Mexico’s Colonial Heartland

You will be met at the Leon airport by your driver and guide, who will be waiting outside of baggage claim holding a sign with your name on it. You’ll depart via private transfer to historic Guanajuato, about 90 minutes away.

A fun loving university town, Guanajuato is an excellent option for anyone wanting to experience the vibrancy and hospitality of Mexico. The cities central plaza is almost always alive with the sounds of mariachi bands and the cities labyrinth of pedestrian only streets are easy to explore. The city seems to have been built in layers and taking the cable cars to the highest viewpoint is an excellent way to take in the full panorama of the colorful cityscape.

Check-in and evening at leisure, but we’ll suggest a great spot for dinner tonight.

Guanajuato climbs out of a rugged ravine and up bald hills that once supplied a quarter of the country’s silver output. Mine owners studded Guanajuato’s narrow twisting streets and charming plazas with stately mansions and imposing churches. A later bonanza added splendid late 19th-century touches, and modern engineers burrowed an ingenious tunnel network under the city to help overcome its crazy geography. The unique result is a center devoid of traffic lights and signs.

Today with your local guide you will visit the Templo de la Compañía – this Jesuit church with a Neo-Classical dome is a city landmark. You will continue to Jardin de la Union – this laurel-shaded plaza designed in 1861 is the heart of the city. You will also visit Teatro Juarez – a lavish theater with Doric columns and giant statures. A final stop will be the Casa Diego Rivera – the house where Rivera was born in 1886, which is now a museum exhibiting over 100 samples of his work. Afternoon at leisure.

Today you will drive from Guanajuato to the fairy tale town of San Miguel de Allende

En route, you’ll stop to explore the historic town of Dolores Hidalgo, one of Mexico’s historic Pueblos Magicos in the state of Guanajuato. Known as the “Cradle of Mexican Independence”, this colorful town has a rich history and vibrant culture that make it a worthwhile stop. The main square, known as Zocalo, is lined with beautiful colonial buildings and adorned with colorful flowers, making it the perfect spot to sit and soak up the atmosphere. And of course, no visit to Dolores Hidalgo would be complete without indulging in some of its famous ice cream, which comes in a variety of unique and delicious flavors.

After some free time for lunch in Dolores Hidalgo (not included), continue on to San Miguel de Allende and check-in at your hotel.

A haven for artists and art lovers alike, San Miguel de Allende feels as if it was designed to inspire. A twisting maze of red, yellow, and orange colonial buildings made more beautiful by a golden hour that seems to never end, casting a warm glow over the entire city. With beautiful natural surroundings offering gentle day hikes and natural hot-springs this is an excellent city for anyone looking to experience the finer things in life. Evening at leisure.

Today you and your English speaking guide will explore the fairy-tale city of San Miguel de Allende. A city of many superlatives and often touted as the most beautiful city in the country. The city is made up of a distinct color palate of reds, yellows, and orange buildings connected by narrow and windy cobble-stoned streets. Today you will visit some of the cities most iconic sites including the church La Parroquia which is famous for its fantastic Neo-Gothic exterior, La Case del Mayorazgo (the cities most extravagant mansion), Casa Allende, and the Templo de la Concepcion. Afternoon at leisure.

San Miguel de Allende has been a hub for national and international artists since the 1940’s, which shows in its diversity of art styles, techniques and materials, seen on every street corner. During this tour you will visit the best galleries in down town San Miguel, which showcase the kaleidoscope of art that our city has to offer. Many artists work from their studios, so given the day you may have the chance to speak with them and learn a bit about their art and the inspiration behind it.

To end the morning, you will pay a visit to Fábrica Aurora, the city’s largest art and design center, once an old factory the space is beautiful and showcases the work of over thirty local artists. Afternoon at leisure.

A day at leisure to enjoy San Miguel de Allende as you wish, or we can take you outside of town today for a hike or a visit to a few wineries.

You will be picked up at your hotel and driven to the Mexico City or Leon airport for your flight onward (air not included).