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Explore San Miguel’s Ancient Pyramid Site

Cañada de la Virgen Archaeological Tour

Step into Mexico’s pre-Hispanic past with anthropologist Alberto Aveleyra. This 4-hour tour takes you to Cañada de la Virgen, a sacred pyramid site linked to the Nahua origin place of Chicomoztoc.

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Tour Overview

  BOOK THIS TOUR  

Journey across a landscape once used for pilgrimages and rituals. Alberto shares his groundbreaking research connecting the site’s seven canyons to Chicomoztoc, the legendary place of origin in Mesoamerican traditions.

Highlights:

  • Visit the main pyramid and two other sacred precincts.
  • Learn about astronomical alignments and ceremonial practices.
  • Discover what DNA research is unveiling about the site.
  • Understand the site’s cultural importance in Nahua (Aztec and Toltec) history.
  • Guided by the ethnohistorian, curator of the new Archaeological Exhibit of San Miguel´s Museum, who has published the most recent original research on the site and on San Miguel´s archaeology.

Itinerary

1. Pick up point. 9 am at St. Paul´s church

Our drivers are going to meet you and drive to the Visitor´s Center.

2. Visitor Center.

WE are going to meet here. WE talk about the archaeology of San Miguel de Allende.

3. Driving to the site.

The Official vehicle take us to the site (8 km).

4. Walking through the ceremonial causeway of the site

5. Experience at the Ceremonial Center

6. Walking back

7. Driving to Visitor Center

8. Driving back to St. Paul´s church in San Miguel

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Duration & Difficulty

Duration

4 - 5 hours

(including transport)

Difficulty

Moderate

(2-mile hike, uneven terrain)

Best For

A journey for travelers seeking the soul of Mexico—where archaeology, indigenous heritage, and storytelling meet.

cañada de la virgen

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cañada de la virgen

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cañada de la virgen

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cañada de la virgen

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cañada de la virgen

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cañada de la virgen

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cañada de la virgen

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cañada de la virgen

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cañada de la virgen

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cañada de la virgen

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cañada de la virgen

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cañada de la virgen

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Pricing

Alberto´s research is funded through this tours. Your reservation funds ongoing and future research about the site.

Private Tour

$5500 pesos

(up to 4 people)

Transport from San Miguel

Site entry

Professional guide

Meals

Tips

               RESERVE NOW                  

Group Tour

$1700 pesos

per traveler

Transport from San Miguel

Site entry

Professional guide

Meals

Tips

               RESERVE NOW                  

“Alberto is an excellent guide. His passion for the subject is immediately clear as is his depth of knowledge. He answered all of our questions completely and could speak on all aspects of the site and surrounding area. His personal research and published writings regarding the subject matter go far beyond what a typical tour guide might offer. Our time spent with Alberto was one of our top highlights of our visit to San Miguel.”

— Marcus, Arroyo Seco, New Mexico, nov 2025

“Visiting the Hill of the Ancestors with Alberto was the highlight of my time in San Miguel. He has been one of the principal researchers at this site over the past eight years, so visiting with him is like going to King Tut’s tomb with Howard Carter… only better, as Alberto’s work is about understanding himself and his people through the integration of history, ethnography, and archaeology. I will recommend his tour to all my friends who visit SMA. Our group was small, so there were lots of opportunities to ask questions about what interests me (e.g., ceremonial medicine in Mesoamerica). Alberto is proof that any subject can become captivating when you have a great teacher.”

— Anne, Arto Seco, New Mexico, nov 2025

“Alberto was an amazing guide. As an archaeologist he is very knowledgeable about the site and has personally participated in its development. The pickup and tour were smoothly run. The site itself is also fascinating, especially with Alberto's narration. We learned a lot and compared to the other tour groups there it was clear we had the best guide.”

— Adam, Richardson, Texas, nov 2025

“Alberto is a very knowledgeable, pleasant guide. I know at least six other people who have done this tour with him and everyone has said it was one of their most memorable days. For me as well!!”

— Kathy, Cincinnati, Ohio, nov 2025

“Alberto was an absolutely amazing guide - not only extremely knowledgeable but also passionate about the site and the ancient culture of the area. He enthusiastically explained everything and encouraged and answered all our questions. He also had a great driver, Miguel, who met us in town and drove us to and from the site. I could not recommend this tour more highly.”

— Eleanor, oct 2025

“Visitar Cañada de la Virgen es una experiencia especial en sí misma, y el camino de peregrinación, donde puedes imaginarte a los antiguos pueblos, es muy emotivo. Albert, un arqueólogo, tiene una gran cantidad de conocimientos y una pasión por la investigación que va más allá de la comprensión de las ruinas en sí. Te lleva a una experiencia muy especial y enriquecedora que no puedes conseguir en ningún otro lugar, donde se cruzan diversas informaciones sobre los valores y la filosofía de la época y la forma en que la gente vive hoy.Tuve mucha suerte de poder participar.¡Muy recomendable para aquellos que buscan una experiencia especial inolvidable!”

— Japanese traveler, Meguro city, sep 2025

“Think Bill Nye the Science Guy equivalent but way more passionate! By far THE best tour we took. The actual walk, pilgrimage and hearing Albertol with such passion explain every detail was breathtaking and truly an emotional experience. He also connected with my teenager who picked up frogs, little bugs, very interested in plants and animals, he engaged her in that as well, she was mesmerized. Do the tour, something so special for sure!”

— Alex Astorga, California, jul 2025

“Alberto is passionate, knowledgeable, caring, and kind. His tour is inspiring, even bringing tears to my eyes at one point as he painted a powerful picture of the sacred and layered meanings of the pyramid and the people who visited on pilgrimage, sometimes from hundreds of miles away. He is researching and making discoveries simultaneously as he shares his work. Wonderful! Don’t miss spending time with Alberto—his zeal for his work is contagious.”

— Alison, Topanga, California, jun 2025

“Alberto is an extraordinary guide — warm, deeply knowledgeable, passionate, and fully dedicated to preserving and sharing the archaeological heritage of Cañada de la Virgen and San Miguel. His expertise, combined with an infectious enthusiasm, brought the site’s history to life, making the experience both captivating and enriching for all three of us. We’ve visited many ruins over the years, but having a private tour led by an archaeologist who has worked on this site was truly next level. This was our favorite excursion on our trip to San Miguel. Alberto is an outstanding guide and a passionate ambassador — I highly recommend him!”

— Melissa, Sugar Land, Texas, jun 2025

Ready to Walk the Ancient Pilgrimage Routes?

Book today and explore Mexico’s sacred past with an ethnohistorian as your guide.

BOOK A TOURCONTACT ALBERTO
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Contact Information

Based in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

+52 1 415 100 0947

artesanosdeltiempo1@gmail.com

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All tours require moderate physical activity and are weather-dependent.

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