- 415 15 2 0293
- info@labibliotecapublica.org
- Newsletter
Biblioteca Pública de San Miguel de Allende, A.C.
If you have ever wondered what is behind the interesting doors you see throughout this colonial city, then this is the tour for you.
Come with us to explore the wonders beyond the closed doors!
Purchase your tickets in advance at La Biblioteca store from Monday to Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 02:00 p.m.
Fridays at noon | $500 pesos per person
*The homes included varies according to which ones are currently available.
**La Biblioteca is not responsible for accidents outside the Library building.
***IF you have mobility issues please let our staff know.
Tucked away on Calle Aldama just two blocks behind the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, is the art-filled home of two creative souls – Hagar and Martin Fletcher.
The 250-year-old home was originally part of a large family compound called the Posada Corazón owned by the Arias family.
Almost 10 years ago, the Fletchers bought the building and did as much remodeling as was allowed by the Historic Society of San Miguel.
So come into their cozy home filled with art, city views, plants and joy.
At the entry there is the “Tiniest Gallery” (per the artist Hagar) in San Miguel. A colorful tile and mirror coffee table by Californian artist Anado and a 9-foot-tall glass mirror brighten the room.
Walls are hung with her new series of foldable fabric creations. Bronze and papier maché pieces are on display.
Moving out to the plant-filled terrace, you’ll find an outdoor “sala” space for relaxation. Further out is a cozy casita. Be sure to see the bathroom with its marble sink and brass fish water faucets.
Back across the sala, go through a kitchen with interesting zamal cabinetry and on to the dining room.
An ancient Chinese buffet fills one wall. On either side are woodcuts by Peter Leventhal. Several other art pieces displayed are by Hagar.
Going upstairs (please use the handrail), you’ll find a guest room with quirky bedside lamps that must make their guests smile.
On the small terrace outside this room is a table for two where owner Martin Fletcher has sat to write two of his nine-odd books.
Was he inspired by a second, large circular piece on the terrace, also by Anado?
The master bedroom has seating, a lovely old desk for Martin’s use in rainy weather and two Turkish, flat weave rugs.
Following along the exterior terrace and down a few steps brings us to Hagar’s studio where she creates and displays her current pieces.
Peeking into the creative space of an artist is always such a treat.
On the roof terrace, there are 360 degree views to the west over Colonia San Antonio, north to the rooftop of the Parroquia and up the hillside to the east.
Often during the day, a local musician, Pepe, will be on the street below playing his guitar. Acoustic music floats up from below and we’re told the moon rises directly above that eastern hillside.
The enchantment of this creative home closes with this rooftop garden terrace.
“ It is behind the walls you see how we live”
This should really be called a Garden and House Tour because today the gardens are the mainattraction.
The original name of the property was “apple heart”; It is surprising to see such extensive gardens – full of fruit trees, flowers and ornamental plants – in the heart of San Miguel. As you might expect, it is a sanctuary for birds.
It has been owned for decades by the same family, who also gave the property comprising the botanical gardens; El Charco; to the city.
The owners have preserved the property as a garden and orchard, producing organic food, herbs and flowers for local non-profit projects.
The main posada is an excellent example of 1960’s Mexican architecture and was designed by a member of the Canal family.
It has a warm family atmosphere reminiscent of a Maine cottage.
It houses an interesting collection of books, especially Mexican and international art.
“ It is behind the walls you see how we live”
Beautiful oasis and inspiring community hub for environmental education, climate activism, and ecological restoration.
The visit includes an easy guided walking tour of the Tikkun grounds, gardens, and rainwater catchment tilapia ponds. An organic buffet lunch is provided along with a video presentation on permaculture, climate-change adaptation, and discussion of Tikkun`s transformative community work, including reforestation, watershed repair, and reservoir restoration projects.
Tours support Tikkun’s ecological restoration and education work in San Miguel.
Thursdays 10 AM to 2 PM | $1,350 pesos per person
Bernal, a marvelous “pueblo mágico” in the state of Querétaro, is famous for its Peña de Bernal, the third largest stone monolith in the world.
The visit includes the center of the town of Bernal, the San Sebastián temple, the workshop of the Aurora looms, the mask museum, the church of Santa María of the Asumption, the artisanry market with its incredible ratan furniture, and a tasting of the best cheese and wine of the region.
9 AM to 5 PM | $1,700 pesos per person
World heritage city about an hour from San Miguel.
This tour includes an historical walking tour with a lecture about the famous painter Diego Rivera, a visit to the Juarez Theater and the Quijote Museum.
You will be able to take fabulous pictures from the Pipila scenic lookout, and of the famous Guanajuato tunnels.
You will also have time to visit the shops, bazars and restaurants.
9 AM to 4 PM | $2,100 pesos per person
At this archeological site you will be able to visit a pyramid and various other pre-Columbian structures attributed to ancient tribes affiliated with the Otomi between the years 450 and 1050 including a calendar aligned with the sun, the moon and constellations designed to mark the equinox, the solstice, and the seasons.
The tour includes access to the site and a water bottle.
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM | $1,500 pesos per person
This ancient pre-Columbian city emerged in the year 150 BC and continued to grow until about 800 AD when it was mysteriously abandoned.
There is evidence that Teotihuacán was a multi ethnic city inhabited by Zapotecs, Mixtecs, Mayas and Totonacas.
You can visit the Road of the Dead and view some of the largest pyramids of the world.
7:00 AM to 7:00 PM | $3,300 pesos per person
City of great historical importance since it is the birthplace of national independence.
It´s only 40 minutes away from San Miguel de Allende.
You can visit the Miguel Hidalgo Museum, the father of Mexican Independence as well as the traditional Talavera tiles workshops.
On the way back we will visit the Atotonilco Sanctuary which is a world heritage site.
A place referred to as the Mexican Sistine Chapel because of its impressive frescos.
We will also visit the paradise like Nirvana Restaurant.
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM | $1,700 pesos per person
Famous for its architecture and history.
You will visit its famous aqueduct, an ancient hydraulic structure that crosses the city.
You will also visit the cementery where famous sons of the city are buried, the Santa Cruz Monastery, the regional museum of Querétaro, the Plaza de Armas, and the hill of the bells where the emperor Maximilian of Hapsburg was executed at the end of the French Invasion.
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM | $2,000 pesos per person
Magical town since 2012, known as “Ghost Town”, for having been abandoned twice since its foundation.
In the surrounding area, centuries-old vestiges of mines and haciendas are still preserved.
You will visit the Center, Ex-Mina, Hacienda de 5 Señores, Hacienda Santa Brigida, Pre-Hispanic Music Workshop and Musical Instrument Shop.
$2,000 pesos per person
To get to know the wonders and corners of San Miguel de Allende, you have to walk.
We will take you to visit El Chorro, Benito Juarez Park, Instituto Allende, Bellas Artes, Casa del Conde de la Canal, Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, Casa de Ignacio Allende and the surrounding churches.
$800 pesos por persona
Buy your tickets at the TESOROS shop at La Biblioteca from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.
Buy your tickets at least 2 days prior to the tour.
For individualized tours, we require a minimum of 3 participants.
No refunds for cancellations the same day as the tour.
Tours must be paid for in cash unless special arrangements are made.
With your payment for the tours, you are contributing directly to the educational and cultural activities of La Biblioteca that benefit children and youth as part of our mission.
For more information contact us by email: tours@labibliotecapublica.org or by telephone at 415 152 0293.