San Miguel de Allende
This colonial gem is situated about 160 miles north of Mexico City and still today it remains a relatively untouched antique city of the old world. There is a blessed absence of traffic lights, parking meters, billboards, and neon signs. The city seems free from the pressures of modern living.
San Miguel de Allende has been declared a national monument: no building is allowed that doesn't conform to Colonial style. This small, quiet, charming town with its mild weather and slow pace is sure to capture your heart. From your first stroll down the cobbled streets of San Miguel Allende, you will discover why people from all over the world come, return and, in many cases, decide to stay.
San Miguel is a very green city, with trees, flowers, botanical gardens, and is surrounded by hills. Locals are accustomed to tourists and are eager to help you with your Spanish. San Miguel is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Women traveling alone in Mexico will find San Miguel de Allende to be a comfortable, non-threatening environment.
Student's comments
"If you want to learn Spanish at the best Spanish school in San Miguel de Allende, this is it!"
"The teachers are fantastic, the building is very nice. if I can study Spanish in Mexico once again I will choose this Spanish school."
How to get here
From Leon airport (BJX) to San Miguel de Allende is a 75 minutes car or bus ride, from Mexico City airport you will need about 3 hours and half by bus to get here ....
read more
Things to see and do
You may explore many interesting places nearby, such as ranches breeding brave bulls, vineyards, art galleries, the Tuesday market, colonial architecture, churches, thermal baths, archaeological sites, spectacular scenery, excellent golf and tennis, superb equestrian facilities, hiking, and mountain biking.
The village and Shrine of Atotonilco, a twenty minute drive from San Miguel de Allende, has some of the finest native frescoes in Mexico.
Dolores Hidalgo, 45 minutes away, is a center for ceramic dishes and tiles, hand-painted and fired into top quality items.
The city of Guanajuato, an hour away, has unique underground streets, mansions of aristocrats who were the world's main silver suppliers in the 18th century, and a museum of mummies preserved by the soil and dry climate.
The city of Queretaro, 50 minutes away, is famous for opals, convent museums, and marblework.
The city of Leon, about 90 minutes away is one of the leather capitals of the world: handbags, boots, and shoes, and an entire shopping mall devoted to leather goods.
(Upon request and for a minimum of 6 students the Institute organizes one or two days tours, prices from $40 US per person.)
Climate and Clothing
San Miguel de Allende is almost never hot nor too cold, it enjoys a mild climate year round with cool evenings.
January, first half of February, second half of November and December: Cool in the daytime in the shade; a sweater is needed. In the sun, you will be comfortable in shirt sleeves from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. A coat is needed at night. No rain.
Second half of February, March, October, first half of November: A bit windy; no rain yet. A sweater needed only at night.
April, May and September: Warm and balmy; The ideal time to be here. No rain in April, occasional sprinkles in May & September.
June: Like May, but the rainy season begins on the second half; rainwear recommended. Warm.
July and August: Rains throughout the 10th of July, then daily short showers in the early afternoon, usually from 2:30 to 4:00 P.M. Warm.
San Miguel de Allende is an informal town. Formal dress is usually not required. A heavy jacket is necessary for the cold winter mornings and evenings, but the sun shines during the day. During the spring and autumn a light jacket is needed for the evenings. In the summer a raincoat and umbrella are very useful.
Average Temperatures and Rainfall
| Month | °F max-min | °C max-min | inches | mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 71/45 | 22/7 | .5 | 13 |
| February | 74/49 | 23/9 | .1 | 3 |
| March | 78/52 | 25/11 | .2 | 5 |
| April | 82/54 | 28/12 | .8 | 20 |
| May | 83/57 | 28/14 | 1.2 | 30 |
| June | 79/58 | 26/14 | 5.1 | 129 |
| July | 76/56 | 24/13 | 4.7 | 119 |
| August | 77/55 | 25/13 | 4.6 | 117 |
| September | 75/57 | 24/14 | 4.7 | 119 |
| October | 75/54 | 24/12 | 4.7 | 119 |
| November | 73/49 | 23/9 | .6 | 15 |
| December | 70/46 | 21/8 | .4 | 10 |