Just a short drive north of San Miguel de Allende is one of the popular day-trip destinations: La Gruta Restaurant & Spa. These natural hot springs were the perfect way to slow down and unwind.

We visited La Gruta on a Wednesday morning, which several locals recommended as the ideal time to go. Here’s why: the pools are drained and cleaned every Monday and Tuesday, so by Wednesday morning, the water is at its cleanest. Plus, arriving early meant we would enjoy a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere before the crowds rolled in.

La Gruta has five pools of varying temperatures, and the entrance fee was only about $7. Once inside, we floated from one pool to the next.

One of the highlights of our visit was meeting a couple from Mazatlán as we walked in. Min, originally from China and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Superior, and Luis, a Mazatlán native, quickly became our companions for the day. We ended up spending the day with them—sharing travel stories, talking about life, and enjoying the pools together. Encounters like these are part of what makes travel so special.

And then there’s the grotto itself. To reach the hottest pool, we swam through a narrow-arched tunnel that opened to a steamy chamber with a hot waterfall cascading into a large pool. The warmth, mist, and sound of falling water made it an unforgettable experience.

Sistine Chapel of Latin America

After a light breakfast at the spa, we headed a little further north to the small town of Atotonilco. Our goal was to visit The Santuario de Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco, a church that is considered one of the best examples of Baroque art and architecture in Mexico. It was built as a religious sanctuary for the people of San Miguel and constructed between 1740 and 1776.

What makes this site extraordinary isn’t just the architecture, it’s the artwork inside. Over a span of more than 30 years, artist Miguel Antonio Martínez de Pocasangre painstakingly covered the walls and ceilings of the nave with detailed murals depicting scripture and the lives of saints. The result is beautiful, and the church is often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of Latin America.” In recognition of its historical and artistic importance, the Santuario was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.

After lunch at a luxury boutique hotel, we returned to our apartment to relax. It was truly a nice leisurely day to spend with our new friends.

Cooking in Mexico

As we mentioned in our previous blog, one of our favorite activities when we travel is taking a cooking class. In San Miguel, however, we ended up with a much more intimate experience. Instead of going to a cooking school, we had a private lesson right in our apartment, taught by Andrea, our wonderful housekeeper.

One late afternoon, Andrea arrived at our door carrying bags filled with everything we needed to make chile rellenos—a classic Mexican dish made with roasted poblano peppers stuffed (traditionally with cheese), dipped in a light batter, fried, and topped with a savory tomato sauce.

We watched closely and joined in as she guided us step-by-step. Together we prepared chile rellenos filled with cheese and drizzled with her homemade tomato salsa, fluffy rice, black beans, and tender pork ribs smothered in a flavorful verde sauce.

The kitchen smelled incredible, and by the time we sat down to eat, we knew we had learned something special. Everything was delicious, and now we can’t wait to recreate this authentic meal at home.

Moving on From San Miquel Allende

After a week in San Miguel, we’ve genuinely enjoyed this city. Is it the most beautiful city in the world? Maybe not. Beauty, after all, is in the eye of the beholder. But the visual charm of colorful facades, cobblestone streets, and stunning architecture makes it special. We also enjoyed the city’s energy and friendliness and felt like we could relax here and soak it all in.

Our next stop is Guanajuato, San Miguel’s sister city, just an hour and a half down the old silver mining road. A new adventure awaits in this central highland region of Mexico, which is full of surprises and beautiful weather.