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San Marino

San Marino, completely surrounded by Italy, is one of the world's smallest countries, and claims to be the world's oldest republic.

Most cultural attractions are in the capital city, which is also named San Marino. At the top of a mountain, the City of San Marino is full of old buildings, restaurants, and stores catering to tourists, as well as several small museums, and has beautiful views of the nearby towns and surrounding countryside.

Understand
The Most Serene Republic of San Marino (Italian: Serenissima Repubblica di San Marino) is the world's oldest republic and Europe's third smallest state. It is the sole survivor of the patchwork of independent states that used to make up the Italian peninsula before the unification of Italy. It lies above sea level with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and Adriatic coast,  only  from Rimini.

Legend has it that the founder of San Marino, Saint Marinus, a stonemason, arrived from the island of Rab in Dalmatia, and climbed Mount Titano to found a small community of Christians, persecuted for their faith by the Emperor Diocletian. The country is said to have been founded in 301 AD. San Marino gave itself a constitution in 1600, the oldest written constitution still in effect, and the only republican constitution written in Latin that still has the force of law.

During the tumultuous period starting with the French Revolution, San Marino managed to preserve its independence through several strokes of luck. First, a Sammarinese politician befriended Corsican general Napoleon Bonaparte during his Italian campaign, but wisely declined his offers for more territory. Later, the small republic gave refuge to other Republicans throughout Italy, including Garibaldi, which made him disposed to respect Sammarinese wishes to stay independent. San Marino also gave honorary citizenship to Abraham Lincoln, which inspired the Great Emancipator to laud San Marino's old and stable republican institutions and point to them as an example for the US and the world to follow.

San Marino is made up of a few towns dotted around the countryside. The capital of San Marino, the City of San Marino (Città di San Marino), is situated high up on a mountain top. The capital is surrounded by a wall and three distinct towers which overlook the rest of the country. "San Marino: Historic Centre and Mount Titano" became part of the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008.

The towns surrounding the capital are more industrial and generally not as attractive as the main city. San Marino is 20 times bigger than Monaco and half the size of Liechtenstein.

Politics
San Marino is one of the few diarchies in the world (like Andorra). Every six months, the Grand and General Council (the parliament) elects two individuals (Captains Regent) to be the heads of state. This is a practice that comes from the Roman Republic and has been in effect since 1243. Women were not allowed to serve in this capacity until 1972.

San Marino's foreign policy is aligned with that of Italy. Social and political trends in the republic also track closely with those of its larger neighbour. To give just one example, San Marino was governed by a local fascist party from 1923, and just three days after Mussolini's fall in 1943, the Sammarinese fascists also lost power. Nonetheless, San Marino stayed officially neutral in both World Wars, but there were Sammarinese volunteers in World War I on the Italian side, and the government of San Marino had to explicitly clarify that it had not declared war on Britain in 1940. Later on, Sammarinese neutrality was ignored by the British, who bombed suspected German military installations, and the Germans, who briefly occupied the country before being defeated by the British.

Like Switzerland, San Marino is vigorously committed to neutrality and has good relations with almost every single country in the world. In 2011, the Grand and General Council rejected calls to join the European Union.

Get in
San Marino is only accessible through Italy. There are no border controls when travelling between Italy and San Marino, so it's safe to say that you need a Schengen visa to enter (if you are required to get one, that is).

If you plan on staying for more than 30 days in the country, you need to get a permit from the government.

By plane
San Marino has no airports. The nearest major airport is the  at Rimini. To reach San Marino from the airport, you will either have to drive or take the bus that departs from the Rimini train station to San Marino. There are other airports at Ancona, Bologna and Forlì.

By train
San Marino has no railway stations. The nearest major railway station is at Rimini. San Marino is one of only two mainland European countries without rail service or lines, but unlike Andorra it did have a line in the past. Unfortunately, the line did not survive World War II, although many disused bridges, tunnels and stations are still well visible, and in some cases have been refurbished and converted to parks, public footpaths or traffic routes. Next to the terminal station of the City of San Marino, an long electrified stretch has been reactivated for tourist and promotional reasons, and the government of San Marino has announced plans for the restoration of the line at least as far as Borgo Maggiore.

By car
You should have no problems driving into San Marino. Border controls do not exist.

The City of San Marino has limited parking, so why not leave your car in nearby Borgo Maggiore and take the cable car up to the city? There is plenty of parking near the cable car station.

Get around
Once you're inside the walled city, it's small enough to simply walk around. There are only a few streets on which cars are able to drive (and only if they are small cars). Be aware that the City of San Marino is quite vertical, making it potentially difficult for those with mobility issues to climb the switchback cobblestone streets. However, there are elevators scattered throughout town that allow easier movement up and down the city.

There is a cable railway (funivia) connecting the city of San Marino to Borgo Maggiore. €2.80 for a one-way ticket, €4.50 round-trip.

Outside of the capital, walking is not so easy. San Marino is the only country in the world with more vehicles than people, and it shows—sidewalks are inconsistent at best, especially when going between towns. However, there is a shaded stone path, Costa dell'Arnella, between the City of San Marino and Borgo Maggiore. It starts at the western end of Contrada Omerelli and ends a short distance from the Borgo Maggiore cable car station. Because the City of San Marino is so high up, the path is quite steep.

The bus from Rimini is somewhat useful for travel between towns, and San Marino also has its own bus system.

By car
The roadways in San Marino are curvy, steep, and narrow. To avoid getting disoriented, it is a good idea to carry a map. For newcomers, the route network can be puzzling.

The nation has just one main thoroughfare. The four-lane national roadway is the superstrada from Rimini. It goes directly into the old town from the border. The nation is divided by the Superstrada. You need to be shrewd if you want to turn left off the route. On the Superstrada, there aren't many left turns; instead, you must turn right and travel through a tunnel. Understanding how to cross the road transversely is even more challenging.

Italian driving habits are prevalent in San Marino. Everyone must move very quickly. Don't pause for even a second; otherwise, drivers will ignore traffic laws and start honking their horns behind you. Pavements are rare or nonexistent outside the old town. Walking on foot is not always pleasant.

San Marino's posted speed limit is 70 km/h. Superhighways and small country roads outside of urban areas are subject to this restriction. This is sort of a government prank. The restriction is firstly not followed. Second, the restriction is in effect even in situations where a safe speed is between 30 and 40 km/h.

Talk
The official language of San Marino is Italian.

English is learned at school in San Marino and Russian is spoken in many shops due to the many Russian tourists.

See
San Marino’s main attractions are the three towers, which feature on the national flag. Only the and the  are open to visitors. They are small castles at the top of Mount Titano, offering excellent views over San Marino and Italy as well as the Adriatic Sea. The third and smallest of the towers,, is inaccessible and was once used as a prison.

Cesta is the largest of the towers and inside, there is the Museum of Archaic Arms showcasing arms and armour from the Middle Ages to the 1800s. You can purchase the “Yellow Card” for €3 which lets you enter one castle, or the “Red Card” which lets you enter both and is €4.50. Between the two towers is a path which follows the city walls along the side of a cliff. The towers offer good photo opportunities.

'Other attractions include:

Otherwise, walk around! The narrow cobbled streets are full of surprises and you can go up and down the city to explore. You can climb the city walls and walk along it at places. There are virtually no cars and the streets have a very medieval feel. Especially in the evening when the daytime tourists have left, wandering the city becomes more charming and relaxed.

Outside of the capital, nearby Borgo Maggiore has a historic centre. You can also see the San Marino lake in Faetano where fish can be caught.

Do
Get your passports stamped at the tourist information centre. This is an excellent souvenir as they stick a visa tax stamp and then an official ink stamp over the top, €5.

The Parco naturale del Monte Titano has several hiking trails. To find them, go to the Cesta tower and walk through the gateway to the right of the museum entrance.

Biking is also popular and at “ebikexperience” you can rent an ebike.

Money
€

Like other states which have the euro as their currency, San Marino has its own patterns on the back of the euro coins. You can try to obtain these coins by going around buying things and collecting the coins that way, but a quicker solution is to buy the set in a souvenir shop. Pay attention, because some of these sets lack the €1 and €2 coins.

Shopping
Similar to the Vatican City, San Marino also sells postage stamps to collectors and the government has even set up a website where you can buy coins and stamps. If you are an amateur coin collector or philatelist, rejoice! San Marino is the perfect place to collect coins and stamps.

Souvenir and clothing shops are everywhere in the City of San Marino. A lot of the souvenir shops sell weapons, from swords to B-B guns.

Prices for items such as disposable cameras and batteries are cheaper in San Marino than they are in Italy. This is partly because in San Marino you don't have to pay the 20% IVA (VAT) that you have to pay in Italy.

Eat
Italian dishes, like pasta, pizza, gelato (Italian ice-cream), and whatever you eat in Italy. Restaurants are easy to find, and some offer tables with great views.

Supermarkets in San Marino are few and far-between, although the following can help in this area:

Splurge

 * Righi, the one and only Michelin star restaurant in San Marino, has closed permanently.

Drink

 * The local beers, mostly by Titanbräu and Birrificio, are very tasty.
 * Spirits are also very commonly found, especially limoncello, a lemon liquor.
 * Try the locally produced wine.
 * The coffee, like in its Italian neighbour, is superb.

