Compare Mexico’s Origins: Silver, Culture and Revolution by Road Scholar

Day 1 Arrive, Check-in, Welcome Dinner Guanajuato, Gto.

Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.

After arriving at the hotel, checking in, and getting your room, take some time to unpack, freshen up, and relax. Program Registration: 6:30 p.m. Come over to the Road Scholar table in the hotel lobby to register with the program staff and get your up-to-date schedule that reflects any last-minute changes, and other important information. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in.

At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

In the hotel restaurant, we’ll enjoy a plated 3-course welcome dinner, plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 2 Orientation, History of Guanajuato & Mexico, City Field Trip Guanajuato, Gto.

Walking up to 1.5 miles throughout the day; city streets. Getting on/off a bus; short transfers.

Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. All transportation will be provided via bus unless specified otherwise. An instructor will conduct all sessions in the classroom; a certified expert will lead field trips and excursions. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We will then be joined in the hotel conference room by a local expert for an introduction to the history of Guanajuato. This World Heritage Site is located in a narrow valley with a colonial town center built primarily from green and pink sandstone. Thanks to the plentiful mines in the area, Guanajuato became increasingly influential during the colonial era and was the site of the first battle of the Mexican War of Independence in 1810. We will then set out into the historic center of Guanajuato with our local expert via bus. After getting dropped off, we will walk to visit the Teatro Juarez for the opportunity to see the majestic and splendid interior. Since its inauguration in 1903, it has been the center and the headquarters of the most important artistic events in the city.

After lunch, accompanied by our local expert, we will continue our downtown exploration with a visit to another important place. The University of Guanajuato. We’ll see the main building of the Universidad de Guanajuato – one of the oldest and more prestigious universities in Latin America, founded in 1945. Today the university has several campuses around the state. Returning to the hotel, we will begin our introduction to the history of Mexico. Today’s lecture is a 45-minute presentation with emphasis being placed on an introduction to Mesoamerica, the rise of the Aztecs, Aztec history, society, religion, culture and mythology. . Prior to dinner in our private meeting room, we’ll enjoy a social hour, with a cocktail, to become acquainted with more of the group.

At leisure.

At the hotel, we will have a plated hot breakfast plus coffee, tea, juice, water.

At a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a plated 3-course meal featuring Mexican cuisine with soup, a main dish, and dessert, plus coffee, soft drinks, water; other beverages available for purchase.

at the hotel

Day 3 Mexican History, Alondiga de Granaditas, Diego Rivera Guanajuato, Gto.

Walking up to 1.5 miles; city sidewalks; periods of standing, up to 1 hour at the museum. Getting on/off a bus; short transfers.

In the hotel conference room, we will continue our introduction to Mexican history. At the conclusion of the lecture, we will travel by bus to visit the historic Alhondiga de Granadita. The building is now a museum and a symbol for the battle that was fought there on September 28, 1810, when the revolutionaries were fighting for the freedom and sovereignty of the Mexican nation. Admire the murals painted by Jose Chaves Morado from 1955 to 1966 depicting colonial Guanajuato. We will continue walking to Callejon del Beso – The Alley of the Kiss – and learn the tragic and romantic legend behind it.

Meeting at a selected spot, we will walk to the Museo Casa Diego Rivera, where a local expert will explain the importance of the most significant works before letting us browse the museum independently. This house where Diego Rivera was born is now a museum displaying the collection of Marte R. Gomez with work realized from Diego’s early years to 1956, just one year before his death. Born in 1886 in Guanajuato, Diego Rivera began to take classes at the Academy of San Carlos at the age of ten. By the age of twenty, he had more than two dozen works at the Academy’s annual exhibition and received a grant to go study in Europe. Returning to Mexico, his early works followed Mexican society and dealt with the Mexican Revolution, with his style expanding to include Maya and Aztec influences. Twenty years his younger, he married Frida Kahlo in 1929, to whom he remained married to for ten years. Boarding the bus, we will enjoy a panoramic field trip through Guanajuato up to a high vantage point where our local expert will point out and explain the importance of the historic buildings such Universidad de Guanajuato, Teatro Juarez, and la Iglesia de la Compañia, among others. From here, we can admire the variety of colors of the traditional colonial homes against the green hills.

At leisure.

Hotel plated meal.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

On your own to enjoy what you like in Guanajuato. Offering over 100 dining establishments to choose from, there is sure to be something for everyone.

