Green Map San Miguel

CEDESA is a grassroots campesino organization addressing land and water issues, eco-technologies, organic farming and soil conservation, alternative and natural health, cooperative agricultural production, community marketing, and rural tourism. A day-trip tour visits their facilities in Dolores Hidalgo where they have model eco-technologies (rainwater harvesting systems, dry composting toilets, grey-water recycling and drip-irrigation) on site, then visits a rural community where these technologies have been implemented. The cost is $250 per person, plus transportation from San Miguel and interpreter services if needed, and includes an organic lunch and transportation to and from the community.

The mission of Instituto Tierra y Cal is to improve the quality of life in low-income and marginalized rural communities by providing training and ongoing technical assistance in the use of compressed earth block construction and other appropriate sustainable building and environmental technologies. Workshops on compressed earth (Earth Block) and sustainable building are are offered in various locations, including one near Atotonilco.

Ricardo and Angélica are committed to rescuing the cultural, historic, and community heritage of Guanajuato's haciendas to create opportunities for sustainable economic and social development. The 'Haciendas in the Heart of Mexico' tour explores three working haciendas near San Miguel de Allende: Hacienda Las Monjas, Hacienda San Juan Pan de Arriba, and Hacienda la Jaula. The tour is 900 pesos per person, which includes transportation, guide and meal. Tickets are available at the Biblioteca Publica on Sunday mornings before the House Tour or at the Teatro Santa Ana anytime before 3pm Tuesday.

Santuario Cañada de la Virgen is a nature preserve and organic cattle ranch surrounding the Cañada de Virgen archeological site. Profits from ecotourism fund projects to improve the environmental and economic sustainability of the local communities. Activities include horseback riding, camping, hiking, astronomy and meditation.

Vía Organica will host groups for eco-tourism/eco-agriculture activities including training in ecological agriculture and food processing techniques. (See Organic Consumers for english language agenda.)