This luxurious journey through the heart of Mexico explores the captivating colonial cities of Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende over five days. Get swept up in the charm of these UNESCO-listed gems as you explore cobblestone streets and historic architecture with a private guide. Go deeper with a private wine tasting, tour the city of Santiago de Querétaro, join a horseback ride in the mountains of Guanajuato, and elevate your culinary skills with a hands-on Mexican cooking workshop.

Highlights

  • Stay in centrally-located, luxurious 4-star hotels and enjoy private experiences
  • Explore ancient temples and grand heritage homes in Santiago de Querétaro
  • Ride through the hills of the Sierra de Santa Rosa on horseback
  • Enjoy a private wine tasting at a vineyard outside San Miguel de Allende
  • Discover the history of traditional Mexican gastronomy with a private cooking class

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Mexico City, Transfer to Guanajuato via Querétaro Tour Guanajuato
Day 2 Countryside Horseback Ride & Lunch, Historical Walk in Guanajuato Guanajuato
Day 3 Transfer to San Miguel de Allende, Wine Tasting Experience San Miguel de Allende
Day 4 San Miguel de Allende Walking Tour, Mexican Cooking Workshop San Miguel de Allende
Day 5 Transfer to Mexico City, Depart  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Mexico City, Transfer to Guanajuato via Querétaro Tour

Guanajuato city during the blue hour with the famous orange Basilica of Our Lady of Guanajuato, Mexico.
The famous orange Basilica of Our Lady of Guanajuato peeking out from the city's skyline

¡Bienvenido a México! You've landed in the capital, the pulsating mega-metropolis that is Mexico City. On arrival, a private driver will meet you for a 4.5-hour transfer to Guanajuato, a charming city in central Mexico that captivates travelers with its vibrant colors and colonial architecture. Halfway, you'll make a special stop in Santiago de Querétaro, where a private guide will take you through the historic center. Over three hours, you'll explore well-preserved colonial architecture, from glorious temples to splendid 17th and 18th-century houses, ornate plazas, and gardens.

The UNESCO-listed center of Querétaro is one of just eight historic centers in Mexico, and after half a day, you'll walk away understanding the city's rich and intriguing colonial past. Return to the road with your private driver for the final two-hour journey to Guanajuato. Once you reach the city, check into the luxurious 4-star Edelmira Hotel. The 19th-century building once catered to visiting dignitaries, and nowadays, the hotel blends its hospitable heritage with modern style and comfort. Settle in and order room service, or venture out into the city for dinner.

Day 2: Countryside Horseback Ride & Lunch, Historical Walk in Guanajuato

Hear about the local legend of El Callejon del Beso (the Alley of the Kiss) on a tour of Guanajuato

Today, after breakfast, you'll see a different side of Guanajuato as you venture out into the countryside and get to know the dirt trails of the Sierra de Santa Rosa on horseback. As you ride, your private guide will share stories about local flora and fauna as you admire the natural beauty of this local landscape. You'll also learn about the work of the community and the importance of soil restoration, reforestation, and forest care. After, sit down to a traditional lunch made by a local family.

After a morning of breathing in the fresh country air, return to the picturesque city for a private guided walk. Guanajuato was once one of the most important mining centers of New Spain, and its rich minerals made it a beautiful place. Over two hours, you'll explore the city's colonial architecture. Your private guide will take you to rooftops and terraces for stunning views across the city, and share stories of its rich history as you tour a handful of local neighborhoods.

Day 3: Transfer to San Miguel de Allende, Wine Tasting Experience

Stop at an estate outside San Miguel de Allende for a private wine tasting
Plan your trip to Mexico
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

Your journey continues this morning as a private driver collects you for the one-hour transfer to San Miguel de Allende, a colonial-era city (and one of Mexico's official Pueblos Mágicos) famous for its Baroque Spanish architecture and lively arts scene. Along the way, you'll stop at San Lucas Vineyard, a stunning estate on the city's outskirts with lavender fields, vines, and olive trees. You'll learn about the history of wine in Mexico, how grapes are processed, and the types of wine produced in the area. Then, enter a tasting room for a private and personalized tasting of three local wines with special pairings.

Afterward, continue to San Miguel de Allende and check into the exquisite La Morada Hotel, a 4-star property just 20 steps from the main square. Use the rest of the afternoon to indulge in a spa treatment, make use of the rooftop Jacuzzi, or venture into the center in search of dinner.

Day 4: San Miguel de Allende Walking Tour, Mexican Cooking Workshop

Tortilla
Learn how to make tortillas with today's Mexican cooking workshop

Meet your private guide this morning for an insightful and inspiring walk around the heritage city. Here, cobblestone streets lead to charming plazas adorned with historical landmarks, including the iconic neo-Gothic church, the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, with its striking pink towers that rise above El Jardín, the main plaza. At the Zócalo, as El Jardín is often called, you can spend time people-watching, perusing nearby shops, and enjoying local dishes.

You'll spend the rest of the day learning about the history of traditional Mexican gastronomy in a lovely community just outside the city. At a homely restaurant known for its inspired and colorful dishes with a pre-Hispanic influence, the local cooks use local ingredients and Indigenous techniques that have been practiced since before the Spanish conquest. On the restaurant terrace, you'll learn step-by-step how to create a delicious three or four-course meal, including making corn tortillas by hand as well as salsas, appetizers, main dishes, and even dessert.

Day 5: Transfer to Mexico City, Depart

Aerial View of San Miguel de Allende
Explore the streets of San Miguel de Allende this morning, if you have time

It's your final morning in Mexico. If your departing flight isn't until the late afternoon, use your morning to discover San Miguel de Allende's treasure trove of artistic gems. Start at Fabrica La Aurora, a former textile factory turned art space that showcases diverse contemporary works from both local and international artists. Continue to the Instituto Allende, a famous institution exhibiting everything from paintings to sculptures.

Later, when the time is right, a private driver will collect you for the 3.5-hour drive to Mexico City's international airport. Safe travels!

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Map

Map of Luxury Getaway in Mexico's Colonial Cities: Guanajuato & San Miguel de Allende - 5 Days
Map of Luxury Getaway in Mexico's Colonial Cities: Guanajuato & San Miguel de Allende - 5 Days