Attendee Guide to the San Miguel Writers’ Conference

Whether this is your first time attending the San Miguel Writers’ Conference or you’ve been coming to San Miguel for years, you’re sure to find useful information here. If you have a question that isn’t answered below, check out our more generic FAQs page or contact us.

What to Expect

The 2026 Writers’ Conference will be a vibrant gathering of writers and literature lovers. You can expect to:

• Learn from incredible authors in the ballroom
• Attend stimulating workshops and advanced classes to hone your craft
• Connect meaningfully with fellow attendees, including agents, publishing professionals, faculty, and writers from around the world
• Create your own schedule from an array of events, panels, and speakers
• Enjoy wellness offerings that support creativity and balance, like yoga, morning journaling, and more
• Explore San Miguel de Allende- named the #1 city in the world by Travel + Leisure (again!) with its cobblestone streets, vibrant culture, and inspiring beauty

Traveling to San Miguel

Note: The San Miguel Writers’ Conference is not responsible for booking shuttle services and/or air travel on guests’ behalf.

Getting to San Miguel is easy with several convenient travel options:

Airports: San Miguel is served by two nearby airports, each about two hours away via shuttle:

• León/Guanajuato (BJX)
• Querétaro (QRO)

Both have frequent connections from U.S. cities like Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, Atlanta, San Diego, and Tijuana.

Traveling from California? Volaris Airlines offers nonstop flights from Los Angeles, San Jose, Oakland, and Sacramento—often the most direct and affordable option. Viva Aerobús is another budget-friendly airline serving U.S.-Mexico routes.

From Mexico City (MEX): If you’re flying into Mexico City, you can reach San Miguel by:

• Luxury bus (approx. 4 hours): Primera Plus and ETN bus lines operate direct service. Buy tickets online or at the Central Norte bus station. It’s safe and easy to take an Uber or taxi from the airport to the station.
• Private shuttle: You can also pre-arrange a direct airport transfer to San Miguel (see below).

Airport Shuttles:

• Queretaro/Leon: This year we are partnering with Angelica Tours to provide a shuttle service to/from León and Querétaro. Contact them directly on their website.
• Reliable transportation from Mexico City is available through BajioGo. Book online or contact them at +1 (202) 609-9905 (also available via WhatsApp). You’ll need your flight info and lodging address when booking.

Shuttle Tips:

• You can pay when booking by phone or in pesos (cash) at pickup.
• Your confirmation number will appear in the subject line of the Bajío Go confirmation email—make a note of it!
• After customs, your driver will be waiting with a sign bearing your name (typically near the doors, behind the crowd).
• Consider using the restroom before boarding—the ride takes about two hours.
• If you didn’t prepay online, the driver will accept U.S. dollars or pesos.
• We encourage tipping the driver (10-20%).

Accommodations

During registration you will have the option of booking accommodations at our campus hotel, Hotel Real de Minas. You will be offered special rates that include breakfast.

Safety in San Miguel

In spite of recent news reports about increases in violence in Mexico, a holiday in San Miguel de Allende is safer than vacationing in some parts of the U.S. San Miguel is a great distance from cartel activity and highway robberies, and it is safe to travel from the airports (León, Querétaro, or Mexico City) to San Miguel by car, shuttle, or bus.

Walking the streets of San Miguel during the day and evening is also safe. Please read our FAQs for further safety information.

Ticketing, Registration & Scheduling

1. Badge Pick-Up Times & Location

Badge pick-up begins the day before the conference. Please stop by our Check-in desk in the lobby of the Hotel Real de Minas (where the conference will take place) during the following times:

Tuesday, February 10 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 11 – Sunday, February 15 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

While badges will be available for pick-up all week, we highly recommend you stop as early as possible (either during the day on Tuesday or early Wednesday morning) to obtain your badge and program materials so you can arrive on time to the Open Plenary on Day 1 (Wednesday).

Not a badge or bundle holder? Please read #3 below for how general ticketing will work.

2. How Ticketing Works & What to Bring When Picking Up Your Badge

All tickets are e-tickets (no physical tickets are sent) and are delivered via email after purchase.

This year we will be using an app where you will be able to browse our full agenda, view your personalized schedule, network, give us feedback, and have access to your unique QR code. You can learn more about how to download the conference app in the section below.

When picking up your badge, please bring your phone so we can see your QR code. If you require help installing the app, a volunteer will be available to assist you. Please bring an ID as well.

3. Accessing Events for Individual Event Ticket Holders

If you purchased individual tickets for one or more events, simply show your QR code, which is in your confirmation email, at the door. Our team will scan the code to verify access.

4. Ticket Sales Before and During the Conference

When our packages have sold out, you can still buy individual tickets for select workshops and events by selecting the Individual Tickets during Registration page.

