Arrival Guide
Pre-arrival
Airports
Getting from the airport
- Private driver · $$$
- Efraín — English-speaking and familiar with the property. WhatsApp +52 415 103 5353
- Shared shuttle · $$
- BajioGo runs shared shuttles and private cars from all three airports
- First-class coach · $
- Primera Plus and ETN Turistar run from Mexico City's Terminal Central del Norte to San Miguel's bus station — spacious reclining seats, 3.5–4.5 hours. Primera Plus makes fewer stops. A taxi from the station to the meeting point takes about ten minutes.
Whichever you choose, book at least a week ahead.
A rental car is worth having for the greatest flexibility. Without one, our complimentary shuttle conveniently covers your arrival and departure days; for trips into town in between, we can arrange taxis, at roughly 600–800 MXN each way.
The packing list
Bring
- A light jacket — essential November to February
- Sun protection: the high desert sun is strong
- Comfortable shoes for uneven terrain
- A swimsuit for the pool
- A travel adapter (US/Mexican sockets)
- Cash in pesos for activities
Leave at home
- Hairdryers
- Hair straighteners
- Electric kettles
- Blenders
- Travel irons and garment steamers
- Space heaters
- Curling irons
- Anything else high-wattage — one appliance can take the whole system down. Everything you’ll need is already in the house
The kitchen
Equipped for simple, beautiful cooking. Fully off-grid, so there's no oven, microwave, or blender — plan around the gas stovetop.
Bring up anything else you'd like — coffee beans, wine, spices for a particular dish. Or rather be cooked for: a private chef comes up to the house, from a single candlelit dinner to every meal of your stay. Arrange with our private chef, Greta Ortega · WhatsApp +52 415 109 6033.
The off-grid house
- Power
- Solar. Outages are very rare — almost always a prohibited appliance. Lights and fans off when unused keeps the system healthy
- Sockets
- US/Mexican standard — bring a travel adapter
- Wi-Fi
- High-speed — video calls, remote work, streaming. A dedicated workspace
- Hot water
- Gas-heated, instant
- Pool
- Each house has its own pool. Solar-heated and open year-round. The temperature is mild rather than hot — this is a swimming pool, not a jacuzzi.
- Accessibility
- Not wheelchair accessible. Write to the house about mobility concerns — every effort will be made, including assistance for arrival
House rules
- The houses are designed for a maximum of two adult guests per house.
- Pets, children, parties, events, and additional visitors are not accommodated.
- The house is non-smoking.
Arrival day
Groceries
There are no shops, restaurants, or food delivery on the mountain — your grocery stop is built into the arrival route above, so it is your one chance to stock up. Draw cash in pesos while you're in town if you plan to book activities. Experiences are paid in cash to the providers directly. Most guests cook for themselves and enjoy the seclusion of the mountain.
Two methods of arrival
Casa Etérea has no searchable street address. Every arrival is coordinated with Selene, who guides the final stretch to the house.
Without a car
- Meeting point: Soriana San Miguel de Allende
- Buy all groceries before your arranged pick-up
- Confirm your arrival with Selene · WhatsApp +52 415 119 4511
- Our complimentary 4×4 shuttle collects you between 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm, and brings you back after checkout. The shuttle runs on arrival and departure days only. To get to town during your stay, self-drive or pre-book a taxi
With your own car
- First stop (recommended): City Market — the widest grocery selection, San Miguel's equivalent of Whole Foods
- Meeting point: Lavanda Aldea Holística — confirm your time with Selene · WhatsApp +52 415 119 4511
- Convoy — we guide you to the house, where you park directly in secure parking. Standard cars and SUVs are fine; only very low-clearance sports cars cannot use the road
- 4×4 shuttle — or leave your car in Lavanda's complimentary gated parking and ride up with us
Arrival times
- Check-in3:00 pm – 7:00 pm — before sunset is strongly recommended; the mountain road is unlit
- Late check-in7:00 pm – 8:00 pm, arranged in advance with Selene · 400 MXN
- After 8:00 pmNot practical on the unlit road — write ahead if your timing is tight
- Checkout10:00 am — the shuttle runs on your departure day as on arrival
Today's light
San Miguel time · live
Plan to be on the mountain road before this.
What we need
- Photo ID
- Government-issued, for each guest
- Security hold
- A temporary hold of USD 500 (MXN 10,000) is placed on your card on arrival. It is not a charge, and it is released at checkout.
- On arrival
- Selene walks you through the house and its systems, and collects the keys on your departure day
Who to contact
- Before your stay
- Instagram DM @casa_eterea — fastest way to reach us; we reply immediately
- Arrival & stay
- Selene · WhatsApp +52 415 119 4511
- Emergency
- Prashant · WhatsApp +33 749 60 33 22