San Miguel Information

Chili and Charros - San Miguel

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6th Annual Chili and Charros Cook-Off

January 28, 2012

San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico

Recently named one of the top 10 vacation destinations in the world by

Travel and Leisure Magazine

Click Here for the official Chili and Charros site:

chiliandcharros.com

To learn more about the beautiful city of San Miguel, just scroll down for information on:

Flight and Ground Transportation

Hotel and Restaurant

Things to Do!

We hope to see you next year, in San Miguel de Allende, for the 6th annual event!

San Miguel de Allende

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San Miguel de Allende is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The pure, Spanish-Colonial architecture and numerous historical sites located throughout the city, make San Miguel a truly magical place.

Click the blue, text link below and watch:

"The Heart of Mexico"

Things To Do

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The best things to do in San Miguel de Allende take no planning. This historical city, a United Nations World Heritage site, is an architectural wonder. Walking the cobblestone streets, enjoying the music of mariachis, sampling the varied restaurants and visiting its lively bar and club scene, draw tourists to this centuries old town. Artisan display their wares in the many shops and markets in the town's Centro and the Jardin (town square) is great for relaxing or people watching.

Other activities include:

Take the Sunday, Home and Garden Tour offered by the Biblioteca, the town's English language library and take a peak behind the walls of some of the town's most amazing homes. You can enjoy breakfast on their patio starting at 9 a.m. Tickets can be purchased day-of-the-tour at 11 a.m (or in advance, if you like). Click on the link for details.

A visit to Charco del Ingenio Botanical Garden

Enjoy the areas hot springs. The most popular spot for this, La Gruta, is just 15 minutes outside of town, easily reached by taxi.

Visit Fabrica Aurora, a series of warehouses that once housed a thriving fabric industry now is home to some of San Miguel's best galleries. Two great restaurants also occupy the space. Aurora is a fifteen minute walk from the town square or a short taxi ride.

Shop the Artisan's Market. This blocks-long experience is best begun on Relox or Hidalgo and ended at the Mercado.

Tour the Bellas Artes, built in the 1760's and once a home to a cloistered order of nuns, this beautiful historic structure now houses classrooms for study of the arts as well as art exhibition areas. Lunch is served at Las Musas cafe in the lushly landscaped courtyard.

Take a short trip to Atotonilco, home of the Sistine Chapel of Mexico. The beautiful frescoed church there, itself a United Nation's World Heritage site, sits amidst dusty, low-slung structures that comprise this tiny village. An easy and inexpensive taxi ride.

Learn something new in one of the many language and art classes offered in San Miguel. Portal San Miguel lists a sampling, but also see what's happening at the beautiful and historic Instituto, built in 1736 as a private mansion and now a center for art and language education.

Attend an art opening or one of the other many activities listed each week in the English-language Atencion's "Que Pasa" section. It's available online.

Bring your clubs and enjoy a game of golf at Malanquin or the beautiful, new 18-hole course, Ventanas, designed by Nick Faldo. Just click on the links for more information.

Take a cooking class. Just follow the link to a variety of classes offered in San Miguel. From a tamale class in a typical Mexican kitchen to gourmet Mexican-fusion offered by Orient Express in their Sazon Cooking School near The Jardin, San Miguel is known for it's fabulous cooking classes. Don't forget to check out Rancho Casa Luna where you can learn to cook in an amazing countryside setting.

Cooking Classes San Miguel

For more on what's happening in beautiful and historic San Miguel visit portalsanmiguel.com

Take a city walking tour. They are offered daily. Don't forget to take a peak inside San Miguel's Parroquia, the gothic-inspired church on the town square.

Day Trips

Just ask your hotel to arrange for a driver or contact one of the San Miguel shuttle services who provide transportation from the airport in Leon. For shorter trips, a taxi will do. Ask in advance for the cost per hour and compare.

Guanajuato City founded in 1544 rivals San Miguel's charm with its colorful Spanish-Colonial structures and narrow pedestrian streets. Once producing 40% of the world's silver, Guanajuato City's grandeur is still evident today in its impeccably preserved architecture. Underground rivers have been diverted to allow most of the cities traffic to flow through stone tunnels beneath the historic city center. Boasting an opulent opera house, notable museums (including 100 well-preserved mummies complete with clothing and facial expressions), a bevy of sidewalk cafes and some of the most beautiful plazas in Mexico, Guanajuato City is an easy day trip from San Miguel. For more information, click the blue link above.

