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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Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
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
María Teresa Peniche
Maria Teresa Peniche, who prefers to be known simply as “Teri,” is a highly regarded addition to Geronimo’s Road Scholar staff. Teri pursued a career in higher education, preparing school curriculums designed as well as teaching English in secondary education. After retiring, Teri’s vast knowledge of Mexico’s history and culture paved the way towards her becoming a Group Leader. Blessed with a caring disposition and a great desire to share her love of her country, Teri’s capacity for sharing her considerable knowledge is unrivaled.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
María Teresa Peniche
View biography
Maria Teresa Peniche, who prefers to be known simply as “Teri,” is a highly regarded addition to Geronimo’s Road Scholar staff. Teri pursued a career in higher education, preparing school curriculums designed as well as teaching English in secondary education. After retiring, Teri’s vast knowledge of Mexico’s history and culture paved the way towards her becoming a Group Leader. Blessed with a caring disposition and a great desire to share her love of her country, Teri’s capacity for sharing her considerable knowledge is unrivaled.
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
The Wind that Swept Mexico: The History of the Mexican Revolution of 1910-1942
Conquest: Montezuma, Cortéz and the Fall of Old Mexico
Distant Neighbors: A Portrait of the Mexicans
Mexico: Biography of Power, A History of Modern Mexico, 1810-1996
The Aztecs, Maya and their Predecessors: Archaeology of Mesoamerica
Letters from Mexico
Mexico: From the Olmecs to the Aztecs
The Course of Mexican History
The Forging of the Cosmic Race: A Reinterpretation of Colonial Mexico