If you’d like to purchase a last-minute ticket while you’re at the conference, and that event hasn’t yet sold out, you can do so at the Ticketing desk in the lobby of the hotel at least 30 minutes before the event.

5. Ticketing Desk General Hours

Our registration desk, where you buy last-minute tickets during the conference, will be located in the lobby of the Hotel Real de Minas, running during these times:

Tuesday, February 10 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 11 – Sunday, February 15 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

6. Changing Your Schedule

If you’d like to switch one of your 90-minute workshops, you can do so as long as there are seats available. This needs to be done at least 48 hours before your workshop. Simply contact us via our Contact Form and we’ll handle the rest.

7. Location & Schedule Information

Make sure to review the conference agenda to familiarize yourself with the flow of events throughout the week. We will have printed versions of this schedule listing in detail all the locations where various workshops, keynotes, and other activities will take place.

Meet your new companion: the SMWC App

This app (built on a platform called “Cvent”) puts the entire conference in the palm of your hand, from real-time schedules and faculty bios to event updates, venue details, and ways to connect with fellow attendees. No digging through emails, no missed updates, no last-minute confusion. Whether you’re planning your days in advance or navigating on the fly, the app is the fastest and best way to stay in the know.

We strongly encourage you to download the app before you arrive — it will be your go-to hub throughout the Conference!

To download from the Apple App Store, click here. 
To download from Google Play for Android, click here.

Note: The app requires iOS 17 or higher or Android 13 or higher. If your phone does not meet these requirements, you may see an error message when visiting the App Store or Google Play. You can still access the Attendee Hub by visiting the web version via this link.

Need help? We have videos!
To make things easy, we’ve also put together a short series of how-to videos that walk you through downloading the app and navigating its key features.
Click here to watch a video on how to download the app.
Click here to watch additional videos on how to navigate the app.

Pre-Conference Workshop: The Art of Connection (as a Living Book) (English)

Arrive at the Conference already knowing other attendees- and maybe even with a new friend or two!

The Art of Connection (as a Living Book)is a pre-Conference retreat happening the day before the conference to help transform how you experience the days ahead. This retreat invites you to step into a creative, community-building journey through writing, movement, authentic relating, and collaborative exploration. Each part of the day unfolds like a chapter in a shared story, where you’ll meet fellow attendees not through small talk, but through meaningful encounters that spark curiosity, trust, and inspiration. You’ll leave grounded in belonging, surrounded by new friends, and infused with creative energy that will ripple through your entire Conference experience.

Date: February 10, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Venue: Casa de la Noche, San Miguel de Allende (Centro)
Cost: $110 USD

Concierge

We will have a concierge station open throughout the conference where you can ask questions and get support.

Connectivity

Charging stations are limited throughout the hotel, so make sure to bring a fully charged phone.

We will set up a dedicated Wi-Fi network for your convenience during the conference. To ensure a smooth experience for all attendees, please use it only for conference-related activities and avoid large downloads or uploads. Thanks for helping keep the connection strong for everyone!

Network Name: SMWC2026
Password: 2026SMWC2026

Handouts & Note-Taking

To find out whether your classes have a handout, please check the app for documents associated with each class. To do that, open the app, click on your workshop and then on Attachments or Resources (this will only appear if there is a handout). We recommend checking in advance so you can download or print anything you may need, as there are no on-site printing services (more on that below). In addition to handouts, we encourage you to bring a notebook and pen or your own laptop for note-taking and writing exercises.

Printing Services

There are no printers available at the hotel. If you need to print documents, we recommend visiting one of the nearby print shops: Araiza Computación is at Ancha de San Antonio 119-B. About a two-minute walk further on the Ancha de San Antonio is Servimax at El Cardo 1. Our concierge can orient you to these locations.

Pre-Event Registrations

Be sure to pre-register for the following events: The Open Plenary (already included in packages), The Big Read discussion, the Bilingual Poetry & Song Circle, Author Readings/Open Mic, Discussion Circles, Individual Consultations with industry experts, and our vibrant Mexican Fiesta (already included in packages).

To pre-register, log in to your attendee account via this link and click on the red “Already Registered? LOG IN HERE” link at the top. Enter your email and confirmation number to review your schedule and add any events you haven’t yet selected.

Also, be sure to check out our list of curated excursions around San Miguel! If you’re wondering how to find time for these excursions given our busy conference schedule, we recommend making Saturday an adventure day (as long as you don’t already have a morning or afternoon Intensive).

Late-Night Events

Each evening, we will host off-site events such as the Bilingual Author Readings, our famous Mexican Fiesta, and the Patron Table (if you are a Patron). These events are included in your package, or you can purchase them à la carte. Once the locations are finalized we will create a Google Map where you can find the location of the various spots where off-site events will take place.

Don’t Miss the Fiesta!

