Dates Oct 27–Nov 3, 2008
Leaders John Shaw and Joe Van Os
The second tour leader listed will be added as the group size warrants.
Fee $2,995 from Guanajuato, Mexico
Deposit $400
Limit 16
Terms and Conditions

It’s no coincidence that some of Mexico’s oldest and most beautiful colonial cities are in its mountainous heartland. Built during the booming “silver rush” period of the 1500s, Guanajuato, the capital of the state of Guanajuato, and neighboring San Miguel de Allende have been called the crown jewels of the colonial cities.

Guanajuato is a photogenic maze of twisted alleys and narrow cobblestone streets. Its elaborate mansions and baroque churches give the city a decidedly European feeling. Named a United Nations World Heritage Site, all restoration and new construction in the historic district must conform
to the 500-year-old architectural style. Lined with colonial buildings, often perched literally on top of each other, some of the 3,000 alleyways are packed so tightly that balconies almost form a canopy. The best way to explore these fascinating hillside byways is on foot. We meander through this graphic labyrinth, shooting colorful street scenes, zesty marketplaces and exquisite architectural details juxtaposed against vibrantly-painted stucco walls. Now and then we stop at one of the tree-shaded plazas with their gardens, fountains and cafés, to relax and enjoy local color.

San Miguel de Allende is another “must-shoot” location. It is, arguably, the prettiest of the colonial cities, and is well known as Mexico’s most artistic community. This seductive little city with its clear nights and spring-like days is beautifully situated on the slopes of a hill facing the Laja River and the distant Guanajuato Mountains. San Miguel was declared a national monument in 1956, and retains much of its old-world flavor. Steep, cobbled streets are lined with bougainvillea-covered colonial mansions, brightly-colored cantinas and grand villas decked with colorful, sun-washed doorways, intricate stonework, wrought iron balconies and hanging lanterns. It’s not often that you’ll find your hotel to be photographically appealing, but the high-ceilinged rock walls and patio gardens with lovely fountains provide a charming “photography oasis” at the end of the day.

We’ve timed our visit to coincide with the colorful preparations for the Day of the Dead in San Miguel. This family celebration, invoking the spirits of the departed, includes wonderfully-decorated skulls—constructed from sugar—displayed in vendor’s stalls throughout the city, along with vast displays of golden marigolds, the traditional flower of the dead. We may also have opportunities to explore some of the photogenic surrounding communities such as Dolores Hidalgo, Tequesquiapan, Bernal and Mineral de Pozos.

Beautiful architecture, mild climate, colonial romance and great photography—it is difficult to choose the region’s best feature. Each day we find time to break away from these pleasures to glimpse some of our images on our laptops to get a sense of the day’s shoot. We not only capture an architectural wonderland with our cameras, but also learn how to improve those images in the digital world.



Day 1 (Oct 27)
Participants arrive at the Leon Airport and transfer to our hotel in Guanajuato, Mexico, in time to meet for dinner. (D)

Days 2–3
We wander through picturesque streets, alleys and plazas of Guanajuato. In the evening we ascend via funicular to a spectacular scenic overlook and photograph the city as twilight falls and lights illuminate the colorful buildings. (BLD)

Day 4
Morning departure for San Miguel de Allende, stopping to photograph in the Talavera pottery manufacturing town of Dolores Hidalgo along the way. Later, after settling into our lovely, historic accommodations, we begin our exploration of the beautiful city of San Miguel and its Day of the Dead preparations. (BLD)

Days 5–7
We stroll the streets of San Miguel with excursions to photogenic locations such as Tequesquiapan, Bernal and Mineral de Pozos. We return to San Miguel to enjoy the ambiance of this beautiful city for the last afternoon and evening. (BLD)

Day 8 (Nov 3)
Participants shuttle to the Leon Airport for afternoon flights home. (B)





Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc. P.O. Box 655, Vashon Island, Washington USA 98070
Phone: (206) 463-5383   Fax: (206) 463-5484    Email: info@photosafaris.com
Copyright © 2008, Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc.