Mexico
Exploring San Miguel de Allende
Program No. 17262RJ
Discover one of Mexico’s most artistic cities as you join experts to explore San Miguel de Allende’s magnificent architecture, local crafts markets and historic center.
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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
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Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Mar 31 - Apr 7, 2025
Starting at
2,799DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Jan 6 - Jan 13, 2025
Starting at
3,459Feb 10 - Feb 17, 2025
Starting at
3,459Feb 24 - Mar 3, 2025
Starting at
3,459Mar 17 - Mar 24, 2025
Starting at
3,459Mar 31 - Apr 7, 2025
Starting at
3,459Not seeing the date you're looking for?
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
8 days
7 nights
16 meals
7B 5L 4D
1
Arrive, Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner
San Miguel de Allende, Gto.
2
Orientation, History of SMDA, Downtown San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende, Gto.
3
Atotonilco & Dolores Hidalgo
San Miguel de Allende, Gto.
4
Cañada de la Virgen Field Trip, Agustin Gonzales Village
San Miguel de Allende, Gto.
5
Charco del Ingenio, Food of San Miguel
San Miguel de Allende, Gto.
6
Free Time
San Miguel de Allende, Gto.
8
Program Concludes
Guanjuato, Gto
At a Glance
Considered a national monument in Mexico, San Miguel de Allende is a nostalgic, uncommonly beautiful throwback to the Mexico of a more romantic era. Originally called San Miguel el Grande and founded by a 16th-century Spanish friar, the city’s magnificent colonial buildings, combining baroque and neoclassical elements, offer clear examples of an eclectic mix of architectural styles that has evolved over five centuries. Get to the heart of this handsome, tranquil city with is varied architecture, meandering cobblestone streets and deep-set traditions and culture.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Extensive walking on uneven terrain, narrow cobblestone streets, steps. Elevations up to 7,000 feet.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Visit the archaeological site Cañada de la Virgen, a pre-Hispanic site known for its impressive structures and ceremonial significance that dates back to the Late Preclassic Period.
- Visit El Charco del Ingenio Ecological Park to learn of encroaching urban sprawl.
- Understand local art, architecture and ways of life as expressions of the culture and history of the region where the Mexican War of Independence began.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Sylvia Sanchez
Born and raised in Guadalajara, Sylvia Ruiz was never far from the cultural milieu that defines her birthplace. She chose to pursue a degree in tourism and business administration at the University of Guadalajara. Sylvia worked for the Jalisco Department of Tourism before attending Cochise College in Arizona to pursue a degree in international business communications. After graduating, she began working with Road Scholar at Geronimo Educational Travel and Studies and is now Geronimo’s vice president of international programs.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Sylvia Sanchez
View biography
Born and raised in Guadalajara, Sylvia Ruiz was never far from the cultural milieu that defines her birthplace. She chose to pursue a degree in tourism and business administration at the University of Guadalajara. Sylvia worked for the Jalisco Department of Tourism before attending Cochise College in Arizona to pursue a degree in international business communications. After graduating, she began working with Road Scholar at Geronimo Educational Travel and Studies and is now Geronimo’s vice president of international programs.
Arturo Vertiz
View biography
Arturo Vertiz knew from an early age that he wanted to work in the travel industry, focusing on learning English and French in school. Graduating with a degree in tourism and business administration, he worked in the hotel industry before founding his own travel agency. Arturo’s greatest honor was being chosen to manage the housing complex for athletes participating in the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara. As a Group Leader and a Mexican national, Arturo loves interacting with visitors in search of learning experiences.
Haydee de Hoyos
View biography
Originally from the northern state of Sonora, Haydee de Hoyos learned English through her interest in American television, especially “Sesame Street.” Her affinity for American culture led her to pursue a career in the travel industry with a degree in tourism and business form the University of Guadalajara. Haydee has worked for Geronimo for more than 20 years and served as a Group Leader on programs focusing on art, culture, history, the environment and Mexican cuisine, developing an encyclopedia of knowledge of all things Mexico.
Suggested Reading List
(9 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Exploring San Miguel de Allende
Program Number: 17262
Conquest: Montezuma, Cortéz and the Fall of Old Mexico
Letters from Mexico
The Wind that Swept Mexico: The History of the Mexican Revolution of 1910-1942
The Forging of the Cosmic Race: A Reinterpretation of Colonial Mexico
Mexico: From the Olmecs to the Aztecs
Distant Neighbors: A Portrait of the Mexicans
The Course of Mexican History
Mexico: Biography of Power, A History of Modern Mexico, 1810-1996
The Aztecs, Maya and their Predecessors: Archaeology of Mesoamerica
Program
At a Glance
Duration
8 days
Program Begins
San Miguel de Allende, Gto.
