I’ll be honest. When we moved to San Miguel de Allende, the thought of leaving both our cars behind was uncomfortable. I personally haven’t been without a car since the age of sixteen. A car represents freedom, spontaneity, and escape. It’s your ticket to a quick getaway, a late-night store run, or the always interesting “let’s just drive and see where we end up” adventure.
So, when my wife and I decided to swap the concrete jungle of Texas for the cobblestoned streets of San Miguel de Allende, we wondered, could we really live without our always available, motorized companions? Spoiler alert: Yes, we could. And you can, too. Here’s how we navigated the transition and why we haven’t looked back since.
The Great Car Divorce: It’s Not You, It’s Us
Breaking up with our cars was tough. It was like saying goodbye to a faithful pet that never barked back (unless you count that time the transmission acted up). And the car I was leaving behind was what you could call my “dream car,” so that added to my separation anxiety. But the allure of San Miguel de Allende’s narrow streets doesn’t leave much room for modern vehicular romance. Instead, we welcomed the idea of walking, catching the bus and, when the weather or our stamina is not cooperating, the occasional ride in a local taxi. I’ll talk more about our rip-roaring, bus-riding adventures in an upcoming post. (I know you can’t wait. ; )
Walk this Way
San Miguel de Allende is a walker’s paradise. Every corner of this city oozes character, from the old colonial buildings to the side-street markets and vendors. Our daily walks turned into adventures. We discovered secret spots for incredible food and local art that will speak to your soul.
If you visit this town, make sure to try our favorite drink: a Smokey Mescal at Tostevere on Codo. But remember, they only open after 2pm, and you might need a nap after indulging in that dangerously delightful concoction.
Walking has some unexpected perks. For one, our step counts skyrocketed, which totally justified all the extra guacamole we consumed. And let’s not forget the impromptu cardio sessions provided by the steep hills. We’ve also gotten much stronger thanks to our amazing Pilates instructor, Brit.
Beyond the Ride: Our Friendship with Mauricio
Hailing a taxi in San Miguel de Allende can be a mixed bag. Sometimes, the experience is far from charming. You might get a driver who speeds through the narrow streets as if in a race, or one who insists on playing music at full blast. Occasionally, language barriers can lead to confusion about your destination, turning a simple ride into a frustrating ordeal. Each ride is a gamble, and you never quite know what to expect.
Early on in our San Miguel de Allende adventure, we met Mauricio, a taxi driver who quickly became much more than just our go-to transportation. Trustworthy and loyal, Mauricio always goes the extra mile for us. We almost always call him personally now, and if he can’t come, he handpicks an alternate driver to ensure we’re in good hands. Over time, Mauricio has become a true friend. We teach each other English and Spanish during our rides, sharing laughs and stories along the way. He even surprised me with a birthday cake! It is easy to say that he is now an indispensable part of our new life here.
Stay in the loop
Our Stroke of Four-Wheeled Luck
In what can only be described as a serendipitous twist of fate, we stumbled upon a stroke of four-wheeled luck during our house-hunting adventure in San Miguel de Allende. As we toured the house that would soon become our new home, we desperately tried not to look too excited while internally screaming, “This is it!” We couldn’t help but notice an ATV parked in the garage, sporting a “For Sale” sign. The timing was impeccable. So, we did what any grieving post-car owners would do: we bought it along with the house.
With its rugged wheels and promise of off-road adventures, the ATV quickly became our loyal companion, adding a dash of excitement to our new life in this captivating town. So, if walking isn’t your jam, ATVs are another fantastic option. Just remember, the cobblestones can be a bit bumpy, so think of it as a free massage for your, ahem, posterior.
Freedom Found on Foot (and ATV)
At first, we missed the convenience of our cars. The idea of being car-less felt like losing a limb. But soon, we realized that what we had gained WAS freedom. Freedom from parking woes (ATVs are way easier to find and use parking spots), freedom from traffic (most days) and freedom car insurance, gas prices…yada yada yada.
Without a car, our lives slowed down, but in the best way possible. We became more present, more engaged with our surroundings. Walking through the streets, you’re more likely to strike up conversations with locals, happen onto events, and truly immerse yourself along the path. We met new people, explored places we might have driven right past, and found real joy in getting around on foot or cuatrimoto.
The Road Less Driven
Trading in our car keys for cobblestones was just what we needed. San Miguel de Allende has a way of enchanting you with its charm and simplicity. If you’re considering a move here, or even just a visit, I encourage you to adopt the idea of exploring on foot, or ATV if that doesn’t scare you. You might just find that the freedom of not having a car is the greatest escape of all.
