International Guided Tour: Mexico jewelry experience (San Miguel de Allende)

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself into the Mexican culture. The Tour will be focused on seeing the cities of San Miguel De Allende, Guanajuato and much more. Also the trip includes a 2 hour workshop of Matthew’s innovative techniques for jewelry design. Whether you are looking to take your jewelry making to the next level or just try something new, Matthew will be your personal guide through the sketching, designing, and creating process. With many years of knowledge and experience, Matthew will show you how to incorporate the beauty of your surroundings, whether it is the local plant life, or architecture to inspire you. The first 2 trips in February 2023 and 2024 were an amazing success! The next tours will be in February 2025.

Scroll down for the day-by-day itinerary, cost details, flight information, and Airbnb details.

Sunday, February 9 / Day 1: Arrive at QRO Airport in Mexico. A shuttle driver will greet you with a sign bearing your name and transport you to your Airbnb. In the evening, we’ll gather at El Jardín for dinner at one of its charming courtyard restaurants. Afterward, we’ll take a leisurely stroll through the historic city, soaking in the vibrant sounds of Mariachi bands.

Monday, February 10 / Day 2: We’ll start our day with breakfast at El Jardín. Following breakfast, we’ll embark on a 2-hour walking tour of historic downtown San Miguel de Allende with our private guide, Horacio. The cobblestone streets require good walking shoes and a walking stick. After the tour, enjoy a siesta before joining my two-hour jewelry design workshop at the Instituto Allende. We’ll then reconvene at El Jardín for dinner.

Tuesday, February 11 / Day 3: Begin the day with breakfast at El Jardín. We’ll then visit the impressive mosaic outdoor gallery known as The Chapel of Jimmy Ray. Afterward, we’ll return to El Jardín for lunch. Following a brief siesta, Megan, our enthusiastic instructor, will teach a continuous line drawing class with an urban sketching focus and guide us to inspiring locations to capture San Miguel’s remarkable architecture. After another siesta, we’ll meet for dinner at a fantastic restaurant. Post-dinner, feel free to explore the city with me!

Wednesday, February 12 / Day 4: Breakfast is at your leisure. I suggest a visit to the market for fresh fruit, coffee, and the local favorite, Arroz con Leche (Mexican rice oatmeal). At 9:00 a.m., we’ll gather at El Jardín and set off with Horacio to explore Cañada de la Virgen, the Pyramid Temples near San Miguel de Allende, where we’ll delve into the ruins and their history. We’ll return by 1:00 p.m., leaving you free for lunch and siesta. At 5:00 p.m., we’ll head to the Teatro Santa Ana to enjoy a performance by the talented classical guitarist, Miguel. Dinner will follow back at El Jardín.

Thursday, February 13 / Day 5: Enjoy an early breakfast on your own. We’ll meet at El Jardín at 8:45 a.m. to depart for Guanajuato with Horacio. This city, known for its silver discovery and as the birthplace of Diego Rivera, offers a European charm and is home to the famous Guanajuato mummies. We’ll also visit a local jewelry workshop to see handcrafted pieces inspired by Mexican rosaries. After a lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll return late, giving you the evening to yourself for dinner. Later, we’ll attend a Mexican Flamenco show at Teatro Ángela Peralta (distinct from Spanish Flamenco).

Friday, February 14 / Day 6: It’s JEWELRY DAY! We’ll start with breakfast at El Jardín, then embark on a walking tour of local jewelers. We’ll visit a jeweler’s home for a traditional Mexican lunch, complete with wine and mezcal tasting, and learn about crafting classic Mexican braided leather bracelets to take home. Following a siesta, we’ll enjoy a pre-dinner party at the home of Bill and Howard, who relocated to San Miguel de Allende from the U.S. Their home, like a museum, is a testament to their contributions to the community. Afterward, we’ll dine at a superb restaurant in town for a memorable evening.

The tour package does not include airfare. You will fly into Querétaro Intercontinental Airport (QRO), with typical airfare around $700 USD from most cities in the United States. Note that most flights connect through Dallas before reaching San Miguel.

