SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, MEXICO
November 10-17 2012
Rates for journey at bottom of page
Join us for a weeklong experience of culture, fun, food, education, and relaxation in one of Mexico’s most beautiful cities.
San Miguel de Allende is one of Mexico’s most attractive and atmospheric colonial cities. It flourished in the mid 18th century when it provided supplies for the mining towns and camps in this central part of Mexico. At that time, it became one of the most important and prosperous cities in New Spain, with a size larger than New York. Many baroque and neoclassical building were constructed, giving the city an impressive host of lovely buildings.
In subsequent decades San Miguel de Allende languished in torpor, as fortunes waned and inhabitants departed. Later smaller booms provided some new structures, but old elegant buildings remained intact if uncared for until the city was “discovered” in the late 1930s and early 1940s by foreigners. Many of these foreigners—many of whom were artists—found the mild climate and affordable old buildings much to their liking and decided to remain and help rebuild the place. San Miguel de Allende thus began it newest incarnation as an international art community.
San Miguel de Allende is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hence, old buildings have been preserved and any new construction must adhere to the traditional style. Its small size, easy to navigate streets, and numerous museums, galleries, stores, restaurants and cultural events make San Miguel de Allende a desirable place to visit or live. Conde Traveler Nast Traveler and Travel and Leisure Magazine have both named San Miguel de Allende as one of the must-see places in the world. A year-round pleasant climate, with days in the 70s and nights in the 60s with low humidity makes San Miguel de Allende an ideal anytime destination.
Champaca Journeys’ San Miguel de Allende tour takes advantage of the city’s many offerings. We stay in the family-run Casa Carmen, a charming and comfortable bed and breakfast that is a 350-year old former home, and located just 2 blocks from the Jardin Municipal, the center of town. Casa Carmen has many admirers who return year after year for the warm welcome and good service they’ve enjoyed at the place and for the delights that San Miguel de Allende offers.
Our days will be organized around various activities. Each day we’ll enjoy a morning or afternoon event: Mexican cooking lessons, guided walking tour, private vehicle excursions to nearby villages, and one all day excursion to fascinating and beautiful Guanajuato, another restored colonial city famous in Mexico for its architecture and history. Additional optional events can also be arranged and at all times the trip leader will be available to answer questions and provide assistance and information.
San Miguel de Allende has no airport, though the city of Leon (airport code: BJX) is 90 minutes away. Mexico City airport (airport code: MEX) is about 4 hours away by bus. Participants make their own arrangements by air or land to the city of Leon and from there are collected by private vehicle and transferred to and from San Miguel de Allende.
Day 1, November 10, Saturday
Participants are met at Leon airport and transferred to Casa Carmen. Day at rest followed by dinner to meet other members of the group.
Day 2, November 11, Sunday
After breakfast we’ll have a walking tour of San Miguel de Allende. Approximately 3-4 hours, this will acquaint you with the city that is easily explored on foot. We’ll walk by the many museums that can later be explored at your leisure. Return to Casa Carmen for lunch, afternoon free.
Day 3, November 12, Monday
Following breakfast a driving tour to the nearby town of Dolores Hidalgo. While only a small town, Dolores Hidalgo is an important place in Mexican history. In 1810, its parish priest, Miguel Hidalgo, was one of the early conspirators against the Spanish in the Mexican independence movement. One of the most impressive and famous churches in Mexico is in Dolores Hidalgo. The town is also well known for ceramics, and we will visit several places to observe ceramicists at work, or to purchase pottery. Lunch at Casa Carmen, afternoon free.
Day 4, November 13, Tuesday
Relax after breakfast but be ready at 11:00 for a tour of the produce market where our instructor will be making purchases we’ll then take back to Sazon Cooking School for a hands-on (or observational if you prefer) lesson in Mexican cooking. We’ll make our own lunch today.
Day 5, November 14, Wednesday
Today we have a full day excursion by car to the city of Guanajuato. About 90 minutes from San Miguel, Guanajuato grew wealthy from its silver mines and in the 1700s it was one the world’s wealthiest cities. The city is built on hills and is multileveled, some levels underground. With an extensive collection of European influenced architecture, Guanajuato is often said to resemble a small European city. The famous Mexican artist Diego Rivera was born here, and we will visit his former home, now a museum. Late afternoon return to San Miguel.
Day 6, November 15, Thursday
Morning free, and after lunch we’ll depart by car for Mineral De Pozos, a former mining town, now semi-abandoned. Sometimes referred to as a ghost town, it has a small following of admirers who have made it their home and restored old houses and set up studios and businesses. It is sometimes called the “next San Miguel.” Have a look and decide for yourself.
Day 7, November 16, Friday
Final full day in San Miguel de Allende. Morning visit to San Miguel’s unique botanical garden, El Charco del Ingenio, located along the ridge of a canyon overlooking the city. You’ll notice the city gearing up for the influx of weekend visitors from elsewhere in Mexico. There is more street life and performances than during the week and finding an activity is as easy as walking along the street and watching the street artists, music in the park, and enjoying the festive atmosphere that accompanies the weekend in San Miguel de Allende. Farewell dinner at Casa Carmen.
Day 8, November 17, Saturday
Breakfast at the hotel, and then transfer to airport for the flight home.
TOTAL COST PER PERSON FOR SEVEN (7) NIGHTS IN SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE
$1600 based on double occupancy
$1900 based on single occupancy
(Cost includes 7 nights accommodation, breakfast on 7 days and lunch on 6 days, dinner first and last night, daily activities, transportation to and from Leon airport or bus station, services of trip leader.)
NOTE: Not included are airfare; travel insurance; beverages, alcoholic or otherwise; gratuities; laundry; souvenirs; items of a personal nature; and 5 evening dinners and a lunch in Guanajuato.
A deposit of $500 secures your place on this trip. Final payment due 2 months prior to trip.
A valid passport is required to visit Mexico.
Please contact us at CHAMPACA JOURNEYS with any questions and we will be happy to answer them!
