Mexico is to a great extent the resulting ecuation of spanish catholic principles locally adapted put to practice by silver mining as economic engine. Guanajuato stands out by its architecture, goegraphy, legends and more merging its history with San Miguel de Allende's present day lifestyle
Posted By : Dian_P
Daniel really went above & beyond to suit to our interest and need, which are mainly the churches, history, and the traditional food, even though that meant he had to add into the itinerary so he worked extra long hours. I wish I could give 6 or even 10 stars, it was even so hard to choose only 10 photos because we had so many good photos and very memorable trip. He was so patient when we were taking so many photos. Even after we ran out of time, he still showed a place which he thought would leave us a great memory, and it really did. He also shared so much knowledge that we get to know more about Mexico beyond just the destinations, but the history, culture, tradition, and development. Don't be afraid to ask about things you are unsure or interested in, he will do his best to fulfill or give recommendations! His English is so good and he really doesn't mind translating or taking photos for us! If we had more time, we would totally book more trips with him directly, we'll totally recommend him & this trip (take the longer three-day of Guanajuato, SMA, and Queretaro if you have time). A totally sweet and thoughtful person, very punctual too with pick up time! I don't think even anything I said or photos I shared is enough to describe how thankful we are! Muchas gracias, Daniel 🙏🙏
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Posted On : 2023-12-06 02:30:01 
Posted By : Daniel_G
San Miguel is worth a day trip from Mexico City. Not into high-end shopping (was surprised at all the boutiques and art galleries everywhere), but the churches, streets, parks, and town square were great. Queretaro (included on our private tour on the way back), was less worthwhile, although the unexpected waves of bats emerging from caves before sundown on our drive back were quite a sight.
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Posted On : 2023-11-12 14:43:59
Posted By : Amanda_V
Daniel was on time, knowledgeable about the sites that we visited, and he was professional as well. He made us feel like family. His vehicle was reliable, conformable and very clean. We had a great time in San Miguel de Allende. My only suggestion would be to spend more time in San Miguel de Allende than Guanajuato.
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Posted On : 2023-10-11 10:58:39
Posted By : Pilar_V
It was a great 3 days trip with an excellent guide. Daniel. He was perfect. Polite, punctual, professional, knowledgeable, a great driver his car was comfortable and clean He was very patient and accommodating to our needs and request. I will recommend him to my friends. You have a real asset on him.
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Posted On : 2023-05-07 00:22:26
Posted By : Joanvistas
While the tours in both San Miguel and Guanajuato were great, the time we spent in the car seeing the countryside and learning so much from Daniel about the history, culture and living conditions in Mexico was fantastic. He is so knowledgeable about everything. He made the trip special.
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Posted On : 2022-12-22 22:42:17
Posted By : TheGourmetPhantom
San Miguel ~ Santa Fe ~ Prague ...sister cities
The phrase sister cities have a long-reaching tradition of connecting cities from all over the world. In my mind, it is their sharing of beautiful architecture, history, fabulous food, and that special something, perhaps their soul, that makes them unique and similar at the same time. As fellow blog/traveler/eaters, JB and Rene from 'Will Fly For Food' suggested, on their recent trip to San Miguel this could easily be Mexico’s Prague (Linda’s favorite city) and Santa Fe, its transplant younger cousin in New Mexico, USA. Buddha said, “once a year go where you have never been”. San Miguel de Allende has been in the back of our minds for ages. Why it took us so long to visit this enchanting city, I have no idea, I just wish it had been sooner.
At an elevation of 6,234 feet San Miguel de Allende, a colonial-era and Unesco World Heritage city in Mexico’s central highlands, is known for its Spanish baroque architecture, thriving arts scene, cultural festivals, and food, oh the food! In the city’s historic, center lies the neo-Gothic church Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, whose dramatic pink towers rise above the main plaza, and El Jardín, a magnificently manicured garden.