Wine
San Marino's wine industry is small, but it is highly profitable and produces nearly a million bottles of wine each year. It is believed that San Marino has been producing wine for centuries. All of the wines produced in the country is stored in the Consorzio Vini Tipici di San Marino.

The most well known Sammarinese wine brand is Brugneto di San Marino, a type of red wine similar in taste to red wines from the Italian region Emilia Romagna.

Sammarinese wine in general is quite rare outside of Italy. Be sure to buy some Sammarinese wine during your stay.

Sleep
Although San Marino has a few hotels, the seaside resort of Rimini has a lot more and is probably a cheaper option.

Learn
There is only one university in the country, the University of the Republic of San Marino (Università degli Studi della Repubblica di San Marino). It offers courses in engineering, design, and other technical disciplines.

Unless you are fluent in Italian, learning opportunities in the country are unlikely to interest visitors.

Work
Finding a job in San Marino is next-to impossible. San Marino's immigration laws are very strict and the government is not too keen on letting foreigners take away jobs from Sammarinese citizens. Since the country is not a member of the European Union, the government has no obligation to allow nationals of EU member states to work and live in the country.

A lot of Sammarinese people live, work, and study in Italy. Some even commute from San Marino to their jobs in Italy.

The Sammarinese government actively encourages foreign investment in the country. If you wish to start a business in the country, consider talking to officials from the Chamber of Commerce. The government can even act as an incubator to support your business idea (provided that it is convincing of course). One of the benefits of starting a business in the country is that your business will have tax-relief privileges for 12 years.

Stay safe
San Marino is an extremely safe country. You are unlikely to face any major dangers or threats.

As is the case anywhere, you should watch out for pickpockets and keep an eye out for your belongings at all times.

Driving laws are similar to those of Italy. If you plan on driving around in the country, you are required to carry a red warning triangle with you.

The city of San Marino is built on a mountain and many walkways in the city are quite steep. Try not to run on them.

As is the case throughout Europe, San Marino's emergency number is 112.

Stay healthy
This is a very healthy place. If you become ill, procedures are the same as the European Union, although serious conditions will likely see you transferred to Rimini.

Tap water is drinkable.

Respect
Despite sharp political differences, some of the various respect tips found in the Italy article will come in handy when visiting the country. Though Italian is an official language of the country, do not act as if San Marino is a part of Italy and do not confuse the Sammarinese as Italians. This is likely to cause offence.

The Sammarinese in general are very friendly and welcoming.

Be respectful when taking photos with the guards. A smile will do, but hand gestures/funny faces will not be received well.

The Sammarinese tend to take politics of their nation very seriously. You're unlikely to cause offence by asking about the country's political situation.

Connect
Free Wi-Fi is available in parts of the city.

Diplomatic missions

 * 🇻🇦 Vatican City
 * 🇮🇹 Italy
 * 🇵🇹 Portugal
 * Other countries may not have embassies or consulates in San Marino, but in Rome to represent both Italy and San Marino. Look at the Embassies section of the Rome guide if you can't see your country listed above, as you may wish to contact your embassy there.

Go next
Italy is the way in, Italy is the way out.

If you plan on staying in Italy for long, why not explore more of what Emilia-Romagna has to offer? You can pay a visit to the sunny coasts of Rimini, or maybe even pay a visit to Forli.

Another option to consider is exploring Marche, which surrounds the southern parts of San Marino.

title: San Marino


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San Marino (California)

San Marino is a city in the northwestern San Gabriel Valley of California. The city was founded by Henry E. Huntington (who built a streetcar network in San Marino and other cities in Southern California, and endowed the Huntington Library), Don Benito Wilson, and George Patton, Sr. (father of the general). It is one of Southern California's more affluent communities.

By car
San Marino is very close to large road networks, making it easy to travel in by car.

By plane
Burbank International Airport is by far the closest airport to this city. Other airports farther away include Los Angeles, Ontario and Orange County.

By bus
Metro operates relatively frequent direct buses from downtown Los Angeles.

Get around

 * Bus

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: San Marino (California)


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San Marino (disambiguation)

There is more than one place called San Marino:

Europe

 * San Marino - A small country.

United States of America

 * San Marino (California) - A city in California.

title: San Marino (disambiguation)


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San Martín

San Martín is a region in northern Peru. Most of the department is located in the upper part of the Peruvian Amazon rainforest.

Cities

 * — the capital of San Martin District
 * — the trade center and largest city in the region
 * — sits on a lagoon surrounded by grasslands and tourist centers
 * — a small laid-back village, 30 minutes by taxi from Tarapoto
 * — a small laid-back village, 30 minutes by taxi from Tarapoto

Other destinations

 * - mixed World Heritage site located in Huicungo District, Mariscal Cáceres province. In south of the region.

Eat
The main typical dishes are:
 * Juane, prepared with rice, chicken, eggs and olives;
 * Ninajuane, made from beaten egg with chicken meat;
 * Inchicapi, soup prepared with chicken, cassava, corn and peanuts;
 * Timbuche, fresh fish soup, beaten eggs and cilantro;
 * Tacacho, roasted and mashed green plantain with lard;
 * Chonta salad, seasoned with salt, lemon and a little oil;
 * Siquisapa ant, Atta sexdens fried insect with exquisite flavor.

Drink
The most common typical drinks are: masato, aguardiente, ventisho, seven roots, uvachado, chuchuhuasi, chapo, strong chicha, and courtsachados.

title: San Martín


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San Martin de los Andes

San Martín de los Andes is a city in the Neuquen province in Argentina, beside the Lácar lake.

Understand
San Martin de los Andes is home to the quartermaster of Lanin National Park, one of the most important protected areas in Argentina. The city of San Martin de los Andes offers a wide range of accommodation, with an architecture based on prevailing local materials of stone and wood. The warmth in the decorations, the attention to every detail and personalized attention. Large windows, logs in household stoves, aromas and crafts pleasantly surprised visitors at each of the environments, and everything comes together to provide warmth and comfort in a unique natural environment. The accommodation consists of five star Hotels, Hosterias (lodges) and Cabañas - Apart hotel (cabins) are distributed harmonically taking advantage of the natural environment, combining the beauty of it with care landscaping. The population of San Martin de los Andes is estimated at 31,000 inhabitants. Its natural environment, allows the development of outdoor activities including fishing, hiking, camping, climbing, rafting, ecotourism, among many others.

Get in
You can get in from Bariloche (4 hours, 60 pesos), Villa la Angostura or Neuquén.

Go next

 * Bariloche
 * Villa la Angostura
 * Neuquén
 * Chile (Pucon, Valdivia, Temuco)

title: San Martin de los Andes


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San Martin de los Llanos

San Martín de los Llanos is a town of the Meta department of Colombia.

Get in

 * From Bogota : Buses travel frequently to San Martin and then onwards to Granada (30,000 COP / 4 hrs). Flota Magdalena has an express service called Cimarron that does not stop in Villavicencio.
 * From Villavicencio : 10,000 COP / 1,5 hr

See

 * Colonial houses
 * Mirador : free entrance
 * Estadio de coleo

title: San Martin de los Llanos


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San Mateo

San Mateo is a town on the Peninsula in the Bay Area of California.

By plane
San Mateo is near. The Bay Area's other airports,  and , are less convenient.

By rail
The CalTrain calls at three stations in San Mateo:, , and.

By car
US-101 and I-280 run through the city. It is also connected to the East Bay via the San Mateo–Hayward Bay Bridge ($7 toll as of 2022).

Get around
The most convenient way is by car. If you're using public transit, check out the trip planner on http://www.511.org.

Cycling and walking are also popular ways of getting around. There are two downtown shopping areas: the primary downtown is between 2nd and 5th streets, bordered by El Camino Real and the train tracks. The big, new San Mateo Public Library is also downtown. The "other" downtown is south about 15 blocks, at 25th ave on the West side of El Camino Real. Continuing south on El Camino Real is the Hillsdale Mall.

See
Central Park is off of El Camino Real between 5th Ave and 9th Ave. Inside the park is a beautiful. There is also a for children that runs daily in summer and at weekends all year. During the winter, there is an outside ice rink that is open to the public daily (including holidays).

North of the park, downtown San Mateo runs along 3rd Avenue and 4th Avenue (spilling somewhat onto 2nd Avenue) between El Camino Real and the Caltrain train tracks; it's one of the more successful urban downtowns left on the Peninsula. The streets with the most restaurants and other establishments are B Street, 3rd Avenue, 4th Avenue and 2nd Avenue.

San Mateo used to be home to Bay Meadows, the only horse racing track on the San Francisco Peninsula. It's being redeveloped. The grounds are also home to the San Mateo County Events Center, where the annual county fair is held and various other events (including the 2010 Bay Area stop of Maker Faire. Take the Delaware Street exit off of Highway 92 and head south; the Event Center parking lot is directly off Delaware. What part of Bay Meadows remains visible are best viewed on foot from this area.

For fans of the local mid-century modern architecture, San Mateo is home to two Eichler neighborhoods - 19th Avenue park is a very early tract group of Eichlers, and The Highlands is a later neighborhood of custom Eichlers.

Coyote Point is a park in the north-east corner of San Mateo off of Highway 101 at Peninsula Avenue. A small boat harbor is there as well as a natural history museum. There is also a public shooting range, open weekday evenings.

Poplar Creek Golf Course, a municipal course, is there as well. A hiking trail allows easy access to San Francisco Bay.

