Classic Day of the Dead in San Miguel de Allende 2026

At a Glance

San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico
Oct 30 - Nov 5, 2026
6 Nights
Level: 4
We rate all trips on a 1 to 5 scale. A designation of 1 would be trips with the least amount of activity, such as our beach trips, where it's up to you if you'd like to be active. Our adventure trips (such as the Inca trail hike) are a 5. Most of our trips are rated 3, for people who don't mind a fair bit of walking.
10-13 Travelers

!What's Included?

Starting At

$2,999

Deposit: $500

Home >Trip >Classic Day of the Dead in San Miguel de Allende 2026

About this trip

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.

Want to learn more?  Join us for a live trip preview on Wednesday, March 25th at 6:30ET.  RSVP HERE

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 and Day of the Dead

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.

 

5 Reasons We Love This Trip

  1. You get insider info and access to shops, homes and experiences.
  2. The ecstatic fun of participating in the Catrina Parade.
  3. The moving and meaningful experience of paying tribute to loved ones lost on our own altar.
  4. Our excursions outside of San Miguel: to a private Charro Ranch and the lovely hot springs.
  5. The magical atmosphere of San Miguel with its cobblestone streets, vibrant colonial buildings, festive energy, and beautiful views at every turn.

"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.

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!

Photos

Map

Sample Itinerary

Itinerary Overview

To view a full itinerary and download a brochure, Click Here.

Day 1: Bienvenidos & Welcome Dinner

Day 2: Walking Tour & Private Charro Ranch

Day 3: Atotonilco, Hot Springs & Our Altar

Day 4: Day of the Dead Cemetery Tour, Face Painting & Catrina Parade

Day 5: Making Art & Viewing Art

Day 6: Free Day & Farewell Dinner

Day 7: Vaya Con Dias

Logistics

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.

What's Included

  • 6 nights accommodations

  • 7 Breakfasts

  • 7 Dinners

  • Roundtrip Airport Transfers

  • Ground Transportation for all activities

What's Not Included

  • Airfare
  • Tips
  • Alcohol not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Lunches on Free Days, when not with the group
  • Travel Insurance
  • Gratuities

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

Hotels

Casa Calderoni Bed and Breakfast

San Miguel de Allenda

Our travelers love us (yay!)

Colleen M., California

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.

Courtney M., Texas

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.

Donna B., Washington

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.

Connie B., Pennsylvania

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

Leslie M., Georgia

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.

Teresa S., Kentucky

NextTribe fills the need I have to travel with older interesting women who are curious about the world and want to share the journey.

We write articles about all our trips. Read about these special experiences.

Let’s Do This!

Starting From

$2,999

Did you know we have easy payment plans for our trips, interest free? Think of this as a layaway plan to feed your soul.

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What to Expect Traveling with NextTribe

You’ll be embraced by a tribe of travelers, starting with smart, fun women who lead our trips. We even have a code of community for both travelers and guides.

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Terms & Conditions

Here’s the boring stuff we encourage you to read so there are no surprises.

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Travel Insurance – Do You Need it?

Short Answer: Yes, we require trip protection insurance for all international trips. For domestic trips, we strongly suggest it. Protect your investment if things go wrong.

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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.

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