The tour also does not cover hotel or Airbnb accommodations. As the tour date approaches, I will provide a list of recommended local Airbnbs tailored to your needs, with prices ranging from $35 to $175 USD per night.

Travel insurance is not included in the tour package. When purchasing your airfare, make sure to select "YES" when asked if you want to buy insurance. U.S. health insurance typically does not cover medical services in Mexico, so trip insurance is mandatory. I have used two reputable insurance companies in the past; see the link at the bottom of this page for details.

Meals are not fully included in the tour. Group meals will be covered on designated days to simplify billing and ensure everyone enjoys their meals together.

The tour cost covers ground transportation to and from the airport, daily tours, transportation during the tours, museum admissions, group classes, and a week of sunshine!

What is Included:

Sunday: Pickup from QRO Airport to your Airbnb and *dinner.

Monday: Breakfast, a walking tour of San Miguel, *lunch, and *dinner.

Tuesday: Breakfast, Rhoda's drawing class, *lunch, and *dinner.

Wednesday: Pyramid tour and transportation, a guitar concert, and *dinner.

Thursday: Trip to Guanajuato, transportation, the Mummies Museum, *lunch, and a Flamenco show.

Friday: Breakfast, a behind-the-scenes jewelry tour and class, lunch, and *dinner.

Saturday: Breakfast, a shopping tour, and *dinner.

Sunday: Transportation from your Airbnb to QRO Airport.

*Alcoholic beverages are not included but are available for purchase.

Pricing: $1,385.00 per person if booked before December 31, 2024 / $1,585.00 after January 1, 2025. The itinerary may change, but all listed activities will be included.

Optional Extension: Add an extra 4 days in Mexico City for an additional cost. This extension includes visits to the Teotihuacan Pyramids, the Anthropology Museum, a Lucha Libre wrestling show, and a hop-on hop-off bus tour.

Private Guided Tours: Available in San Miguel de Allende during December, January, February, and March. Each week requires a minimum of 6 participants and can be customized for various groups, including family reunions, corporate retreats, college classes, and more.

What is NOT Included:

Airfare: Airfare to and from San Miguel de Allende is not included. You will fly into Querétaro Intercontinental Airport (QRO), with typical costs around $700 USD from most U.S. cities. Note that Dallas is a common hub for flights to QRO.
Accommodations: The tour does not cover hotel or Airbnb costs. I will provide a list of recommended local Airbnbs below. If you choose a different one and would like my opinion, please email me the link. Airbnb rates range from $35 to $175 USD per night.
Insurance: Travel insurance is not included. When purchasing your airfare, be sure to select "YES" when asked if you want to buy insurance. U.S. health insurance typically does not cover medical services in Mexico, so proof of travel insurance is mandatory. I recommend these two companies: Allianz Travel Insurance and Travel Guard.
Some Meals: Not all meals are included in the tour. Group meals will be provided on designated days to simplify billing and ensure we enjoy meals together.
Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages are not included but will be available for purchase.

These are Airbnbs that I have either stayed at or visited in San Miguel de Allende. They offer a clean bed, hot water, and are generally not fancy. I view a room as a place primarily for sleeping, so I prefer simplicity and comfort over luxury. I like accommodations that are close to the center of town but not so close that they disrupt my sleep. Some have great views, while others do not. I’m staying at the Hummingbird Property because it’s ideal for groups.

If you’re looking for a more luxurious option, the Rosewood Hotel is highly recommended. Please scroll down to see the list of Airbnbs. I continually research and update this list with the best options. Keep in mind that Airbnbs in San Miguel de Allende book up quickly in February due to the annual international writer convention.

Near Juarez Park:

Hummingbird House: I will be staying at this property, which features 7 apartments and a lovely rooftop terrace for everyone to enjoy.

Ground floor apartments:

Room #1 Hummingbird House 2 beds 1 bathroom studio facing the street : $50 per night

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/45885609?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=311c63b4-95...

Room # 2 Hummingbird House 2 beds 1 bathroom studio, facing the courtyard: $50 per night

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/45702914?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=094babdc-ab...