Crystal Springs Reservoir is in the watershed area off of Highway 280 on the western edge of San Mateo. Crystal Springs dam is just south of Crystal Springs off of Skyline Boulevard.

Do
Along with shopping and dining, there is a medium-size movie theater (12 screens, none of them huge) just off B-street between 3rd and 2nd Avenues.

Buy

 * The area of downtown San Mateo around the intersection of 3rd Avenue and B street has a large number of local shops. There are also smaller shopping streets around 25th Avenue and 41st avenue, in both cases just west of El Camino Real.
 * The area of downtown San Mateo around the intersection of 3rd Avenue and B street has a large number of local shops. There are also smaller shopping streets around 25th Avenue and 41st avenue, in both cases just west of El Camino Real.

Asian

 * San Mateo has a large Japanese community, and has a number of Japanese restaurants. A few that stand out are:
 * San Mateo has a large Japanese community, and has a number of Japanese restaurants. A few that stand out are:
 * San Mateo has a large Japanese community, and has a number of Japanese restaurants. A few that stand out are:

Mexican

 * There are two branches of the Bay Area-wide Celia's family of restaurants, one up in the hills ( +1 650-349-0165) and one north of downtown on the border with Burlingame. Both serve excellent home-style California-Mexican food in a comfortable, sit-down atmosphere. Great for families.
 * There are two branches of the Bay Area-wide Celia's family of restaurants, one up in the hills ( +1 650-349-0165) and one north of downtown on the border with Burlingame. Both serve excellent home-style California-Mexican food in a comfortable, sit-down atmosphere. Great for families.
 * There are two branches of the Bay Area-wide Celia's family of restaurants, one up in the hills ( +1 650-349-0165) and one north of downtown on the border with Burlingame. Both serve excellent home-style California-Mexican food in a comfortable, sit-down atmosphere. Great for families.

Pizza

 * While there are a lot of pizza places in downtown, none of them are very good. Most of the local Bay Area chains (Amicis, Mr. Pizza Man, Pizza My Heart) are represented. For decent Chicago-style thick crust you will have to go further (Little Star in San Francisco; Patxhi's in San Francisco or Palo Alto; Zachary's in Oakland/Berkeley/San Ramon).
 * If you're willing to go outside of downtown, up in the hills (112 De Anza Boulevard #112,  ) serves a delicious California-Greek take on pizza as well as delicious Greek food.

Drink
Many of the restaurants in downtown have full bars - good for a pre- or post-movie drink, but many close relatively early and there is no urban nightlife scene to speak of. There are a few local bars (, another on Pacific a few blocks south of Hillsdale) and a small nightclub at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in neighboring Foster City.

Go next

 * Public transport is best for traveling to San Francisco; Caltrain has three stops in San Mateo, although BART (a short drive north at the Millbrae station/terminal) is quicker, more frequent, and will take you to a part of downtown SF more interesting to most tourists.
 * Drive east to the East Bay via the San Mateo-Hayward Bay Bridge or further south down US-101 to Silicon Valley.
 * Some points of interest on the lower Peninsula and in Silicon Valley are reachable by Caltrain as well; notably the downtowns of Palo Alto, Mountain View, and San Jose.

title: San Mateo


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Sanmenxia

Sanmenxia (三门峡; Sānménxiá) is a city in western Henan with 2.2 million inhabitants.

Understand
Sanmenxia is on the southern bank of the Yellow River. Sanmenxia city is one of the cradles of Chinese civilization. During the Warring States period, this city guarded the strategic pass between the Qin forces in the Wei Valley to the west and the kingdoms of the North China Plain to the east. It is here that Laozi wrote the Dao De Jing, the founding charter and source of Taoism.

In 1921, the first of late Stone Age paintings were found in MianChiXian Yangshao village. These paintings showed a Chinese matriarchal society. The patterned painted pottery is one of the important features of what came to be known at Yanghao culture.

Today, the city is mostly known for the dam of the same name, built in revolutionary fervor with the semi-mythical goal of clearing the Yellow River. Tourists come during the rainy season to witness massive discharges of the river's water.

title: Sanmenxia


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San Miguel

There is more than one place called San Miguel:

Bolivia

 * San Miguel del Bala - A little community in the rainforest on the Beni River, near Rurrenabaque.

Colombia

 * San Miguel (Colombia) - An alternate border crossing into Ecuador in the Putumayo department.

Ecuador

 * San Miguel (Ecuador) - A town in Ecuador.

El Salvador

 * San Miguel (El Salvador) - A large city in El Salvador.

Guatemala

 * San Miguel (Guatemala) - A small village on Lago Peten Itza in Guatemala.

Mexico

 * San Miguel de Allende
 * San Miguel (Quintana Roo) - the principal city on the island of Cozumel off Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula.

Paraguay

 * San Miguel (Paraguay) - a district in Paraguay.

Philippines
The Philippines has about a dozen towns and islands named San Miguel; see Wikipedia for a list. None of these are large, and none have Wikivoyage articles as of mid-2020.

The country's largest brewery is named San Miguel and their beer is ubiquitous.

United States of America

 * San Miguel (California) - A small town in California.
 * San Miguel Island - An island off the coast of California.

San Miguel

title: San Miguel


text:
San Miguel (California)

San Miguel is a small city in San Luis Obispo County in California's Central Coast region.

Go next

 * Paso Robles - Paso Robles is a historical resort town known for its hot springs that is located ten miles south of San Miguel. This city's major industry is wine production, with vineyards located throughout the surrounding area.
 * King City - King city is located 43 miles north of San Miguel on Highway 101. While the town might just be a place to spend the night while driving along Highway 101 for most travelers, those who visit in early May can attend the Salinas Valley Fair, an event which offers a rodeo, livestock competitions, and a chance to experience the agricultural character of the area. The town is also home to the Monterey County Agricultural & Rural Life Museum, which offers a history of the area's agricultural development and the opportunity to tour a historic school house and rail depot.

title: San Miguel (California)


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San Miguel (Ecuador)

San Miguel is a small afro-Ecuadorean community in Esmeraldas Province in northern Ecuador. The village is one of the bases for visiting the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve, designated as one of the top 10 biodiversity hotspots in the world. The local community runs an ecotourism project to help preserve the local environment. There are also opportunities to teach English in the school.

Get in
There is a daily passenger boat to San Miguel from Borbón. The boat is run by the community of San Miguel. It’s their only way to transport people, food and other things between their community and the next access point to the public road net in Borbón. As this daily connection is financially challenging, they are happy about every passenger.

The daily passenger boat to San Miguel leaves at 09:30 from the river port of Borbón. A phone call one or two days beforehand will assure that they are waiting. A ticket for the 4-hour trip is US$10. To return to Borbón, the boat leaves at 02:00. This is due to the fact that at night and in the morning it doesn’t rain as much as in the afternoon. It is recommended to put your baggage in a large plastic bag so that it will not become wet if it rains.

There are no roads to San Miguel or any other community around. There are not even walking paths connecting it with other communities. The only way to get there is by boat.

Get around
Right behind the community hotel of San Miguel begins dense rain forest. There is a several kilometre network of foot paths connecting various clearings in the forest where locals plant pineapples, cooking bananas or yucca. These foot paths can easily be used without guides. A GPS device might be useful for not getting lost.

The river is the best way to get around. Locals call it their “highway”. They will be happy to earn some money getting you around in their motorized canoes.

In March 2017, it was possible to rent a dugout canoe. This is a great way to have access to private transport. You can explore the Rio San Miguel, Rio Cayapas and several canals leading far into the land. It can be challenging to paddle against the currents during the rainy season.

Do
Sit on the wonderful wooden terrace of the community hotel and watch the colourful birds in the tree tops just some metres away.

Walk alone and undisturbed through wild, untouched rain forest.

Have a swim in the river, where locals use to wash their clothes and hair.

Rent a dugout canoe and learn how to use it.

Talk with Afro-Ecuadorian locals. They are friendly, easy going, and reliable. They are curious about the Western world.

Visit a Chachi ceremony. Around Easter and Christmas, there are interesting mass weddings.

Buy
There is not much to buy in San Miguel. A small shop provides the most necessary food products such as vegetable oil and salt. Some locals are making handicraft items. The Chachis are producing beautiful baskets.

Eat
There is no restaurant in San Miguel. For US$11 per person, a woman from the community will come and cook for you three meals a day. The meals are very big and consist of several dishes. The quality of the food is excellent. Local ingredients are used.

There is only one little shop in San Miguel where you can only buy the most necessary things. If you want sweets or snacks, it is best to bring them from Borbón.

Drink
Behind the hotel, there is a drinking water source from which the water pipes of the hotel are supplied. The water is very clear and tasty. In the kitchen, there is a water filter through which you can run the water before drinking it. If you have a sensitive stomach, you might want to bring your own drinking water or water disinfection tool. Bottled water is not available in San Miguel.

Sleep
The only official place to sleep is the beautiful community hotel, a big wooden house on the top of the hill with great views on the river and the forest. It has about 10 rooms with shared bathroom, two big terraces, and a kitchen. Mattresses, bedclothes, and towels are new and very clean (2017). The hotel charges US$10 per person/night. Add another US$11 per day and you get three big meals. Mrs. Merlin Nazareno who is in charge of the hotel, can be reached by phone: 06 03035008. Usually, they have a free room, but as there is no other hotel, it is a good idea to call them a day or two before you arrive.

