SOLD OUT: Classic Day of the Dead in San Miguel de Allende

At a Glance

San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico

Oct 30 - Nov 5, 2025

6 Nights

10-15 Travelers

Starting At

$2,995

Deposit: $500

Home >Trip >SOLD OUT: Classic Day of the Dead in San Miguel de Allende

Trip Description

SOLD OUT!

We will be offering another version of our Day of the Dead trip in the next few weeks. Stay tuned!

Join us for a week in one of the liveliest, loveliest spots in the world. Colonial architecture. Fabulous restaurants. Stunning history. Studio and home visits with local NextTribe women. World-class shopping. Daisies. Hot springs. Travel-mates as curious and adventurous as you are.

NextTribe members receive a $100 discount on the trip. Find out more here.

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 atmosphere for discovering the rich Mexican culture and exploring the shops, sites, and restaurants that are unique to San Miguel de Allende.

About Day of the Dead

The trip takes place over 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 altars to commemorate loved ones who have passed and visit cemeteries to sing to and party 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 way for us to get to know each other..

Casa Calderoni

Accommodations for six nights at the Casa Calderoni, a traditional Mexican home that has been renovated to modern standards.

PLEASE NOTE: Casa Calderoni’s rooms are accessible by stairs only, no elevator. If necessary, we can book you into a lower room, but you will still need to climb some stairs.

This beautiful bed and breakfast is just steps away from the city “centro” square and features fantastic views of the famous Parroquia cathedral. It’s also just one-half block from the world famous “Mercado de Artesanias”, featuring fine Mexican handicrafts from all over Mexico.

Travel and Leisure Magazine says that Casa Calderoni is one of the best values in San Miguel de Allende designed with a “rooftop terrace with unparalleled city views.”, breathtaking sunrise and sunset views of the city, and world-famous churches.

Photos

Map

Sample Itinerary

WEDNESDAY, October 29th

Bienvenidos and Welcome Dinner

Depart your hometown for the flight to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Upon arrival, you'll be picked up from Leon/Guanajuato Airport (BJX) or Querétaro (QRO) airport and driven to San Miguel (about 1.5 hrs from QRO, 2 hrs from Leon). You’ll check into the charming Casa Calderoni in the historic center of San Miguel, just three blocks from the main square. Address: Callejon Pueblito 4-A, Centro.

You'll be greeted by your host for the week, NextTribe COO, Jeannie Edmunds, who has helped run this San MIguel trip for two years with NextTribe founder Jeannie Ralston (who lived in San Miguel for 4 years and has kept in touch with the people and places of the city).

Spend the afternoon acclimating or stepping out for a quick bite to eat. There’s a terrific restaurant just across the street. After a rooftop welcome drink this evening , we'll head to a local favorite restaurant for dinner.

THURSDAY, Oct. 30th

Getting to Know the Town

After a full breakfast at the inn (included daily) you’ll meet your private guide in the main square (the Jardîn) to enjoy 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 in a large family. She will give you a great insider’s view of a very different life in colonial Mexico just two decades ago.

Afterwards we’ll have lunch together at the lovely rooftop restaurant La Posadita. This local favorite has 180-degree views including the stone facade of the iconic Parroquoia church across the street. It also boasts one of the best margaritas in town so relax with some fresh guacamole and a drink or a cocktail while you soak in the views.

After lunch, Jeannie will give you a shopping tour map of the town, based on Jeannie Ralston's recommendations.

Jeannie Edmunds will point out her favorite stores and then take you to the Mercado de Artesanias, a collection of stands displaying tin mirrors, hand-woven shawls, embroidered linens, hand-painted pottery and the latest folk-art trends. The market continues outside to tiny shops showcasing their wares by the front door. Look for the shop with oilcloth bags as you exit the market at Calle Loreto―inside you’ll find placemats, cosmetic cases, and other clever items made from colorful Mexican oilcloth.

This evening (or possibly later in the week, depending on her availability) we will have wine and snacks at the home/studio of a local artist. Then, we’ll head to a nearby restaurant for dinner.

FRIDAY, October 31st

A Visit to a Private Charro Ranch

We have a special day planned with a local friend of Jeannie Ralston's who has prepared an unforgettable experience for you, one that most visitors to San Miguel would miss. You're in for a treat, and we don't want to spoil the surprise! It involves lunch and a very Mexican, very San Miguel vibe, just 30 minutes out of town.

After we return to the hotel, we'll have free time. Then we'll head to a sunset dinner at what we consider the best rooftop restaurant in the city.

SATURDAY Nov. 1st

Atotonilco, the Hot Springs and an Altar of Our Own

At 10 a.m. you will be picked up at your hotel and we’ll visit the nearby town of Atontonilco. Baroque Mexican churches are not unusual, but the 250-year-old Santuario de Atotonilco is over-the-top ornate, 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. The sanctuary is also a pilgrimage site for penitents, who self-flagellate to atone for sins. Note the rope flails sold by vendors outside the church.

