10 Awesome Day Trips From San Miguel de Allende Mexico
One of my favorite things about exploring this town is the day trips from San Miguel de Allende. They instantly expand the things to do and these day tours include a variety of activities depending on your interests.
Artists will be delighted to explore the eccentric mind of Anado while wandering the grounds of The Chapel of Jimmy Ray. Spa lovers want to spend a relaxing day soaking in the hot springs.
History buffs will enjoy learning about Mexican history. And mezcal enthusiasts will revel in exploring Finca La Devoción while tasting its brand of artisanal mezcal.
Plus there are several towns near San Miguel de Allende that are worth a visit, including a day trip from San Miguel to Guanajuato.
I’ve included all the details you need to make these San Miguel de Allende day trips an easy part of your itinerary. Let’s explore!
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I’ve included a brief summary at the end how to navigate between these San Miguel day trips. If you prefer not to drive or deal with public transport, I’ve also included my top picks from these highly rated San Miguel de Allende tours.
Let’s take a look at the best day trips from San Miguel de Allende Mexico.
1. Soak in the Hot Springs at La Gruta
📌 Map Location
⌚ Wednesday to Sunday, 7 am – 5 pm
💵 250 peso entrance fee, 50 peso returnable locker deposit
🚎 Book your Horseback Riding and Hot Springs Tour
This relaxing day trip from San Miguel de Allende takes you north of town to an area known for hot springs. While there are several to choose from, La Gruta (Wednesdays – Sundays) and Escondido Place (open every day) are the most popular.
Escondido Place is known for having a more natural setting, although based on recent reviews my mom and I chose to visit La Gruta.
The hot springs at La Gruta Spa include several pools of thermal waters and a steamy cave (gruta) of warmer water that visitors can access by swimming through a cool tunnel (see below).
The pools themselves are surrounded by lush plants, banana trees, and flowers. They attract butterflies and birds which I enjoyed watching from the pools. There is also a restaurant on site, several spaces with tables and chairs for lounging, and a small spa.
How to Get to La Gruta from San Miguel
If you aren’t driving, you can get to La Gruta by tour, taxi, or bus. The best form of transportation will depend on your budget, group size, and travel style. I’ve detailed each in my guide to La Gruta Hot Springs, but here’s a quick breakdown.
- Horseback and Hot Springs Tour – a unique way to see the countryside and soak in the hot springs.
- Taxi to La Gruta Spa – easiest but most limiting since you’ll need to arrange with the taxi what time to pick you up.
- Bus to La Gruta Spa – least expensive and allows you to explore at your own pace. Plus you can walk to Atotonilco afterwards (see next).
2. The Sanctuary of Atotonilco
📌 Map Location
⌚ Every day, 10 am to 5 pm
💵 No entrance fee, but donations are suggested
🚎 Book a day trip to Atotonilco and Dolores Hidalgo
After soaking in the hot springs, take a leisurely 20-minute walk to the community of Atotonilco. Most of the route has a sidewalk and shade.
The main draw to this tiny pueblo is the Sanctuary of Atotonilco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This church is regularly referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of Mexico” because of the intricate murals that adorn the interior archways, walls, and ceiling.
Painted primarily by one man over the course of 30 years, these murals depict the life of Jesus Christ in a style called Mexican Folk Baroque.
Tip – Before going inside, make your way to the food stalls located on the street directly past the church. Here you can eat blue corn gorditas stuffed with your choice of guisado (stew) and wash it down with a refreshing glass of the water of the day.
They start to wrap up around 4 pm, so if you arrive hungry after soaking in the hot springs, you should make this your first stop in Atotonilco.
If you decide to only explore Atotonilco as a day trip from San Miguel de Allende, you can take a taxi or a bus. The bus to return to San Miguel leaves Atotonilco from this location every hour (closer to 15 minutes past the hour) from 7 am to 5 pm. I’ve heard it’s difficult to find a taxi in Atotonilco, so this is probably the easiest way.