Dolores Hidalgo, the city that gave birth to Mexico's independence from Spain, lies some 30 minutes from San Miguel. In the early hours of February 16, 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo stood on the steps of his parish church calling the people to rise up and fight for their independence. His speech, known as the El Grito de Dolores, marks the September 16 Independencia celebration to this day. Known for it's thriving Talavera pottery industry (and great prices!) Dolores is popular day trip from San Miguel.

Monarch Butterfly Excursions are offered by a number of tour agencies in San Miguel. January and February are considered peak months for viewing the millions of butterflies in their protected sanctuary in the mountains of Michoacan. This trip can be done in one day, however, most agencies recommend an overnight stay. The sanctuary is typically reached on horseback, so be ready for a little adventure. Your hotel should be able to help with arrangements.

Queretaro, officially Santiago de Queretaro, was founded in 1531 and offers visitors a historic glimpse into Mexico's past with palaces, mansions, museums, temples, a 74-arch aqueduct and plaza-after-plaza of restaurants and shopping in its historic city center. Take a trolley tour then dine in one of the many sidewalk cafes that line the pedestrian city center. This peaceful city of near one million was the final capital of "French intervention" in Mexico and is the site of the execution of Emperor Maximillan I. Having one of the highest per capita income in Latin American, Queretaro is also recognized as a World Heritage site by the United Nations. Click on the link above for more information on this fascinating destination just an hour's drive from San Miguel.

For more, check out Explore and Go Mexico

How To Get There

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Continental Airlines flies non-stop from Houston's IAH to Leon (airline code is BJX) several times a day. American Airlines offers non-stop service from DFW. (There is a Leon in Spain as well, so make sure you are using the proper three-letter airline code when booking your flight.)

San Miguel is approximately an hour and a half from the Leon airport. Viajes San Miguel offers shuttle service and private drivers from Leon to your address in San Miguel.

To book ground transportation from Leon to San Miguel and return, just go to viajessanmiguel.com. Times shown are in 24 hour clock. Roundtrip service will be approximately $60 per person. If you are traveling with others, check out their private van and car rates for savings.

Some hotels may offer transportaion service as well.

Once in San Miguel, taxi rides within Centro are approximately 25 pesos during daylight hours. At today's exchange rate, that is less than $2.00 USD (even if more than one person rides). At night and outside of Centro, rates are slightly higher.

It is possible to drive from Texas to San Miguel de Allende, though SMA is located some 9 to 10 hours south of the border. The majority of the trip is on toll roads. Those who choose to drive, normally spend the night in Laredo to get an early start and arrive in San Miguel during daylight hours. Detailed driving directions can be emailed upon request.

Restaurants of San Miguel

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Restaurante Posidita on Allende

San Miguel's international population means there is more to dining than Mexican food. Here you can sample the cuisines of the world, with prices ranging from inexpensive to moderate. I am listing a few favorite San Miguel establishments, but I encourage you to try as many as you can.

The Restaurant Sollano 16 is a gourmet delight. Located in an 18th century building not far from the town square, this restaurant is known for both food and decor. A wonderful place for a very special occassion, touting their brand of "global comfort food, they are open Tuesday through Saturday. Reservations are recommended. Recently featured in Travel and Leisure Magazine!

Ristorante Da Andrea is located in a colonial hacienda 15 minutes by taxi from town: Hacienda La Landeta. Chef Lamberti, a former resident of Venice, varies his menu according what is fresh and in season. As prices go in San Miguel, this restaurant would be considered expensive. Read more here: Review of Da Andrea

Antique Villa Santa Monica is located on beautiful Parque Juarez. The food is wonderful and the setting is one of the very best the city has to offer. Ask to sit on the back patio so you can enjoy the view. They serve breakfast and lunch and their menu is extensive and varied. There is a reason this hotel/restaurant has been featured in so many national magazines. Reserve your spot for Sunday brunch, served from 9 to 1, by calling 152-0451.