Program Concludes
Guanjuato, Gto
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
16
| 7B |
5L |
4D |
Activity Level
Considered a national monument in Mexico, San Miguel de Allende is a nostalgic, uncommonly beautiful throwback to the Mexico of a more romantic era. Originally called San Miguel el Grande and founded by a 16th-century Spanish friar, the city’s magnificent colonial buildings, combining baroque and neoclassical elements, offer clear examples of an eclectic mix of architectural styles that has evolved over five centuries. Get to the heart of this handsome, tranquil city with is varied architecture, meandering cobblestone streets and deep-set traditions and culture.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Visit the archaeological site Cañada de la Virgen, a pre-Hispanic site known for its impressive structures and ceremonial significance that dates back to the Late Preclassic Period.
- Visit El Charco del Ingenio Ecological Park to learn of encroaching urban sprawl.
- Understand local art, architecture and ways of life as expressions of the culture and history of the region where the Mexican War of Independence began.
Featured Expert
Sylvia Sanchez
Born and raised in Guadalajara, Sylvia Ruiz was never far from the cultural milieu that defines her birthplace. She chose to pursue a degree in tourism and business administration at the University of Guadalajara. Sylvia worked for the Jalisco Department of Tourism before attending Cochise College in Arizona to pursue a degree in international business communications. After graduating, she began working with Road Scholar at Geronimo Educational Travel and Studies and is now Geronimo’s vice president of international programs.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Arturo Vertiz
Arturo Vertiz knew from an early age that he wanted to work in the travel industry, focusing on learning English and French in school. Graduating with a degree in tourism and business administration, he worked in the hotel industry before founding his own travel agency. Arturo’s greatest honor was being chosen to manage the housing complex for athletes participating in the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara. As a Group Leader and a Mexican national, Arturo loves interacting with visitors in search of learning experiences.
Haydee de Hoyos
Originally from the northern state of Sonora, Haydee de Hoyos learned English through her interest in American television, especially “Sesame Street.” Her affinity for American culture led her to pursue a career in the travel industry with a degree in tourism and business form the University of Guadalajara. Haydee has worked for Geronimo for more than 20 years and served as a Group Leader on programs focusing on art, culture, history, the environment and Mexican cuisine, developing an encyclopedia of knowledge of all things Mexico.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Extensive walking on uneven terrain, narrow cobblestone streets, steps. Elevations up to 7,000 feet.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(9 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
Year
- 2025
Date and Direction
- Jan 06 - Jan 13 (San Miguel de Allende, Gto. to Guanjuato, Gto)
- Feb 10 - Feb 17 (San Miguel de Allende, Gto. to Guanjuato, Gto)
- Feb 24 - Mar 03 (San Miguel de Allende, Gto. to Guanjuato, Gto)
- Mar 17 - Mar 24 (San Miguel de Allende, Gto. to Guanjuato, Gto)
- Mar 31 - Apr 07 (San Miguel de Allende, Gto. to Guanjuato, Gto)
- Apr 21 - Apr 28 (San Miguel de Allende, Gto. to Guanjuato, Gto)
- Sep 22 - Sep 29 (San Miguel de Allende, Gto. to Guanjuato, Gto)
- Oct 06 - Oct 13 (San Miguel de Allende, Gto. to Guanjuato, Gto)
- Nov 03 - Nov 10 (San Miguel de Allende, Gto. to Guanjuato, Gto)
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
- 2025
- Jan 06 - Jan 13 (San Miguel de Allende, Gto. to Guanjuato, Gto)
- Feb 10 - Feb 17 (San Miguel de Allende, Gto. to Guanjuato, Gto)
- Feb 24 - Mar 03 (San Miguel de Allende, Gto. to Guanjuato, Gto)
- Mar 17 - Mar 24 (San Miguel de Allende, Gto. to Guanjuato, Gto)
- Mar 31 - Apr 07 (San Miguel de Allende, Gto. to Guanjuato, Gto)
- Apr 21 - Apr 28 (San Miguel de Allende, Gto. to Guanjuato, Gto)
- Sep 22 - Sep 29 (San Miguel de Allende, Gto. to Guanjuato, Gto)
- Oct 06 - Oct 13 (San Miguel de Allende, Gto. to Guanjuato, Gto)
- Nov 03 - Nov 10 (San Miguel de Allende, Gto. to Guanjuato, Gto)
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
8 days
7 nights
What's Included
16 meals | 7B | 5L | 4D |
4 expert-led lectures
9 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
7 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Arrive, Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner
Location:
San Miguel de Allende, Gto.