If you want to visit Atotonilco and Dolores Hidalgo as one San Miguel de Allende day trip, then book this highly rated tour with a knowledgeable guide. Visiting both in one day on a tour with transportation will save lots of time so that you can make the most out of your trip to San Miguel de Allende.
3. Enjoy a Mezcal Tasting at Finca la Devoción
If you arrive at the hot springs early enough, you’ll have time to explore this estate located along the walk between La Gruta Spa and Atotonilco. Or you could turn the mezcal tasting into its very own day trip from San Miguel de Allende.
Among the beautiful grounds, Finca la Devoción (map) includes an event space, a boutique hotel and thermal water pool, and a mezcal tasting bar featuring the owner’s brand of artisanal mezcal, El Tinieblo.
The mezcal is produced at Rancho El Tinieblo, a 9,000-acre ranch in the state of Tamaulipas. While reviving the legacy of producing hand-distilled, sustainably harvested mezcal they also help to conserve the local animal habits on the land.
To schedule a time for a tasting, send a message to their Instagram page.
4. Visit The Chapel of Jimmy Ray Gallery
📌 Map Location
⌚ Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 10:30 am
💵 300 pesos per person
Located in the community of La Cieneguita, this colorful house and art gallery showcases the eccentric artwork of Anado as well as the works of artistic friends he connected with over the years.
As you walk through the expansive property you’ll be transported through the wonderland of his imagination. Having created art since early childhood, Anado’s vision for the property was to create a visceral playground for both adults and children.
Anado passed away in 2021 and his partner, Richard, continues to give tours with an insight into Anado’s work and their life together.
Tours of The Chapel of Jimmy Ray and Casa de las Ranas are held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 10:30 am, by appointment only. To make an appointment for the tour, email him here.
This day trip from San Miguel de Allende will only take a few hours, though you can turn it into a full day by adding the mezcal tasting, Atotonilco, or even the hot springs.
How to Get to The Chapel of Jimmy Ray – Unless you rent a car, hiring a driver is the best way to get to The Chapel of Jimmy Ray. A taxi or Uber will cost 100-150 pesos each way. Keep in mind that you will need to ask the taxi driver to return to pick you up around 12:30 pm.
5. Cañada de la Virgen Archeological Ruins
📌 Map Location
⌚ Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm (last tour starts at 4 pm)
💵 70 pesos including transport from the entrance (not in SMA)
🚎 Book your Canada de la Virgen Tour with an Archeologist Guide
This archeological site is believed to have been built after the collapse of Teotihuacan near Mexico City. It was inhabited by the Otomi people who were known to be passionate sky watchers and built several pyramid structures used for astronomy.
The most notable is the House of the Thirteen Heavens which was considered an essential structure to observe the skies. Another, the House of the Longest Night (winter solstice), shows the importance of agricultural planning to the Otomi people.
The entrance fee includes a Spanish-speaking guide and transport from the office, located outside of San Miguel. If you prefer a bilingual guide, book this highly rated tour of Cañada de la Virgen which is led by one of the archeologists that helped to excavate the site.
It’s important to keep in mind that access to Cañada de la Virgen requires a bit of mobility. After the included transport from the office, visitors must walk 3 km (almost two miles) to the site.
6. Explore El Charco del Ingenio
📌 Map Location
⌚ Every day, 9 am – 5 pm
💵 50 pesos
El Charco del Ingenio is the best day trip from San Miguel de Allende if you simply want to get out and explore nature. While it’s considered a botanical garden, I think it’s best described as a nature preserve with a large collection of cactus and other native plants.
Tip – Ask for a map of the grounds when you pay the entrance fee. It will help you to identify different areas such as the Solar Observatory, the Plaza of the Four Winds, and the Sculpture Walk.
If it’s the views you’re after, follow the paths to the left after you enter. Walking along the northernmost path will give you views of the deep canyon below and the city to the left.
