IMPORTANT: This blog post is highly useful for you guys who’s planning a visit for 2-3 days.
It’s finally time to leave Guadalajara, such a great place! But by the time I see San Miguel de Allende, everything changed. BEST PLACE I have ever been in my life. I feel it a lot in my head; my eyes are sparking every time I see something new there. Weird feelings, but true. The bus ride was 5.5 hours though, considering that both cities are more than 300km away.
- Central de Autobuses (first day starts here)
That time, I chose to use ETN Autobuses because it has the cheapest ticket, I paid 688.50 pesos online, sometimes they have special discounts there. Plus, the bus is super convenient, I even get a meal and a drink with it. Highly recommended!!
As a pure backpacker with a deep philosophy of “buying the cheapest”, bus (or even getting a free ride;)) will always the best idea. Bam! Just 8 pesos to downtown, come on!! I’ll get that sh”t.
Bus ride with a man reading newspaper
- La Catrina Hostel and Breakfast
Bags off and ready to go! To be honest, best hostel I’ve ever stayed. A well-written review alert! Priority is the price though; I paid 120 pesos for 1 night on a weekday and 150 pesos on the weekend. How cheap?? And breakfast is (damn) included. They have 4 types of cereals, some jams with bread, coffee, and bananas. Can’t complain with that!!
That time I chose a room with 6 bunk beds (all female), and they gave me a full set of bed sheet and pillowcase. Check-in was fast, I gave my passport to one of the reception, Armando (he’s so nice!!). Then, stored my bag for a bit in the locker (just by the reception) looking that check-in time is 3pm.
- Mercado de Artesanias
Being hands-free is great. I started walking the alley that leads to the artisan market. They sell so many natural jewels (which I’m dying for), handmade bags, clothing, hats, till’ food! It’s not that big though; I stopped there for my fruit-stop. Always try to balance my diet even though I’m on holiday.
Selling medicine plants
- CCH & ASOC. Parque
https://www.google.com/maps/place/CCH+%26+ASOC./@20.9165574,-100.7447395,18z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x842b51b76dcb0fa1:0xddea5ecc0ef4db77!2sCCH+%26+ASOC.!8m2!3d20.9165574!4d-100.7447395!3m4!1s0x842b51b76dcb0fa1:0xddea5ecc0ef4db77!8m2!3d20.9165574!4d-100.7447395
I literally came on the right time of the year; it was just 4 days before El día de los muertos. The locals were selling so many sweets with different shapes. Mostly are the faces of catrinas, you’ll see! Don’t forget to grab some cempasuchil or marigolds (the most important symbol; it’s an orange flower) to show your awareness;) People also buy candles in the purpose of lightening the graves of their family.
- Templo de Santa Ana
Just a little stop though, look!
- Parroquia de Miguel Arcángel
The most iconic part of San Miguel de Allende, this parish was reconstructed during the year 1880-1890. The style is definitely Medieval-European. Honestly, I do feel like in Europe! And just by it, it’s the Allende Garden (Jardín Allende), beautiful!
Allende Garden (Jardín Allende)
- Historic Museum of San Miguel de Allende
They explain the history of Señor Allende in the old times super well!!! Surprisingly, San Miguel de Allende was actually a part of New Spain back in the days. Learning histories of countries are one of my interests, too actually. Sadly, my logic regarding history is very low (HAHHA!).
- Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramírez El Nigromate
Thankfully the tourist help center recommended me to come here. Muchas gracias! They have these cute chairs where you can read your book, grab some drinks, or chat with your loved ones. The atmosphere is so calming, they have some specialty classes too (like painting and ceramic molding). If I had more days, I would love to join!
- Public Library of San Miguel de Allende
By the time I reached the entrance, I can see so many youngsters wandering around the place. They’re doing artworks, studies, and group works. Thankfully, I’m (partly and physically) not in school now (HA!). Bless the world so that I can just travel the world my whole life…
- Limerick Pub
Time to grab some beer!! This bar is greatly recommended (from me and Google!!), plus the location is exactly at downtown!
Second Day begins here
It’s time for a short trip with a bus-tour. Honestly, I don’t wanna walk that far (like 45 minutes uphill) south, so I decided to take the bus tour that brings me there. Cheap though—120 pesos only I guess. The tour at 9am is completely in English and Spanish, note that!
- “El Tumbagón” Dulce Tipicos
Mornings with sweets? Hell yeah!! There’s this little girl and a lady there. We did some tasting with dedos de novia and crema de tumbagon, it way more interesting with a legend behind it. For the tumbagon, make sure to put your finger in the middle of it. Then, try to eat it halfway without breaking it.
Fun Fact! Based on the legend, the white sugar means purity that the person has in the heart. Regardless, breaking it while eating means they’re unfaithful.
- El Mirador
Literally I was always one step ahead to fly my drone, not enough time!! The viewpoint is gorgeous; we can see the whole city. I thought the city was way smaller, though!
The mirador from faraway
- Lavaderos del Chorro
I have no idea in the beginning why this is a historic spot. But after reading some facts, it was known that Juan de San Miguel’s dog went there to drink in a fountain here. Then, they found out that it was a fountain up there. By the 18th century, the Canal family decided to build bathrooms (lavaderos in Spanish) and a chapel, which is located in the highest spot of this place (where the fountain was).
- Plaza de Toros
Here we go, a bullring! The sun was shining so bright, I can feel some sweat drops just under my purple felt shirt. I start to feel my heavy bag full of my camera kit. But the on-going-decorations encourage me to explore more. They’re apparently on construction though!
- Parque Juárez
Skipping lunch but getting a muffin instead was a good idea. I sat on the green bench for a bit, the air was so fresh. Green leaves, footsteps, and the soft breeze made me feel so grateful about being alive (AND traveling).
- Julian Carrillo Alley
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Juli%C3%A1n+Carrillo+5a,+Guadalupe,+37710+San+Miguel+de+Allende,+Gto.,+Mexico/@20.9118975,-100.7500871,15z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x842b51baf44eeb03:0x52e9bdd8a31bc897!2sPlaza+de+Toros+San+Miguel+de+Allende!8m2!3d20.9118925!4d-100.741327!3m4!1s0x842b51b7ef575865:0xcbefd2e100f01005!8m2!3d20.9196628!4d-100.7446209
Just one more area to visit for today! The northern part is a must-go for you guys who enjoy art. The 20-minute walk was worth it; I spotted some minimalist cafes, artisanal shops, and graffiti. A cute finding this time, I was chatting with this lady who’s drawing a building in front of her. She said it’s just a little hobby that she does while traveling. If you guys are curious, urbansketchers.org is where she post her work!!
- Fabrica la Aurora
“This is so fascinating”, I said.
I stepped my white Adidas on the entrance, it seem to be a small space. By the time I get inside, they have sooooooo many showrooms inside. Selling from jewelries to furniture. All of them are made aesthetically; I wish I had a house to decorate!! I bought a small wooden plate for my jewelry, so cuuutee.
- Night Walk
After the sunset, I decided to walk for a while. It relaxes my mind…… Sometimes I just need my own time, doing absolutely nothing but looking at the dark sky. Plus, the cathedral is actually very pretty at night. My feet ache like A LOT, but that’s just another perk of traveling (damn I burn so much calories).
What excites you during your travel?
chromatic voyage 