Connect
There is no internet and no mobile phone connection in San Miguel (March 2017). They do have a stable land line telephone connection which can be used in urgent cases. The telephone number of Mrs. Merlin Nazareno (who is managing the community hotel) is 06 03035008.

There is a satellite internet connection in the Chachi village of Loma Linda, 1.5 km down the river. It is used for education purposes, but outside of school hours, it is an open WiFi connection which can be used by everybody. However, this connection is very unstable. In March 2017, it worked only once within seven tries on different days.

Stay safe
There are no safety issues whatsoever. The locals all gain from tourism, and they would do anything to protect tourists.

Stay healthy
There is no doctor in San Miguel. The next doctor is in Zapallo Grande, 30 minutes downstream.

San Miguel is almost free of mosquitoes. There is no need to carry antimalarial medication.

Black flies are a big nuisance. Their bites are very itchy and not easy to avoid. Insect repellent can only decrease but not avoid bites. Long clothes are the best protection. Black flies only bite during daytime, mostly when the sun shines and next to the river. After sunset, they are not active any more.

However, in 2014, the WHO officially declared Ecuador free of river blindness (onchocerciasis), a disease transmitted by black flies, so at least you don't have that to worry about.

title: San Miguel (Ecuador)


text:
San Miguel (El Salvador)

San Miguel is the third largest city in El Salvador and center of agriculture and production. It is less cosmopolitan than the capital San Salvador in the West but the surrounding areas of San Miguel are very beautiful with many beaches around the city. The weather is amazing, very warm and subtle and so the "Wild East" offers tourists the opportunity to get off the beaten path and see an authentic El Salvador

Get in
The Pan-American highway travels through El Salvador and is a safe route for entering the country and travelling between San Miguel in the East and San Salvador in the West

Get around
From San Miguel bus terminal there are regular one hour bus rides to El Cuco where you can get a taxi to Playa El Esteron and Intipuca Beach

Buy
Since 2004, San Miguel has doubled its size, which made the city invest in malls around the modern areas of San Miguel. Metrocentro is one of the newest mall in San Miguel. Now the city has 2 malls and many other plazas in the important areas.

On the coast there is also an artisans village in Intipuca Beach where can you can purchase an array of arts and crafts

Eat
San Miguel, like any other modern city, has a lot options, either fast food restaurants or, for sit down restaurants there are a few options in Metrocentro.

You can find the best sea food in Central America fresh from the coast of San Miguel at El Cuco, Playa Esteron, Intipuca Beach and Playa Las Flores.

Drink
For nightlife you can head to Ave. Roosevelt in San Miguel which has numerous bars and clubs open until the early hours of the morning and is also host to the biggest carnival in Central America in November.

Intipuca Beach is home to the first microbrewery in El Salvador and offers an array of hand-craft beers by the beach.

Sleep
San Miguel has the most modern hotels in the eastern side of El Salvador, right in front of Metrocentro you will find a four star hotel, Comfort Inn a few miles ahead there's another good option, the Hotel Tropico Inn. There are also budget hotels located next to the bus terminal.

Go next

 * El Cuco is a quintessential beach with dark sands, lined with vendor huts and seafood restaurants and shaggy palms
 * Playa Las Flores is next to El Cuco and is regarded as one of the best surf spots in all of El salvador
 * Playa El Esteron is located on the other side of El Cuco and is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in all of El Salvador
 * Intipuca Beach is next to Playa Esterone and is famous for El Salvador's first microbrewery and where the river joins the ocean is hugely popular for stand up paddleboarding.
 * There are regular busses that leave El Cuco for San Miguel bus station where you can catch a connecting bus to many other destinations inside or outside the country.
 * Some hotels offer a shuttle service to San Miguel or other destinations inside the country.
 * La Tortuga Verde offers transport between El Salvador and Nicaragua (skipping Honduras) by private boat $200 for up to 20 people.

title: San Miguel (El Salvador)


text:
San Miguel (Guatemala)

San Miguel is a small village on the north shore of Lago Petén Itzá in the Petén department of the Northern Lowlands of Guatemala.

Sleep

 * Regular boats leave the very northern shore of Flores for this small village.

title: San Miguel (Guatemala)


text:
San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende is a colonial city in the state of Guanajuato in the Bajio mountains of central Mexico, about northwest of Mexico City. In 2020, the town had 72,000 residents, in a metropolitan area of 160,000.

It's a tourist destination, an art colony, and a retirement community for 20,000-25,000 foreigners – mostly Americans, Canadians, and Europeans. In spite of the increased number of foreigners over the past decades, it still is charming enough that many Mexicans visit for special holidays, and there are more than a few visitors who buy a house within a few days of their first arrival.

Understand
San Miguel is, first and foremost, a city built for relaxing. It is a Spanish colonial town of 72,000 people (2020). The urban area has 160,000 people. It is a heritage site protected by the Mexican government in order to maintain its character. In 2008 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Founded as "San Miguel el Grande" in 1542 by the Franciscan monk Juan de San Miguel, it became a centerpiece in the war for Mexican independence from Spain. After the war, in 1826, San Miguel was given city status and renamed San Miguel de Allende after Ignacio Allende, a hero of the independence movement, the "first Mexican soldier" and a native of the city. In danger of becoming a ghost town in the early 20th century, the town was declared a national monument in 1926 and building became heavily restricted in the town's historic centro district, allowing the city to keep the colorful native facades that have become the backdrop of many famous works of art and even modern motion pictures.

A series of artist colonies were founded in San Miguel in the 1950s, including the famous Instituto Allende, and many American ex-soldiers moved their families here following World War II either to attend one of these colonies or to escape the polio scares raging through many U.S. cities. The result was a healthy American expatriate population that exists today mostly as elderly retirees and second-generation business owners. This population, combined with wealthy Mexicans (especially actors and politicians) that have rediscovered San Miguel as a Malibu-like retreat from Mexico City, has created an eclectic mix of Old World Mexican charm, American hospitality, and a party atmosphere that makes San Miguel a world-class destination for adventurous travelers.

Climate
San Miguel's weather is typical of central mountainous Mexico. It varies little, and even in the hottest months (May and June) when daytime temperatures can reach 35°C, the dry air makes it tolerable and cool mountain breezes tend to make evenings delightful. Winter evenings (from December to February) can get cold, even down to freezing overnight, but it warms up quickly in the morning. The rainy season extends from June to September when days are pleasant for sightseeing until heavy downpours (usually late in the afternoon and evening) cool and freshen the air. The climate has the same lazy, quiet air and temperance as Palm Springs, encouraging long hours of swimming and pool-side tanning, reading or napping, or just lying in a hammock and forgetting the world exists.

Watch
The movies Once Upon a Time in Mexico and And Starring Pancho Villa as Himself were filmed almost entirely in San Miguel.

From the León (BJX) and Querétaro (QRO) airport
The closest airports to San Miguel are the Aeropuerto Bajío/León, about 95 km (55 miles) west of San Miguel de Allende and Aeropuerto Querétaro , about 90 km (50 miles) southeast of San Miguel de Allende. Arriving at either of these airports will reduce your final journey to a relatively inexpensive hour shuttle or cab ride into town. Aeromexico Connect, Viva Aerobus, Volaris and Magnicharters offer flights from Cancun, Chicago, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Monterrey, Puerto Vallarta and/or Tijuana to the region in addition to United Express and American Eagle with flights from Houston Intercontinental and Dallas/Ft Worth respectively.

Rides from the two airports
When taking a taxi from one of the two airports, make sure you use an approved taxi service (the green and white cars are official taxis). Uber and Didi drivers may be willing to try picking you up, but risk being pulled over by the police and ordered to turn around and take you right back.

Even still, if you don't know San Miguel that well, you may want to consider calling ahead to your hotel or B&B and having them provide transport. This will almost always be cheaper than taking a taxi from the airport. Regional taxis may know how to get you to San Miguel, but only a taxi or car sent by your lodging will know how to get you straight to them. The driver will meet you inside the terminal, in the area where you clear customs. You can arrange transportation through your hotel, etc., or book direct with one of the many shuttle services listed on San Miguel websites. From the Querétaro or León airports the company Bajiogo offers a shuttle for around M$500-600 (Jan 2024), and will drop you off to your exact location. This is a good deal if you're by yourself, but maybe be similar to the price of a taxi if you have two people.

By bus from the two airports
From the Querétaro airport to the Querétaro bus terminal, it's convenient to take a taxi or go by e-hailing. From there are direct intercity buses to San Miguel de Allende.

From the León airport it's not really convenient by bus. As of January 2024 there's no bus from the airport itself to San Miguel, only to León. You could catch a bus to Leon and then transfer, or try to walk farther from the airport and catch a bus along the road (see the Guanajuato article for more details).

From the Mexico City airport (MEX)
Your flight may be less expensive if you go through Mexico City.

Primera Plus offer hourly buses from Mexico City's Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) to Queretaro and Celaya where you can transfer to another bus to San Miguel. It's a 4- to 5-hour trip. Alternatively, you could go to the northern bus terminal (Autobuses del Norte, Metro line 5). From there it's a direct 3:50h ride in an intercity bus.