How to Get to El Charco del Ingenio
It’s possible to walk from San Miguel to El Charco Botanical Gardens. Although it’s a bit strenuous as you will be winding up into the hills. If you only want to walk part of the way, I recommend taking a taxi there and walking back (downhill) to centro.
You could easily spend all day exploring the massive grounds of El Charco del Ingenio. However, I’m going to guess most visitors max out at 2-3 hours.
Did you know? On Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 am, El Charco del Ingenio hosts a Natural History Tour from 10 am to 12 pm. The tours are in English and cost 250 pesos per person. To book, send a message to their Facebook page.
Towns Near San Miguel de Allende for Day Trips
These day trips from San Miguel de Allende take you to nearby towns that are within a 90-minute drive.
The exception is Bernal which is why I suggest staying the night. Plus you’ll want to get an early start if you plan to hike Peña de Bernal. If you have the time, several of these day trips could turn easily into a weekend trip from San Miguel de Allende.
7. Guanajuato City
Guanajuato City is the capital of the state, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the birthplace of Diego Rivera. Known for its colorful buildings and narrow alleyways that twist their way through the hillsides of the surrounding mountains, it’s one of the my favorite cities near San Miguel de Allende to visit.
Other than getting lost among its picturesque streets, highlights of a day trip to Guanajuato include taking the cable car to the Pipila monument for the best views of the city, visiting the Mummy Museum, passing by Callejón del Beso, and touring the Juarez Theater.
If you prefer to take a tour with a knowledgeable guide who tells of its history, culture and art, book this private tour of Guanajuato from San Miguel de Allende. The tour includes transportation and since it’s private, the trip can be tailored to include the places you want to see.
If you have more time to visit, read about the best things to do in Guanajuato City.
How to Take a Day Trip from San Miguel de Allende to Guanajuato
Other than driving or taking a tour, you can easily take a bus on a day trip to Guanajuato from San Miguel de Allende.
Buses leave every 1-3 hours, depending on the time of day. You can check the schedule and book a ticket online.
8. Santiago de Queretaro
Although Queretaro is located in a different state (of the same name), it’s the closest city near San Miguel de Allende and worth a visit.
The city center of Queretaro is very walkable with many architectural details to admire, museums to explore, and incredible statues (more than 1,000 in total).
I would highly recommend booking this affordable walking tour of Queretaro to learn about the history of the city, its buildings, and its role in the independence movement.
Or, if you take the 7:30 am bus from San Miguel de Allende to Queretaro, you’ll arrive just in time to start this wine and cheese tour which takes you east of the city, into the heart of Queretaro’s wine and cheese route. The tour finishes with an exploration of the pueblo mágico of Bernal.
Bernal – Bonus San Miguel de Allende Day Trip
If you plan to go to Queretaro for the day, consider booking a hotel in the pueblo magico of Bernal for the night.
In the morning, you can get an early start on hiking Peña de Bernal – one of the largest monoliths in the world.
Afterward, refuel with a blue corn gordita and wander through the small town, which sits along the beginning of the wine and cheese route. Highlights include the main church and square, the mask museum, and tasting pan de queso.
Hiking Peña de Bernal is easy to do on your own. You can walk to the park entrance from the center of Bernal, pay the minimal entrance fee, and follow the path which only gets tricky at the end.
Although if you want to go to the very top, you’ll need to book a tour with an experienced climbing guide that will provide all of the necessary equipment and expertise.
9. Dolores Hidalgo
This small town near San Miguel de Allende is known as the birthplace of the Mexican independence movement that began in the 1800s.
Mariachi fans will want to pay a visit to the colorful mausoleum of José Alfredo Jiménez at the local cemetery and explore the museum located in his childhood home.
While wine lovers won’t want to miss the Museo del Vino which explains the history of wine production in this region of Guanajuato.
History buffs will enjoy exploring the town of Dolores Hidalgo more when they book this highly rated tour to the city with guides that are passionate about Mexican history. It also includes a stop at the Sanctuary of Atotonilco.