Meals:
D
Stay:
Posada de La Aldea
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Driving approx. 60 miles; about 1.5 hours.
Afternoon:
After clearing Customs and Immigration, proceed to the arrivals hall and meet our Group Leaders who will be holding a Road Scholar sign. When everyone has arrived, we will board a bus and begin transfer to our hotel around 5:00 p.m. After arriving at the hotel, checking in and getting your room, take some time to unpack, freshen up, and relax.
Dinner:
In the hotel restaurant, we’ll enjoy a plated welcome dinner featuring Mexican and international cuisine with a variety of salads, soups, main dishes, and dessert, plus coffee, tea, fruit water, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the days ahead.
Day
2
Orientation, History of SMDA, Downtown San Miguel de Allende
Location:
San Miguel de Allende, Gto.
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Posada de La Aldea
Activity Note
Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; cobblestone streets. Taxis available at your own cost.
Breakfast:
At the hotel, enjoy a buffet featuring Mexican and international cuisine including a variety of hot dishes, bread, pastries, yogurt, fruit, plus coffee, tea, juice, water.
Morning:
Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. All transportation will be provided via bus unless specified otherwise. Instructors will conduct all sessions in the classroom; a certified expert will lead field trips and excursions. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We’ll then be joined by our instructor for a lecture to learn about the history of San Miguel de Allende, a colonial silver trade city and birthplace of Ignacio Allende, a captain in the Spanish army who sympathized with the Mexican cause and was a vital figure in the War of Independence. In the mid-20th century the town was revitalized by domestic and foreign artists; who were interested in its colonial architecture. With our newly acquired knowledge, we will then set out on a walking field trip with a local expert to downtown San Miguel de Allende, including a visit to the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel, an emblem of the city with its neo-gothic facade and tall towers, which can be seen across the town. With our local expert, we’ll go inside to see the oil paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries, a large German organ brought in in the mid 19th century and carvings of saints including one of St. Miguel Arcangel.
Lunch:
At local restaurant, we will have a plated meal featuring a local specialty, plus coffee, tea, fruit water, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We will walk with a local expert to Museo Casa de Don Ignacio Allende y Unzaga. The actual family home where Ignacio Allende was born, this preserved house from the early 1800s was bought by the state government and turned into a museum to display information on the beginning of the armed conflict for independence of Mexico. Along with valuable historical, social, and cultural context of the time San Miguel lived through, some sections of the museum also show how important San Miguel de Allende is as industrial and commercial center. Next, we will continue on our expert-led walk to Plaza Civica, which used to be the main market place and square in San Miguel de Allende. On the edge of the plaza is the Church of our Lady of Health, built in 1735 Baroque style and has indigenous influence. We’ll gather at our private meeting room for a social hour, an opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant, we’ll have a plated dinner consisting of a 3-course meal including dessert, plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
3
Atotonilco & Dolores Hidalgo
Location:
San Miguel de Allende, Gto.
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Posada de La Aldea
Activity Note
Walking up to 1 mile throughout the day; periods of standing in museum up to 1 hour. Driving about 28 miles one way; approx. 1 hour.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
Heading out via motorcoach, we will transfer to the city of Dolores Hidalgo, known as the Cradle of Independence, for a field trip. Upon arrival, we will visit the church where Father Hidalgo rang his bell and gave the call to arms known as the Grito de Dolores (Cry of Dolores), which marked the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence on September 16, 1810. Afterwards, we will continue to Antotonilco where we will visit the Sanctuary of Atotonilco. Nicknamed the “Sistine Chapel of Mexico,” it was built in the 18th century after a priest had a vision of Jesus. The complex is known for its rich Mexican Baroque murals completed by Antonio Martinez de Pocasangre over three decades. Colorful and ornate on the inside, in 2008 it became an UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is still used as a place of religious worship.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant, we will have a plated meal featuring a local specialty, plus coffee, tea, fruit water, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
After lunch we will visit the UNESCO site which is the local chapel. We will also visit the Independence Museum near the church to admire artifacts, paintings, and murals related to the independence movement. As we return to the San Miguel de Allende, we will make a stop to visit La Fabrica de la Aurora, this is an art and design center that is home to local artists and craft studios ranging from antiques and jewelry to furniture and textiles. While here we'll explore and enjoy the center as a group, visiting its working artist studios, contemporary art galleries, ageless antiques, unique furniture, textiles and home goods, designer jewelry and clothing, and gourmet restaurants and cafes. After a while, take some time to look around independently. We will then continue to our hotel. Once we are back at the hotel, we will gather with our instructor. We’ll learn about the excavation of the Otomi archaeological site, Cañada de la Virgen. Through a slide show with photographs of the site we will visit tomorrow, we will learn in detail about the excavation and the artifacts that were found there.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like in San Miguel de Allende. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Cañada de la Virgen Field Trip, Agustin Gonzales Village
Location:
San Miguel de Allende, Gto.