Do not try to take a non-prepaid taxi from the MEX airport. The taxi drivers in Mexico City are well-trained to cheat you by charging you three or four times the cost of a trip to San Miguel. It's simply not worth the hassle. If you're hell-bent on flying into Mexico City and not taking a bus, call ahead to the hotel or B&B where you're staying and ask them to send a taxi from San Miguel. Yes, they may charge you for both the trip to and from the airport, but it will be infinitely less expensive than if you try to pick up a taxi from the street outside the Mexico City airport. It is very important not to pick up a taxi from the street outside the Mexico City airport for safety reasons, in any case. Take one of the official airport taxis to your hotel. These "Transporte Terrestre" taxis are the only ones allowed inside the airport. You will buy a zone-priced ticket ahead of time inside the airport by walking all the way down to the right (several hundred meters) after exiting the international arrivals area.

By carpooling
From cities around you can have a look for shared rides on Blablacar.

By bus
The town is well-served by first-class and second-class buses and tickets for both can be purchased at the station. From there to the city center take one of the frequent local buses marked 'Central'. It costs M$8 (Dec 2021) and can be paid in cash.

From Guanajuato go Primera Plus and ETN for about M$160 (Dec 2021). You get 10% discount when you buy your ticket online.

The following intercity bus companies serve San Miguel de Allende:

By car

If you're an experienced driver in Mexico, you'll have few problems reaching San Miguel. It's less than two hours from León and one hour from Querétaro, and maybe a three-hour drive from Mexico City. The only difficulty will come when you reach San Miguel. Parking spaces are at an absolute premium here, so you'll want to arrange to have a spot for your car waiting when you arrive. Additionally, the cobblestone streets were not designed for modern traffic, so driving around San Miguel can be a challenge. Most people walk or take a US $2 cab ride anywhere downtown.

If you've never driven much in Mexico, driving to San Miguel is not difficult. While San Miguel is on the side of a mountain ridge, most of the roads leading to it are in excellent condition and safe to drive, at least during the day. Since much of this area is "free range" land, horses and cattle may find their way onto the road, especially at night.

Seniors and tourists touring the region may find sightseeing more difficult because of the locals' propensity to drive fast along these two-lane highways. It's not much fun having a car on your bumper while trying to see the beautiful countryside in this area. Slower drivers often drive partly on the shoulder to let faster traffic pass.

On foot
Maybe 90% of San Miguel's attractions are within walking distance. Just keep in mind that because San Miguel was built into the side of a mountain, it can turn out to be difficult to traverse, some inclines are 15 or 20 degrees. Furthermore, the streets are cobbled and narrow – some were nothing but goat tracks before they were paved – and many have fallen into disrepair. Curbs are often a high step away from the road. All in all, the town can be unforgiving to an inexperienced walker. For this reason, it is advisable to bring comfortable shoes.

By e-hailing
Uber and Didi cover the city.

By bus
San Miguel has its own pleasant and reliable bus system that serves the entire town, including out-of-the-way places like the Luciérnega Shopping Center. Buses are called urbanos and run from 07:00-21:00 daily for a flat rate of M$8 (Dec 2021) inside the city center (single ride, no transfer, driver gives change).

The schedule is every 15-20 minutes in the central city; every 1-2 hours to and from outlying areas in the municipality. Routes are never referred to by their number but by the name of the destination. There is no route map. Destinations are generally marked or painted on the side or on the windshield. Centro means downtown and Central means bus station.

Buses are white with color-coded trim. All the blue-white and orange-white buses pass the stop opposite the Oratorio de San Felipe Neri downtown. Yellow-white buses make a circle around town passing near Centro and Central. All red-white, green-white, purple-white buses and some yellow-white buses connect to the outlying suburbs and are boarded at various stops located several blocks outside the center of town.

By taxi
Catch a taxi to any destination within central San Miguel for M$35-40 (2016), and M$40-50 after dark. In-town taxis are abundant and a great option after an afternoon of shopping. Taxis do not use meters and the price should be confirmed first. Taxis in front of the bus station are notorious for over-charging; most locals walk a few meters past them to flag down a cab on the street. If calling for a taxi to pick you up, the price doubles. If planning a late night out, most taxi drivers can be trusted to keep an appointment if the pickup time is arranged in advance.

By tourist trolley
Two different companies provide sightseeing rides using trolley-looking buses. You can ask for tickets in the main tourist office just in the main square. The ride lasts 1½ hours (if traffic allows) and reaches the top of the El Mirador hill for a fantastic view of the town.

By car
Driving in San Miguel can be challenging due to very narrow streets and limited parking, and is best avoided. There was a time when the city was not so wealthy and only taxis could be found on these roads. Now that the real estate market has boomed, an influx of money has made cars more affordable and now the average resident is more likely to own one – good news for the economy, but bad news for the roads.

Many two-way streets in San Miguel are too narrow to support two lanes of traffic, and it's not uncommon for a street to become so choked with cars that drivers have to get out and negotiate which one is going to back up to a wider street to let the other pass. Many streets are one-way and indicated by arrow signs placed on the sides of buildings; a double arrow indicates a two-way street.

Watch out for very steep streets. They can get even steeper than you realize and at least one in San Miguel is so narrow at the bottom that no more than a medium-sized car with its side mirrors pulled in can safely maneuver between the buildings. Scratches on the walls attest to drivers who have literally had to scrape between the buildings. Backing up the hill is usually not an option. Following a city bus is a good way to guarantee not getting into a tight situation.

On-street parking regulations are widely ignored by Mexicans. If you park on the street, do NOT leave it parked for more than 24 hours (There are no signs warning about this). Parking violations may result in the transit police removing your license plates. You will then need to find the police station, pay a fine, and hope that your plates are returned. A better alternative is that there are several paid parking lots in town; look for 'E' signs indicating estacionamiento (parking).

Out of town trips

 * Thermal pools just outside of town for an afternoon of relaxation. Hail a taxi or grab a bus for just a few dollars to these pools, but be sure to arrange return transportation or know when the last bus arrives. The only hotel near the pools is said to be expensive and generally booked.
 * with five warm water pools and a grotto. The area is nice styled. Offered is a day ticket for M$250 (Dec 2021). You can enter the e.g. along the Calz de La Luz or Calz de La Aurora. This route is operated by the bus lines 7 and 8. The ride costs M$10 (Dec 2021). Inside the area is a restaurant. It is not allowed to bring food – only water. Bags are checked at the entrance. The opening hours are from Wednesday to Sunday 7:00-17:00.
 * Atotonilco is a historic church approx. 10km outside of SMA. The sanctuary services as a piligramage desitination and the site where Ignacio Allende met up with Father Hidalgo to begin their fight for Mexican Independence.
 * Dolores Hidalgo is 40 km away and is worth a visit as it is the birthplace of Mexican independence - and a great place to sample odd ice cream flavors like pork rind and avocado.
 * Dolores Hidalgo is 40 km away and is worth a visit as it is the birthplace of Mexican independence - and a great place to sample odd ice cream flavors like pork rind and avocado.

Spanish
Several schools offer classes and arrange a 'home stay' with a host family for a very good price.

Art
San Miguel's many art institutes are always open to travelers looking to discover (or become the next) Frida Kahlo. Painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, you name it and it's probably there.

Buy
In the centro you can find ATMs of BanCoppel, BanBajío, Banco Azteca and citybanamex.

There are some minimarkets and Oxxo's in the center.

Arts and crafts
The streets around the Jardín are full of specialty shops selling common souvenirs, clothing, art, furniture, and Mexican tile, and any other type of Mexican artwork that you can think of. In addition to its cultural staples, San Miguel de Allende is known for its amazing shopping. Being near the geographical center of the country, artisans from every part of Mexico have been known to send their artwork to San Miguel to be sold.

Whenever possible, buy directly from the artisan. Many amazingly talented artists are not able to support their families due to the low prices they receive for their art. At times it is very necessary to bargain and at other times inappropriate – use your intuition and allow for mistakes.

Ladies: don't forget to pick up a pair of San Miguel shoes as soon as you arrive. Your walk around town will be much more comfortable.

Mid-range

Drink

This city is filled with clubs, bars, dance halls, and restaurants, and almost all of them have some plan for every night of the week. Following are just a few options, try these out, but also seeking your own favorite hang-out.

Stay safe
San Miguel de Allende, while perhaps safer than other tourist destinations in Mexico, can be unsafe. Most tourists don't have a problem when visiting San Miguel de Allende, but you should still exercise caution while on your visit. Use common sense, keep your valuables and cash out of sight and stay in well lit areas at night.

Connect
Additionally restaurants and cafés now offer free wi-fi for their patrons. Otherwise internet cafes are ubiquitous and typically charge around M$20 per hour.

Cope

 * Atención San Miguel is a weekly bilingual newspaper that is the main source of local news for English speaking residents and visitors. The calendar of the week's events is particularly useful. Atención is published on Friday and is widely available at newsstands and businesses.
 * Green Map San Miguel  uses an interactive map with layers of information on sustainable living in San Miguel. Look here for information on restaurants that serve organic and/or local food, recycling and composting, greentech businesses, green organizations and bus routes.

