Exploring the Charm of San Miguel de Allende with Friends

Sacred Spaces and Childhood Dreams

Today was a day of contrasts, a blend of the deeply spiritual and the delightfully playful. San Miguel de Allende continues to surprise me with its ability to hold both profound history and lighthearted joy in the same embrace. It's amazing how a single day can encompass such different facets of this vibrant city.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Rustica. Olivia had read about their vegan breakfast burrito, and since she's been trying to incorporate more plant-based meals, she was eager to try it. I opted for a more traditional Mexican breakfast, needing some fuel for the day's explorations. The atmosphere was charming, like dining in a cozy patio, the coffee strong and the company even better. I made sure to grab a few extra napkins, ever since I forgot to pack a decent supply of them back in Hawthorne I'm always prepared for spillages!


Discover Rustica: A vibrant restaurant and café offering delicious Mexican cuisine and artisanal coffee in the heart of San Miguel de Allende.

Fueled and ready, our first stop was the Santuario de Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco. The drive there was beautiful, the landscape dotted with the earthy tones of the Mexican countryside. As we approached, the sanctuary's monumental façade stood out against the horizon, resembling a fortress. It's easy to see why it's a UNESCO World Heritage site; the place just oozes history.


Discover the Santuario de Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco in Guanajuato, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning baroque architecture and breathtaking frescoes.

Stepping inside was like entering another world. The interior was an explosion of Mexican Baroque art, murals covering every wall and ceiling. It's often called the Sistine Chapel of Mexico, and I could see why. The sheer volume of artwork was astounding, the work of Antonio Martínez de Pocasangre primarily. It felt like a truly sacred space, a place for reflection and penance. I could easily see why it attracts thousands of visitors each week. We spent a good couple of hours wandering through the chapels, each one telling a different story through its art. The devotion and artistry were truly humbling. As a construction project manager, I couldn't help but marvel at the engineering and craftsmanship that went into building such a place back in the 18th century. It's a testament to human ingenuity and faith.

Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.

Leaving the Santuario de Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco, we headed back towards San Miguel, our next destination being the Museo La Esquina del Juguete Popular Mexicano. After such a spiritually intense experience, I was ready for something a bit lighter, and what could be more lighthearted than a toy museum? I remember taking Ethan to a similar museum in Show Low when he was little. It'll be great to take him to this one next time we're in Mexico.


Explore the vibrant world of traditional Mexican toys at Museo La Esquina del Juguete Popular Mexicano in San Miguel de Allende.

The Museo La Esquina was a complete contrast to the sanctuary, a burst of color and childhood nostalgia. The museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating Mexican toys and folk art, and it does so with incredible charm. The collection, amassed by Angélica Tijerina, features over 3,500 handcrafted toys from various regions of Mexico. Each toy tells a story, reflecting the traditions, celebrations, and daily life of Mexican communities. From dolls and miniatures to masks and musical instruments, it was a journey back to simpler times. I found myself reminiscing about my own childhood toys, the simple pleasures of imagination and play. I even picked up a small alebrije for Ethan, a whimsical creature that I know he'll love.

After the museum, we did a little shopping at Espiritu Store San Miguel de Allende. I was looking for a new pair of sandals, and Olivia wanted to find a unique souvenir. Espiritu is known for its handwoven huarache sandals, made with genuine leather and sustainable practices. I ended up buying a comfortable pair, perfect for walking around town. Olivia found a beautiful handwoven bag, a perfect reminder of our trip. It's great to support local artisans and know that we're contributing to the community.


Explore the charm of Espiritu Store, a boutique haven in San Miguel de Allende offering unique artisan goods and a taste of local culture.

For lunch, we headed to La Posadita, a restaurant recommended by several locals. It's known for its traditional Mexican cuisine and its rooftop terrace with stunning views of the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel. We started with margaritas, of course, and then ordered a variety of dishes to share. The guacamole was freshly made, the cochinita pibil was flavorful, and the pozole was hearty and delicious. The view from the terrace was breathtaking, the Parroquia looming overhead, and the surrounding hills and valleys stretching out before us. It was the perfect spot to relax and soak in the atmosphere of San Miguel. This place definitely knows how to do a great margarita. I might even try the tamarind one tomorrow.


Experience authentic Mexican cuisine at La Posadita in San Miguel de Allende - where tradition meets flavor in every dish.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Zibu Allende for dinner. Located inside the Live Aqua boutique hotel, Zibu offers a unique culinary experience, blending Thai and Mexican haute cuisine. Chef Eduardo Palazuelos has created a menu that celebrates the flavors of both cultures, and the result is truly remarkable. We started with the Phuket salad, a refreshing mix of tropical fruits and spices. For our main courses, I tried the golden noodle shrimp with creamy turmeric sauce, while Olivia opted for the fusion fish baked in banana leaf. The dishes were beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The cocktail menu was equally impressive, and we enjoyed a couple of expertly crafted drinks. The ambiance was elegant and refined, the perfect ending to a day of spiritual and playful exploration.


Experience culinary excellence at Zibu Allende in San Miguel de Allende—where tradition meets innovation in every dish.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, we're planning an adventure with Coyote Canyon Adventures, followed by a visit to the Church of the Immaculate Conception. And for dinner, we're thinking of trying Antonia Rooftop, a place I hear has great views. It's hard to believe we're already on Day 5 of our trip. Time flies when you're having fun!

San Miguel de Allende continues to captivate me with its blend of history, culture, and charm. It's a place where you can find both spiritual solace and childlike joy, often in the same day. I'm grateful for the opportunity to experience this beautiful city with my friends, and I look forward to sharing more of our adventures in the days to come.