Begin your journey with a 20-minute drive from San Miguel de Allende to the Sanctuary of Jesus Nazareno. Along the way, learn about the local area, the surrounding communities, and the new neighborhoods you pass through, gaining a deeper understanding of the region’s development and history.

Upon arriving at the Sanctuary, see an image of Father Miguel Hidalgo holding a picture of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Discover how this site became a powerful symbol of the movement for independence in 1810.

Admire the main façade of the church and learn about its founding, architecture, and construction. Visit the house of spiritual exercises, which still welcomes over 70,000 visitors annually.

Enter the church respectfully—removing hats or caps—and explore its six sections of the nave, including the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary, Our Lady of Loreto, and the Chapels of Calvary and the Holy Sepulchre. Inside, notice the beautiful tempera paintings that adorn the walls from the entrance all the way to the altar.

After the tour of the Parrish, find various stalls offering local crafts and delicious street food like gorditas, quesadillas, sopes, and fresh aguas frescas. This will be a perfect opportunity to taste the local flavors, browse handmade crafts, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Finally, pass by the Church of San Juan de Dios, where you’ll see the monument of Our Lord of the Column in sandstone, honoring the annual pilgrimage from Atotonilco to San Miguel de Allende and back.