El Charco del Ingenio is an extensive desert botanical garden on the north side of San Miguel de Allende. It is a non profit effort to conserve and restore a ravine and its surrounding area. In 2004 it was consecrated as a Peace Zone by the 14th Dalai Lama. Within its confines are a 19th century dam, numerous paths that lead to an assortment of ruins and numerous other structures, gardens, ceremonial space, sculptures, a gift shop, and an informational center. It is also a refuge for numerous forms of wildlife including one of the best areas in central Mexico for birding. Below you can see the canyon that runs through.
The Plaza of the Four Winds was built upon the opening of El Charco to commemorate the total eclipse of 1991 at the founding of the garden. The Plaza is a ceremonial space inspired by Toltec-Chichimeca codes. Apologies for the poor sun-soaked quality of the photos
Below you see a labyrinthine monument that wasn’t built until 2015. It is named the Starship Monument, but I do not know why.
Another interesting ethno-cultural structure is the suchil, which I will let you read about below.
There are several other structures that date back into the 19th century. They are designated ruins as they are very much showing the weathered effects of time. But, I think that is enough pictures. Until you come to San Miguel you will have to trust me that there is plenty more to see at El Charco.
Discover more from Chiropractic Life Center
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
I loved my birding time at El Charco. I visited 2 or 3 times in two weeks and acquired a nice list of birds including my favorite roadrunner! I met a fellow birder from Great Falls, Mt there and we talked about the Montana birding festival happening in June. So fun, we met up at the Festival in Helena and had a nice time together! Traveling is so much fun, small world sometimes!
Thanks for the wonderful writing and pics!
AHA! I was right. I Was thinking about you when i wrote this entry. It seemed so obvious. We did not see a road runner. Only a week here remains, on to OAxaca.
The area, is quite beautiful and has a historic element that dates back centuries
You really pick some incredible places to visit and the pictures expand the imagination of the area and its history
Keep having fun rainy day here, about 50degrees
Thinking of you when writing about the Plaza. It was a bit of an educational trek.
Really interesting information and pretty pictures.