“This place is one of the few springs, if not the last spring in San Miguel.
The name of the botanical gardens comes from this very beautiful pond; where the water flows through the canyon,”
Cesar Arias de la Canal, Founder

On the outskirts of San Miguel lies a unexpected treasure, El Charco del Ingenio, a botanical garden and ecological preserve covering more than 250 acres. Now, if you think that botanical gardens equals boring, then El Charco will come as a pleasant surprise; it offers a diverse range of things to see and do.

El Charco del Ingenio takes its name from a natural spring and pool, nestled in an impressive, wooded ravine that is the heart of the reserve. Above the canyon lies Las Colonias Reservoir, a turn of the century dam, and rolling acres of semi-arid chaparral. On the eastern edge lies the public Parque Landeta and to the west the high canyon walls open to magnificent views of San Miguel, the wide valley of the Laja River and the distant Guanajuato Mountains.

Strewn amongst the boulders and scrub are reminders of the past. An aqueduct that once carried water from the dam to La Aurora textile factory (over 1 km. away) runs along the canyon walls, and crumbling stones are all that is left of a colonial watermill and 18th century hacienda.

Of the more recent construction, it is the Conservatory of Mexican Plants that is the soul of the gardens. The greenhouse, and its adjacent Agave Garden, are home to an extensive collection of plants from all corners of México, many of which are rare or in danger of extinction. The plants, mainly cacti and succulents, have been gathered over the years to conserve and protect Mexico’s natural and genetic diversity. The grounds also include the Plaza of the Four Winds (a ceremonial space) and the Visitor’s Center (with a gift shop and café), All is linked by a network of paths that are ideal for walking, running or mountain bikes. They also allow access for rock climbing on the canyon walls and exciting opportunities for birding by the reservoir’s wetlands, a habitat for over 150 species of native and migratory birds. Landeta Park also offers facilities for picnicking, horseback riding and camping.

El Charco is the site for a wide range of group activities: concerts, dances, ceremonies, classes, lectures, meetings and workshops. Every month, on the weekend closest to the full moon, they host a temascal, a ritual and curative sweat-lodge ceremony using aromatic herbs and steam.

El Charco del Ingenio was founded in 1990 to rescue and protect an area of outstanding natural beauty from the urban expansion of San Miguel. Today, the garden offers something for all: it is a natural monument, historical site, wildlife habitat, botanical collection, educational resource, community gathering place and a wonderful recreational spot; well worth a day’s visit.

Daily from sunrise to sunset. Conservatory – 9 am. to 5 pm.
Admission 40 pesos. Children under 10 free. Student & group discounts
www.elcharco.org.mx