Going solo to either San Miguel de Allende or Guanajuato the first week in April. As I have never been to either, would appreciate your thoughts. Gracias, T.
A lot depends on what you want to experience. San Miguel de Allende is a sort of Disney-Mexico, gorgeous and not unlike a bigger Ajijic. Guanajuato is much more colonial, extremely hilly, and also gorgeous.
Both cities have or used to have artists colonies, both cities had a huge influx of Texans, both cities have a large number of galleries both cities are attractive touristy cities both are in a high desert. I worked in Santa Fe over many years and worked there when many street were dirt streets and I always thought of Santa Fe as the San Miguel of Allende of the States. By the way Neil you are speaking to me not my husband who does not read or post on this forum.
Just by the fact that there were no Alabama references, I knew it was you!
I too have business experience in Santa Fe dating back to 1972. Like most cities, Santa Fe has changed and the demographics have changed and all those changes may not have all been positive. I have spent enough time in Santa Fe to understand it but not San Miguel de Allende. Regards, Neil Albuquerque, NM
Good idea. They are close enough. Having lived in San Miguel for several years, I can assure you that you can have a good time there for your break. You might want to check out one of their local forums: "FallinginlovewithSanMiguel.com" for pictures, dining suggestions and other general news.
Thank you for your response. I have been to Santa Fe and enjoyed it very much. Beautiful city. You made me laugh when you said both of my choices had a lot of Texans. Sounds like Ajijic. By far, Texas has the highest representaion here of any other state, also.
I actually would love to see Patzcuaro, but cancelled it from my list when I realized it was in Michoacan. Given the current conditions, a bus full of gringo tourists could attract attention from folks I do not want to attract attention from. I know, just ended a sentence with a preposition. May I be forgiven by all you grammarians. T
Budgetary and time concerns. I have responsibilities here in Ajijic. Cannot be gone more than a few days at a time and cannot finance both at the same time. I do want to do both, but trying to figure out which one first. T
IMHO Guanajuato is far nicer than SMA. Guanajuato is real, vibrant, and historically interesting. SMA is pretty but overly gringofied. If you want someone to read your palm then go to SMA. If you want to hear estudiantinos singing on the street in the evening, go to Guanajuato.
Because the two cities are so different , I think they are both worth seeing. I enjoy both. Guanajuato is obviously a more important city than San Miguel but both are charming and hilly...
"If you want someone to read your palm then go to SMA."
I guess I missed that marvelous opportunity while living there for three years. There is much more to SMA than that silliness, and I suspect you know that if you spent more than a day there. I prefer this area, but sitting in the Jardin when they toll the bells at that unique church is another very good experience, along with the availability of some fine restaurants and entertainment. Let's be fair.
I agree with Vichil. Both places are well worth visiting. Toss a coin. Or do a few days in one, and a few days in the other. They're only an hour (or so) apart from each other with super frequent bus service between the two. And it's not like they're difficult to get to from Lake Chapala.
If you can't enjoy a trip to either place, then you don't know how to enjoy yourself.
My wife and I have visited both and both are great in somewhat different ways. For a sense of what's there and what to see, check out my photojournal blog:
San Miguel de Allende: http://cookjmex.blogspot.com/search/label/San%20Miguel%20de%20Allende
Physically, San Miguel is spread out on a gentle slope, while Guanajuato is built into the steep sides of canyons, with stairways and alleys connecting the different levels. While San Miguel is a bit of a headache to drive in, Guanajuato is a nightmare. I would suggest taking a bus rather than driving to either. Both are great walking towns. Enjoy yourself!
(This post was edited by cookj5 on Mar 4, 2011, 7:31 PM)
IMHO Guanajuato is far nicer than SMA. Guanajuato is real, vibrant, and historically interesting. SMA is pretty but overly gringofied. If you want someone to read your palm then go to SMA. If you want to hear estudiantinos singing on the street in the evening, go to Guanajuato.
What great responses. Thanks to all. Guanajuato it is. Will call Charter Club and book April 1-3 for the single supplement price of 5,500 pesos. If there is another single out there that might be interested and we could meet for lunch and see if we are a match, as the price for double occupancy drops to 3,950. Thank you all very much for your informative responses. San Miguel will be next time. T
Will call Charter Club and book April 1-3 for the single supplement price of 5,500 pesos.
Seriously? Is that their price for "Two Nights/Three Days" in Guanajuato? I hope it includes a key to the city.
Approx. Roundtrip taxi to bus station in Tonala: $800 MXP Approx. Roundtrip bus GDL to GTO: $800 MXP Decent, mid-level GTO hotel for two nights: $1400 MXP
If you want to save money, skip the package tour and do it on your own. Either way, enjoy your trip. Guanajuato is unique.
Will call Charter Club and book April 1-3 for the single supplement price of 5,500 pesos.
Seriously? Is that their price for "Two Nights/Three Days" in Guanajuato? I hope it includes a key to the city.
Approx. Roundtrip taxi to bus station in Tonala: $800 MXP Approx. Roundtrip bus GDL to GTO: $800 MXP Decent, mid-level GTO hotel for two nights: $1400 MXP
If you want to save money, skip the package tour and do it on your own. Either way, enjoy your trip. Guanajuato is unique.
With an INAPAM card, you can halve the bus fare. Or were you already figuring that in, Tashby?
We have only been to Guanajuato one time and due to time constraints could only allocate part of a morning, an afternoon and an evening there. We thought it was a dynamic city with an incredibly beautiful setting. Driving would challenge the best instincts with all of the hills and tunnels. One needs to be in good physical shape to walk the hills, alleys and streets but there is no better way to "feel" the city. Museums are everywhere. Due to our limited time, we did visit the Don Quixote Museum and found it quite interesting. Many of the shops/galleries are like museums unto themselves but they are also quite proud of their merchandise that is for sale. We took a couple of taxis and they appeared to be quite inexpensive with the most expensive one being $25MXP. We had lunch at the VanGogh Restaurant on the Jardin de la Union, a very pleasant setting.
Definitely a city for a return visit and we will be allocating more time on our next visit! Regards, Neil Albuquerque, NM
Too funny. Yes, it is pricey. Your estimate is 3,000, if I do it on my own. Cannot do it on my own. Will be a lost puppy, not having a very good grasp of Spanish. The trip includes a bilingual guide, breakfasts, transportation to hotels and a couple of tours and entrance fees. You're right. What tours and entrance fees to what? Need to get on the horn and find out what that is all about. More tomorrow, and thanks for your response. T
I do not have that card. Are you certain that this would reduce my costs for a Charter Club tour? Charter Club is a private organization. I thought the card you are suggesting was only for public transportation. Please clarify. Thanks, T
Oops, I get it. You guys are suggesting the discount that I could get if I took public transportation. Ain't going to happen. do not want to be left on the side of the highway screaming for my mommy when she is long gone, but they are great thoughts if I ever build my Spanish vocabulary. Do not hold your breath for that to happen. Tried and failed. Thrice. T
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