Archeological site of Cañada de la Virgen

We recently visited the newly opened archeological site of Cañada de la Virgen located approximately 20 miles from San Miguel de Allende. We spent the morning exploring the ruins with Albert Coffee, an archeologist and tour guide that has been directly involved with the excavation of the site for several years.

If you choose to visit the park, you must know that you will need to park at the entrance and take a shuttle with a guide to a spot located about 1km from the ruins. From there, you will walk the rest of the way.

Here are some pictures that we took of the site.

Winter Bike Ride from Dolores Hidalgo to San Miguel de Allende

From left to right, our guide Daniel, Bob, Sang, Chris, Deb and Paul

Last December, we joined a few of our guests on a bike trip from Dolores Hidalgo to San Miguel de Allende. From Antigua Capilla Bed and Breakfast, we walked to Bici-Burro, a local bike outfitter, and hopped in their van for the 27 mile drive to Dolores Hidalgo.

Riding the Camino Real back to San Miguel de Allende

After a quick drive in and out of Dolores Hidalgo for the benefit of those who had never been there, we were dropped off at a gas station just outside of town to begin our ride back to San Miguel. We road on the Camino Real, the colonial era road that originally linked the two towns. We could still see some of the original cobblestones in certain sections.


The majority of the trip was through scenic farmland, and occasionally we came across an interesting chapel or colonial era building. We saw very few people. A couple of times, however, we had to move off the road to let pass a procession of catholic pilgrims on multi-day journeys.

Bicycles share this road with pilgrims!

About 7 miles before reaching San Miguel de Allende, we stopped at the UNESCO site of the Sanctuary of Atotoniclo for a quick rest. We refueled on liquids and gorditas, hand formed thick tortillas that are split open and stuffed with various meats and/or vegetables (like a pita). We never pass up an opportunity to munch on street food!

Deb and Paul in front of the Sanctuary of Atotonilco

Bob and Sang Enjoying a Gordita

What a great winter activity. There were a couple of ascents, but they were manageable. If you’re relatively active, you will definitely enjoy this trip.

If you're interested in seeing more pictures, click here.

Exploring the Back Roads of San Miguel de Allende

Francisco’s brother and his girlfriend were in town recently and wanted to try something new. He suggested a four-hour guided ATV excursion. Having never done this before, we decided to come along.
The group consisted of just the four of us and the guide. We rode through different neighborhoods and farms, through streams and dirt roads to destinations such as the Allende reservoir and Atotonilco.
June was the perfect time to go, as the rainy season was just beginning and the reservoir was still low. This gave us ample room to ride around and visit with the farm animals. It was a real blast.

ATV's can be rented within walking distance from our San Miguel Accommodations.