Some experiences are so extraordinary they deserve the full treatment—and San Miguel de Allende during Dia de los Muertos is absolutely one of them. This enhanced journey offers everything you love about our classic San Miguel adventure, elevated with additional experiences, refined accommodations, and that extra day that makes all the difference between a wonderful trip and an unforgettable transformation.
Every year our San Miguel Dia de los Muertos trip sells out so quickly that we created this deluxe option to welcome more travelers into this magical experience. With seven days instead of six, enhanced hotel amenities, exclusive experiences like a sculpting class at the city's premier art gallery, and invitations to the most coveted Day of the Dead celebration in town, this is San Miguel at its most immersive.
We have easy, interest-free payment options.
Join us for a week in one of the liveliest, loveliest spots in the world. Colonial architecture provides the perfect backdrop. Fabulous restaurants exceed every expectation. Stunning history reveals itself at every turn. Studio and home visits with local NextTribe women create meaningful connections. World-class shopping offers treasures you'll find nowhere else. Rejuvenating hot springs await. And your travel companions? They're as curious and adventurous as you are.
We have a deeply personal connection to San Miguel—NextTribe founder Jeannie Ralston lived here for four years. With her insider connections, we can show you a side of the city you won't discover anywhere else. The combination of this extraordinary setting, Jeannie's local expertise, and the sensational Dia de los Muertos festival make this our signature trip—and arguably our most beloved.
About San Miguel de Allende and Dia de los Muertos
San Miguel is Conde Nast Traveler's #1 Travel Destination in the World and a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site. It's often considered the most beguiling city in Latin America. The vibrant colonial architecture and cobblestone streets create an enchanting atmosphere—the perfect setting for discovering rich Mexican culture and exploring the shops, sites, and restaurants that are uniquely San Miguel de Allende.
The trip takes place during Mexico's Day of the Dead festival, and here's why that's something you'll want to experience. Day of the Dead is a lively, life-affirming holiday when Mexicans make ofrendas to commemorate loved ones who have passed and visit cemeteries to sing to and party with those dear but departed.
We make our own offering at the hotel and spend time discussing our loved ones who have passed. It's moving and cathartic.
Please note that this is a sample itinerary. Accommodations and activities may change but we will always replace them with something of equal or better value.
You get insider info and access to shops, homes and experiences
The ecstatic fun of participating in the Catrina Parade
The moving and meaningful experience of creating our own private altar and paying tribute to loved ones lost
Our excursions outside of San Miguel: to a private Charro Ranch and the lovely hot springs
The magical atmosphere of San Miguel with its cobblestone streets, vibrant colonial buildings, festive energy, and beautiful views at every turn
Meet Your Trip Leader: Jennifer Gongaware
A nomad at heart, Jennifer has always been wild-eyed and curious about the world. She says "As a little girl, my daydreams included `If I could be any animal in the world, what would I choose?' The answer was ALWAYS a BIRD! How exciting it would be to fly high above the landscape, wind at my nose, exploring and observing the world below!" Having just completed her 42nd year as a Flight Attendant, she says there was something to this dream of hers. This will be her third trip as a leader to San Miguel de Allende and she loves sharing her passion for this beautiful Mexican city and its rich traditions.
Depart your hometown for San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Upon arrival, transfers will be provided from Leon/Guanajuato Airport (BJX) or Querétaro (QRO) airport to San Miguel.
Spend the afternoon acclimating or stepping out for a quick bite. After a rooftop welcome drink this evening, we'll dine in one of the city’s best restaurants.
After breakfast (included daily), meet your private guide in the main square (jardín) for an informative, two-hour tour of the historic center. Your guide, one of the town's most noted historians and best-loved guides, grew up in San Miguel and will give you an insider's view of colonial Mexico just two decades ago.
Lunch together at the lovely rooftop restaurant La Posadita, with 180-degree views including the stone facade of the iconic Parroquia church. Relax with fresh guacamole and one of the best margaritas in town while soaking in the views.
Evening dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Visit the nearby town of Atotonilco to see the 250-year-old Santuario de Atotonilco—an over-the-top ornate church that's a dizzying visual cacophony. Nearly every inch of wall and ceiling space is filled with detailed Biblical scenes and passages, which is why the church is known as Mexico's Sistine Chapel and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.
After the church, visit one of the best folk art galleries in Mexico, then continue to the fabulous hot springs surrounding San Miguel. This year, we're adding a visit to a private, luxurous hot spring spa that includes lunch and lots of relaxation. Book a massage if you'd like.
