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Mexico

Mexico’s Origins: Silver, Culture and Revolution

Program No. 3290RJ
Gain a deeper understanding of Mexico as you visit historic sites, cultural centers and archaeological treasures while enjoying expert-led lectures on this fascinating country.
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Start
Small Group
Length
12 days
Rating (5)
Activity Level
Starts at
3,399

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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
12 days
11 nights
What's Included
27 meals ( 11B, 8L, 8D )
4 expert-led lectures
16 expert-led field trips
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
11 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
After arriving at the hotel, checking in, and getting your room, take some time to unpack, freshen up, and relax.
Dinner:
In the hotel restaurant, we’ll enjoy a plated 3-course welcome dinner, plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Walking up to 1.5 miles throughout the day; city streets. Getting on/off a bus; short transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel, we will have a plated hot breakfast plus coffee, tea, juice, water.
Morning:
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.
Lunch:
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.
Afternoon:
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. 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. Returning to the hotel, we will begin our introduction to the history of Mexico. This lecture will look at the trajectory and construction of the different elements that form the Mexican Identity. We will analyze the highlights of the four main periods in Mexican history: Prehispanic, Colonial, Modern, and Contemporary to understand the contribution of historical events to the constant redefinition of the Mexican being and the adaptation to emerging challenges. . 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.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
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.
Breakfast:
Hotel plated meal.
Morning:
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.
Lunch:
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.
Afternoon:
Back at our hotel, we will join our instructor for a lecture of Mexican Art, we will explore the Modern and Contemporary periods. Once born as a new country, Mexico faced significant challenges, and stability took decades. First, western aesthetics prevailed with the creation of a National Academy of Art along with popular traditions. Then, over two decades of relative peace, Mexicans rebelled against a dictatorship, and a revolution challenged previous concepts. As a result, new values emerged, and artists reflected this attitude redefining Mexican Art forever.
Dinner:
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.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Driving Approx 50 miles. Walking up to 1.5 miles; Getting on/off a bus
Breakfast:
Hotel plated meal.
Morning:
After breakfast we will check out of our hotel. We will then board our bus to go on 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 Ex Hacienda 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.
Lunch:
At a restaurant in Guanajuato, we’ll have a 3-course plated meal, plus coffee, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we’ll transfer to San Miguel de Allende enjoying the scenery as we travel through the countryside. 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.
Dinner:
At the hotel restaurant enjoy a plated three course meal plus coffee, tea, lemonade, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking up to 1/2 mile throughout the day; city sidewalks. Driving approx. 28 miles roundtrip; about 1 hour.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
In our private meeting room, we will continue the sequence of Mexican history. Throughout history, Mexicans have shown resilience and adaptation to internal and external challenges. This lecture will explore the history of Mexican politics: viceroyalty, empire, republic, dictatorship, and a particular and not always stable democracy. Cohabitation with Latin American countries and a powerful neighbor has been challenging. To survive decades of social and economic instability along with increasing violence due to the war on drugs, Mexicans constantly create strategies to continue. 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.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant in Dolores Hidalgo, we will have a buffet lunch featuring a local specialty, plus coffee, tea, fruit water, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
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.
Dinner:
On your own. this meal has been excluded from the program cost for you to enjoy what you like in San Miguel de Allende.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Will depend on what you choose to do this day
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
Free time. You can refer to the list of suggestions for On Site visit during your free time.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time to enjoy the afternoon continuing to explore San Miguel de Allende on your own.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Be prepared to check out in the morning.
Activity Note
Driving approximately 45 miles; about 1.5 hours. Walking up to 1 mile total throughout the day; city sidewalks.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
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 visit Cerro de Las Campanas, where Maximilian was executed. 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. We will then check into the hotel.
Lunch:
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.
Afternoon:
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.
Dinner:
At the hotel restaurant. enjoy a buffet meal, plus coffee, tea, fruit water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
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.
Activity Note
Driving approx. 35 miles one way; about 1.5 hour. Walking approx. 2 mile during group activities; up to 1 hour.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
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 its 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 local markets, shops, galleries and museums that attract visitors from many places. At a designated time we will be transferred to the town of Bernal.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant, we’ll have a 3-course plated meal, plus coffee, fruit water, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
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.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant, enjoy a two-course dinner with coffee, fruit water, water; other beverages available for purchase
Evening:
At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
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.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
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.
Lunch:
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.
Afternoon:
Then we’ll continue the transfer to Mexico City and check into the hotel upon arrival.
Dinner:
At the hotel restaurant, we’ll have a buffet meal plus coffee, fruit water, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
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.
Breakfast:
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.
Morning:
Departing the hotel via bus, our field trip will begin with a visit to the Basilica de Guadalupe where we will learn about the old and new Basilica, as well as the Capuchinas Convent, and stand on the Atrio 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 and 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. Our field trip will continue to the Teotihuacan Pyramids and its archaeological site where our local expert will introduce us to Teotihuacan and how it became the sixth 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 Temple of the Plumed Serpent and the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon. Our field trip will continue 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.
Lunch:
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.
Afternoon:
We’ll then return to the hotel.
Dinner:
On your own
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Minimal driving; short transfers. Walking about 1 mile throughout the day; approx. 1 hour.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
After breakfast we will depart via bus to the Palace of Fine Arts to enjoy a presentation of the famous Ballet Folklorico de Amalia Hernadez. This piece reflects the various genres and art forms from across the country expressed through both dance and music. After the presentation and accompanied by our local expert we will continuing to explore the Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) was built in the place of the first National Theater of México the early 1930's. Here we will have an opportunity to explore the marvelous interior. Primarily a combination of Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles, the grand building is divided into the main hall with smaller exhibition rooms, the theater and the institute's offices.
Lunch:
At the Anthropology Museum Restaurant, we will have three course meal, plus coffee, tea, fruit water, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
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.
Dinner:
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.
Evening:
The remainder of the evening will be at leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out is 12:00 Noon. Driving approx. 6 miles; about 1/2 hour. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
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!
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