After the church, you’ll be taken to one of the fabulous hot springs that surrounds San Miguel. La Gruta is the most famous of all the resorts and offers green leafy grounds and several pools. Swim through a man-made tunnel into a large domed room. At intervals through out the day, hot water straight from the ground pours into the room. The highlight is getting to stand under the powerful stream. It’s heavenly. Eat lunch at La Gruta (and book a massage if you’d like). If La Gruta is not open that day (it's Mexico, so sometimes schedules change on a dime) we'll visit another hot springs in the area.

I When we return, we will create an altar in the hotel lobby, and everyone is invited to put mementos and photos of lost loved ones on the altar. We will gather before dinner so that everyone who wants to can talk about the loved ones they’ve placed on the altar. A beautiful and cathartic experience. We’ll provide the wine and snacks before heading to dinner.

SUNDAY, Nov. 2nd

Day of the Dead Cemetery Tour, Face Painting and Catrina Parade

Today the town is alive with more activity. A guide will pick you up and take you through the streets to view shrines set up 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.

Many will make the walk to the local cemetery to watch families decorate the graves of loved ones with their favorite foods and possessions. Mariachi bands, solo guitarists, child singers and more will stroll through the grounds performing at the grave sites of departed relatives. With thousands of flowers decorating hundreds of graves, the cemetery and the rituals seen there will leave you with lasting memories of this visit to San Miguel.

In the afternoon, we will have make up artists come to our hotel to paint our faces. After we're all gussied up in our finest Day of the Dead costumes, we'll take part in the Catrina Parade. This is when costumed, painted "Catrinas" march through the city--a staple of Day of the Dead activities, this parade highlights the playful nature of Mexicans as they welcome the spirits of their ancestors. The ex-pat community and visitors are always invited share in these local rituals. Even the face painters tell us they are thrilled that foreigners appreciate their celebration enough to paint their faces and join the festivities!

Dinner follows.

MONDAY, Nov. 3rd

Free Day + Farewell Dinner

We always like to give our guests a free day to visit other sites and shops we hadn’t had time for on our schedule. We can book you a massage at a nearby hotel if you like.

Dinner tonight is at one of the most elegant dining venues in town.

TUESDAY, Nov. 4th

Depart San Miguel

After breakfast we will transport you to the airport for your homeward flights. Return transfers to León and Querétaro Airports are provided.

Logistics

What's Included

6 nights accommodations

Breakfasts

6 Dinners

3 Lunches

Walking Tour of Centro

Wear comfortable shoes!

Tour of Historic Site

A guide and van will take us to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Atotonilco.

Charro Ranch Visit

Authentic Charro demonstration and lunch on beautiful ranch on the outskirts of San Miguel.

Hot Springs Resort

We'll spend a lazy afternoon and the glorious La Gruta, outside of San Miguel

Day of the Dead Tour

A guide will take us to the local cemeteries and by handmade altars so you can discover what Day of the Dead means in Mexico.

Shopping Tour

Visit to Local Artist

We'll meet a local woman who is creating art and living an expat life in San Miguel.

Personal Altar in Hotel

We will make our own altar in the hotel, where we all will display photos and mementos of loved ones and share their stories. Bring items for tributes to your loved ones who have passed.

Customized Map

We will create a personalized map of the city, with Jeannie Ralston's favorite stores, sites, and eateries marked, so you can explore on your own.

Airport transfers

What's Not Included

Airfare
Alcohol (unless specifically mentioned in an itinerary activity or purchased as an add-on)
Tips

Gratuities to local guides, drivers, maids and hotel staff, 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.

Additional Add-Ons

Scuplting Class

A 4-hour class with a renowned sculptor at La Fabrica Aurora. Make your own Catrina head or any other figure that moves you. We'll do this on the afternoon your free day.

Makers Tour

Take a 3-hour tour of the studios of some of the local artisans. We'll do this on the morning of your free day.

Face Painting

Don't worry about forking out cash for your face painting on Dia de los Muertos. Pay in advance and we'll cover it.

Hotels

Casa Calderoni

San Miguel de Allende

View Hotel

Our travelers love us (yay!)

Colleen M., California

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What I love about the NextTribe trips is that there is so much camaraderie of other women that are like you, and then the fabulous things that the organizers puts together to give you that viewpoint, it’s awesome.

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What I love about NextTribe trips is that you get the experience from an insider’s perspective—someone that has ties to the community and focused on building relationships from the start. I’ve been on a trip with another women’s travel group that dropped a guide in, not personally knowing anything about the locale, traditions, or culture. She was there to make sure you showed up on time, got on the bus, etc. With NextTribe, you feel like you’re having a personalized experience with your best girlfriends.

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I didn't know anyone going on the trip but that didn't stop me from signing up. I have learned that some of my life's greatest adventures have come from taking a risk and jumping in feet first. So glad I did with NextTribe! I may not have known anybody at the start, but now I feel like I know everybody.

