Welcome to the Heartland of México!
Located in the altiplano of Guanajuato state, this city is a captivating destination known for its beautifully preserved colonial architecture, rich history, vibrant arts scene and distinctive culinary culture. Founded in the 16th century, the city played an important role in Mexico’s fight for independence. While visiting in September, expect many fiestas mexicanas, Chiles en Nogada, patriotic decor, and fireworks! In 2008, its historic center was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its exceptional architectural and cultural significance.

Visitors can explore colorful cobblestone streets, grand churches, lively plazas and historic mansions, alongside contemporary art galleries, independent boutiques and artisan markets showcasing traditional Mexican textiles, pottery, jewelry and handcrafted goods. Beyond its history and artistic heritage, San Miguel de Allende has developed a compelling food and wine scene that reflects the agricultural traditions and contemporary creativity of the surrounding Bajío region. Its restaurants range from traditional Mexican eateries to sophisticated contemporary dining experiences, while local markets, cooking classes and artisan workshops offer opportunities to connect more deeply with Mexican food culture. The area is also emerging as an exciting destination for Mexican wine, with boutique wineries offering tastings, vineyard visits and distinctive countryside dining experiences.

Arrival
Upon arrival at León/Bajío (BJX) or Queretaro (QRO) Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in the heart of beautiful San Miguel de Allende.  Guests should aim to arrive at the airport no later than 4pm in order to fully participate in the evening's activities.

Upon arrival to San Miguel, you'll check in to your hotel, Hacienda el Santuario, your home base for the duration of this trip. This beautiful boutique hotel in the historic center of San Miguel de Allende combines elegant design with the traditional essence of Mexican art. Enjoy a refreshment at “La Samaritana” aguas frescas juice bar and the “La Sanmiguelada” restaurant and bar. These two places prepare drinks and typical Mexican and international food where you can sample top-quality cuisine in San Miguel de Allende.

Here you will begin your stay with a refreshing welcome drink at the hotel – the  perfect moment to meet the group, unwind and toast to the days ahead. In the early evening, head out on foot to discover the colorful historic center of San Miguel de Allende with your private local guide. Wander through charming cobblestone streets and picturesque plazas while learning about the history, traditions and everyday life of this beautiful colonial city. 

Along the way, we will turn the evening into a delicious introduction to Mexican street food, stopping at some of the locals' favorite spots to taste different tacos and traditional antojitos. Rather than a formal dinner, tonight is all about discovering San Miguel through its streets, flavors and local food culture. 

Meals included: *Welcome drink, food tour

This morning, dive deeper into the culinary traditions of San Miguel de Allende with a visit to one of the city’s colorful local markets. Wander through stalls filled with seasonal fruits and vegetables, dried chiles, herbs, spices, cheeses and other regional specialties while learning about the ingredients that form the heart of traditional Mexican cuisine.

After exploring the market, continue to a local traditional kitchen for a very special hands-on cooking experience with a local Abuelita. Together, you will prepare authentic Mexican dishes using fresh ingredients while discovering family recipes, traditional techniques and the stories behind them. More than a conventional cooking class, this is an intimate introduction to the way Mexican cuisine has been prepared and passed down through generations. Once everything is ready, sit down together and enjoy the delicious meal you have prepared.

The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure, giving you time to explore San Miguel de Allende at your own pace, browse its charming boutiques and galleries, enjoy a rooftop drink or simply relax at the hotel.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, discover another delicious side of San Miguel de Allende with a visit to another traditional local market. Together with your guide, wander through the lively stalls and taste some of the flavors Mexicans love to enjoy throughout the day – from freshly prepared tamales and warm champurrado to carnitas and seasonal fruits. Along the way, learn more about the ingredients, artisan craft traditions and food culture that are part of everyday life in this region.

In the afternoon, leave the city behind and head into the beautiful countryside surrounding San Miguel de Allende for a visit to Dos Búhos, a family-owned organic vineyard and winery. Explore the vineyard and learn more about winemaking in this emerging Mexican wine region before tasting a selection of their wines.

After the visit, sit down for a leisurely late lunch at the winery, enjoying good food and wine in the relaxed countryside setting before returning to San
Miguel de Allende. The evening is at leisure, giving you time to relax after a wonderfully flavorful day or enjoy San Miguel on your own.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

On this day, enjoy a freshly prepared meal outdoors in the countryside.

Guests will ride on horseback through a private nature preserve with local guides. All horses are well-trained, docile, and are suitable for riders of any experience level (rider weight limit of 230lbs - larger horses may be available for larger riders upon request - please inquire).

