Explore the dynamic culture and beauty of San Miguel de Allende with our range of excursions, available both before and after the conference, as well as during our Adventure Day on Saturday. Delve into the city’s diverse experiences, from cultural immersions to thrilling outdoor adventures, tailored to suit every preference. Partnering with local vendors, we offer full-day and half-day excursions designed to showcase the best of San Miguel. Not only do these excursions enrich your conference experience, but they also contribute to the local economy. Create unforgettable memories of your time in San Miguel de Allende.
Half-Day Horseback Riding
The main canyon of the region and the ranches where our horseback adventures take place are located 30 minutes southwest from town. Once at the first ranch and after a comprehensive riding lesson, the ride begins. The first part of our excursion begins down in the mouth of the canyon and along the edge of the river. As we ride, we will have the opportunity to cross the river at several points, which is always great fun! Throughout the ride those who wish to have some exciting gallops will have several opportunities to do so. We also have a spectacular 20-minute rest stop halfway through this excursion, where we get to search for geodes along the riverbed or take photos right at the edge of its spectacular cliffs. It is also at this point that whoever wishes to will have the opportunity to rappel off the sheer 150 foot-high cliff faces! After the ride the ranch women will have a truly delicious, ranch-style meal waiting for us, which includes home-made tortillas, organic cheese & beans, quesadillas, nopales (cactus), rice, salad, guacamole & salsa, among other traditional dishes.
Intown Horseback Pub Crawl
If you really want to feel like cowboys of old then take a ride with us to explore the oldest and most historical traditional CANTINAS (swinging door saloons) in San Miguel on horseback! Be instantly transported back to times of old where you will enjoy San Miguel’s urban landscape from this unique perspective. An experience truly reminiscent of the Wild West! We ride from one to the other, hearing funny anecdotes that the bartenders and the locals have to share and toasting to future adventures.
Cañada de la Virgen Archaeological Site
Join our expert guides on an exploration of the the amazing monuments left behind by an ancient civilization that reached these northernmost limits of what is known as Mesoamerica. There are more than 1,200 registered archeological sites in the state of Guanajuato, and of those sites Cañada de La Virgen is one of the most important and most highly visited. Come discover how the Cañada de La Virgen site served as a very important sacred ceremonial center, and as a burial ground for a very few and select elite. It also functioned as a highly precise solar and lunar clock and calendar! This amazing tour is followed up by a delicious ranch-style meal served by the ranch women.
Hiking at the Canyon
The hiking excursion takes a total of five hours to and from San Miguel, and includes transportation, two and a half hours of hiking time and rest stops, and one delicious ranch-style meal served right after the hike. The first part of this invigorating adventure takes us down along the canyon bottom for an amazing canyon river run. The rest stops are scheduled along the way at the most scenic locations so that guests can take full advantage of the most outstanding photo opportunities. The views from the cliffs upon reaching the canyon’s rim are spectacular in every direction and are sure to take your breath away. The best thing of all might very well be the delicious, home cooked meal that the ranch women prepare for us at the end of our incredible journey!
Hot Air Balloon Flight
We fly just about every day of the week, always in the early morning hours. We fly at sunrise to guarantee the best weather conditions. We meet at 6:00 a.m. (time and place to be confirmed). First, we take you to the edge of town where you will get to watch how the balloons and equipment are prepared. Once the Captain says we’re ready, we launch into the sky floating effortlessly over San Miguel de Allende and its beautiful surrounding countryside. Sometimes we fly just a few meters from the ground and treetops, and other times we soar high above the clouds on different air currents.
Vineyard (Tres Raíces)
The project was started in 2012 by planting the first vines, to start the wine production in 2016 and the construction of the main building to subsequently open its doors to the public in October 2018 when the first wine harvest was ready for consumption and commercialization. We are in the heart of the Bajío, where we promote enology, wine tourism, gastronomy and local development, which in conjunction allow us to delight each of your senses. Our restaurant with traditional cuisine is surrounded by more than 60 hectares between vineyards and a lake, to make your stay a delight to the senses.
Zip Lines Circuit
Another of the most exciting experiences you can have in San Miguel de Allende is our fantastic zip-line tour. An adventure full of exciting sensations and extraordinary emotions. Ride a total of seven zip lines and a suspension bridge. That’s more than 1 km of adventure, between 70 and 80 meters high, in the most spectacular canyon of the “Los Picachos” volcano, the “Canyon of the Red Tail Eagle.”
San Miguel Walking Tour
We will take a walk through the most interesting monuments of the city, which include the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel—the parish church—along with the incredible history of its architect Zeferino Gutiérrez. We will also visit the house of the great patriot Ignacio Allende. We will then visit the Temple of the Immaculate Conception and its old cloister, now known as Bellas Artes, today a school of fine arts. We will visit the Angela Peralta Theater and the old Plaza de la Soledad and the Paso del Camino Real. We cannot miss the Franciscan Monastic Complex and learning about the tireless work of early religious leaders. We will also talk about how the independence of Mexico was forged in the House of the Conspiracy. Experience San Miguel de Allende by walking through its streets full of magic and history.
Hot Springs
You will be able to relieve your tensions and relax your muscles in one of the 10 hot spring pools of Escondido Place. In a luxurious environment, enjoy gardens, lakes and water lilies and, of course, relaxing pools, covered or out in the open. The spa has restaurant-bar service, although you can also bring your own food and use the barbecues in the picnic areas. There are also play areas for children. For a truly restorative experience, take advantage of the excellent spa and massage services available.
Traditional Cooking Class
In this unique culinary experience, we invite you to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while enjoying a delicious home-cooked meal. Our picnic class takes place in a rural setting, surrounded by lush landscapes and fresh air. You’ll be greeted by the tantalizing aromas of the food being prepared in our outdoor kitchen, where we use fresh, local ingredients to create authentic and flavorful dishes. During the class, you will learn traditional cooking techniques, such as grilling and slow cooking. Our star cook will guide you step by step in the preparation of classic country dishes, including tortillas, salsa, rice, flavored waters, etc. At the end of the class, you will sit down to taste the dishes that have been prepared with so much love and effort, while sharing laughter and conversations in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Atotonilco
Known as Mexico’s Sistine Chapel, the Santuario de Atotonilco is a vitally important church in the nearby hamlet of Atotonilco. Located 11 km north of San Miguel, Atotonilco is known for its role in the struggle for Mexican independence. National hero Ignacio Allende was married here in 1802, and eight years later he returned with Miguel Hidalgo and a band of independence rebels en route from Dolores to San Miguel to take the shrine’s banner of the Virgin of Guadalupe as their flag. A journey to Atotonilco is the goal of pilgrims and penitents from all over Mexico, and the starting point of an important and solemn procession two weekends before Easter, when participants carry the statue of the Señor de la Columna to the church of San Juan de Dios in San Miguel. Inside, the sanctuary has six chapels and is vibrant with statues, murals and paintings. The church was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008. It’s free to visit the main part of the church, with its famous frescos, but a small entrance fee is required to visit the side-chapel with depictions of scenes from the Last Judgment.