El Chorro and Lavaderos
A charming historical site with 18th-century laundry basins, a colorful chapel, and a peaceful ambiance, often frequented by local artists.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light for photos
El Chorro and Lavaderos
Best Time
Golden hour light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming historical site with 18th-century laundry basins, a colorful chapel, and a peaceful ambiance, often frequented by local artists.
"A peaceful and quiet place off the beaten path, offering a glimpse into history and a chance to see local art."
🚶♀️ Stroll from Benito Juárez Park
Enjoy a scenic walk through charming streets to reach El Chorro and Lavaderos.
🎨 Appreciate Local Art
Many artists display their work here; take time to admire and perhaps purchase a piece.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Lavaderos
El Chorro
Discover the 18th-century public laundry basins, a significant historical site offering a glimpse into the past.
Artistic Alleyways
Cobblestone streets around El Chorro
Wander through charming streets where local artists often set up their easels, creating a vibrant, open-air gallery.
Nocturnal Owls
Near Los Lavaderos
Experience the magic of owls perching on trees at night, a mesmerizing natural spectacle for visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Quiet Charm
Artistic Encounters & Nature's Wonders
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Stroll from Benito Juárez Park
Enjoy a scenic walk through charming streets to reach El Chorro and Lavaderos.
🎨 Appreciate Local Art
Many artists display their work here; take time to admire and perhaps purchase a piece.
🦉 Nighttime Owl Watch
If you're lucky, you might spot the resident owls after dusk.
📸 Capture the Vistas
The winding streets and colorful chapel offer stunning photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Stroll from Benito Juárez Park
Enjoy a scenic walk through charming streets to reach El Chorro and Lavaderos.
🎨 Appreciate Local Art
Many artists display their work here; take time to admire and perhaps purchase a piece.
🦉 Nighttime Owl Watch
If you're lucky, you might spot the resident owls after dusk.
📸 Capture the Vistas
The winding streets and colorful chapel offer stunning photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate El Chorro and Lavaderos for its historical significance and peaceful atmosphere, noting the charm of the colonial chapel and old laundry basins. The presence of local artists and the unique opportunity to spot owls at night are frequently highlighted as special draws. Some find the site itself small, but recommend it for the enjoyable walk and the overall ambiance of the surrounding streets.
"Nice colorful building, which I understand used to be used for locals to wash their clothes, though I didn't see anything in that respect. There's a tiny library and small two room gallery with some nice painting. It is peaceful and quiet place off the beaten path."
Nas Lo
"Casa Sierra Nevada has this area as a part of their properties. We attended a wedding there and it was gorgeous. The perfect place to have a cocktail hour, have the ceremony, walk down the stairs to the main area where the dance floor and gorgeous tent, lighting and tables were all set up. It was exquisite and we had the best time! Service was excellent and so was the food."
Summer Sandberg Bonaker
"I recently visited this magical spot in San Miguel de Allende, and it was truly a special experience. I stopped by Los Lavaderos, and while they are lovely, what captivated me the most were the owls that perch on the tree in the space at night—a mesmerizing sight.
I recommend walking from Benito Juárez Park and making your way to Los Lavaderos. While there isn’t much to see at the site itself, the walk around the park and through the charming streets of San Miguel de Allende is absolutely rewarding."
Elioth Zuazo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most recommended way to reach El Chorro and Lavaderos is by taking a leisurely stroll from Benito Juárez Park. The walk itself is part of the experience, leading you through charming cobblestone streets and offering visually stunning vistas. You can also explore streets like Calle Chorro, known for its winding nature, which leads to this restful area.
While you can drive to the general vicinity, parking in the narrow, winding streets of San Miguel de Allende can be challenging. Walking is generally preferred to fully appreciate the area and avoid parking hassles.
Wandering along the many narrow pathways is highly recommended. Consider walking along Canadas de los Aguacates street to discover further scenic routes and photo opportunities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee to visit El Chorro and Lavaderos. It is a public historical site and a charming area to explore freely.
El Chorro and Lavaderos are accessible at all times as it's an outdoor historical site and public space. However, for the best experience, consider visiting during daylight hours for art viewing and exploring the streets.
Yes, you can visit El Chorro and Lavaderos at night. It's a popular time for spotting the resident owls, offering a unique and magical experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The colorful chapel, the historic laundry basins, and the winding cobblestone streets all offer excellent photographic opportunities. The interplay of light and shadow on the colonial architecture is particularly striking.
Yes, many artists frequent the area and paint en plein air. It's generally acceptable to photograph them from a respectful distance, but it's always polite to ask for permission first.
Late afternoons, during the golden hour, provide beautiful, soft light that enhances the colors and textures of the architecture.
🎫 🌿 Nature & Wildlife
The most notable wildlife are the owls that often perch on the trees in the area at night. This offers a unique opportunity for nature enthusiasts.
The owls are most commonly spotted in the evenings, after dusk. It's a magical experience to witness them in their natural habitat.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't specific playgrounds, the area is safe for walking, and the presence of artists might interest older children. If visiting in the evening, the chance to spot owls could be a magical experience for younger ones, turning a simple walk into a mini wildlife adventure.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Beyond the painters, the colonial architecture itself is a work of art. The colorful chapel and the intricate details of the historic Lavaderos offer ample inspiration. The winding streets provide a picturesque backdrop, perfect for capturing artistic photographs or simply soaking in the aesthetic charm of San Miguel de Allende.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of El Chorro and Lavaderos
The area is also characterized by the colorful Spanish-colonial chapel and the charming, cobblestone streets that surround it. These elements contribute to the picturesque and tranquil atmosphere that visitors experience today. The site's historical importance is recognized, offering a tangible connection to the past.
While the building itself is appreciated for its historical context, the true value lies in understanding its past function and its place in the community's history. It's a reminder of how daily life has evolved, preserving a piece of local heritage.
Artistic Vibrancy and Natural Encounters
Adding to the area's allure is a fascinating natural phenomenon: the presence of resident owls. These nocturnal birds often perch on the trees nearby, offering a mesmerizing sight for those who visit in the evening. This blend of human creativity and natural wonder makes El Chorro and Lavaderos a truly special destination.
Visitors are encouraged to take their time exploring the winding streets, appreciating both the artistic talent on display and the chance to connect with the local wildlife. It's a place where history, art, and nature converge beautifully.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit