Trip Description

This two-week Academic Trek immerses you in the language and culture of one of the most enchanting regions of Mexico. Guanajuato is the source of much of the world’s silver, and its landscapes are solid gold with expansive valleys, cascading waterfalls and lush protected forests where millions of monarch butterflies migrate each winter. Its cities are adorned with theatres, cathedrals and stunning colonial architecture. Begin with a whirlwind tour of the capital city Guanajuato with its colorful buildings, vibrant arts scene and friendly locals. An “amazing race” through the winding cobblestone streets helps us get our bearings. We embark on our Spanish studies, take cooking classes, hike through the nearby Sierra Madre Mountains and try Salsa dancing. Live with local families and discover what true Mexican hospitality is all about — from delicious meals to lively conversations. We finish our adventure at an orphanage in Salamanca, doing fun service work that is a true highlight of our trip.

• Itinerary & Country Map

• Day 1–3
  The multicolored city of Guanajuato sits a mile high, nestled in a bowl of mountains. We enter the city through its famous network of subterranean tunnels carved into the mountains, then take an incline railcar up to a spectacular vantage point overlooking all of Guanajuato. Later we set off on an adventurous scavenger hunt to find historic landmarks all over the city while testing our Spanish skills. Head north for a day to San Miguel de Allende to explore its charming town centre and sample authentic, organic, freshly prepared food at a local open-air restaurant. The best food for miles!

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  Day 4–9
  

  Guanajuato is a vibrant city with nearly a quarter of its population attending the university. Here, we live with home stay families and focus on our studies and language immersion. We spend our mornings at our institute in the heart of the city, working with our professors on interactive lessons and activities. Outside the classroom, Salsa lessons test more than our Spanish ability and cooking classes delight our senses. Guanajuato’s maze of narrow cobblestone streets and alleyways begs to be further explored. Traffic is diverted into underground tunnels that follow ancient river beds beneath the city, leaving the charming streets open for pedestrians to meander to parks, plazas and markets. Our professors share insights on historic monuments like El Pípila, the site of a pivotal battle in Mexico’s War of Independence. Guanajuato is a city of many legends and each alleyway has its own story, from the Callejón del Besó to the Callejón del Truco. We also scale the formidable Bufa, a nearby mountain with steep, rocky inclines and a legend of its own! From this high perch we take in the breathtaking views of Guanajuato and nearby mountain ranges.

  Visit a world-renowned ceramics studio to observe local artists as they work, learn about traditional Mexican pottery and buy souvenirs for friends and family. Between classes and workshops, take time to enjoy the central Jardín de la Unión, check out the local music scene and watch the world go by, as everyone enjoys being out and about in Guanajuato’s center. Experience a refined performance at the historical Teatro Juárez. Join a weekend callejoneadas parade, and wind your way through the narrow streets with costumed musicians who entertain the crowd with songs and stories. Depending on the schedule, we may even get a chance to see a bullfight at the Plaza de Torres in San Miguel de Allende or watch León or Irapuato play a local soccer match.

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  Day 10–14
  Conversational Spanish comes easier now, and we’re ready for our next adventure. Head to a nearby mountaintop community to explore another facet of Mexico’s culture and assist with a reforestation and erosion prevention project. While we work, we enjoy the spectacular views of the mountain ranges that surround us. Then travel to Salamanca to work with the children of the Ciudad de los Niños Orphanage. Prepare to have a lot of fun while you make a difference in the lives of these welcoming children! We play games, organize activities, give piggyback rides, dance, play soccer and genuinely enjoy each other’s company. Although these children live simple lives with few material possessions, they have a lot to teach us about life. They are also eager to help us work on our Spanish skills! We leave Guanajuato with unforgettable memories, close friends, a new perspective and greatly improved Spanish skills.

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