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Posada de La Aldea
Activity Note
Walking up to 2.5 miles throughout the day; uneven terrain. Driving approx. 20 miles; about 1 hour one way.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We will board the bus to go to the Otomi archaeological site where our expert will teach us about the seven architectonic structures that form sunken patios, ball game court, square, esplanades and the road of this pre-Hispanic settlement. We’ll then make our way to Agustin Gonzales Village.
Lunch:
At Agustin Gonzales Village, we’ll enjoy a buffet style Mexican luncheon with fruit water included.
Afternoon:
We’ll then have the opportunity to expand our knowledge of the local culture that has existed in the highlands of central Mexico for well over a thousand years. Many visitors to San Miguel de Allende and la Canada de la Virgen leave without realizing that the Otomi culture is alive and well in the 21st century, and that a vibrant Otomi community exists nearby the archaeological site, at the village of Agustin Gonzalez. There, a women’s cooperative of rug-hookers has gained distinction not only for their colorful carpets but also for their efforts in preserving the history, art, music and folk-ways of their people. Each rug from the cooperative is a work of art, detailing many aspects of daily life in the village. Proceeds from rug sales go toward medical care, food and the education of village children. We'll then continue to our hotel. We will meet a the our classroom for a lecture on Pre-Hispanic cultures.Your instructor will make a presentation of the cultures that inhabited this area prior to the colonization. Learn about the food production, construction of temples and artifacts, religious rites and many other interest subjects related to the groups before the arrival of the Spaniards into Mexico.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Charco del Ingenio, Food of San Miguel
Location:
San Miguel de Allende, Gto.
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Posada de La Aldea
Activity Note
Walk up to 3 miles throughout the day; periods of standing at gallery up to 1 hour. Minimal driving.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
After breakfast, we will travel to Charco del Ingenio Ecological Park for a field trip led by a park expert. Walking along the greenery-lined trails, we’ll learn about the various species of local cacti while spotting local wildlife. After years of petitions from several local organizations and administrations, the park became a Natural Protected Area in 2006 with a goal of mitigating the urban footprint and maintaining the natural environment. Afterwards, we’ll transfer to Downtown San Miguel de Allende
Lunch:
Lunch will be during the culinary journey, an opportunity to sample different regional dishes. The group will make stops at local restaurants where they will eat a variety of dishes including drinks and desserts.
Afternoon:
We’ll spend the afternoon downtown on a culinary journey featuring several tasting locations specifically chosen to highlight the best of the regional flavors San Miguel has to offer. An appetizing opportunity to experience the Mexican culture through its food. We’ll then return to the hotel.
Dinner:
On you own to enjoy what you like.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Free Time
Location:
San Miguel de Allende, Gto.