After your ride, settle in and enjoy a delicious carne asada, freshly prepared in the open air – a relaxed and authentic way to experience the flavors and rural traditions of the region.

*Please note that the carne asada is only accessible on foot (a lengthy but moderate hike) or horseback - no alternative transportation options to the carne asada meal are available.

Afterwards, return to San Miguel de Allende, where you will have some time to relax at the hotel or enjoy the town at your own pace.

In the early evening, meet Fabiola Padilla, an award-winning Mexican Mixologist, for a fun and interactive private cocktail class. Discover Mexican spirits, fresh local ingredients and the flavors behind some of Mexico’s favorite cocktails while learning how to prepare your own creations.

Afterwards, celebrate your final evening together with a special farewell dinner at Trazo 1810, beautifully located on a rooftop in the historic center of San Miguel de Allende. Enjoy the views over the city and its iconic Parroquia while savoring a special three-course dinner featuring the seasonal Chile en Nogada and a perfect culinary finale during the month of Mexican Independence. Raise a final glass to the experiences, flavors and memories shared during your time in San Miguel de Allende.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After your final farewell breakfast at the hotel, guests will be transferred back to the BJX or QRO airport according to their flight schedule.

Want to stay a little longer? Your trip manager is happy to arrange a personalized trip extension so that you can explore nearby destinations like Guanajuato and Queretaro. Kelsey lived in this area for 8 years and would be happy to put together a custom itinerary for you. Grab a time on her calendar here to discuss your travel plans.

Price

EARLY BOOKING PRICE - CONFIRM YOUR PLACE BY NOVEMBER 15
Single Occupancy: $4,695 USD per person
Double Occupancy: $3,995 USD per person

PRICE STARTING NOVEMBER 16
Single Occupancy: $4,895 USD per person
Double Occupancy: $4,195 USD per person

Payment Schedule

• A $100 RSVP payment per person is collected at signup to hold your space.
• A deposit of approximately 30% of the itinerary cost is due no later than January 15, 2027.
• The remaining balance is due no later than May 1, 2027.

Cancellation Policy

• This trip is designed for a minimum of 14 travelers. While we expect to sell out, if we do not meet the 14-passenger minimum by January 15th, 2027, the trip will be cancelled or rescheduled.
• In case of cancellation before the deposit is collected, The $100 RSVP payment can be used as a full travel credit towards any other travel experience with Vacationeeze within 1 year.
• All payments are non-refundable - comprehensive travel insurance is strongly advised to protect from losses in unforeseen circumstances. If you need coverage, we recommend this company.

Inclusions

• Round-trip airport transfers from BJX or QRO
• 4 hotel nights at Hacienda el Santuario
• 9 meals, plus tastings and drinks as outlined in the itinerary
• All activities and tours as outlined in the itinerary
• 2 Bottles of water per Person per day
• English-speaking local private guide throughout the trip
• All gratuities for service providers, including the local guides, drivers, room cleaning and
• bell boys.
• All entrance fees and equipment for tours and experiences
• On-site Concierge assistance during trip
  

Exclusions

• Airfares to and from the trip
• Travel insurance
• Optional and additional sightseeing not in itinerary
• Personal costs such as laundry, telephone or incidentals
• Any services, meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary

Health & Mobility Considerations
Travelers should be in good health with a physical condition that allows for light to moderate walking. Due to local conditions, we cannot guarantee accessibility for wheelchair users. If guests have dietary restrictions or allergies, they should disclose this at the time of booking. While our team cannot guarantee special arrangements, we will request accommodations with suppliers as necessary.

Please Note
Several of the experiences included in this itinerary are provided by small, family-owned businesses. We select these suppliers deliberately for their local character and quality; however, availability can be limited and cannot be held indefinitely. These services will be booked once the final number of travelers and the trip itself are confirmed. Should any of them no longer be available at that stage, we will arrange a comparable alternative of equivalent quality. This applies to the experiences and activities mentioned throughout the itinerary, as well as to restaurants and other local suppliers.

Weather may impact outdoor activities. In case of adverse weather, alternative arrangements will be made. While it is always our goal to follow this planned itinerary, the coordinator may make adjustments and offer comparable experiences at their discretion. The operator is not responsible for changes made to the programming due to weather, natural disasters, acts of god, and other circumstances beyond their control.

Please travel light - there is limited space for luggage in the transfer vehicles. Guests are allowed 1-medium sized suitcase and 1-carry on suitcase for luggage per person.

Legal Disclaimer

By booking this tour, you agree to the terms and conditions outlined. The tour provider reserves the right to modify or cancel any part of the itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances beyond their control. The provider is not liable for personal injury, loss, or damages during the trip.