Room #3 Hummingbird House 1 double bed 1 bathroom, facing the courtyard: $50 per night

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/45739626?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=169a0996-c4...

Upstairs apartments:

Room #6 Hummingbird House 1 double bed 1 bathroom facing the street with a window: $50 per night

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/45884645?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=80417c27-4b...

Room #7 Hummingbird House 1 Double bed 1 bathroom facing the street with a window: $50 per night

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/45894762?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=0fff50ad-35...

Room #5 Hummingbird House 1 double bed 1 bathroom, facing the courtyard: $50 per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/45893856?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=065258ad-de...

Room #4 Hummingbird House 1 double bed 1 bathroom, facing the courtyard: $50 per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/871862538325016691?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=1...

Close to the Hummingbird:

2 bedroom, 3 beds, 1 bathroom :$130 per night: Two women stayed here on the tour. It's a nice place, but be aware that it has many stairs.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/951505265245524429?adults=2&location=San%20Miguel%20de%20Allende%2C...

Casa Galerías: 2 bedroom, 2 beds, 1.5 bathrooms $110 per night

https://www.airbnb.com/split-stays/30771296?adults=2&location=San%20Miguel%20de%20Allende%2C%20G...

Hotel Eden de Los Angeles on Jesus 28, Nice but small rooms: $50 per night:
3 single bed (room #8), 4 king size bed (room #1) , 1 room with 2 king beds (room #7)

https://hoteledendelosangeles.myguruhotel.com

Bitos Tenerias Hotel, very nice hotel includes breakfast, 6 queen rooms upstairs $175 per night, 2 king size rooms $200 per night
https://bitos-boutique.san-miguel-de-allendehotels.com/en/

Casa Aliz Hotel: very nice hotel: 3 kings $83 per night, 2 rooms with 2 beds $110 per night, 2 king with balcony $120 per night, 1 king with Jazuzzi $125 per night on top need to be able to walk up stairs, 1 king with sofa and kitchen $175 per night:

https://casaaliz.com/

across from theater at the library: These apartments are clean, have hot water, and are budget-friendly. However, they are not as luxurious as the Hyatt.

Ground floor apartments: All of these ground floor face the center courtyard
Room #2 Relox 43 1 double bed 1 bathroom, CENTRALLY LOCATED ROOM 2 BLOCKS FROM THE PARISH : $50 per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/23006305?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=8c80d319-d3...

Room #1 Relox 43 1 double bed 1 bathroom, Centrally located Urban Room 1 : $50 per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/912458200048184133?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=1...

Room #4 Relox 43 1 double bed 1 bathroom, Downtown Bed 4 : $50 per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/861009331865577485?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=e...

Upstairs apartments:

Room #9 Relox 43 1 Double bed 1 bathroom, Bedroom 9 with balcony : $50 per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/912452240712602922?check_in=2024-02-11&check_out=2024-02-18&gue...

Room#7 Relox 43 1 double bed 1 single bed 1 bathroom, Central room with balcony overlooking the parish : $50 per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/594915480017110699?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=4...

Rooms #6 and #8 have a terrible view.

Villa, in Main Downtown (2 bedrooms, 1 king size, 1 queen size, 2 full bathrooms apartment, with kitchen, living and dining room. Two women from a previous trip stayed here. It’s a very nice place located in the heart of downtown, priced at $130 per night.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/50842504?adults=1&children=0&infants=0&pets=0&wishlist_...

Farther out:

Villa 4 San Miguel de Allende: Two bedroom, kitchen, living room close to the Institute Allende about a five minute walk from center of the city. (Its not fancy more of a traditional Mexican home. $80 per night)

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/21621051?source_impression_id=p3_1692118974_BxMhpglyv67R58h1

Rosewood Hotel (very nice very expensive five minute walk to the center of the city)

https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/san-miguel-de-allende

Hotel La Aldea is very nice hotel, the grounds are beautiful and relaxing. right across the street from the Institute Allende and a five minute walk up the hill to the center of town. its $185 to $225 per night.

https://www.hotellaaldea.mx/