Weather in February
The average temperature in February is 55°F/ 12°C to 75°F 23°C. That means it’s cool in the morning and evenings, but hot in the afternoon. You’ll want to bring a jacket and possibly a sweater for those cool temperatures, but you’ll also want something lighter for those warm afternoons. Shoes are also important. San Miguel is built on a hill with many cobblestone streets. You’ll want a pair of comfortable shoes for walking around.
Getting Around
You can walk most places in central San Miguel. A stroll from the Hotel Real de Minas (the conference’s venue) to the Jardin (the main square) will take most people around fifteen to twenty minutes. You can also catch a taxi to anywhere in central San Miguel for a reasonable price. Most taxi rides will cost about MXN$80 (USD$4). If you decide to go to a spot further out of town like La Gruta or Atotonilco, you should pre-arrange a price with the taxi driver. Both destinations would cost around MXN$300 (USD$16). Uber is also available in San Miguel.
Money
Most restaurants, venues, and larger retail stores accept credit cards these days. However, it’s always good to have some cash. The best way to get pesos while in San Miguel is to simply pull money out of an ATM. You will always get the best exchange rate from an ATM. If you want to come into Mexico with some pesos, you can do so in your country of origin before you board the plane.
Safety
San Miguel is probably the safest city you’ll ever walk around. However, like any city you should try to be aware of your surroundings and use common sense. Be wary of pickpocketing and purse snatching. If you’re leaving a group of people in the evening and going back to your hotel, consider taking a taxi.
Touristy Things To Do!
We have built the Conference schedule to have many slots of time where you can wander off and explore San Miguel. Here is a list of some places you may want to see on your visit include:
Centro Cultural “El Nigromante,” aka Bellas Artes, Calle Hernández Macías 75: This converted convent now houses an institute for studying dance, music, printing, and other arts. Rotating exhibits are on display and there is an events bulletin board near the entrance. Don’t miss the Diego Rivera replica that takes up the back wall of the north stairwell or the unifinished mural by David Alfaro Siqueiros.
Fabrica La Aurora, Calzada de la Aurora: A historic century-old cotton manufacturing factory which has been turned into contemporary art studios and galleries. You can shop for everything from home furnishings, jewelry, and antiques, while watching artists at work in their studios! Also there are café and restaurants where you can enjoy lunch.
Parque Benito Juárez, by Calle Diezmo Viejo: This tranquil park has paths that curve through small squares with fountains to a garden with a gazebo. On the opposite end lies a basketball court and playground. There are a couple of vendors sprawled about selling sodas and chips.
La Gruta – Aguas termales, Dolores Hidalgo Km 10: Enjoy underground thermal baths on the outskirts of San Miguel. La Gruta is a 20 minute drive out of town.
Cemetery of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Cam. Viejo Al Panteón 46: This picturesque cemetery is walking distance from the Hotel Real de Minas. Have an afternoon stroll and get inspired to write.
Atotonilco: A fifteen-minute taxi ride will take you to the charming historic town of Atotonilco. Visit the stunning church, dubbed the Sistine Chapel of Mexico because the walls and ceiling are covered with 225-year-old paintings, now fully restored. Then drive a mile south of the town to Galeria Atotonilco, widely considered the largest and finest exhibition and sale of Mexican Folk Art in the entire country, in a gorgeous country setting.