Flower vendor on Aldama Street, San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende is a 16th century Colonial town, situated on the high central plateau of Mexico that runs roughly from Mexico City to San Luis Potosi to Guadalajara. At an altitude of nearly 7000 feet, San Miguel offers a mild climate. Summers are often relatively cool, with afternoon rains that bring out wild pink cosmos and yellow sunflowers on the rolling hills of this area. Winters can be cold in early morning and evening, but mid-day is more or less “suntan weather.”

San Miguel is known as an international tourist destination, and an arts colony. It has been described as “art camp for grownups,” due to the many classes available in the arts.

What is perhaps most extraordinary about San Miguel de Allende is its physical beauty and Mexican quaintness. Houses, with balconies drooping flowers, are painted in vibrant tones of terracotta, lemon, eggplant, rust and deep blood red. It is a walking town–easy to get around in, and the early riser will see the remnants of an earlier time, as campesinos lead burros laden with firewood through the streets, and colorfully dressed women take their wares to market.

Access is through several international airports. Mexico City (MEX) and Guadalajara  (GUAD) are about four hours away by bus, and the Bahio airport at Leon (BJX) is approximately one and one-half hours away. Easy transportation from these airports to San Miguel de Allende can be arranged.

Eva Hunter, the Professional Writing Coach, teaches workshops here in San Miguel, eight or more months a year. Take a look at the schedule posted in this blog.