Dates Mar 17–24, 2007
Leaders John Shaw and Joe Van Os
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’ll 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’ll 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.

From San Miguel we’ll also have opportunities to explore the city of Queretaro. Founded in 1531, one of its most distinctive features is
a sandstone aqueduct built in the early 1700s—74 stone arches soaring nearly 75 feet above street level. As with the other colonial cities, a wealth of varied and ornate churches, historic buildings, and plazas decorated with statues and fountains awaits our cameras.

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



Day 1 (Mar 17)
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. We may use the middle of the day to review images, dip into photoshop and enjoy a leisurely lunch. (BLD)

Days 4–5
Early departure for San Miguel de Allende, photographing along the way and, after settling into our lovely, historic accommodations,
we begin our exploration of this beautiful city. The next day we devote entirely to San Miguel. (BLD)

Days 6–7
We dedicate the entire sixth day to the city of Queretaro with its spectacular aqueduct. We'll have one last morning in Queretaro and return to San Miguel to enjoy the ambiance of this beautiful city for the last afternoon and evening. (BLD)

Day 8 (Mar 24)
Participants shuttle to the Leon Airport for afternoon flights home.





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.