San Miguel de Allende (SMA)
FAQ
AIR TRAVEL:
Please don't buy your tickets until you are notified your workshop has filled. San Miguel is accessible from two airports: Leon (BJX) and Queretaro (QRO). To get to and from either airport, the shuttle service, Bajiogo, is excellent. Their website, bajiogoshuttle.com, allows you to book online. You will need your flight number, time of arrival and the address of where you are staying. When you arrive at the airport, after going through customs, a driver will meet you near the doors with a sign with your name on it. It is not necessary to pay online; the driver will accept U.S. dollars or pesos. The fee is $30.00. They will deliver you to your door.
Note from Jan: You can also fly to Mexico City and have a BajioGo shuttle pick you up and take you back. The fee is between $80 and $150, depending if you are traveling alone or they can match you with other riders. It is about a 4-hour trip Mexico City to San Miguel on a safe and comfortable bus. Contact Jan for more info.
LODGING:
The week of the Day of the Dead is VERY popular -- so book as soon as you know the workshop is a "go."
For the full San Miguel experience, try to stay close to the Jardín, the main square in the center of town. The oldest area is Centro - look for rentals there and in the surrounding streets. The Aldea, Guadiana, Guadalupe, and the eastern and southern parts of the San Antonio neighborhoods are excellent.
AirBnb.com is the best source for short-term rentals. Trip Advisor, Lonely Planet, Expedia, and Travel and Leisure all offer hotels on their websites.
Here are some suggestions:
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Casa Contenta. They have seven bedrooms, each with a bathroom, house available where students can stay together.
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Casa de los Chiqueados has lovely one- and two- bedroom apartments.
NOISE:
San Miguel’s nights are notoriously loud. Dogs barking, music playing and everyone's favorite: pre-dawn fireworks to celebrate every birthday, saint's day, wish for good luck, births, deaths. Really, it happens quite often. Bring ear plugs or better yet, a white noise machine.
WALKING AROUND:
It is super easy to fall while walking around SMA because of the narrow sidewalks, cobblestones, potholes, you name it. Stairs are everywhere are elevators are rare. I can't imagine being in SMA with a wheelchair. Bring comfortable walking shoes. No heels!