The wheels on the bus... out of the way adventures in San Miguel

By Bill Wilson with Mary Timmons

Touring Mexico can be rewarding and surprising. Whether you are a newcomer to Mexico or seasoned traveler, bus travel is one of the easiest and inexpensive ways to get around. Long haul buses like ETN and others offer travelling in comfort. Mexico City, Guanajuato and Queretaro are great day trips. You can use your INAPAM card for a discount. Riding local buses here in Mexico can be an adventure and an adventure in learning.

Today, figuring out bus travel/adventures in San Miguel has become easier thanks to a trio of dedicated folks led by Mary Timmons. That team produced a digitalized map of routes and can be downloaded here.

The SubUrbano buses will take you outside of San Miguel. These buses list many colonias and neighborhoods on the windshield. Additionally, they are usually numbered with Roman numerals. Both of depart at near the corner of Calzada de la Luz and Calle Animas. 

Here are two of those adventure routes as compiled by Ms. Timmons:

Route to Atotonilco

The VII goes to Atotonilco. A pleasant day trip to see the beautiful Sanctuary and grab a bite from a street vendor (fantastic gorditas, tacos, and more) or one of the restaurants in the countryside. Coyote Flaco and Mama Mia Campestre are restaurants that are popular and an easy walk from town. Additionally, passengers can disembark at the entrance to La Gruta hot springs. Next to that entrance is fantastic BBQ at Smoked and Low.  

Flag the bus at the turnoff to return to San Miguel. The fare each way is 13 pesos. Runs every hour (leave on the half hour from SMA). Confirm with driver when the last bus to San Miguel departs Atotonilco. 

Route to Palo Colorado

For a shorter and scenic ride, take bus VIII to Palo Colorado. This tiny community sits high on a hill and could be a great hiking destination. Mary went to visit and photograph the small church.  She rode the same bus back to San Miguel after only 10 minutes of taking pictures. There may very well be more to see if one takes the time. to Bus fare is 12 pesos each way. I caught it outbound at 10:30a.m.