Consulates

 * 🇺🇸 United States

To the west:

 * Guanajuato – 80km. The capital of the state. It is known for its network of tunnels under the city and for its "Museo de las Momias" (mummy museum), and you can also see Cristo Rey atop the Cerro de Cubilete.
 * Guadalajara – 340 km

To the north:

 * San Luis Potosí – 180 km

To the south-east:

 * Querétaro – 70 km. The capital of the state with the same name is a 45-minute drive away and also has a beautiful world heritage listed old town.
 * Mexico City

title: San Miguel de Allende


text:
San Miguel del Bala

San Miguel del Bala is an indigenous community in the Bolivian Amazon rainforest on the banks of the Beni River, near Rurrenabaque. Its nearest neighbour is the Madidi National Park, which is world famous as one of the places on earth with the widest biodiversity. San Miguel is a small community of 32 families.

San Miguel is Spanish for Saint Michael. "Bala" means "bullet" or "cannon ball". The landmark is the ’shot hole’ in the nearby Mountain range that is visible from the lodge.

Get in
San Miguel del Bala is only reached by boat 45 minutes up stream from Rurrenabaque. San Miguel is south of Rurrenabaque on the west bank of the Beni River, just outside of the Madidi National Park.

All visits to San Miguel del Bala must be arranged with the office of the 'San Miguel del Bala Community Eco-Tourism' in Rurrenabaque. The office is across from the Amasonas airline office. Tours can also be arranged by emailing info@sanmigueldelbala.com. You can also find operators in La Paz that offer a package to get to San Miguel del Bala. Some of these operators are
 * America Tours
 * LATE Bolivia
 * Turisbus

Get around
All tours to San Miguel del Bala are organized through the office in Rurrenabaque, where they will arrange comfortable river transport for you up to the lodge, where you can choose between a relaxed or active itinerary.

When you arrive to San Miguel del Bala Lodge your days will be filled with different activities (everything is optional) that let you experience the Tacana culture as well as the beautiful flora and fauna of the area. Depending on how long you want to stay, the lodge gives you plenty of options from hiking through a canyon with bats flying above your head to visiting the community of San Miguel del Bala, and see the everyday lifer its people. If you want more information on itineraries, contact San Miguel del Bala directly or talk to the tour operators that sell the trip from La Paz.

See
Discover the rain forest environment and the Tacana culture.

From a viewpoint, 50 m over the canopies, the visitors can enjoy clean views of the Bala Gorge, the Beni River, and nearby mountain ranges covered by rainforests.

With the lodge as the point of departure many trails lead through the rain forest allowing visitors good chances to see wild life. The paths are designed to teach visitors about ancient hunting techniques, medicinal plants and ecological processes in the primary and secondary forest. Other paths take visitors to a ‘salitral’ - a cave with mineral earth that attracts all kinds of animals, a refreshing natural pool fed by a beautiful waterfall, and through a 150-meter-long canyon, whose darkness, coolness, and humidity is perfect for the hummingbirds’ nests.

San Miguel del Bala Lodge has expanded their operations to include spending a night in their comfortable newly constructed cabins inside the Madidi National Park alongside the Tuichi River. It is the perfect compliment to the incredible cultural experience you will have in the lodge's main site along the mighty Beni river.

Do
Tours: Trekking through the forest, animal watching, mountain climbing or canoeing.

Participate in the daily life of the Tacana community, visiting a family in their house made of palm leaves and bamboo, processing sugar cane juice, working in the fields, making handicrafts or playing with the children.

Hide-away. Live without phone and internet in the quiet nature, comfortably lodged. And still close to things that you find in a town like Rurrenabaque.

Buy
Local handicrafts.

Eat
The restaurant in the lodge serves typical, international and vegetarian cuisine. The food itself is a cultural learning experience as the guide teaches you the different ways the Tacana prepare the bounty of the forest and rivers. Also learn the what foods were prepared for certain events within the community.

Drink
Enjoy rich natural juices made from fruit straight from the jungle. If you feel like a cocktail, alcohol can be bought in the restaurant.

Sleep
San Miguel del Bala Eco-lodge,. 7 comfortable cabins each with 3 beds, electricity and private bathroom, and a dormitory of 8 beds with shared bathroom. The cabins are scattered, giving the feeling of living alone in the rain forest. The Eco-lodge is owned and operated by the indigenous community of San Miguel del Bala. The inhabitants of San Miguel has have built the Eco-Lodge with the help of NGO's: CARE, Conservation International, UNDP, and Wildlife Conservation Society. In a traditional round-house there is an interpretation center with an exhibition about the Tacana culture.

The beds at San Miguel del Bala are custom made to be extra long for anyone who is tired of having their feet hang over the edge during their travels in South America, this is a much needed break.

San Miguel del Bala has added a new addition to its already impressive infrastructure, with newly constructed cabins within the Madidi National Park alongside the beautiful Tuichi River. These cabins allow San Miguel's guests to experience more of the flora and fauna the park has to offer. Depending on the length of stay clients can spend at least one night in these cabins.

Go next
Madidi National Park is nearby.

title: San Miguel del Bala


text:
San Miguel de Tucumán

San Miguel de Tucumán, usually known simply as Tucumán, is the capital city of Tucumán Province, and the largest city in the Northwest region of Argentina, with 606,000 people (2020) in the urban area.

Understand
San Miguel de Tucumán is an important historic spot in the country since the Declaration of Independence from Spain took place here on July 9th, 1816. The building where this historical event occurred is a colonial-style house known as "Casa Historica".

Climate
Summers in the city are hot, humid and rainy. Much of the rainfall occurs in summer. Temperatures average above 30°C (86°F) during the day while nights are muggy, staying close to 20°C (68°F). Heat waves can push temperatures above 40°C (104°F) although cold air masses from the south bring relief to the hot weather. Spring and fall are warm to hot with mild nights. Winters are dry with warm days and cool to cold nights. Frosts are uncommon and the weather is characterized by sunny weather.

By plane
At Teniente Benjamín Matienzo International Airport, at 9 km east from San Miguel de Tucuman, there are daily flights from Buenos Aires with Aerolíneas Argentinas and LATAM. There are also regular flights from Córdoba on Austeal, and from San Carlos de Bariloche, and Lima (Peru) on LATAM (as of Sep 2019).

By train
Trenes Argentinos runs two weekly trains from Buenos Aires and back. The journey takes approximately 25 hours as it stops in many towns and cities along the railway. It costs AR$87 in tourist class, AR$132 in Primera class, AR$236 in Pullman class, and AR$740 in Camarote class (private two-bed compartment and two breakfasts), all round trip prices. There are discounts for students, children and seniors. See the excellent (but only in Spanish) web site. The train includes a dining and snack car. Get your tickets early - they are sometimes sold out 10 days in advance.

By car

 * Coming from North: Ruta 9 from Salta and Jujuy
 * Coming from West: Ruta 38 from Catamarca, La Rioja, San Juan, Mendoza
 * Coming from North West: Ruta 40 from Andes, then take Ruta 307 (between Amaicha del Valle and Acheral), and then Ruta 38.
 * Coming from South: Ruta 157 from Córdoba
 * Coming from South East: Ruta 9 from Santiago del Estero, Córdoba, Rosario, Buenos Aires
 * Coming from East: Ruta 34 from Santiago del Estero, Rosario, Buenos Aires
 * Coming from North East: Ruta 34 (12 --> 16 --> 34) from Posadas, Corrientes, Resistencia

There are two tolls of AR$1.80 on Ruta 9: one in Leocadio Paz (15 km from the Border to Salta Province) and one in the Border to Santiago del Estero Province. Emergency phone number is *767 (*SOS) from any mobile telephone. Just on Ruta 9 (a tolled Route).

By bus
Several bus companies provide services from Tucuman City to almost all major and mid-size cities in Argentina. The city boasts one the largest bus stations in the country and it is walking distance from downtown and the main hotels. Bus routes Nr. 4, 8, 10, 102, 103, 110, 118 runs from around the bus station into downtown; Nrs 4, 8, 10, 102, 106, 110 does it in the opposite direction.

Get around
The best way to visit the historic area and downtown is on foot. Most attractions are walking distance from each other. Besides, the traffic is quite heavy and disorganized so renting a car or taking a taxi would be a waste of time and money. Taxis are white, with yellow and black stripes. Don't take any other taxi, because they are illegal.

Public transport (bus) is always a good choice. There are around 40 bus lines, which serve the downtown. A one way ticket costs AR$2 and must be paid to the bus driver in coins. Bus lines 102 and 118 go to Yerba Buena, a beautiful tourist destination in Tucuman Metropolitan Área. The 118 can be caught from Santiago del Estero street (north of the center), and the 102 from San Lorenzo street (south of the center). A ticket from the center to Yerba Buena costs AR$1.80. Bus line 121 to the Airport can be reached on Av. Avellaneda and Av. Gobernador del Campo. A one-way ticket costs AR$1.60, and departures are every hour.

