mexico city international airport to san miguel de allende

In 1937, Chicago native Stirling Dickinson stumbled upon the small town, established an artist's colony and quickly got San Miguel's renaissance off the ground.

Once full of wealth from nearby silver mines, San Miguel was left dilapidated after multiple wars (the early 20th century's Mexican Revolution among them).

San Miguel's location - about 170 miles northwest of Mexico City in Guanajuato state - plays a key role in its dynamic history. Today, evidence of that compelling re-emergence can be seen tucked into every lively corner of the diverse, arts-driven destination.

Breaks from shopping can be spent exploring the city's defining Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel church, taking classes at the well-recognized Instituto Allende art school or discovering handcrafted Mexican masks at the Another Face of Mexico mask museum.

It's easy to swoon over the 500-year-old colonial city's narrow walkways, baroque architecture and artisan shops selling plenty of crafts, jewelry and handmade accessories. Through the past 50 years, this quaint city has evolved into a respite for expats and a popular destination for tourists looking to delve into the music, food and arts scene of off-the-beaten-path Mexico. Vibrantly colored buildings line the cobblestone streets of San Miguel de Allende, a romantic city with 16th-century origins nestled among central Mexico's Sierra Madre Mountains.

Mexico city international airport to san miguel de allende