Today we’ll head off to a ranch owned by Emmie, a local friend of Jeannie Ralston's, who has prepared an unforgettable and unique experience—one that most visitors to San Miguel will never see. We don't want to spoil the surprise, but it involves lunch and a very Mexican, very San Miguel vibe, just 30 minutes out of town.
After returning to the hotel, enjoy free time before heading to sunset dinner at one of the best rooftop restaurants in the city.
In the morning, head out on a special tour to visit the artisans in the city who make the beautiful crafts we see all around.
When we return, create an altar in the hotel where everyone can place mementos and photos of lost loved ones. We'll gather before dinner so anyone who wishes can share about their loved ones—a beautiful and cathartic experience. We'll provide wine and snacks before heading to dinner.
Today the town comes alive with activity. A guide will take you through the streets to view shrines in private homes now open to visitors, in businesses and restaurants, and in Parque Juarez, where you'll find art installations specific to Day of the Dead.
Walk to the local cemetery to watch families decorate graves with favorite foods and possessions. Mariachi bands, solo guitarists, and child singers perform at grave sites. With thousands of flowers decorating hundreds of graves, the cemetery will leave an indelible impression.
This afternoon, have your faces painted and put on fancy dress for the Catrina parade—costumed, painted catrinas marching through the city, highlighting the playful Mexican nature as they laugh at death.
Spend the evening at the best Dia de los Muertos party in town, sponsored by the Rosewood Hotel. The night includes dinner, open bar and dancing with some of the city's swells.
Learn from a master sculptor at the city's best art gallery—La Fabrica Aurora. Remember, San Miguel became famous as a center for Americans to study art, so we'll be following in a grand tradition.
The afternoon is free to visit other sites and shops we hadn't had time for, or do something really chill like booking a massage at the hotel spa.
Dinner tonight at the most acclaimed restaurant in San Miguel.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for homeward flights. Return transfers to León and Querétaro Airports are provided.
Please note: Itinerary subject to change. When an itinerary meets the real world, we often have to pivot slightly. If we have to make a change, the replacement will be of equal or greater value.
Please make sure your flight arrives in Mexico by 3 pm at the latest. It will take you a couple of hours (at least) to get to the hotel, and we don't want you to miss any part of this trip.
Please fly into Querétaro (QRO). Querétaro is about one hour, 15 minutes from town; United, Delta, American and AeroMexico Airlines service provide service to QRO.
We require all international travelers to purchase travel insurance. We strongly recommend trip protection insurance to protect your investment. (Scroll down for more details about insurance)
No visa is required for US Citizens to visit Mexico. Please make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of the trip.
You will be receiving periodic communications from us leading up to departure with other important details included. If you have any questions, you can contact our travel manager, Marcy, at travel@nexttribe.com
Inclusions
7 Nights Lodging
7 Dinners
6 Lunches
7 Breakfasts
Alcohol at meals (for NextTribe activities only)
Round trip airport transfers
Ground Transportation for all activities
Exclusions
Roundtrip Airfare
Alcohol not mentioned in itinerary
Lunches on Free Days, when not with the group
Travel Insurance
Gratuities
Gratuities to local guides, drivers, maids and hotel staff, alcohol, unless mentioned in itinerary, travel insurance, round trip airfare, passport and visa fees, personal items such as phone calls, laundry, baggage fees and items not expressly listed as included.
"It was one of the best Next Tribe Trips in a wonderful location. The food, culture, people and honoring death as a part of life made this trip so very special. The women on the trip are the icing on the cake." Najwa K.
"This beautiful city came to life for the Dia de los Muertos celebration. The culture, the Mexican people, the fantastic food and places we visited combined to provide a truly unique experience. Best of all our leader and the wonderful women in our group came together to fill the days with fun and laughter and the true joy of connection. NextTribe travel provides exactly the kind soul nurturing enrichment I seek when I visit a new place." Maria W.
Next Tribe requires all international travelers to purchase travel insurance.
Travel insurance can be a helpful and valuable resource to pack! It can protect the investment of your trip and you while traveling.
We partner with Wanderwell, a Certified B Corporation travel insurance provider that makes it as simple as possible by not overwhelming you with options.
They offer just a few modern, benefit-packed trip protection plans that can cover the most common travel perils related to trip cancellation, trip interruption, trip delay, travel Medical Expenses, baggage & personal effects, Emergency Medical Evacuation, and more.
Click Here to create quotes and purchase a plan through Wanderwell from our partner page.
If you prefer to talk to someone, please email support@gowanderwell.com. They will set up a phone call with you and can answer your questions.
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