San Miguel De Allende Northern Central Highlands, Mexico Travel Guide
Layering is important year-round due to temperature swings. For daytime, pack lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Long sleeves or light jackets offer sun protection. For evenings, a medium-weight sweater, fleece, or Light jacket is almost always necessary, especially from October to April, as temperatures drop considerably after sunset.
Comfortable, sturdy shoes are important for navigating the city’s famous cobblestone streets. You will do a lot of walking. While sandals are wearable in warmer months, they might be uncomfortable for extended walking on uneven cobblestones. For evenings out, a sturdy but stylish shoe or a wedge is a better choice than high heels, which are impractical.
Valid passport and stamped Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM). Keep these in a secure place like a Money belt or RFID-blocking wallet. Carry travel insurance policy information and emergency contacts.
If driving, an International Driving Permit and home country license. Vaccination records and health documentation, including a list of medications, especially for chronic conditions.
Printed and digital copies of hotel bookings, flight details, and tour confirmations. Student/Senior/Press IDs for potential discounts at museums or attractions.
Mexico uses 127V at 60Hz, with Type A and B plugs. If your devices use different plug types, a Universal travel adapter is needed. Most modern electronics are dual voltage, requiring only a Plug adapter, not a Voltage converter. Purchasing a local SIM card (Telcel, AT&T, Movistar) is cost-effective for data and calls. Telcel generally has the best coverage.
San Miguel de Allende is highly photogenic. A Mirrorless camera or a good Smartphone camera will capture beautiful images. A Wide-angle lens is good for architecture, a Telephoto lens for distant views. A Compact travel tripod is good for low-light. Download Google Maps offline. Google Translate with offline Spanish dictionary is helpful. Uber is available. WhatsApp is widely used by locals. A Currency converter app is useful. Use cloud storage or an External hard drive for data backup.
Use services like Google Drive or Dropbox for backing up photos and important documents.
A physical external drive offers an additional layer of backup for your digital memories.
A VPN service like NordVPN or ExpressVPN adds security on public Wi-Fi.
Pack a personalized health kit to address common travel ailments and sun exposure. Include a First aid kit with Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and antibiotic ointment. Pain relievers (Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen), antihistamines, and Anti-diarrhea medication (Imodium) are highly recommended. Also, Motion sickness medication, eye drops, Hand sanitizer, and blister treatment (Moleskin).
The high altitude intensifies sun exposure. Pack High SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and Sunglasses. Mosquitoes are less common but present in gardens; use Repel 100 Insect Repellent. While bottled water is available, for environmental reasons or off-path adventures, a LifeStraw or Steripen is useful. A Reusable water bottle is good for hydration and reducing plastic waste.
Bring your camera, wear comfortable clothing, and include a warm layer for the early morning cool temperatures before sunrise. Sunglasses are also useful for the bright morning light.
Wear long pants to prevent chafing and closed-toe shoes for safety and comfort. Helmets and other safety gear are typically provided by tour operators.
No special gear is needed for cooking classes; all ingredients and equipment are provided by the instructors, allowing for a seamless culinary experience.
Comfort items for transportation, such as a Neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs, enhance long flights or bus rides. A Travelrest - Ultimate Travel Pillow provides support. For security, a Money belt for passport and cash, Small padlocks for hostel lockers, and an RFID blocking wallet for cards.
A Reusable water bottle, like a Hydro Flask, is important for hydration and reducing plastic waste. A Reusable shopping bag is useful for market visits. A Portable travel silverware set is handy if eating street food often.
A Spanish phrasebook or app. Many people in tourism speak English, but basic Spanish improves interactions.
High-quality camera gear like a B&H Photo kit to capture the city's beauty.
Consider modern travel bags from Nordace for organized packing.
Niche Travel gear that might be difficult to find locally.
Pack light for easier movement on cobblestone streets and crowded areas. Roll your clothes to maximize space and minimize wrinkles.
Consider packing cubes to keep your luggage organized.