Chamonix at Sollano 17A serves a "sophisticated but unpretentious interpretation of Mexican cuisine" according to starchefs.com. Try the artichoke soup and the signature salad of pear, spinach, walnuts and roquefort or one of the chef's homemade soups.

Nirvana is located near the small town of Atotonilco, not for from San Miguel. A great place to spend an evening.

Vivoli Cafe on Hernandez Macias just across from the Bellas Artes was listed as one of Zagat's top Italian restaurants in 2008 and again, for their Los Angeles restaurants in 2009. A great place for true Italian cuisine of consistent high quality.

Harry's New Orleans - Known for it's popular bar, Harry's is also a place for great food. From Oysters Beinville to Popcorn Shrimp, the food at Harry's has a Creole flair and the atmosphere is definitely Mardi Gras. Located a short walk from the town square on Hidalgo, Harry's is one of San Miguel's best.

Bugambillia is the place for authentic regional Mexican food. Want to try mole or something with squash flower sauce, then this is place. Located on Hidalgo in a beautiful courtyard, Bugambillia is open for lunch and dinner. Prices tend to be higher than other Mexican restaurants in San Miguel.

Mare Nostrum is the place if you are hungry for authentic Sardinian fare. Serving fresh seafood dishes and a variety of raviolis including: pine nut, wild mushroom, duck and spinach as well as cheese, this small restaurant is generally closed on Tuesdays. Located at Umaran 56 to the west of the Jardin, it's best to call for hours of operation and to check the day's menu. (152-7420)

La Crepe is just across the street from the beautiful Sierra Nevada hotel at Hospicio 37. It's a bit hard to find, tucked into a back courtyard, but many believe it's worth the search. La Crepe is now number 1 on the tripadvisor.com list of San Miguel restaurants.

Cafe de la Parroquia is probably San Miguel's most popular breakfast spot. Located at Jesus 11 you can enjoy authentic Mexican breakfasts served in their small courtyard. Prices are very reasonable and food is consistently good. It is reviewed in "Cooking in Kansas City" who authors stopped there while in San Miguel.

La Posidita has great food, great prices and the most spectacular rooftop view in town. Known for it's traditional Mexican dishes, this small restaurant sits beside the Parroquia. At night, the setting is romantic, but day or night, this is a place you don't want to miss. Read all about this little restaurant here.

Longhorn Smokehouse is the best place in town for real Texas BBQ. Located at Salida de Celaya #6, the Longhorn serves brisket, ribs, pulled pork and all the trimmings. Open for both lunch and dinner.

El Correo is just off the Jardin and a great place for breakfast or lunch. Try their Eggs Correo if you like spicy breakfast fare.

El Pegaso is popular for both breakfast and for light lunches. It is just one block east of the Jardin. Try their wonderful carrot cake.

Tacos Don Felix - You have to take a taxi, but it's worth the trip because this pretty little restaurant has some of the very best Mexican food and the very best prices in town. Be sure to call and make sure they are open, but if they are, don't miss a real treat. Click to see their menu.

Berlin Restaurant and Bar is a great place for authentic European cuisine with a German flair. Located on Umaran, just west of the Jardin, Berlin's bar is a favorite among locals and tourist alike. Open for lunch and dinner, Berlin's eclectic atmosphere and full-flavored food make it one of San Miguel's most successful restaurants.

La Azotea - is another place you don't want to miss. Sit near the bar overlooking the street or move to the room at the back and watch the sunset over the mountains and churches of San Miguel. The stairway to the rooftop is located to your right as you enter the restaurant. Pueblo Viejo is easy to find, it is barely off the town square, to the west on Umaran. The bar menu is creative and quite good.

Mama Mia - No San Miguel restaurant guide is complete without mention of Mama Mia's is a place to eat, drink, dance the salsa and sing karaoke well into the wee hours of the morning. Located just off the town square on Umaran, this well-known restaurant/nightclub hosts live music and a separate bar for watching your favorite sport.

Rosewood Hotel's 1826 Restaurant offers some of the town's most elegant fare and their tapas bar offers what is said to be the town's most spectacular view. Pricey, but worth it!

Restaurant Matilda is known as one of San Miguel's best. Known for great food and great ambiance, Matilda is located near the city center, in an innovative boutique hotel by the same name.

Don't see your favorite San Miguel restaurant listed?

Just post in comments below and tell us all about it!

