Queretaro

Considering a trip to Mexico? Why not explore one of the nation’s most underrated gems: Queretaro?

Queretaro (Querétaro), is the common name of the Free and Sovereign State of Querétaro, an administrative state in the Bajío region of México. Santiago de Querétaro is Querétaro’s capital city.

The history, natural wonders, and culture of Querétaro make it well worth most travelers’ time.

Where Is Queretaro?

Querétaro is in the Northern Central region of Mexico. It’s a land-locked state bordered by San Luis Potosí, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Michoacán, and the State of Mexico.

The state’s altitude is 2000 m above sea level, on average, and it encompasses three distinct geographic zones.

What is Queretaro, Mexico Known For?

The city of Santiago de Querétaro is known for its extraordinary history. The old colonial town of Querétaro is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique 16th-century Spanish Colonial architecture and city planning, and its visible mix of cultural influences.

The two most notable destinations in Querétaro are the historical zone and the aqueduct.

Historic Monuments Zone of Querétaro

The Historic Monuments Zone of Querétaro preserves the planned, old colonial town of Querétaro, where the Otomi, the Tarasco, the Chichimeca, and the Spanish lived in side-by-side quarters and streets.

The zone covers 203 blocks, and it encompasses 1400 designated monuments. Many are striking examples of baroque architecture, blended with layout and structural motifs drawn from Otomi culture. Conin, an Otomi leader and ally of the Spanish, oversaw the construction of two of these historic buildings: the Templo de San Francisco, and what is now the Museo Regional de Querétaro.

Both buildings became a beacon to other Indigenous groups, signifying the new city’s relative peace and harmony.

Querétaro Aqueduct (El Acueducto De Querétaro)

The Aqueduct of Queretaro is a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

The ancient aqueduct is one of the largest and oldest in Mexico. The Querétaro Aqueduct is about 94 ft tall and 4,200 ft long, and it pumped 30 liters of clean spring water into the city per second. The 17-century construction dramatically improved water sanitation in Mexico.

Today, visitors can see the aqueduct’s 74 arches, many of which are decorated with carvings.

Things to Do In Queretaro

In addition to the historic sites, visitors often enjoy Querétaro’s natural wonders and religious sites.

La Pena de Bernal

For nature enthusiasts, La Pena de Bernal is a sight to behold. It’s one of the tallest natural stone monoliths in the world. The geologic wonder is the exposed, solidified magma core of an ancient, long-dead volcano.

Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve

Likewise, visiting the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve is a highlight. The reserve preserves the rare, heterogeneous ecosystem of Queretaro. It’s one of the most eco-diverse regions on the planet.

Visitors can see over 111 different species of mammal, including the rare neotropical other, among a wild variety of plants, birds, and butterflies.

Templo de Santa Rosa de Viterbo

Finally, the Templo de Santa Rosa de Viterbo is a beautiful baroque-style church filled with art, artifacts, and gilded treasures. One of the most beautiful is the dramatic 18th-century painting Sister Maria de Francisco y Neve, one of the only portraits of a nun from that era.

Queretaro Travel Tips

If you’re planning on traveling to Querétaro, keep these tips in mind.

Physical Safety

Querétaro is one of the safest cities in Mexico, with a very low crime rate and good security and infrastructure.

Still, while the U.S. State Department sets no advisories or restrictions against visiting Querétaro, it’s wise to take general precautions. Keep plenty of bottled water on hand, be savvy and alert to avoid potential scams, secure your valuables, and travel in a group on safe, well-lit routes.

Also, take appropriate actions to protect yourself from illness. Refer to the CDC guidelines to understand what precautions can prevent illness due to mosquitos, food or water sanitation issues, and conditions common due to the tropical climate.

Getting There & Transportation

Most travelers visiting Querétaro fly into the Querétaro Intercontinental Airport.

However, those who wish to stay on land can take buses or trains from the United States to Querétaro Bus Terminal (TAQ), also called Central de Autobuses de Querétaro. This international bus terminal is right near the heart of Santiago de Querétaro, the state’s capital city.

Travelers have multiple transportation options within Querétaro, including using the state’s comprehensive bus system, taking taxis, or renting a car. Reputable transit services are available at an affordable rate in most locations.

Communication

Spanish is the primary language in Querétaro, although many people speak English (particularly in the hospitality industry). It’s a wise idea to get a SIM card to make international calls.

Food & Lodging

To experience the truly vast, diverse array of food in Querétaro, try sampling popular tropical veg and street faire at tianguis, traditional open-air markets. Lines of stalls with frozen fruit, steamed nopales (cactus fruit), nacho-like chilaquiles, and a near-unlimited variety of salsas, moles, and pozole stews turn strolling down the street into a feast.

There are also plenty of lodging options at different price points in Querétaro. Those seeking an outdoor adventure might camp at the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve, rent one of the Cuatro Palos Cabins, or pitch a tent by the Jalpan Reservoir.

Travelers who want more conventional comforts can lodge in luxury, staying at a five-star spot in Santiago de Querétaro–like the perennially popular Dona Urraca Hotel & Spa, Meson Real De Plata, or Latit Hotel.

Explore Querétaro With Caravan’s Tour of Mexico’s Colonial Cities

Want to adventure in Querétaro without the stress of planning the trip? Join us, and experience the city on Caravan’s 8-Day Tour of Mexico’s Colonial Cities! Don’t delay booking your spot. Call our agents toll-free at 1-800-227-2826. Or, learn more by calling our information team at +1-312-321-9800.