NextTribe Discovery Call: Questions about this or any other trip? Click here to schedule a phone call with Jeannie Edmunds, COO of NextTribe.
This intimate journey brings you to our most cherished location during Mexico's most vibrant celebration, where cobblestone streets come alive with marigold petals and the air fills with the sound of mariachi music drifting from cemetery grounds.
Join us for six unforgettable days in one of the liveliest, loveliest spots in the world. Colonial architecture frames every view. Fabulous restaurants await around every corner. Stunning history unfolds with each step. Studio and home visits with local NextTribe women offer authentic connections. World-class shopping beckons from artisan markets. Nearby hot springs provide perfect respite. And your travel companions? They're as curious and adventurous as you are.
We have easy, interest-free payment options.
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
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 backdrop for discovering rich Mexican culture and exploring the shops, sites, and restaurants that are uniquely San Miguel de Allende.
About Dia de los Muertos
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 create altars to commemorate loved ones who have passed and visit cemeteries to sing to and celebrate with those dear but departed.
We make our own altar at the hotel and spend time discussing our loved ones who have passed. It's moving, meaningful, and a beautiful way for us to get to know each other.
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: Vanessa Sinclair
Born in the UK and a Texas resident since 2000, Vanessa went back to school at 48 for a degree in Culinary Management. She worked in hospitality in Alaska for Holland-America cruises, then spent time volunteering in Hawaii, Zimbabwe (for a lion conservation project) and was on the flight support team at Austin’s private airport. Vanessa says she was “born a gypsy and is happiest when traveling, especially in her vintage RV she calls Mabel. Her bucket list trip: Fly to New Zealand, rent an RV, and spend a month touring both islands!
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 a full breakfast at the inn (included daily), meet your private guide in the main square (the Jardín) for an informative, two-hour tour of the historic center. Your guide, one of the town's most noted historians, grew up in San Miguel and will give you a great insider's view of colonial Mexico.
Then 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.
Visit the nearby town of Atotonilco to see the 250-year-old Santuario de Atotonilco—an over-the-top ornate church known as Mexico's Sistine Chapel. Nearly every inch of wall and ceiling space is filled with detailed Biblical scenes.
Continue to one of the best folk art galleries in Mexico, then to the fabulous hot springs surrounding San Miguel. La Gruta offers green leafy grounds and several pools. Swim through a man-made tunnel into a large domed room where hot water pours from the ground. Standing under the powerful stream is heavenly.
When we return, create an altar in the hotel lobby 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.
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.
You’ll spend the morning at a lively class where you’ll make your own mini version of a mojinanga.
Free afternoon and then a visit to the art studio of one of San Miguel’s acclaimed artists. Dinner to follow.
A free day to visit sites and shops we hadn't had time for. We can book you a massage with a woman who will come to the hotel, if you’d like.
Dinner tonight at one of the most elegant dining venues in town.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for homeward flights. Return transfers to León and Querétaro Airports are provided.
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
6 Nights Lodging
7 Dinners
7 Breakfasts
All activities mentioned in itinerary
Ground Transportation roundtrip from either airport
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.
"San Miguel de Allende with NextTribe was all about culture and art in this beautiful clean city. NT took us to a private ranch that was so magical. We watched horse riding performances, amazing live mariachis playing, had a wonderful lunch in the most beautiful setting. No other tourist could have experienced this. " Michelle J.
"Going to San Miguel de Allende for Dia de Los Muertos has been a bucket list item for me for years. This trip was the perfect way to do it. I was a little unsure about being in a group of strangers but it took no time at all for those strangers to become friends. All of the activities were fun & interesting. It really felt like we were getting an inside view of the city." Jen S.
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.
For most of history, women past child-bearing years were basically put out to pasture. This was happening even in our mothers’ time. We call bullshit on that. We believe we are at a peak in so many ways and are devoted to helping women our age live the richest, most kick-ass lives possible.
We do that by informing, promoting and connecting women–through our magazine, through our member community and through the transformative experiences of travel.
So many travel choices…so little time. You could spend days and days trying to put together just the right combination of destination, activities, and price.
Or you could stop shopping and start traveling with us for something that feels like the greatest girlfriend trip ever–even if you come solo. We specialize in experiences that deeply connect you to other women–travelers and locals–and create life-lasting memories. Experiences you can’t get on your own. And do it all with flexible payment options.
This video will tell you if you’re a good fit for a NextTribe trip. We are proud that we’ve become known for how quickly and deeply our groups of women bond on our trips. One of our rules: No divas, please.
For more information, please contact our travel manager at travel@nexttribe.com