El Charco del Ingenio nature preserve is about 250 acres of a scenic canyon and wetlands; its name comes from the mysterious natural pool and spring at the bottom of the canyon. The nature preserve is the place to go to see plants indigenous to the highlands of Mexico. Hiking trails provide access to the beautiful canyon and excellent opportunities for bird watching

Within El Charco del Ingenio, a Botanical Garden has been developed dedicated to Mexican flora including over 850 species of cacti and succulents. The nature preserve and garden are owned and managed by a local non-profit organization, El Charco del Ingenio AC. El Charco del Ingenio provides environmental and conservational education, cultural programs, regional nature walks and various programs for children and adults.

Next to El Charco del Ingenio is a 50 acre ecological recreational area called Parque Landeta owned by the city, however, in 1993 the city granted the land to El carco de Ingenio and has since been integrated into the surrounding Ecological Preservation Zone. Parque Landeta serves as a recreational area with trails for hiking, horseback riding, biking and picnicing. Also a place where nature courses, "workshops, guided visits, meetings, camps, astronomical observations, races, concerts, dances, ceremonies and various festivities take place continuously, a reflection of the multicultural society of San Miguel de Allende." Admission is free. Dogs are allowed off-leash, except in the areas in which aquatic birds gather and nest - where their flocks can be easily observed.

El Charco del Ingenio: During the months of January, February and March, the park offers two tours a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10AM -12:30PM. Tickets are 40 pesos, children under 10 free, discounts for groups. Reservations are not necessary. Dogs must be on a leash and are restricted from many hiking trails.