidalgo. 

This is a proposal with a lot of history, architecture that will leave you speechless and natural sites that will make you end the tour with a new air, a lot of energy and also some photos worthy of showing off on all your social networks. Will you join us?

Two places with a lot of history: Guanajuato and Dolores Hidalgo

In the state, there is a triplet that not only shares history but its proximity to each other allows us to travel through them comfortably. We are talking about Guanajuato capital – Dolores Hidalgo and of course San Miguel de Allende. 

Let's talk about Guanajuato. The state capital was the most important mining center for New Spain during the 16th century and as such, it saw the rise of not only its first settlements but also others in the region. As the main tourist spot in the state, it always amazes locals and foreigners with its colonial architecture, where styles such as baroque, neoclassical and churrigueresque converge. Walking through its streets and alleys is really like taking a step back in time and, just like in SMA, there is a vibrant offer of gastronomy, cocktails and local design. This has to be your first stop after San Miguel. 

Then, you continue to Dolores Hidalgo, the Cradle of Independence, known as such because the independence movement began here. Visiting Dolores is like entering into the history of a new era in our country, and it is quite interesting to visit, for example, the Parish of Our Lady of Sorrows, where Father Hidalgo gathered the parishioners to rise up in arms. Did you know that the bell of this parish is a replica and that the original is in the National Palace in Mexico City? You can't miss trying their ice creams with infinite flavors.

The ghost town of Mexico: Mineral de Pozos 

After you've seen the main attractions of Dolores Hidalgo, it's time to hit the road to one of the most enigmatic ghost towns in the country. But first, if you want to try the local snacks or make a technical stop, we recommend stopping for a while in San Luis de la Paz, because in Mineral you won't find much more than the vestiges of an abandoned town.

Now, Mineral de Pozos is one of the 6 magical towns in the state of Guanajuato and is a ruined proof of the opulence of the Porfiriato. Here, you can see what were once majestic estates and mines that fell into abandonment between the Mexican Revolution and the Cristero War. Of the 80 thousand inhabitants that it once had, after the revolution only 4 thousand remained. Now, it is a site of interest for its parish and temple, for the mines that can still be visited and for that halo of mystery that surrounds the entire town.

A walk through nature: Peña de Bernal and the Tolantongo Caves

We left the state of Guanajuato to head towards Querétaro, a neighboring state with which we share part of our history as Mexicans. A few kilometers from Santiago de Querétaro is Bernal, a small magical town on the banks of La Peña, the third largest monolith in the world. With a privileged temperate climate, this tourist site is perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, making the climb to La Peña a great achievement for anyone who dares to do it. Bernal is a great place to try regional cuisine, such as the famous gorditas made of broken corn or migaja. Also, as it is part of the Cheese and Wine Route, you can find different local labels and snacks to eat or to take as gifts to your family and friends. 

Continuing the trip and if you need a break, you can always stop in Tequisquiapan, another magical town in Querétaro worth visiting. Continuing with our route, it is time to take a little more road to head to Hidalgo, specifically passing Ixmiquilpan, where the famous Grutas de Tolantongo are located. This is a canyon composed of a river, two caves and waterfalls ideal for taking a dip and cooling off during the last hot days of the year. This “oasis within your reach” has always been a must-see in the state of Hidalgo and in general for all those who are passing through but want to detour to enjoy nature for a while, the photos you are going to take here! 

Mexico is huge, and in every little town, on every detour, there is something to see and try. These are just a few options of places you can try before or after your visit to San Miguel de Allende. Or if you are from here and for some reason you don't know one of these places, this is a good opportunity to jump in and breathe some fresh air while you soak up history, architecture, and literally the water. 

What other places would you recommend around SMA? Tell us on social media: @LocalSMAGuide on Instagram and Facebook.