I am planning a few days in SMA is it worth it?

Answer 1

I have been there seven times on stays of 3 nights to 5 weeks.

I enjoyed it on my first stay and when I returned there a couple of years later, I didn't enjoy my stay as much and thought that that there was no need to return.

A few years later, on my first night in Mexico, I couldn't find a room in Queretaro due to a festival and headed for SMA, because it was close and I needed sleep. I enjoyed my 3 nights and later returned for a one month stay while studying Spanish. I had a one hour private lesson on week days did my homework at night. I spent most of my waking hours exploring the town, seeing nearly every calle and callejon (street and alley).

Some people act as if SMA is far better than other towns in Mexico. Some others dislike it calling it "Americanized."
Both extremes are wrong.

There are a number of interesting places as good and some better than San Miguel. The town is not Americanized. It has fewer US chains than most Mexican cities. I can only think of four: Blockbuster, Domino's Pizza, GNC and Curves. The first are in colonial style buildings and blend in. The GNC is in the shopping center on the outskirts of town and Curves is on the grounds of an off the street hotel.

What some people object to is hearing English spoken in the streets, especially around the Jardin in the very center. They also may have picked a restaurant that is a hangout for some of San Miguel's large ex-pat community. The ex-pat community is very supportive of Mexican art and cultural projects and of charities. If a McDonald's was to proposed to be put in one the buildings in the center, the ex-pats would be among the most vocal opponents.

SMA may be the best restored colonial town in Mexico. The new young mayor that was elected a few years ago started a number of restoration projects, and SMA was already pretty well restored.

I find SMA an easy place to make friends, Mexican or ex-pat.

SMA has some fine sights, no single one is outstanding. But it is a fun places to explore with some fine residentual areas. It gets a number tourist, but nothing like resort towns. On weekends, I notice more Mexican visitors than gringos. The town has an excellent selection of restaurants with a large variety for a place of its size.

It make a good place to stay between Guanajuato and Queretaro. It's great that these three fine towns are so close together, minimizing travel time on many itineraries.

If you go, besure to explore the area around Parque Juarez and El Chorro, a few blocks south of the Jardin.

Answer 2

I have lived in SMA 20 years and think it is very special. It is a 16th century colonial town with many things to see, good restaurants, good hotels and wonderful people. SMA has been discovered but still is a treasure for visiting and living.

Answer 3

If you are going to be there ... I'd say so

Where else are you going and what other options