El Charco del Ingenio in San Miguel de Allende

Botanical Garden with 250 acres of nature reserve just a few minutes from the historical center of San Miguel de Allende. El Charco hosts an extensive botanical collection made up of Mexican cacti and other plants with several miles of trails and paths. The name comes from a spring-fed pool nestled in an impressive canyon, which popular legend has interwoven with spirits and myths dating from the Spanish conquest. Declared an Ecological Preservation Zone in 2005. In addition to its primary mission of managing and developing the botanical garden and Landeta Park in San Miguel de Allende, El Charco del Ingenio AC is also responsible for a Forestry Reserve of 90 hectares in the highlands of Los Picachos, a mountain range south of the city. In 2004, The Charco del Ingenio was sanctified as a Peace Zone by the Dalai Lama, Tibetan leader and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, during his visit to Mexico. Five Peace Zones were designated in the country, places free of violence and arms, dedicated to the conservation of nature and community development.

• Open daily from sunrise to sunset
• Conservatory of Mexican Plants 9 am to 5 pm
• Admission 30 pesos, children under 10 free, discounts for groups
• Dogs only on leashes and in designated areas
• Annual membership 600 pesos
• Guided visits 2-1/2 hour tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10a.m. Members 50 pesos, non-members 80 pesos. Private tours available by appointment.

El Charco del Ingenio AC
San Miguel de Allende, Gto., MEXICO
Tel/fax (415) 154-4715, (415) 154-8838

Living in San Miguel