Viva la Vida in San Miguel de Allende

December 2, 2009 by Ricardo  
Filed under Destinations, Photos, Travel + Wine

Do you remember the feeling of the first time you fell in love? Or how about a time in your life when you couldn’t hold back a tear because you realized just how much you love life?

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La Parroquia - Church of St. Michael

Let the picturesque town of San Miguel de Allende seduce you and awaken your senses in a magical life-appreciating vacation you’ll never forget.

San Miguel de Allende is a very unique town located in the heart of Mexico in the Bajío region and it was just recently (2008) declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As soon as you arrive you’ll feel transported back into the past, welcomed by San Miguel’s colorful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. The central landmark is the tall Gothic-style Parroquia, the Church of St. Michael, located in the main square.

As a matter of fact, the town is full of pictorial churches and beautifully decorated plazas with lively fountains and luscious green areas. The sounds of the birds and distant giggles of playful children melt in unison to enhance the spirit of viva la vida.

SanMigueldeAllendeSquareSan Miguel de Allende is as romantic and artistic as Florence, Italy, but with the colorful smiles, the folkloric music, and the vibrant aromas of the always friendly, México.

There are plenty of reasons why this town is one of the most charming and visited places in the country. If you’re looking for an escape from urban reality and hoping for a moment of tranquility, I suggest visiting the hot springs. The phenomenal pools are only 10 minutes by car from the city center.

However, San Miguel de Allende offers you a chance to immerse yourself into the wonderful art & culture of Mexico. So take advantage of this, you won’t regret it!

Besides offering a wealth of art galleries and musical venues, San Miguel de Allende hosts all types of cultural events throughout the year. One of the most famous is the Expresión en Corto International Film Festival, which takes place at the end of July.

MexicanMarketSanMigueldeAllendeOf course, people who have long-term travel plans stay in San Miguel de Allende to study Spanish while perhaps taking painting or cooking classes. San Miguel de Allende really is the Mexican Florence.

For those who love photography, my only recommendation is to simply walk through the town and snap away. San Miguel is your inspiration!

In conclusion, San Miguel de Allende is capable of stimulating your senses in so many ways that we invite you to see for yourself, what all the tremendous fuss is about.

Where to Stay

I’ve been to San Miguel de Allende several times and have stayed in several places, but my absolute favorite is Casa de la Cuesta. This charming Bed & Breakfast is a gorgeous example of traditional Mexican architecture (although somewhat recently constructed). It is run by an American couple, Bill and Heidi, and has 6 uniquely decorated rooms.

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Casa de la Cuesta B&B

This colonial hacienda-style home has a large center courtyard where guests can relax while listening to the sounds of the fountain and birds. Because Casa de la Cuesta is located on a hill, most rooms and patios offer spectacular views of the town. Most importantly, the comfortable Bed & Breakfast offers a superb Mexican breakfast.

After a busy day walking through the markets and picturesque squares, you can come back to the B&B and enjoy a glass of wine from a selection of Mexico’s finest vineyards. If you like white wines, they typically have L.A. Cetto’s Blanc de Blancs, one of my favorite Mexican wines.