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Posada de La Aldea
Activity Note
Free day; activity level dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
After breakfast we will gather for another lecture focused on San Miguel de Allende Lifestyle: During this presentation your instructor will cover the American Community in San Miguel de Allende, the medical services, cost of living, the most important cultural events among several other subjects. You will leave the classroom with great knowledge on how the America Citizens live in this place, and why they chose San Miguel de Allende to retire. br> Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like in San Miguel de Allende. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Enjoy a three course dinner with coffee, water, tea; other beverages available for purchase
Evening:
At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
7
Transfer to Guanajuato, Juarez Theater, Diego Rivera Museum
Location:
Guanjuato, Gto
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Ex-Hacienda San Xavier
Activity Note
Driving approx. 35 miles; about 1 hour. Walking up to 1 mile throughout the day; paved sidewalks.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We’ll then board our bus for transfer to Guanajuato and, once we arrive, we will enjoy the view from a lovely lookout over Guanajuato. While here, a local expert will point out and explain the importance of the historic buildings below, such as Universidad de Guanajuato, Teatro Juarez, and la Iglesia de la Compañia, among others. We’ll admire the variety of colors of the traditional colonial homes against the green hills.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant, we’ll have a delicious plated 3-course meal featuring Mexican cuisine with soup, a main dish, and dessert, plus soft drinks, coffee, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
Walking across the street from the restaurant, we’ll visit Juarez Theater which, since its inauguration in 1903, has been the center and the headquarters of the most important artistic events in the city. We’ll see the majestic and splendid interior led by our local expert while learning about the history, architecture, and unique decorations of this magnificent theater. Continuing with our expert, we’ll walk to the Museo Casa Diego Rivera where our local expert will explain the importance of the most significant works before allowing time for independent exploration of the museum. As the house where Diego Rivera was born, it is now a museum displaying the collection of Marte R. Gomez with work realized from Diego's early years until 1956, just one year before his death. Born in 1886 in Guanajuato, Diego Rivera began to take classes at the Academy of San Carlos at the age of ten. By the age of twenty, he had more than two dozen works at the Academy's annual exhibition and received a grant to go study in Europe. Returning to Mexico, his early works followed Mexican society and dealt with the Mexican Revolution, with his style expanding to include Maya and Aztec influence. Twenty years his younger, he married Frida Kahlo in 1929, to whom he remained married for ten years. We’ll then check into the hotel.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a farewell plated dinner, plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase. Share some of your favorite experiences from the program with new Road Scholar friends.
Evening:
We’ll then gather with our Group Leader for a program review and discuss transportation for the conclusion of the program. The remainder of the evening will be at leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.
Day
8
Program Concludes
Location:
Guanjuato, Gto
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 1:00 p.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
16 Meals
7 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
4 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Jan 06, 2025 - Jan 13, 2025
- Jan 06, 2025 - Jan 13, 2025 (San Miguel de Allende, Gto. to Guanjuato, Gto)
- Feb 10, 2025 - Feb 17, 2025 (San Miguel de Allende, Gto. to Guanjuato, Gto)
- Feb 24, 2025 - Mar 03, 2025 (San Miguel de Allende, Gto. to Guanjuato, Gto)
- Mar 17, 2025 - Mar 24, 2025 (San Miguel de Allende, Gto. to Guanjuato, Gto)
- Mar 31, 2025 - Apr 07, 2025 (San Miguel de Allende, Gto. to Guanjuato, Gto)
- Apr 21, 2025 - Apr 28, 2025 (San Miguel de Allende, Gto. to Guanjuato, Gto)
- Sep 22, 2025 - Sep 29, 2025 (San Miguel de Allende, Gto. to Guanjuato, Gto)
- Oct 06, 2025 - Oct 13, 2025 (San Miguel de Allende, Gto. to Guanjuato, Gto)
- Nov 03, 2025 - Nov 10, 2025 (San Miguel de Allende, Gto. to Guanjuato, Gto)
Participant Reviews
Based on 23 Reviews
Sort By:
Very good educational tour to one of the more beautiful and historically significant parts of Mexico
— Review left September 10, 2024
Our guide Hayee and her assistant Marina were great. But the tour did not take us to many of the more interesting places in and around San Miguel de Allende, and there were no performances of any kind. And more than half of us got sick (several requiring medical assistance, and one needing a long hospitalization). So something was very wrong with the food provided to us.
— Review left March 28, 2024
A charming city, worth making the trip to learn about the expat life there. Be prepared for walking uphill on cobblestones and arid paths .
— Review left March 22, 2024
I highly recommend this program to anyone with an interest in history and other cultures!
— Review left March 13, 2024
Wow! This program was a life changing experience. I now know that as I near retirement I will travel with Road Scholar again for the people and tours that are in place. It was a fantastic trip.
— Review left March 5, 2024
The San Miguel de Allende program was wonderful! It was full of learning about the sights & the culture of this lovely area of Mexico! Sylvia Sanchez, our group leader, was warm, welcoming & knowledgeable. We totally enjoyed our Road Scholar experience in Mexico!
— Review left December 7, 2023
Fascinating trip full of history, lovely sights, great food and some fun market shopping!
