This year marks the 500th birthday of Mexico City, an ever-evolving metropolis in the heart of Mexico that effortlessly blends old with new. Alongside its ancient Xochimilco canals and pre-Hispanic pyramids, Mexico City is flush with contemporary upscale hotels, stylish neighborhoods and a buzzy culinary scene. The cosmopolitan spirit of Mexico City makes this destination an exciting place to do business.
About 160 miles north of Mexico City, the allure of San Miguel de Allende is its authenticity. The heritage of this city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is imbued in its colonial Spanish architecture, numerous art galleries that line the cobblestone streets, and the commanding presence of the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, a pink limestone church with neo-gothic spires. With chef-driven restaurants and hideaway mom-and-pop cafes, San Miguel de Allende is on the cusp of becoming the next big epicurean city.
Why Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende?
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Inland central Mexico enjoys balmy weather almost year-round, and hotels here have ample outdoor meeting spaces to enjoy the comfortable temperatures. Days are warm or hot, and the nights cool down. Average daily high temperatures in Mexico City range from 72° - 81°F. In San Miguel de Allende, the temperatures range from 68° - 84°F.
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Mexico City is Latin America's largest metropolis. As a bustling city for international business travelers, there's ample convention space including the 348,750-square-foot Expo Santa Fe Convention Center and the Centro Banamex, a convention and exhibition space spanning 365,972 square feet.
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A colonial-era city, San Miguel de Allende is an emerging business destination that is beginning to attract meetings and conferences.
What's new in inland Mexico?
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San Miguel de Allende is a known destination for weddings and honeymoons. But the city, with a top-notch restaurant scene, is beginning to market itself as a meeting destination as well. With 9,902 square feet of event space, The Live Aqua Urban Resort San Miguel de Allende has the largest amount of meeting space.
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Many major U.S. cities offer year-round direct flights to Mexico City International Airport, and several more have seasonal direct-flight options. Nonstop flights from Austin to Mexico City are available on Aeromexico.
See
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The Frida Kahlo Museum (The Blue House), Mexico City
With striking cobalt blue walls, the historic house museum is dedicated to the life and work of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. As the former residence of Frida Kahlo and her famed artist husband Diego Rivera, The Blue House was once a gathering place for visitors, activists and bohemian artists from around the world. Today, the 10-room museum houses paintings from Kahlo and Rivera, as well as pre-Columbian sculptures, photographs, documents, books and furniture.
Basilica of Lady of Gudalupe, Mexico City
As one of the most visited churches in the world, the Basilica draws millions of people every year. Many tourists make the pilgrimage around December 12, for the Day of the Virgin Guadalupe, which is a Catholic feast that celebrates the belief that a man encountered the Virgin Mary, Mexico's patron saint, in Mexico City in 1531. The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe impressed on the cloak of Saint Juan Diego is on display in the Basilica.
The Handicraft Market, San Miguel de Allende
In San Miguel de Allende, the handicraft market occupies a pedestrian path that covers three blocks, which are lined with stalls selling folk art and artisan crafts, silver jewelry, decorative items and souvenirs.
Do
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Explore Teotihuacan, Mexico City
Explore one of the world's most significant archaeological sites, Teotihuacan (meaning the "place where the Gods were created''). The site was built between the first and seventh centuries, and inhabited by at least 25,000 people; it was among the largest ancient cities in the Americas. Located about 25 miles northeast of Mexico City, Teotihuacan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ornate temples and the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon that are popular meditation sites. For a unique, bird's-eye view of the ruins, visitors can take to the sky in hot air balloons.
Visit the National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City
Mexico City is home to dozens of museums. But if you had time to visit just one, make it the National Museum of Anthropology, which houses the world's largest collection of ancient Mexican art. Some don't-miss highlights here include the Aztec Calendar and the re-creation of Pakal's tomb in the Maya exhibit room.
Vineyard Tour, San Miguel de Allende
In San Miguel de Allende, the handicraft market occupies a pedestrian path that covers three blocks, which are lined with stalls selling folk art and artisan crafts, silver jewelry, decorative items and souvenirs.
Eat
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El Cardenal Restaurant, Mexico City
El Cardenal is a popular meeting place serving traditional Mexican dishes. The restaurant makes its own artisan chocolates, bread, tortillas and cheeses.
Sud 777, Mexico City
The tasting menu at Sud 777, an award-winning restaurant, changes seasonally, with the eatery's gardens providing ingredients for the dishes. For a pre-drink cocktail or glass of wine, visitors can start the evening on the stylish terrace. The contemporary restaurant has an impressive wine list.
Quince, San Miguel de Allende
Guests can ascend to the rooftop and order from an eclectic menu inspired by the chef's own travels to some of the best culinary cities in the world. Dishes range from Mexican to Cajun to Peruvian, and the chic rooftop features the city's famed Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel parish church in the backdrop.
Stay / Meet
ALHI offers high-end hotels in some of Mexico City's best neighborhoods and in the heart of San Miguel de Allende. Meeting rooms are well-equipped to host conferences and events, and guest rooms are designed with R&R in mind.
Mexico City
Grand Fiesta Americana Chapultepec, Mexico City
A sophisticated hotel with scenic views of Mexico City, Grand Fiesta Americana Chapultepec enjoys a prime location in front of Chapultepec Park. The resort is also near the city's main business center. The hotel has eight event rooms, including a special events space (the elegant Castillo de Chapultepec room) that can accommodate up to 210 people. Guest rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city's historic center.
Live Aqua Urban Resort Mexico City
Live Aqua Urban Resort Mexico City is located in one of the area's most exclusive neighborhoods, near designer boutiques and high-end restaurants. With ample meeting space, the resort can host banquets, business meetings and conferences. The resort has a dozen event rooms, including high-tech meeting rooms, an informal Oasis Lounge area, and a great ballroom that can host up to 1,000 people or be divided into breakout spaces. The rooms feature luxurious touches, including a pillow menu and evening mezcal service.
San Miguel de Allende
Live Aqua Urban Resort San Miguel de Allende
In the central highlands of Mexico, Live Aqua Urban Resort San Miguel de Allende combines subtle Brutalist architecture with the old Spanish Colonial style popularized by the region. The hotel offers attendees a luxurious yet relaxed experience, with multiple event spaces that can accommodate up to 800 guests. It also offers a scenic outdoor event area on the hotel's terrace. The 153 guest rooms offer city or courtyard views and amenities that include smart TVs and vintage record players.