Fun Times in San Miguel de Allende
Exploring nature at El Charco del Ingenio
Just beyond the city’s edge lies a hidden gem that offers an entirely different kind of magic— El Charco del Ingenio, a breathtaking nature preserve and botanical garden where desert landscapes, canyon trails, and native plants take center stage. This is a beautiful, peaceful sanctuary and allows time to slow down, reconnect with nature, and see another side of San Miguel.
El Charco del Ingenio spans roughly 165 acres of semi-arid terrain filled with canyons, wetlands, and native vegetation. A network of trails winds through the reserve, revealing stunning views of the canyon below. It’s name comes from a natural pool embedded at the bottom of a large ravine. The adjoining botanical garden showcases an extraordinary collection of cacti and succulents, many of them rare or endangered species unique to Mexico’s high desert.
This site was consecrated as a Zone of Peace by the Dalai Lama, and it most certainly deserves this designation.
I explored this amazing place with Betsy, a lovely woman that I met in the US, and whom I will be pet sitting for in San Miguel de Allende during the month of March, while she and her wife, Teri take a wonderful trip to Europe. It’s a good thing we got an early start as the last half of the trail was a more difficult walk, and the sun was starting to beat down on us.
I did learn a lesson about being at this altitude in the heat, as I had a bit of dehydration later on in the day. A good reminder to hydrate!
Yes, the food is wonderful!
I don’t eat out very often, but when I do, most often I’m having lunch or dinner with friends. The BEST way to eat out! I’ve met some wonderful people here in San Miguel de Allende, and they will be what I miss most when I leave this beautiful area.
The Lord of the Conquest Festival (El Señor de la Conquista)
The Day of the Lord of the Conquest, celebrated on the first Friday of March in San Miguel de Allende, honors a statue of Christ that symbolizes the spiritual conversion of Indigenous peoples during the Spanish conquest. The event features vibrant traditional dances and prayers, reflecting a blend of Indigenous and Catholic traditions.
This festival takes place in the main square of San Miguel de Allende in front of the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel. I walked down from my apartment, and as I got close to the square, all I could hear was the loud beating of drums. When I approached the square, it was surrounded by hundreds of people dressed in native costumes and dancing to the beat of the drums. It was pretty spectacular.
Lovely vistas
Casa de la Cultura: House of Culture Museum
The Casa de la Cultura in San Miguel de Allende is not just a cultural center; it is a significant hub for art and education that draws both locals and visitors alike. This beautifully restored building showcases the architectural elegance typical of the region, making it a delight for photography enthusiasts and architecture lovers.
Just for fun!
OK, how many different colors of rice do you need? I’ve never seen this type of rice before.
Can’t even imagine why I would need purple, orange or pink rice. Oh well, to each their own.
Can’t figure out what it’s used for, but I found it pretty interesting.