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I love to meet and interact with strong, mature women from across the country as we learn together.

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I always come by myself on NextTribe trips because I like to meet super fun and interesting women. We're always doing fun and interesting things in great cities that you couldn't do on your own because you wouldn't know the people or places or the insiders.

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Frequently asked questions

What’s different about your trips?

We curate trips specifically for curious, engaged women over 45. You’re pretty well assured that your fellow travelers will be a lot like you–since you’ve all responded to the idea of “aging boldly.”. That means built-in compatibility in your small group, including the woman who is leading the adventure.. In addition to specializing in group travel for people who don’t normally like group travel, we also pride ourselves on creating experiences that allow you to interact with local women or get deeper into the culture than you would if you planned the trip yourself.

Where do you go?

We have a wide range of weekend jaunts here in the U.S. for those who want a quick getaway. We also love taking women to Mexico, where founder Jeannie Ralston used to live. We’re always talking about pushing boundaries, and we’re doing that in the geographic sense too. For those with more time, we offer trips all over Europe, to India, Vietnam, Peru (for a hike on the inca Trail to Machu Picchu). Soon, our travelers will be getting passport stamps in even more countries on six continents. Be saving those frequent flier miles!

What do you mean by transformational travel?

NextTribe is affiliated with the Transformational Travel Council, an international group of travel professionals dedicated to making the world a better place, one trip and one traveler at a time. We recognize that travelers, especially post-pandemic, are looking for more than just a date and a destination. They can shop for that anywhere online. Our community honors the intention behind a traveler’s investment in a trip. Our travelers want to have fun (we do too!) and to travel with a sense of purpose and belonging. That’s why we go to great lengths to provide ways for women to self-select by reading the articles in our magazine and the content of our website. If you like what you see, you’re likely to be a NextTribe traveler, and we look forward to seeing you on a trip soon!

What if I travel solo?

If you really prefer to book your travel yourself and go it alone, we applaud you. That’s brave and bold and we would never try to talk you out of it. But our trips are designed so that even a woman who’s used to traveling alone, or someone shy about meeting new people, will feel comfortable in our group. Our trip leaders are there to “read the room” and make sure everyone feels included and respected.

What if I don’t like group travel?

We don’t either! Not the way most groups do it. If you feel like doing what the group is doing, great! Join us for dinner or just some of the activities. All the benefits of solo travel and the comfort of being with a group. Our groups are small (normally around 12 to 14 women) and in most situations, you are free to opt out of an activity. We figure you’re grown-ass women who know what’s best for you.

What’s the price range of your trips?

We are committed to providing what we call “affordable-luxury” travel. Don’t expect
the Four Seasons, but who wants to stay in a gilded bubble anyhow? We always look for good value and offer wonderful hotels and memorable experiences that won’t break the bank and will get you closer to how locals live. Our prices depend on the length of the
trip and the destination. We offer domestic trips for under $2,000 for a shared room, which we encourage. If you don’t have a roommate we will match you with someone. Sometimes this has resulted in lasting friendships with new travel buddies., Some of
our longer trips–two weeks in India or Vietnam, for example–will cost between
$4,800 and $6,000.

What’s included in the price?

Our trips cover most everything you’ll need to dive into a destination. Hotels and most meals, plus special experiences such as hands-on classes and sessions with local artists, writers or entrepreneurs are almost always included, but each trip is different so please be sure to read The Experience and the itinerary. We occasionally have an add-on for an extra price, but those are clearly designated. What’s not covered as a rule are airfare, alcohol and tips.

Do you have payment plans?

We sure do. It’s easy to pay for our trips by setting up automatic credit card charges at regular intervals, interest free. Think of it as the layaway plan to feed your soul.

How do I get trip discounts?

Our NextTribe members get a discount on every trip. Plus, members are the first to hear about new trips and receive upgrades on rooms if they’re available. Check out our three different membership levels here.

What’s the average age of women on the trips?

We welcome all women over 45, but most of our travelers are in the 50 to 65 age range. More important than age is the spirit of the traveler–her curiosity about the world, and her eagerness to embrace new opportunities. We’ve found women of any age with those qualities fit in well with our groups.

What’s the activity level of the trips?

Most of our trips are geared for active travelers who like to walk–a rating of 3 on our 1-5 rating scale. Here are some examples of how we rate. A designation of 1 would be our beach trips, where it’s up to you if you’d like to stroll down the beach, or play in the waves or walk around the small town. Trips where we have dedicated transportation for much of the time (such as India) are a 2; Paris is a 3 because we believe the best way to appreciate a city is to view it on foot. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, is a 4, because you’ll be walking up some hills (at 6,000 feet altitude) and occasionally on cobblestone sidewalks. Our Inca trail trip is a 5, as are our more adventurous outdoor trips.