El Charco del Ingenio, (the name comes from the natural spring and pool nestled within canyon walls), is a special place located on the outskirts of San Miguel. It is a privately funded ecological reserve and botanical garden dedicated to restoring and preserving Mexican flora and encouraging endangered wildlife to flourish. The extensive grounds house a Conservatory of Mexican plants, with particular emphasis on cacti and succulents; a nursery where one can purchase plants; remains of colonial aqueducts and a historic reservoir that is home to native and migratory birds. All this is linked by a network of paths that are ideal for biking and walking, with wonderful views of the town, river valley and distant mountains. The paths also allow access for rock climbing on the canyon walls and wonderful opportunities for birding. And if that weren’t enough, an adjacent Nature Park provides grounds for picnicking and horseback riding. www.laneta.apc.org/charco.