Day 4 Mexican History, Valenciana Town, Downtown S Miguel Allende San Miguel de Allende, Gto.

Driving Approx 50 miles. Walking up to 1.5 miles; Getting on/off a bus

After breakfast we will board our bus to go for a field trip to the 18th century mining town of Valenciana where we will visit the Valencia Mine and Mining Museum led by a local expert. The mines of the area were very important not only to the region but to the country, this was one of the richest and most productive silver mines in the world. Impressive churches and residences were built with all the wealth this mine brought to the region. Next, we’ll transfer to the Museum Exhacienda San Gabriel de Barrera. Comprised of the grounds, gardens, and workspace of the 17th century estate, it was named for Gabriel de Barrera who established a family dynasty of ore-concentrating mills until it came into state ownership 300 years later in 1975. then return to Guanajuato for lunch.

Once checked out of the hotel, we’ll transfer to San Miguel de Allende enjoying the scenery as we travel through the countryside. Upon arrival, we’ll check into the hotel. We'll begin our exploration of San Miguel de Allende aboard a trolley with a local expert explaining the significance of the most important sites and buildings. The trolley will take us back to the hotel where at a designated time we will get together at the hotel's conference room for a lecture on Mexican history

At leisure. Be prepare to check out the next day.

Hotel plated meal.

At a restaurant in Guanajuato, we’ll have a 2-course plated meal, plus coffee, water; other beverages available for purchase.

At the hotel restaurant enjoy a plated three course meal plus coffee, tea, lemonade, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 5 Mexican History, Atotonilco, Dolores Hidalgo, Fabrica Aurora San Miguel de Allende, Gto.

Walking up to 1/2 mile throughout the day; city sidewalks. Driving approx. 28 miles roundtrip; about 1 hour.

In our private meeting room, we will continue the sequence of Mexican history. Our first field trip of the morning will be in Antotonilco where we will visit the Sanctuary of Atotonilco. Nicknamed the “Sistine Chapel of Mexico,” it was built in the 18th century after a priest had a vision of Jesus. The complex is known for its rich Mexican Baroque murals completed by Antonio Martinez de Pocasangre over three decades. Colorful and ornate on the inside, the exterior of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, inducted in 2008, resembles a fortress with its 32 foot tall walls and 65 foot clock tower. It is still used as a place of religious worship. Next, we’ll set out for a field trip to the city of Dolores Hidalgo, known as the Cradle of Independence. Upon arrival, we will visit the church where Father Hidalgo rang his bell and gave the call to arms known as the Grito de Dolores (Cry of Dolores), which marked the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence on September 16, 1810. While here, we will also visit the Independence Museum to admire artifacts, paintings, and murals related to the independence movement.

As we return to San Miguel de Allende, we will make a stop to Fabrica de la Aurora. La Fábrica la Aurora is an art and design center that is home to local artists and craft studios ranging from antiques and jewelry to furniture and textiles. While here, we’ll explore and enjoy the center as a group, visiting its working artist studios, contemporary art galleries, ageless antiques, unique furniture, textiles and home goods, designer jewelry and clothing, and gourmet restaurants and cafes. After a while, take some time to look around independently.br> We’ll then resume our journey back to the hotel.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

At a local restaurant in Dolores Hidalgo, we will have a plated meal featuring a local specialty, plus coffee, tea, fruit water, water; other beverages available for purchase.

On your own. this meal has been excluded from the program cost for you to enjoy what you like in San Miguel de Allende.

Day 6 Mexican History, To San Miguel de Allende, Field Trip Walk San Miguel de Allende, Gto.

Driving approximately 48 miles; about 1.5 hours. Walking approx. 1.5 miles; about 2.5 hours; narrow sidewalks, cobblestone streets.

In our private meeting room at the hotel, we will continue learning about Mexican history through a presentation. We will then begin a walking field trip in downtown San Miguel de Allende, including a visit to Nigromante Fine Arts School. With a local expert, we will visit the prestigious Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramirez “El Nigromante” – a former monastery that was converted into a fine arts school in 1938 that has been forming artists of various disciplines for generations. In the interior of the institute, we will observe the murals by Pedro Martinez and a room with David Alfaro Siqueiros’s unfinished mural. Continuing to the Jardin Allende, we’ll stop in this center plaza, a popular spot to relax and listen to mariachis. Next, we’ll stop at the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel, an emblem of the city with its neo-gothic façade and tall towers, which can be seen from most parts of town. With our local expert, we’ll go inside to see the oil paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries, a large German organ brought in in the mid 19th century, and carvings of saints including one of St. Miguel Arcangel.