Now to delve deeper into the magic, down winding cobblestone streets and behind brightly colored buildings in an endless array of the friendliest restaurants, cafes, and local shops. It’s like unwrapping presents at every turn. There are some extraordinary luxury accommodations and countless small boutique hotels but none more deserving of mentioning than the Belmond, Casa del Sierra Nevada, (owned and operated by LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton group, renowned for their luxury hotels, trains, river cruises, and safari lodges) and of course the renowned Rosewood, and lavish Live Aqua. And important to note, if it hadn't been for being invited to the Newcomers brunch by The SMA Expat Community Resource Center, I would never have seen Hacienda El Santuario, voted Trip Advisor's Top Choice for 2022. You'd never know it existed until you entered through the centuries-old doors from the street, a must-visit while in town. The brunch of fresh orange juice, fruits, chilaquiles, and coffee, just off one of the courtyards and among the muraled walls in the bar made for a delightful, mesmerizing Sunday morning.
What we decided to do other than the hotel routine was to travel the Airbnb way and thus, we were to experience the real street level and rooftop colonial flavor. One, Casa Danzantes in the heart of the city, two doors down from the Belmond, which was handy for cocktail time. This five-bedroom four-story house was simply amazing and as told by the housemaid, Adelana, the favorite place of Julia Roberts, Silvester Stalone, and the late Lucille Ball. The other, was a three-bedroom apartment, Casa Clara Luna on the eastern hillside of Capilla de Piedra with stunning views of the city. We had more places to dine than meals in a day. At the end of this article will be The Phantom Gourmet’s list of recommended must tastes.
The flavors are ceaseless, from late-night taco carts, which are the after-restaurants close go-to’s for local chefs from all over the city, to some of the trendier upscale rooftop tapas bars and tucked-away courtyard restaurants, making San Miguel an international intersection for some of the best food you’ll find anywhere in Mexico. Conde Nast Traveler voted SMA 'The Best Small City in the World' for the second time.
The warmth of this city and its surrounding areas, beyond the visual highlights at every turn, make for a place many of the over 18,000 ex-pats from Europe, Canada, and the States, call home. Thanks in large part to Ava, Nancy, and the team plus the welcoming committee, dogs, Jerry, and George. The Expat Community Resource Center is a lifesaver for any foreigners wanting to make the move. The information and services they provide are some of the best I've seen anywhere in the world. This is no more evident than in the video interview endorsements from some of those who have chosen to make this place their home. Well-organized events, from Mexican Healthcare, (using US Medicare in MX) to The temporary Visa & permanent residency process, to regular Sunday brunches and newcomer dinners every Wednesday night at different venues each week, what cool ideas. All invaluable!
Like so many places in this world, we may fantasize about escaping, to live a new life, lured by its location, the romance, and the kindness of its people. Do put San Miguel de Allende on your travel list, and don't wait as we did, if not to move to, but just to experience this intimate, welcoming, safe, friendly sister city, it's where you will find a land of enchantment. As Anthony Bourdain said, ‘when you travel you take something away with you, hopefully, you leave something good behind.' We left a part of our hearts there. This is one of those places that will be etched in your brain and your soul forever.
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Posted On : 2022-10-30 10:46:32 
Posted By : caffelatteMilano
A must see. Once in a lifetime you have to go and visit this place. It's full of vibes and a sacred place.
A bit uncomfortable for disabled people cause ramp up and down.
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Posted On : 2022-07-24 13:11:07
Posted By : Luz_A
Great cities to visit outside of Mexico City. It’s a quite a drive, so my suggestion is, to spend at least two days. Thank you Daniel, our tour guide, for accommodating our schedule.
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Posted On : 2022-01-05 12:00:33
Posted By : Ray_G
San Miguel & Guanajuato were good places to visit - nice vibe, good food, friendly locals. The sites were nothing extraordinary, but our tour guide Daniel did a great job explaining the history of both cities and was very knowledgeable and truthful. The only thing I didn't like was that Viator did not tell us we needed to pay for parking & admission ticket for the guide to museums. (It does mention we need to pay for our own lunch/admissions tickets) THis is why I took off 1 star.
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Posted On : 2021-11-24 22:07:23
Posted By : GEPer55
Fairytale town, with beautiful architecture. This town has lots of foreigners living there due to its beautiful tranquil life style.
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Posted On : 2020-03-06 10:34:25