Ticket sales for the Fiesta close on Thursday, February 12th, at 7:30 PM (24 hours before the event), so grab your ticket while you can!

To pre-register, log in to your attendee account via this link and click on the red “Already Registered? LOG IN HERE” link at the top. Enter your email and confirmation number to review your schedule and add any events you haven’t yet selected.

Being on Time

Please make every effort to arrive on time for all conference events, including keynotes and workshops. We understand there’s a lot to fit in, but punctuality ensures a smooth experience for everyone. Late arrivals, especially for keynotes, may not be accommodated.

Bookstore

Our bookstore will feature books from our keynote speakers, faculty, and San Miguel Literary Sala authors. The bookstore will be cashless, and credit cards will be required for purchases.

A note for published authors: Some of you have asked if you can sell your books at our bookstore. People who became Literary Sala members by the end of December are eligible to place their books at the Conference Bookstore. Additionally, you will be able to place your books at Aurora Books and Tesoros in La Biblioteca.

Networking

One of the best ways to feel connected at the Conference is by joining an Affinity Group. These small groups bring together attendees around shared interests, identities, or stages in their writing journey, creating space for meaningful conversation and connection.

Affinity Groups will meet for a dedicated lunch on the first day of the Conference (please note that attendees are responsible for the cost of their lunch).

The Affinity Groups are full.

Wellness at the Conference

Start your day feeling refreshed and inspired with our daily wellness offerings.

Morning Write: Jumpstart your creativity with poet Judyth Hill in joyful, half-hour writing adventures like Walk’n’Write, Sonnet Scavenger Hunts, Scent Writes, and more. Bring your coffee, journal, and pen—and write the day into being!

Morning Yoga: Join us for free yoga each morning at 7:30 a.m. on the back lawn near the Enforma Wellness Tent. No sign-up required—just bring a towel or mat.

Afternoon Wellness Break: Join us for free yoga community wellness event each afternoon on the back lawn near the Enforma Wellness Tent. No sign-up required—just bring yourself and enjoy the break. 

Special Wellness Experiences by Enforma Wellness: Discover tarot and Mayan readings, Mexican flute classes, sound healing, spa days, and more. Visit the Enforma Wellness Tent to view the schedule and register for paid activities. Follow us and Enforma on Instagram for daily updates, and download the Enforma app to see what’s happening around town.

Food & Drink at the Conference

The hotel restaurant buffet will be open for purchase (breakfast and lunch) throughout the conference, offering a variety of options, including some gluten-free choices. For quick bites, a “Grab & Go” café will also be available with snacks and takeaway items for purchase.

We recommend exploring the numerous restaurants around the hotel to find a place that suits your needs. The local eateries on our list are close to the Hotel Real de Minas and will offer conference perks or discounts if you mention you’re a conference attendee! See the list HERE.

To reduce waste, we encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle each day of the conference.

Packing for San Miguel

The average temperature in February ranges from 55°F/12°C to 75°F/23°C. Please dress warmly and in layers so you can stay comfortable throughout the day. Good walking shoes are also important. San Miguel is built on a hill with many cobblestone streets.

Pesos

While many places in San Miguel accept credit cards (including the Conference Bookstore), you’ll want to have some pesos on hand for taxis (these typically cost 80 Mexican pesos or around USD $4 to get anywhere in Centro/Downtown) and smaller transactions.

We recommend using your ATM card to withdraw pesos at a good exchange rate. There is an ATM at the hotel, and we also recommend using the ATM at the airport if you are flying in.

Medical Needs

In case of an emergency, please dial 911. These numbers work in Mexico just as they do in the U.S.

If you don’t have an emergency but would like to contact a doctor while you’re in town, we recommend the following clinics and hospitals:

The Clinic San Miguel Website: theclinicsma.com/en
Email: recepcion@smahealthservices.com
Phone: +52 (415) 152-2255

Hospital Joya San Miguel Website: https://hospitaljoya.com/en/san_miguel_de_allende/
Phone: +52 (415) 152-5900

Accessibility & Service Animals

If you have accessibility support needs (mobility, hearing, vision), email Jeanne Mills at jeannemillssma@outlook.com.

While the Hotel Real de Minas has a pet-friendly guest room policy, we kindly request that only designated service animals accompany attendees in conference spaces. This helps ensure a welcoming, comfortable, and distraction-free environment for everyone.

Social Media Contest

Get ready to capture the excitement of SMWC 2026! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and share your favorite conference moments by tagging us and using #SMWC2026.

Post daily for a chance to win amazing prizes in our exclusive social media contests! Whether it’s a standout session, a fun networking moment, or your conference look—we want to see it all! Stay tuned for daily contest details and get ready to snap, tag, and WIN!

Free: Public Events

Here is a list of the free events to the public. No registration is required. If you are already registered you can add the events on the app.