And ice cream enthusiasts will want to try all the exotic flavors of nieves, including the local fruit, garambullo, which grows on a shrubby cactus. While the shops around the main plaza are most well known, I recommend trying the homemade flavors at this shop.
How to Get to Dolores Hidalgo From San Miguel de Allende
Located less than an hour from San Miguel de Allende, this day trip can easily be done by public transportation.
Pegasso buses leave from the San Miguel bus station throughout the day. You can check the schedule and purchase tickets on their website.
10. Mineral de Pozos
This deserted mining town is one of the less visited towns near San Miguel de Allende. And that’s all the more reason to visit!
If you don’t have a car, I suggest booking this guided tour which explains the history of one of the oldest mines in the state since many of the attractions are outside of town. The tour also includes a stop at the nearby lavender field and lunch at a local restaurant.
Highlights of a day trip to Mineral de Pozos include wandering through the center of this pueblo mágico, taking pictures in the lavender fields, and exploring the depths of the mine of Santa Brigida with its picturesque structures called Los Hornos (the ovens).
Transportation
Getting to many of the best day trips from San Miguel de Allende can include a mix of public transportation and taxis. Although you should consider renting a car if you are a group of travelers or if you prefer more flexibility with your plans.
It is easiest to rent a car from the airport you are landing in as rentals in San Miguel are limited. Below I’ve included car rentals from three of the most popular airports to fly into.
San Miguel de Allende Car Rental From Nearby Airports
Final Thoughts – Day Trips From San Miguel de Allende
As you can see, these day trips from San Miguel de Allende really expand the things to do in the city. From soaking in the hot springs to visiting the eclectic Jimmy Ray Chapel Gallery, you can’t get bored in this colonial town if you know what’s out there beyond the center.
Furthermore, the whole area is worth exploring whether you take a day trip to Guanajuato from San Miguel de Allende or explore the smaller towns of Dolores Hidalgo and Mineral de Pozos.
Questions About San Miguel de Allende Day Trips
How many days do you need in San Miguel de Allende?
You should spend at least three nights in San Miguel de Allende. You can easily walk through the town in one day although there are many interesting San Miguel de Allende day trips. You should consider a longer stay if you plan to visit some of the surrounding cities on a day trip from San Miguel.
What is the best time of year to go to San Miguel de Allende?
The best time of the year to go to San Miguel de Allende is November through March. During those months the temperatures are cooler and you are likely to see very little rain. However, it does get cold at night with temperatures averaging in the low to mid 40’s during the winter.
What is the rainy season in San Miguel de Allende?
Like most of Mexico, the rainy season in San Miguel de Allende is during the summer. The rainy season in San Miguel de Allende lasts from roughly June through September with a peak in the middle of the summer.
What is the coldest month in San Miguel de Allende?
The coldest month in San Miguel de Allende is January, when the average high is in the low 70s and the temperatures dip down to the low 40s at night. With a lack of humidity in the air, it’s important to bring a coverup or light jacket at night.
Do you need a car in San Miguel de Allende?
You do not need a car in San Miguel de Allende. In fact, the small streets and limited parking make having a car in San Miguel difficult. However, if you plan to take day trips from San Miguel de Allende, a car is the most convenient transportation.
Why is San Miguel de Allende so popular?
San Miguel de Allende is a popular destination because of its charming streets, colonial buildings, and its ornate pink church, Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel. It has also become a haven for artists, creating a bohemian vibe and vibrant art scene.
What airport do you fly into for San Miguel de Allende?
The best airport to fly into for San Miguel de Allende is Santiago de Queretaro (QRO). Not only is this the closest airport to San Miguel de Allende, but it’s also a small and incredibly modern airport. There are direct flights to Queretaro from Dallas and several other US cities.
How do you get from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende?
You can get to San Miguel de Allende from Mexico City by bus, by private driver, or by renting a car. Click to read the details about all the ways to travel from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende.
