San Miguel de Allende: Day Trips and Tours from Mexico City

A day trip to San Miguel de Allende from Mexico City is worth your time, as you’ll be impressed by the beautiful baroque architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Accentuated by cobblestone streets, the city has excellent restaurants and cafes, luxurious hotels, and numerous galleries and museums.

This small charming city derives its name from two historical figures — the 16th-century friar Juan de San Miguel and Ignacio Allende, a former captain in the Spanish army who sympathized with the Mexican independence movement.

While learning its history, experience the culture with classic Latin-American festivals and parades which are a regular sight. Sing and dance with mariachi bands at night, as the sky burst into color with fireworks.

Here's everything you need to know about San Miguel de Allende, one of the most exhilirating day trips from Mexico City.

How to get to San Miguel de Allende from Mexico City?

San Miguel de Allende is situated over 260 kilometers northwest of Mexico City. It usually takes around three to five hours to get there, depending on your mode of transportation.

From Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende by car

The quickest way to drive there is to find the Carretera Mexico-Pachuca (Mexico City – Pachuca Highway) and then the MEX 57D exit. From there, you can follow the signs all the way to San Miguel de Allende.

From Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende by bus

There are no direct buses. But, if you don't mind making a change or two, you can make the journey to San Miguel de Allende in around five hours.

The recommended route is to take a bus bound for Tepotzotlán from the Mexico Norte bus station. From there, change for San Miguel de Allende.

From Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende by flight

Another option is to fly to either Querétaro or Leon/Guanajuato and then take a shuttle bus.

Flights take four hours, including check-in and waiting, but the total travel time is more than driving. However, it is a good option if you want to shorten your travel time by an hour compared to taking the five-hour bus ride.

Guided tour to San Miguel de Allende from Mexico City

Guided day tours to San Miguel de Allende can reduce any stress you may experience attempting to figure out transportation. They are also safer and offer a different experience from traveling independently.

Guided tours mean you can almost always see all the sights you want. You will also learn more about them from knowledgeable guides.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to San Miguel de Allende from Mexico City?

As it is a little far from Mexico City, it is best to choose a day trip to San Miguel de Allende that starts as early in the morning as possible. An earlier start gives you more time to see the numerous sights on offer in the city.

Operators will pick you up from your hotel or a designated meeting point. There may be a breakfast stop along the way or before your excursion begins. Check before in case you need to arrange your own breakfast.

The journey to San Miguel de Allende will be by air-conditioned coach or minivan, depending on the party size — or by car, if you book a private tour. It should take around three to three and a half hours to get there, but it may take longer if you encounter traffic problems.

Once you arrive at San Miguel de Allende, lunch and sightseeing are the main priorities. You can have a meal at the numerous excellent restaurants in the city's historical center.

After lunch, it is time to take in the fascinating sights. You will spend the rest of the day absorbing the atmosphere and learning about the city's history.

At the end of a busy day of sightseeing, you will likely have your evening meal in the city before your driver returns you to Mexico City.

What kinds of tours are available to go to San Miguel de Allende?

There are several types of tours to San Miguel de Allende and the price will depend on which kind you take. Sharing the journey with others will be a more budget-friendly option. However, private day trips are the way to go if you want a more personal experience.

Guided tours to San Miguel de Allende from Mexico City

Depending on the operator, you can get a pickup at your hotel, or you may have to seek out a designated meeting point.

Any guided day trips to San Miguel de Allende will feature an English-speaking guide. They will give you lots of fascinating information on sights like the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel that you may have missed otherwise.

Private tour to San Miguel de Allende from Mexico City

Private day trips to San Miguel de Allende typically offer a more personalized experience with more attention to detail from your guide. The one-on-one experience is a much better way to learn about the city, and you can go at your own pace and change your itinerary while on the go.

Day trip to San Miguel de Allende plus Querétaro from Mexico City

Guided day trips or private day tours to San Miguel de Allende may include other sights on the itinerary. Visit the historical town of Queretaro, one of the main bases of Mexican independence, an excellent choice for history buffs.

On top of its historical importance, Queretaro is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can find many notable buildings in the historic center, such as the city’s impressive aqueduct.

How much does a tour to San Miguel de Allende from Mexico City cost?

Your guided day trips to San Miguel de Allende will likely cost between Mex$980 and Mex$1,960 (US$50 and US$100). They are more economical because you will share the experience with many other tourists and travel by coach.

Private tours will cost anywhere between Mex$1,960 and Mex$5,885 (US$100 and US$300), depending on your itinerary and level of luxury.

What will you see and do in San Miguel de Allende?

The Parish of San Miguel

La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel (The Parish of San Miguel) is one of the most well-known churches in Mexico. You can hear the hourly chime from this intricately designed Neo-Gothic cathedral from anywhere in the city and the surrounding countryside.

Although you will unlikely have the place to yourself, it's best to visit when the bells are ringing to capture the church's unique atmosphere.

The Casa de Allende

This famous landmark was the home of the Spanish martyr Ignacio Allende. There you will learn about his life and the history of Mexican independence.

San Francisco Church

The architecture of this church, constructed in the 18th century, is a prime example of a Churrigueresque facade. This term references the 17th-century Baroque architect Jose Churriguera, renowned for his excessively-ornate designs.

El Jardin

El Jardin (The Garden) is the city’s plaza and social center. It’s a popular place for locals, tourists and ex-pats to relax, chat and eat delicious street food or enjoy music and fireworks at the city’s many festivals.

The Garden is also a great place to appreciate the fine architecture of the Parish of San Miguel and other striking buildings.

When is the best time to visit San Miguel de Allende?

You can visit San Miguel de Allende year-round. However, the summer months average at around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), which may be a little hot for some.

The heaviest rainfall of the year is from June to August, so bear this in mind when deciding to take a day tour to San Miguel de Allende.

Travel tips

• Bring rain protection if you visit between June and August.
• Consider your safety in Mexico before deciding to travel independently without a tour.
• Visiting in spring will ensure you see the beautiful jacaranda flowers in bloom.
• Try to book outside of holidays, such as Easter, if you want to avoid the crowds.