For other wonderful San Miguel favorites, click here.

Hotels of San Miguel De Allende

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Parroquia San Miguel

Fortunately, there is a hotel for every budget. I am listing a sampling, with comments, so that you can select the best hotel for your needs.

Hotel Real de Minas- Location of this year's event with good reviews from last year's occupants. This hotel offers a special rates in the $50 to $60 (USD) per night range. Beautiful grounds and spacious rooms right in the middle of the cook-off action for a great price! For reservations call 1-800-466-5800.

The amazing Suenos San Miguel is set into a hillside at the edge of beautiful Parque Juarez. Luxurious suites open to flower-filled terraces. This boutique bed and breakfast hotel is one of the town's most exclusive addresses. Flat screen tv, high speed Internet and even iPod docking stations are found in every room ... along with fireplaces, artisanal bath products and 1,000 thread count sheets!

Casa Luna - American owner, Diane Kushner, operates two charming boutique hotels and an amazing events venue in San Miguel. Casa Luna was named "One of the world's most fabulous unknown hotels" by Travel and Leisure Magazine. Casa Luna has been featured in Bon Appetit, National Geographic Traveler, Southern Accent and many more! Centrally located and very reasonably priced (approx $140 to $175 per night), Casa Luna's reputation is one of the very best!

Casa Schuck - A favorite with travelers is located a few short (but hilly) blocks from the town square. This is a beautiful, small hotel with vibrant Mexican colors. Prices range from the mid-100's to high 200's per night. The Casa Schuck website has great San Miguel photos!

Sierra Nevada Hotel - Orient Express owns a luxurious, boutique hotel in the heart of Centro San Miguel. The hotel offers rooms and suites as well as The Sazon Culinary Experience. Check their website for more information.

The Oasis - An exclusive boutique hotel with 4 suites in the $300+ range is known for their uncompromising attention to detail. Oasis was named one of the "best" by Travel and Leisure in 2008.

Antigua Villa Santa Monica is in the luxury hotel category. Their website does not list prices, but does have reservations email to inquire. This historic villa from the 17th century, once the home of a silver baron, today offers 14 suites and a fabulous restaurant. It's a popular spot for Sunday brunch. John Wayne slept here!

Hotel Matilda - a luxury, spa hotel is located in Centro, between the Jardin and beautiful Parque Juarez. Offering fine dining and high-end decor, Matilda is receiving rave reviews!

Rosewood is San Miguel's newest luxury hotel offering not only the best in accommodations, but signature dining, fabulous views and an in-Centro location.

In the budget category:

Hotel Quinta Loreto - Great location near the mercado and artisan's market in the central part of the city, this hotel offers rooms in the $30 per night range and up. Prices on their website are shown in pesos. Current exchange rate is in the 12 to 13 pesos per dollar. This is a great area of San Miguel and offers clean rooms with a flat walk to the center of town!

Hotel Posada "La Gloria" is a small, family run hotel located in a great area of town, just a short, flat walk to the town square and very close to the artisan's market and the large mercado. Rooms are basic and very clean and run from approximated $25 to $40 per night. This is a small establishment, so if you are interested, move quickly to book. There is no website, so contact them via email at posadalagloria@yahoo.com to book. Read about the hotel here, though prices shown above the rate they currently charge. Info on Hotel La Gloria

Casa Carly is located just outside of the Centro area of San Miguel near the fabulous Fabrica Aurora galleries. It's an easy walk to the town square -- a flat walk by San Miguel standards. Their website lists rates of $75 USD per night or $500 USD per week. They offer small casita accommodations with a small kitchen. It's charming and very colorful.

San Miguel de Allende is known for its many boutique hotels. Just google for more!

Another way to enjoy San Miguel is to rent a home or apartment. Click below to see the many varied options available in SMA. Remember Centro is the city center and close to the activities. Homes can be steeply uphill, so ask about location when reserving a home.

To rent a vacation home in San Miguel, click below:

Premier Real Estaste Rental....Ask for Katherine and mention the Chili and Charros Cook-Off. Premier has homes of all sizes and price ranges. Staying in a private rental home with a group of friends can reduce the per night costs while providing you with luxury accommodations complete with staff! Browse the Premier site focusing on rentals in Centro for a location that is close to everything.

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