Free time to enjoy the afternoon continuing to explore San Miguel de Allende on your own.

At leisure. Be prepare to check out in the morning

Hotel plated meal.

On your own

on your own

Day 7 To Queretaro City, Museums, Churches, Historical Landmarks Queretaro, Qro

Driving approximately 45 miles; about 1.5 hours. Walking up to 1 mile total throughout the day; city sidewalks.

After breakfast we will be checking out of the hotel and loading the bus for our transfer to Queretaro City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site considered to be one of the most dynamic cities in Latin America. Upon our arrival, we will enjoy a panoramic field trip via bus for an overview of the city. Our first stop will be at a strategic point to admire the colossal work of the aqueduct, a project started in 1726 and completed 12 years later as a way to provide the city with clean water. Just over one mile long, the aqueduct is made out of sandstone with 74 towering arches, some as high as 100 feet. Our expert will offer commentary on its construction as we take a look up close. Next, we will visit the Pantheon of Illustrious Queretanos, a permanent honorary shrine to those who fought for the freedom of the Mexican people. Afterwards, we’ll then spend some time at Santa Cruz Convent and learn the legend behind the tree that bears thorns in the form of a cross that simulate the nails of the crucifixion of Jesus. We will then check into the hotel.

Continuing our exploration of the city, we’ll make visits to the Queretaro Art Museum, Santa Clara Church, and Casa de la Marquesa. At the Queretaro Art Museum, we will explore one of the most prestigious cultural centers in the city with its 15 exhibition halls and a collection of masterpieces from the 17th to 19th centuries. Our next stop will be the Santa Clara Church, a temple built as a convent in 1607 that is now famous for its ornately carved interior, gilded altarpieces, and delicate exterior work. We will continue to Casa de la Marquesa, built in 1756 as a mansion belonging to Marquesa de la Villa del Villar del Aguila. Its façade is Baroque, with beautiful ornamental details carved in stone, highlighting the door frame that rises to the second floor with a molded cornice framing the noble shield. At the end of our walking field trip, you may choose to walk back to the hotel or ride the bus.

At leisure. You may wish to set out for a walk independently along the main plaza of Queretaro back to the hotel and see the city come alive after dark. Continue with a walk back to the hotel, or ride the bus.

Hotel buffet.

At the hotel restaurant, we will have a 3-course plated meal featuring a selection of main dishes plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

In the historic center, we will enjoy great food, excellent service, and a beautiful setting at a local restaurant with a 3-course plated meal, plus coffee, tea, fruit water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 8 Tequisquiapan, Qro. Bernal, Free Time Queretaro, Qro

Driving approx. 35 miles one way; about 1.5 hour. Walking approx. 2 mile during group activities; up to 1 hour.

Setting out with the Group Leader, we’ll head to the Magical town of Tequisquiapan. Here you will receive from our local expert an introduction to the town and it’s history, then you will set free to spend time in the historical downtown where you will walk on cobblestone streets and can admire indigenous women weaving rugs, tablecloths while others are fabricating jewelry. An opportunity to visit shops, galleries and museums that attract visitors from many places. At a designated time we will be transferred to the town of Bernal

We’ll spend the afternoon in the Magical Town of Bernal, a popular pilgrimage point thanks to the Peña de Bernal, one of the highest monoliths in the world rising to 1,421 feet. Bernal recently acquired the title of “Magical Town,” meaning the town has significant cultural, historical, or natural sites. While here, we will visit different galleries, historical places in town, and a weaver’s shop for a demonstration on rug weaving before enjoying some time for independent exploration. At the conclusion of our free time, we will regroup at a predetermined time and place to return to the hotel.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Hotel buffet.

At a local restaurant, we’ll have a 3-course plated meal, plus coffee, fruit water, water; other beverages available for purchase.

At a local restaurant, enjoy a three-course dinner with coffee, fruit water, water; other beverages available for purchase

Day 9 To Mexico City, Museo Nacional del Virreynato Mexico City, D.F.

Driving approx. 130 miles; about 3 hours, with stops. Walking about 1 mile throughout the day; flat terrain; periods of standing up to 1 hour.