See

 * Plaza Independencia, the city's main square. One of the best places to see local people and a start point to tour the downtown area. There is a beautiful "Statue of Liberty" in its center made by the famous local artist Lola Mora.
 * 9 de Julio Park, 5 blocks east of downtown, across from the bus station. One of the largest public parks in the country (100 hectares) designed by French architect Charles Thays, who also designed the public parks in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Rosario and Mendoza. Among its many attractions are the San Miguel Lake, Bishop Colombres's House (a colonial-style house which includes a museum of the sugarcane industry), the Flower Clock and several sculptures scattered around the park. There are some good bars and restaurants as well.
 * Plaza Independencia, the city's main square. One of the best places to see local people and a start point to tour the downtown area. There is a beautiful "Statue of Liberty" in its center made by the famous local artist Lola Mora.
 * 9 de Julio Park, 5 blocks east of downtown, across from the bus station. One of the largest public parks in the country (100 hectares) designed by French architect Charles Thays, who also designed the public parks in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Rosario and Mendoza. Among its many attractions are the San Miguel Lake, Bishop Colombres's House (a colonial-style house which includes a museum of the sugarcane industry), the Flower Clock and several sculptures scattered around the park. There are some good bars and restaurants as well.
 * 9 de Julio Park, 5 blocks east of downtown, across from the bus station. One of the largest public parks in the country (100 hectares) designed by French architect Charles Thays, who also designed the public parks in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Rosario and Mendoza. Among its many attractions are the San Miguel Lake, Bishop Colombres's House (a colonial-style house which includes a museum of the sugarcane industry), the Flower Clock and several sculptures scattered around the park. There are some good bars and restaurants as well.

Learn

 * Unilanguage School. Spanish courses.

Budget
Find where the locals eat! This includes an indoor market somewhere on the corner of Muñeca & Mendoza: empanadas, tamales, pizza, fresh fruit & vegetables, all very cheap.

Budget

 * Hotel Sol San Javier, +54 3814929004, Ruta 340 KM 23. On top of San Javier Hill, surrounded by the imposing “yunga” (forest) and with an exceptional view of the city of San Miguel de Tucuman. It’s in the Hotel Sol San Javier. Very good alternative to stay in Tucuman, overlooking the city but without the hassle of the city

Go next
If you want to visit the surrounding areas, there is a route that ascends slowly in the nearest hills and you’ll get into the Yungas Cloudy Forest. That is an exciting experience because of the exuberant vegetation, the calm, peace, and wonderful amazing landscapes, especially from San Javier Hill.

title: San Miguel de Tucumán


text:
Sanming

Sanming (三明 Sānmíng) is a city in the mountains of Fujian Province in China.

Get in
Sanming is far enough up in the mountains that the Japanese did not take it during World War II, but today there are good roads and it is easily reached from Xiamen or Fuzhou by car or bus.

Buy

 * Sanming Pedestrian Street (三明步行街). Pedestrian streets are typically popular areas in cities for shopping and leisure. On these streets, you can find various shops, including clothing stores, accessory shops, and eateries.

Eat

 * Sanming Fried Gluten (三明油面筋). A local specialty with a rich regional flavor. The main ingredients include wheat flour and peanut oil. In the preparation process, wheat flour is kneaded into a dough, undergoes a series of processes to become gluten, and is finally cut into chunks before being deep-fried until golden and crispy. The outer layer is crunchy while the inside is tender, and it exudes a delightful aroma, making it a favorite snack among the locals.

 * Sanming Pork Sausage (三明肉肠). A traditional Fujian snack known for its golden and crispy skin, filled with a mixture of pork and mushrooms. During the preparation, the pork filling is thoroughly mixed, wrapped in thin dough, and then deep-fried until the skin turns golden. The sausage is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and boasts a rich, savory flavor.

 * Shaxian Snacks (沙县小吃). Shaxian Snacks represent a fusion of traditional Fujian cuisine, and Sanming has many outlets offering these snacks. They include stir-fried noodles, fried sauce noodles, braised noodles, and more, known for their unique flavors and rich textures, which are highly appreciated by food enthusiasts.

 * Clay Pot Cuisine, or Shaguoju (砂锅居). A traditional local dish slow-cooked in clay pots. Popular varieties include clay pot chicken and clay pot soup, known for their rich broth and delicious taste.

 * Childhood Memory Cake (儿童记忆糕). A pastry with a strong local flavor, made from ingredients such as glutinous rice and peanuts. The cake has a smooth exterior and a dense texture, often evoking nostalgic memories of childhood flavors.

Drink

 * Big Red Robe (大红袍). A type of rock tea originating from Wuyi Mountain. It is a high-grade black tea known for its strong aroma and unique flavor.
 * Bohea Tea (武夷岩茶). Zhengyan Tea represents the rock teas of Wuyi Mountain, known for their extremely high quality. Varieties include Da Hong Pao, Tie Guan Yin and Shui Xian, among others.
 * Tie Kuan Yin (铁观音). An oolong tea produced in Wuyi Mountain. It boasts floral and fruity notes and is a partially fermented tea.
 * Scented Tea (水仙茶). Shui Xian Tea is one of the rock teas from Wuyi Mountain, characterized by its rich floral and fruity aroma, and a smooth and mellow taste.

Go next

 * Taining

title: Sanming


text:
Sano

Sano (佐野) is a city in Tochigi prefecture, Japan, adjacent to Ashikaga, Tatebayashi, Tochigi, Kanuma and Midori.

Understand
Sano is famous for Sano Premium Outlet, Sano ramen-noodles and Sano Yakuyoke Daishi which exorcises people in unlucky and critical ages.

Tourist Information Site
The local tourist association has a Japanese-only guide site with integrated Google Translate.

By train
Sano station is centrally located and can be reached by JR Ryōmō Line (両毛線) or the Tōbu Sano Line (東武佐野線).

JR Ryōmō Line

 * About 16 min from Tochigi
 * About 14 min from Ashikaga

Tōbu Sano Line

 * About 85 min from Asakusa (Tokyo) by limited express train Ryōmō.
 * About 16 min from Tatebayashi

By bus
The bus terminal in Sano is located at the Sano Premium Outlets.

By taking JR Highway Bus "Marronier Shinjuku" or "Marronier Tokyo", you can get to Shinjuku, and Tokyo JR Stations within 90 minutes. Tickets cost around ¥1,300 one way and can be purchased at the bus terminals in each JR station.

Direct access to and from Narita Airport is available through Highway Bus "Salvia" or Chiba Kotsu Bus. It takes about 130 minutes. This can be purchased at Narita Airport transportation counter (ask for Sano, Tochigi prefecture) or at the Sano Bus Terminal. Cost is about ¥4,400.

By car
Take the Sano-Fujioka exit from the Tōhoku Expressway and follow National Route 50 west toward Sano, Ashikaga.

Get around
It is quite expensive to use taxis at the base price of ¥660. In front of JR/Tobu Sano train station (fountain side) there is a bus service that can take you around the city and one running between the station and the Premium Outlet Mall for ¥200.

There is also a rental bike service in front of the station, next to the 7-Eleven convenience store. Unfortunately, unless you speak Japanese, the owners cannot help you.

See

 * Mt. Mikamo (三毳山) is in the east of Sano city. It was praised by poets of the Manyoshu－8th century poetry anthology. Katakuri dogtooth pale purple flowers can be seen at Katakuri-no-Sato in Mt. Mikamo from late March to early April.

Do
Besides eating your weight in the many ramen shops, directly north of the JR-Tobu Station (accessible by a direct exit from the station), is Shiroyama Park. Shiroyama Park is a park on a large hill and at one point used to house a castle. As you walk through the park, close to the station entrance is a small information building with clean restrooms and a small room with relics and pictures of the castle's excavation.

If you enjoy shopping more, for a couple hundred yen you can take a bus from the train station to the AEON Mall or the Sano Premium Outlets!

Eat
Sano is known for its ramen (Chinese-style noodles) called Sano Ramen. There are plently of ramen shops on every street, and each person has their favorite.

Sano is also known for its fried potatoes called imofurai. Small potatoes arranged on a skewer, dipped in batter and into bread crumbs before being deep fried. The tangy and sweet sauce that is served with it, however, is the deciding factor on its taste. This is available at many grocery stores and imo-fry shops can be found all over the city.

Drink
Upon exiting JR-Tobu Sano station, head towards the fountain and make a right. Immediately you will come across Trinity Cafe which is quite popular. The cafe has an Italian fusion theme but also offers delicious hand-made local ramen and a cosy atmosphere. The chef speaks English and there is often locals and foreigners enjoying the friendly surroundings. Follow straight past the first traffic light and you will find Ken's Bar, a cozy lounge that features local bands and artists weekly.

Other Japanese bars or izakaya can be found within walking distance from the station in this main area.

Sleep
There are several hotels within 5 minutes walking distance from JR-Tobu Sano station.

 * Sun Route Hotel
 * Sano Inn

Go next

 * Ashikaga
 * Tochigi
 * Tatebayashi
 * Iwafune
 * Fujioka
 * Kanuma
 * Ota
 * Kiryu
 * Maebashi

title: Sano


text:
Sanok

Sanok is a town in the Polish region of Podkarpackie in Poland. It is in a picturesque location along the San River near foothills and parks, and offers many recreational opportunities.

By train
Sanok is served by PKP intercity trains, as well as local and regional bus services. The, is on Dworcowa street a little southeast of the center. There are connections from Rzeszów and Jasło. Some regional trains stop at the, which is a little bit closer to the town centre.

By bus
There are several direct bus connections from Rzeszów and Kraków. As of July 2002, tickets from Rzeszów cost around 17 zł while most tickets from Kraków cost around 55 zł.

By car
Sanok is linked by various highways to other towns and cities in southeastern Poland. The DK28 road links Sanok with Krosno in the west and Przemyśl in the east.

Get around
Sanok is compact and many points of interest are easily accessible by foot. Taxis congregate near shops in the central area, and fares tend to be low.

