San Francisco del Rincón

The climate in San Francisco del Rincón is classified as semi-warm and sub-humid, with pleasant temperatures throughout the year. The rainy season occurs in the summer, creating lush landscapes that surround the city.

This climate makes it an ideal destination for outdoor exploration and walks.

San Francisco del Rincón was officially founded on January 20, 1607, by a group of families of the Purépecha and Otomi settlers who had been granted land in the region.

Originally established near the Hacienda de Santiago, the town relocated in 1613 due to frequent flooding from the nearby river. During the colonial era, it functioned as a República de Indios, where locals managed their internal affairs under Spanish administrative oversight.

It was declared a villa (town) on September 6, 1865, and a city on March 27, 1867. Throughout its history, San Francisco del Rincón played a significant role in Mexico’s independence movement and the Cristero War.

The city also boasts a rich architectural heritage, with landmarks such as the Parish Church of Saint Francis, which was constructed over a century starting in the late 17th century, and the elegant Municipal Palace, completed in 1907.

Places to visit in San Francisco de Rincon

• Municipal Palace
• Parroquia de San Francisco
• Central Square
• Anillo de Hierro (Iron Ring)
• Plaza Peatonal (Pedestrian Plaza)
• St. Michael’s Square
• Atanasio Guerrero Market
• Glorieta del Obelisco
• Ex Glorieta del Tejedor (Weaver’s Roundabout)
• Train Station
• House of Culture

Stroll through the Central Square

The heart of the city is a picturesque central square surrounded by colonial architecture. Relax under the shade of its trees, admire the historic kiosk, and enjoy a traditional caramel-filled popsicle from a local vendor.

Parroquia de San Francisco

The construction of the San Francisco de Asís church began in 1694 and was completed in 1783, taking nearly 90 years. The iconic main tower, however, was not added until the 19th century.

Explore the hat and leather markets

San Francisco del Rincón is known as the “Hat Capital of Mexico”. Visit stores offering high-quality cowboy hats, dress hats, and leather goods. Don’t leave without picking up a handcrafted sombrero as a unique souvenir.

Visit the Iron Ring Museum (Museo Anillo de Hierro)

This small museum showcases the city’s rich history and cultural traditions, with exhibits highlighting local crafts, historical artifacts, and the region’s transformation over the centuries.

Dine at local eateries

After exploring the city, treat yourself to delicious Mexican cuisine.

The Plazarella shopping center offers dining options from pizza and wings to fresh salads. For seafood lovers, the city boasts restaurants, where visitors can enjoy shrimp cocktails, octopus dishes, and octopus popsicles.

The ex-hacienda and nearby Ojo de Agua are rich with history and charm, reflecting the area’s agricultural past.

Camino Viejo (Old Road) is a historic road with tales of the past etched into its stones, linking old towns and traditions.

The neighborhood of Guadalupe is a charming neighborhood known for its unique character and welcoming community.

Jalpa de Cánovas is a “Pueblo Magico”, located just 30 minutes away. Jalpa de Cánovas features a serene environment with charming streets, beautiful gardens, and historical landmarks like the old dams and walnut groves.

Hotel Hacienda San Cristóbal once was the family estate of former President Vicente Fox. This hacienda now serves as a luxury hotel and restaurant, offering a buffet and a glimpse into Mexico’s past.

Centro Fox is a museum and library focused on leadership and history, located near the Hotel Hacienda San Cristóbal.

Purísima del Rincón is another nearby town known for its ecological park, charming streets, and seasonal events like La Judea during Holy Week.

The Sombrero capital of the world. San Francisco del Rincón is the home of a tradition that is nearly two centuries old, justifying the claim by hat-makers that it’s the hat-making capital of the world.

The town has been a hat-making center for over 180 years. The product that was intended to shelter farm laborers from the noonday sun is now sold in stores throughout the American continent, Europe, and Oceania.

Sombreros are sometimes made out of straw but in San Francisco, they are made out of palma. The Palma was originally brought in from Michoacan but is now readily available in the area due to its cultivation there.

To this day, that production remains a mostly artisanal process. While machinery is employed in some steps, the skilled hands of the people of San Francisco, called San Pancho for short, are still a crucial part of the operation.

It is just a short 25 minutes minute drive from Leon.
Taxi price $10-$20

From Guanajuato city by bus will take 1 hour, and will cost $3-$12.
A shuttle bus will last just 47 minutes but will cost $65-$100.
By taxi: 47 minutes and $30-$45

Nearest towns are: Silao, Irapuato, Salamanca, Lagos de Moreno.