After checking out of the hotel, we will load our luggage and transfer to Mexico City for our final three nights. En route, we will stop and visit the “Museo Nacional de Virreynato” with a local expert. The Museum of the Viceroyalty of New Spain is the former College of San Francisco Javier and is widely considered one of the country’s best museums thanks to both its aesthetics and its collections.

Then we’ll continue the transfer to Mexico City and check into the hotel upon arrival.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

At a local restaurant in Tepotzotlan, we’ll have a 2-course plated meal, plus coffee, tea, fruit water, water; other beverages available for purchase.

At the hotel restaurant, we’ll have 3-course plated meal plus coffee, fruit water, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 10 Teotihuacan Archaeological Site, Basilica de Guadalupe Mexico City, D.F.

Walking up to 2.5 miles throughout the day; periods of standing up to 1 hour; dirt paths. Driving approx. 30 miles each way; about 1.5 hours.

Transferring from the hotel via bus, our field trip will begin with a visit to the Teotihuacan Pyramids and its archaeological site where our local expert will introduce us to Teotihuacan, explaining how it became the 6th largest city in the world between 150 BCE and 450 CE. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the pyramids are the centerpiece of the holy city that once hosted a population of at least 125,000 people. Some of the most famous temples include the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, and the Temple of the Plumed Serpent.

Our field trip will then continue to La Villa de Guadalupe where we will learn about the old and new Basilica, as well as the Capuchinas Convent, and stand on the Antrio of the Americas. The basilica is the most visited sanctuary in Latin America housing the miraculous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. While here, we’ll also learn the story of St. Juan Diego and the apparition of the Virgin Mary in 1531. Originally the site of a shrine to a mother goddess, the conquistadors destroyed the chapel adapted the location into the parish, eventually building the Old Basilica that was completed in 1709. Due to a sinking foundation, the New Basilica was constructed next to it from 1974 to 1976 creating a dichotomy of old and new. We’ll then return to the hotel.

At leisure.

At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet featuring Mexican and international cuisine including a variety of hot dishes, bread, pastries, yogurt, fruit, plus coffee, tea, juice, water.

At a local restaurant, we will have a buffet featuring a variety of salads, soups, main dishes, dessert, plus coffee, tea, fruit water, water; other beverages available for purchase.

On your own

Day 11 Aztec Historical Center, Anthropology Museum, Ballet Mexico City, D.F.

Minimal driving; short transfers. Walking about 1 mile throughout the day; approx. 1 hour.

Leaving the hotel via bus, we’ll travel to the Historic Center of Mexico City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our first stop within the large Historic Center will be at the Aztec ceremonial center known as Templo Mayor, where we will learn how a crew of workers discovered the monumental sculpture of Coyolxauhqui in 1978, and changed the government plan from building the Tenochtitlan museum there to completing the project of excavating Templo Mayor. The Templo Mayor was the site of the main temple of Tenochtitlan and regarded as the center of the world by the Aztecs. It was dedicated to Huitzilopochtli, the god of war, and Tlaloc, the god of rain and agriculture. After seeing the ruins, we will then walk to the Templo Mayor Museum, which holds some 7,000 pieces recovered during excavations of the site.

One of the most visited museums in Mexico, we will explore the Museo Nacional de Antropologia, or the National Museum of Anthropology. Built in the 1960s, this large and prestigious museum houses over 52,000 pieces in 23 exhibition rooms. Among its collections are pieces from the Teotihucans, Toltecs Mexicas, Mayans, and other cultures. One of the most important items we will see is the Aztec Calendar carved in stone. We will then board the bus for transfer to our farewell dinner.

Walking from the restaurant, we will cross the street to Palacio de Balls Artes – Palace of Fine Arts – to enjoy a presentation of the Ballet Folklórico of Amalia Hernandez. This piece reflects the various genres and art forms from across the country through both dance and music. We’ll then return to the hotel. The remainder of the evening will be at leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.

Hotel buffet.

At the Anthropology Museum Restaurant, we will have a buffet meal featuring a variety of salads, soups, main dishes, and dessert, plus coffee, tea, fruit water, water; other beverages available for purchase.

At a local restaurant, our delicious plated farewell dinner will feature 3 courses, plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase. Share some of your favorite experiences from the program with new Road Scholar friends.

Day 12 Program Concludes Mexico City, D.F.

Hotel check-out is 12:00 Noon. Driving approx. 6 miles; about 1/2 hour. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.

We’ll then check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport via motorcoach. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Hotel buffet.