San Miguel de Allende

WHEN TO GO

With its temperate climate, San Miguel de Allende is popular year-round—especially with weekenders from nearby urban centers such as Mexico City. The city fills up with foreign tourists at Christmas, Easter, and during festivals in September. The Day of the Dead festival, another fantastic cultural spectacle, takes place in the beginning of November.

HOW TO GET THERE

The León-Guanajuato airport (BJX) and Queretaro airport (QRO) are about 90 minutes from the center of San Miguel de Allende. Airlines such as Continental and American Airlines serve both airports, as do major Mexican carriers such as Aeroméxico. A taxi ride from either airport to the city center can pricey (up to $90), but two local transportation companies run airport shuttles that are much cheaper. Viajes San Miguel  makes airport trips for around $30 per person (52-415-152-2537; www.viajessanmiguel.com ), and Polanco Tours offers the same for $72 per couple, plus an extra $10 for each additional passenger (52-415-152-4193).

GETTING AROUND

The easiest way to get around San Miguel—at least its city center—is on foot. This is also the best way to experience its historic character and beauty. For those looking to go further afield, taxis are available throughout the city, but especially around the Jardín Principal. Taxis charge a flat fee of 15 pesos ($1.40) for the first one-and-a-half kilometers of your trip. If you have trouble locating a cab, ask locals for a sitio (taxi stand), and they'll be more than happy to point one out nearby. There are also buses to nearby villages and small towns; they leave from the small plaza near the main market.

TOURIST INFO

San Miguel de Allende Tourism Office
Tel: 52 415 152 6565

Near the Parroquia and the town square is the state-run Tourist Information Office, which is open daily and offers helpful advice to travelers and has a good selection of tourist-related guides and magazines. View Mexico Factsheet