See

 * Traces of Jewish history, including former synagogues.
 * Traces of Jewish history, including former synagogues.
 * Traces of Jewish history, including former synagogues.
 * Traces of Jewish history, including former synagogues.

Do
Sanok lends itself to casual exploration. Set out on foot from the Rynek (town square) and explore the sights of this quaint town. In addition, Sanok is close to the Bieszczady Mountains and numerous parks.

Buy
You can find most necessities (and more than a few luxuries) in the various shops in the centrum area. Outdoor markets are an excellent source of locally-grown foods.

Sleep
Sanok provides a full range of accommodations, including new and modern full-service hotels, budget hotels, and hostels. Compared to major Polish cities such as Warsaw and Kraków, prices are modest.

Go next

 * the Bieszczady National Park – a largely pristine environment suitable for hiking and exploring.

title: Sanok


text:
San Pablo (Laguna)

San Pablo is a city of about 265,000 in the province of Laguna, known for its seven lakes.

By bus
Bus companies running frequent services between Manila and Lucena stop at San Pablo, as well as some of those from Bicol. Designated stops are at SM City San Pablo, San Rafael (near the junction of Maharlika Highway and Cipriano Colago Avenue) and at Franklin Baker (between railroad crossing and Unson Street at San Anton and Ambray), all along the highway.

By car
Maharlika Highway (Asian Highway 26/Route 1) is the main highway through San Pablo, as well the Calauan-San Pablo Road (Route 67). It is from Manila,  from Lucena, and  from Los Baños.

San Pablo will be served by an extension of the South Luzon Expressway to Lucena, expected to be opened by 2022.

By jeepney
Jeepneys connect San Pablo with the nearby towns of Alaminos, Calauan, Rizal, Dolores, and Tiaong, and travel as far as Liliw via Rizal, Santa Cruz via Calauan, Tanauan (in Batangas) and Calamba via Maharlika Highway. Only the routes from Tanauan, San Calamba, Santa Cruz, and Liliw routes routes are run by licensed vehicles, with the route from Dolores run by unmarked and unlicensed vehicles with private vehicle license plates. Terminals are at the city proper or at SM City San Pablo

By train

The nearest operational train stations are at Calamba and Los Baños, served by some commuter trains.

There is also a regional service to San Pablo from Lucena, but it is suspended as of March 2022.

Eat
San Pablo is known for its buko pie, as well as espasol, ampaw, pinipig, kesong puti (white cheese) shing-a-ling and tamarind sweets.

title: San Pablo (Laguna)


text:
San Patricio-Melaque

Melaque/San Patricio/Villa Obregon is a conurbation of three villages in Jalisco that is the largest place between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo. In 2010, it was home to about 7,500 people.

Get in

Slightly over an hour by bus from Manzanillo to the south. About four hours by bus from Puerto Vallarta to the north.

See
The Playa. The main square. The plastic market.

Go next
Walk down the beach to Barra de Navidad or across the northern headland to Cuastecomates.

 * Manzanillo
 * Tomatlán
 * San Sebastián del Oeste

title: San Patricio-Melaque


text:
San Pedro

San Pedro is a district of Los Angeles County on the South Bay harbor, immediately east of the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Get in
San Pedro is located at the southern end of the Harbor Freeway (CA-110), which you can take directly from Downtown L.A., or you can take the Vincent Thomas Bridge (CA-47) west from Long Beach.

Metro provides transit service, although public transit to San Pedro is somewhat limited. The fastest service to Downtown L.A. is the Silver Line express bus service, although it requires an extra fare and not all buses travel all the way to San Pedro; check the schedule in advance. Regular fare $1.75; Silver Line fare $2.50. You can also take the 232 from LAX and transfer to the 550 at Western Ave.

Get around

 * Metro operates a bike share system, with several stations scattered along the harborfront in San Pedro and neighboring Wilmington. Single trips are $3.50 for 30 minutes of use (credit or debit card required), or you can load a monthly pass onto a TAP card for $20 which gives you free rides shorter than 30 minutes and $1.75 for every thirty minutes after that.

title: San Pedro


text:
San Pedro (disambiguation)

There are many places called San Pedro, including:

 * San Pedro, California
 * San Pedro Sula, the second largest city of Honduras
 * San Pedro Garza Garcia, a suburb of Monterrey, Mexico
 * San Pedro de Atacama, a small desert town in Chile
 * San Pedro Town, the largest city of Ambergris Caye, Belize

title: San Pedro (disambiguation)


text:
San Pedro (Laguna)

San Pedro is a city just south of Metro Manila. The city is largely a bedroom community, serving as an important terminus for city buses toward Metro Manila, but there are also local industries. The city's tourist draws include the Sampaguita Festival, the Santo Sepulcro Parish, and the challenging KC Filipinas Golf Club.

Understand
The city forms the major urban sprawl along the South Luzon Expressway. It is the most densely populated city in the CALABARZON region, home to about 326,000 people (2020). It is in Laguna province.

The city was founded as the town of San Pedro de Tunasan by the Spaniards in 1725 from friar lands. Agriculture, duck raising, fishing, and sampaguita production served as the town's source of income, until they all declined in favor of urban development. The city gained its current name in 1902. A significant portion of the hacienda in the town were given to poor farmers under president Ramon Magsaysay's administration, and since became resettlement sites under the National Resettlement and Rehabilitation Administration (NARRA). The city gained city status after a plebiscite in December 2013. Since then, there have been calls for San Pedro to join Metro Manila, but present plans for a merger remain uncertain.

The city gets its name from its patron saint, St. Peter the Apostle (San Pedro Apostol), which also lends its name to the major parish at its Poblacion (town center).

By bus
Only San Pedro City in Laguna among the neighboring cities (Binan and Sta Rosa) in Laguna has City operational busses having routes from Letre in Caloocan City, Malabon City, Navotas City, Malinta in Valenzuela City and Market-Market in BGC. Other major routes come from Buendia, Lawton, Lagro and Fairview in QC. Bus terminals are generally concentrated in Pacita Complex:

Bus companies
Unless stated otherwise, most bus companies share a common terminal at Pacita Complex, though a couple few have their dedicated terminal buildings.

By car
If you came from NAIA, you can use the South Luzon Expressway. San Pedro is only served by a single exit that only serves as entry and exit southbound. Other alternatives are taking Alabang or Susana Heights/MCX Exit in Muntinlupa (if from Manila) or Southwoods Exit in Biñan (if from elsewhere to the south). National Highway (N1) parallels the South Luzon Expressway, but is always packed by local traffic and jeepneys. It is ill-advised to bring a car in most parts of San Pedro unless you have a GPS map.

By jeepney
Jeepneys serve San Pedro very well, and there are numerous routes through the city. Most routes through San Pedro emanate from Alabang including express service via Susana Heights Exit and via national rd (passing through Ayala mall southpark, Putatan, Muntinlupa City hall, Brgy.Poblacion) and Calamba City including express service via Carmona Exit and Via National rd (passing through city proper of Biñan, Sta. Rosa, Cabuyao). Major jeepney routes to San Pedro include:

 * Alabang-Biñan
 * Alabang-Calamba
 * Alabang-Carmona
 * Alabang-GMA.
 * Alabang-San Pedro (Brgy.Langgam)
 * Calamba City-San Pedro (Pacita Complex)
 * Calamba City-San Pedro (United)

Other Jeepney routes to San Pedro include:

 * Sucat (Parañaque)-Pacita Complex
 * Biñan-San Pedro
 * Sta. Rosa-San Pedro

By taxi
Taxis from Metro Manila also serve San Pedro, especially if you come from the airport, but beware of common scams. Grab and Go Lag taxi service operates in San Pedro.

By train
Philippine National Railways provide service to San Pedro, but only in the evening and early morning. There are two stations: San Pedro (in barangay San Vicente) and Pacita MG (in barangay Pacita I)

By minivan/FX
UV Express vans also serve San Pedro; possible drop-off points are in Southwoods (in Biñan) or Pacita Complex. Most of these vans come from Makati or Lipa. Other FX routes serves San Pedro from Festival Alabang, SM Southmall, Nuvali, Molino Bacoor, Cavite, and Pala-Pala in Dasmarinas, Cavite.

Get around
The major forms of public transportation are the tricycle and the jeepney.

See
Not much to see here, but if your lucky you can witness the Sampaguita Festival where we showcase one of our main product the sampaguita flower and also the Hiyas ng San Pedro which is a local beauty pageant that chooses the fairest and the wittiest among the city's young ladies.

Buy
Sampaguita Garland which is made from Sampaguita flower that has a very nice scent.

Eat
Fast food chains have their presence in the city, but more local experiences can be found anywhere. The best place for local fare from both Filipino and international cuisines is the commercial strip along Pacita Avenue.

Drink
There are many restaurants to choose from along National Road, Pacita Complex, Rosario complex, and Ynion Drive in brgy. San Antonio where you can enjoy local beers at affordable prices.

Sleep
There are only a few hotels around San Pedro. Rates vary from for the first 3 hours and pay an overtime fee every hour. You can also take advantage of other packages if you plan to stay longer like 12-hour or 24-hour stay. It would be better if you stay at hotels in neighboring cities, like in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, to ensure security, quality service and enjoy complete amenities.

Go next
Biñan, its larger southern neighbor, is reachable by a jeepney ride anywhere along the National Highway.

title: San Pedro (Laguna)