Day Trip to Dolores Hidalgo and Atotonilco
Nestled along the wine route between two UNESCO World Heritage cities, the charming towns of Dolores Hidalgo and Atotonilco offer a blend of rich history and real Mexican culture. While Dolores Hidalgo is renowned for its pivotal role in Mexico’s independence, Atotonilco is famed for its breathtaking “Sistine Chapel of Mexico.”
These two towns may not be as flashy or romantic as San Miguel de Allende, but each offers an authentic experience. Visit both towns on the perfect day trip from either San Miguel de Allende or Guanajuato City, and enjoy some local wine along the way.
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How to Get to Dolores Hidalgo and Atotonilco
Dolores Hidalgo is an easy day trip from San Miguel de Allende or Guanajuato City. It’s roughly 30 minutes from either city on Highway 110. Atotonilco is located 15 minutes from San Miguel de Allende off a side road of Highway 110 on the way to Dolores Hidalgo.
Should I Stay in Dolores Hidalgo Overnight?
Dolores Hidalgo is a working town with a small historic area. You can see the most interesting parts and have lunch within a few hours. Hotels are not as fancy or numerous as they are in San Miguel de Allende or Guanajuato City. It’s best to stay in one of these larger cities for more options on hotels and things to do. Use Booking.com to find the perfect hotel or read our post on the Best Hotels under $200/night in San Miguel de Allende.
Our Top Hotel Recommendations for San Miguel de Allende
These hotels are located less than 500 meters from the Parroquia, and have air conditioning and are soundproof from fireworks:
Our Top Hotel Recommendations for Guanajuato City
These hotels have air conditioning and a view:
Use Booking.com to find the best deals for your dates!
Historical Significance of Dolores Hidalgo
Dolores Hidalgo holds immense historical significance as the birthplace of Mexico’s War of Independence. On September 16, 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla’s cry for justice from the Church of Nuestra Señora de los Dolores set the wheels of the revolution in motion.
The town of Dolores was renamed Dolores Hidalgo in 1821 to honor Father Hidalgo’s part in the War of Independence.The Monumento a los Héroes de la Independencia, and many others, honor Hidalgo’s legacy and the fight for freedom. For an in-depth look at his life, visit the Casa de Hidalgo and the Museo de la Independencia.
Centro Historico
Dolores Hidalgo’s charming Centro Histórico is a blend of history and artistry. Wander through its cobblestone streets lined with beautiful colonial-era churches and hand-painted tiles. The Plaza del Grande Hidalgo, the heart of the town, features a statue of Father Hidalgo in the center across from the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, the church where he made his historic cry for independence.
Notable Churches in Dolores Hidalgo
The Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores is easily recognizable with it’s twin towers and Baroque style from the mid-18th century. You’ll find other churches with unique styles around Dolores Hidalgo like the Templo De La Tercera Orden, built in 1755 with its three naives and Baroque facade, and the Parroquia de la Asunción with its neo-classical style and one steeple built in 1875.
Artisanal Ice Cream
The plaza is surrounded by artisanal ice cream vendors. Try unique fruit flavors like garambullo (a blueberry-type cactus fruit), herbal concoctions such as rose water and lavender, or flavors you never thought could become desserts such as beer, ceviche, or octopus. Every April, the plaza hosts the Festival del Helado Artesanal (Artisanal Ice Cream Festival) where you can try even more surprising flavors.
Talavera of Dolores Hidalgo
Father Hidalgo did more than just change the course of Mexico’s history. He also founded the Talavera ceramic industry in Dolores Hidalgo. You can find several Talavera pieces in Dolores Hidalgo for a fraction of the cost of Puebla Talavera. The best Talavera shops are located on the road leading into Dolores Hidalgo before you reach the big Monumento de los héroes.
We’ve made several trips to Dolores Hidalgo for Talavera tiles and planters for our home. We incorporated Talavera tiles into our stairs and window frames to give our house a splash of color. We even asked one of the Talavera companies to reproduce this peacock tile design we admired in Puebla.
Explore the Museums of Dolores Hidalgo
A handful of museums in Dolores Hidalgo provide fascinating insights into the town’s rich history. The Museo de la Independencia and the Casa de Hidalgo offer an in-depth look at the life of the revolutionary hero, Miguel Hidalgo. The Museo José Alfredo Jiménez celebrates one of Mexico’s most beloved musicians from the mid-20th century. For wine lovers, the Museo de Vino introduces visitors to the state’s wine region.
Wine Museum in Dolores Hidalgo
Father Hidalgo not only taught the people the art of Talavera but also how to plant and tend vineyards. The Museo de Vino, in a former 20th-century hospital, is the second museum dedicated to wine in Mexico. This self-guided museum combines modern displays, murals, and winemaker’s tools for an informative look at winemaking. It’s all in Spanish, but if wine and food are your passion, it’s easy to understand.
At the end of the museum is the “Tasting Room” where the wines of the Guanajuato region are displayed. You can buy a bottle to enjoy with your lunch at the Italian restaurant around the corner, but it’s not an actual tasting room. If you would like to visit some wineries, Heart of Mexico Wine Tours has a tour that combines Dolores Hidalgo and wineries from San Miguel de Allende.
Visit Atotonilco: The Sistine Chapel of Mexico
The town of Atotonilco is home to the Santuario de Atotonilco, often called the “Sistine Chapel of Mexico.” Every inch of the walls and ceiling are painted with gorgeous frescoes depicting the life of Jesus.
The church sits in a town of 500 people. On Saturdays and Sundays, the main street is turned into a market. Several artisanal stands sell items made out of silver, tin, and wood. Take some time to shop the handcrafts and eat a taco or two from a local food vendor.
Real Mexican Charm in Dolores Hidalgo and Atotonilco
If you are looking for that real “Mexico charm”, Dolores Hidalgo and Atotonilco are the perfect less-touristy places to visit. Enjoy a day of shopping for artisanal crafts, sampling local food, and learning more about Mexico’s intriguing history.
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