— Review left November 22, 2023
The trip to San Miguel de Allende in Mexico was fabulous! Our guides Sylvia and Beatrix made it a wonderful trip. There were educational lectures to help us understand our surroundings, and many varied field trips that introduced us so well to the area. And each restaurant was better than the next. Go to San Miguel!!
— Review left May 25, 2023
Sylvia and Beatriz were great group leaders and kept everything running smoothly. The itinerary was varied and interesting. The food was wonderful.
— Review left May 11, 2023
This was my first RS trip and it was above my expectations! Our guides, Sylvia and Beatrix, gave us a flawless, rich experience of SMA, its history and surrounding areas. Many thanks to both of them! I highly recommend this trip!
— Review left May 7, 2023
Just home and recollecting all the wonderful experiences we shared with great group of fellow travelers to San Miguel de Allende. If you want a safe immersive experience that introduces you to real Mexico with all its history, colonial Spanish architecture, ancient ruins, the beauty of semi-arid climate, great restaurants, curiosity of expatriate community who have chosen to live in this unique community far-far from beach resorts - take this trip. Within 8 days one’s understanding of Mexico is broadened and pre-conceptions based on newspaper headlines is replaced with welcoming meaningful experiences. Kathy & Bill Ponko Mishawaka IN.
— Review left March 22, 2023
Great location, we will be back to this town in the future!
— Review left February 22, 2023
This trip is great but really be able to "keep the pace". The surfaces you walk on are seldom smooth and there are steps. Also, there is a "walk" with an archeologist to a pyramid which is absolutely wonderful. But....I had a hard time making it up and down and several participants didn't even try.
— Review left February 16, 2023
This is a wonderful program in a beautiful city. I learned so much about Mexican culture and enjoyed fantastic food. I look forward to going back to San Miguel de Allende.
— Review left January 23, 2023
The program was very educational and delightful to attend. The lodgings were nice and the food was very good and typical to the area being visited. The program was well done. I felt safe and well taken care of. Only applause to the organizers and leaders.
— Review left September 27, 2022
This was a well prepared, highly enjoyable program about the historical richness, cultural diversity, artistic wealth, and stunning beauty of central Mexico. The program was greatly enhanced by the outstanding work of our group leaders, Sylvia and Marina! --Dr. Frank Rink
— Review left September 27, 2022
Visiting San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato fulfilled a long-time wish. Guanajuato, though less known, was lively and wonderful with street markets, people-watching, palatial accommodations. San Miguel is a historic and artistic center. Beware: be physically in great shape, for altitude, heat, steep walks, and uneven cobblestone streets which make falling an easy hazard.
— Review left May 3, 2022
I always wanted to see San Miguel de Allende for a week or longer! Thanks to RS both were possible. The tour leaders, Arturo and Roberto were wonderful. The lectures and destinations were well planned. Friends just returned based on my recommendation. I warned them that the hotel was basic but clean with no bar, breakfasts were acceptable but not great. The first night's meal at the hotel was bland and disappointing. I thought maybe it was simple so everyone could get to bed and get ready for the upcoming itinerary.
Unfortunately several meals were mediocre and one was terrible. I assumed RS made some changes. It sounds like they did not. My friends were very disappointed. We know there are fabulous restaurants as we thoroughly enjoyed our two free nights to choose our restaurant. I will contact RS with my review of each included restaurant. RS, time to revamp your included restaurants.
review updated january 2023.
— Review left April 2, 2022
This was a wonderful trip with people I had a lot in common with. It was both fun and educational. The Guides and Leaders were so helpful and friendly to interact with. San Miguel is full of art and culture. Guanajuato is a jubilant, colorful town. I have been to these Mexican towns before but was introduced to new and educational experiences and saw the towns in a new way.
— Review left February 16, 2022
good to browse
— Review left February 20, 2020
My first Road Scholar trip. I was impressed with the quality of the program, its organization, the leaders and guides. Also with the quality of the other travelers. We had a great group of people. I enjoyed meeting and traveling with them. Tom G.
— Review left December 12, 2019
This program is as good as it gets: lovely accommodation, terrific choice of field trips, helpful lectures after breakfast and before the field trips, excellent guides. Not to be missed.
— Review left April 16, 2019
Mexico is in the news these days. We thought we had a basic understanding of Mexico but then we went on the trip that focused on San Miguel de Allende and learned so much that we didn't know about Mexico, its history, art and culture. It was a very worthwhile learning experience and adventure.
— Review left January 29, 2019