DESCRIPTION
Querétaro is a state that abounds in traditions, history, and folklore. A state that has different ecosystems, and, therefore, different landscapes, people, destinations. It is easy to find among its lands a place that we are passionate about, that becomes ours and to which we always want to return, because there are not only amazing destinations that take our breath away, but experiences that are kept in our memory and heart, as well as people who accompany us along the way, becoming part of our own history.
Querétaro is an amazing state that is constantly evolving, that prioritizes its destinations, seeks to know them, understand them and show them to the world, that is why now with its renewed image it will be much more within our reach, and, above all, it will provide a new perspective of the municipalities that it embraces with so much affection.
With its new image, it gives you a fresh and innovative look at all its attractions, so that travelers look at them with new eyes and be inspired by the folklore, traditions and culture that each place in Querétaro has to offer.
In Querétaro, you’ll find Mexico. Because in our state there are many living traditions, you can breathe the history of the country in every street, mansion and monument. Because you’ll find unparalleled signature cuisine, as well as gastronomy whose seasoning is generational. Because you will find magnificent sunsets that are reflected in high rocks, and also star-studded nights in oak forests. Because you will enjoy a play in the capital as much as a traditional dance in a rural village. Because you will meet warm, enterprising people who leave their talent high, proud of their ideals and passionate about their status.
We renewed ourselves to make tourism in Querétaro an experience closer to you, because we explored Querétaro, and then, we found Mexico.
The Four Regions of Querétaro
Querétaro has been divided into four regions, where each has a similar ecosystem, climate, culture, and way of life. Each region has a value that makes it unique, and that will guide you to enter the state in a more authentic way. In the Sierra Gorda you can be amazed by its incredible natural landscapes; in the Creative Metropolis, you will find the highest artistic and cultural expression of the state; in the Semi-desert is where the lands abound with flavors of yesteryear, wines and cheeses; and the Forests and Fields of the South, are the destination where you will find green fields and elaborate handicrafts.
Southern Forests and Fields.
Very close to the Creative Metropolis are the forested areas of Huimilpan and Amealco de Bonfil, where the vast landscapes of nature are a fresh lung for the large cities near them.
Amealco de Bonfil is a magical town full of tradition, ancestral knowledge, local gastronomy and cultural heritage, where walking or cycling is an extremely enjoyable activity. Among its forests you can find impressive natural landscapes, such as the Picos de Yospi, or other more cultural ones such as the Ex Hacienda de San Nicolás de la Torre. Rest will be a guarantee at Rancho Calixto, a place that preserves the white-tailed deer. It is worth mentioning that Amealco is the birthplace of the Lele doll, a cultural heritage of the state.
When it comes to sites with great historical value, in Huimilpan the haciendas speak of years of tradition and culture, such as the Hacienda Lagunillas, or La Solariega, impressive constructions that contribute to the romance tourism of Querétaro, as it hosts extraordinary events.
San Juan del Río is not far behind with its fabulous haciendas, which serve mainly as a hotel complex, giving an ideal resting point to the traveler who comes for business or who is looking for a middle ground to get to know various attractions of the state. In San Juan del Río, two museums stand out, the Museum of the Birth and the Museum of Death, in an interesting contrast.
Pedro Escobedo is another municipality that stands out for its haciendas of yesteryear, however, what makes it stand out is the extraordinary talent of its artisans when making beautiful and detailed pieces with quarry.
Creative Metropolis
Here, the modern Querétaro that we all know synergizes with Querétaro, witness to great historical events in the capital. The city of Santiago de Querétaro stands out for being at the forefront of infrastructure, economic development, public policy, art and culture.
The Creative Metropolis was born in the heart of Querétaro, in what is its Historic Center, the birthplace of Mexico’s Independence, and named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. History is revived through its beautiful walkways, its old mansions, its beautiful museums and its temples of great religious value. Without going any further, the Aqueduct is the emblem of the City of Querétaro, not only because it is an impressive architectural work, but also because of the tragic love story that gave rise to it.
In Querétaro there are at least 20 museums and galleries, among them, the Museum of the Conspirators, a tribute in the form of beautiful murals, to the historical figures who participated in the conspiracies that led to the Independence of Mexico, or the Regional Museum of Querétaro, the oldest in Querétaro for its paintings, objects and documents that portray the most relevant events in the history of the state. since pre-Hispanic times.
Along with this cultural side, there is also the hustle and bustle of its people, who enjoy extraordinary restaurants, shopping centres and bars. Where the hotels are first class, and all the time you can find an event or a presentation, that makes you live your weekend in a different way.
Outside the capital, we also find places that are part of this wonderful sector. Corregidora, a dignified and extensive city, which gives us one of the most beautiful architectural sites in the state. We are talking about La Pirámide del Cerrito, a key point in the development of yesteryear, and now a place open to tourism and festivities. Or El Marqués, which does not go unnoticed either, as it is not only a municipality that is making its way at an accelerated pace in the industry, but also promotes tourism with cheese factories, and sophisticated vineyards such as Viñedos del Polo, Puerta del Lobo, María & Bernardo and Vinos del Marqués.
Semidesert
With an arid but fertile land, this region of Querétaro will surprise us by containing a great variety of wineries, where a cheese board and a glass of wine will be your companions on the adventure. It is worth mentioning that this region is home to three of the six magical towns in the state.
The magical town of Tequisquiapan serves as an enclave for the Cheese and Wine Route, which offers the best tastings and pairings with wines and cheeses in the region. It is the perfect setting for a proposal on a balloon flight, or for a horseback ride through its corners in the company of your loved one. Here you can breathe romance, but also craftsmanship, especially basketry, which is admired for its complex weaving of sticks.
In the main square there are plenty of restaurants and terraces with delicious food, although there is nothing like tasting an incredible beer at Norte B and then trying some magnificent cheeses at Cava Bocanegra.
Cadereyta is one more magical town on this route, and the perfect destination if you’re looking for relaxation and adventure alike. At the Zimapán dam we find not only the Island of Tzibanzá, but also Punta Xhodé, or new projects such as the Hooga glamping, also ideal for romance tourism.
A point closer to its main square is Viña del Cielo, a complex particularly recommended to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life; Very close to there is the “Dr. José Hernández Moreno” Planetarium, an excellent place to observe the stars in a totally different way. However, if you’re looking for a more extreme adventure, there’s nothing like going to the community of La Mora and going into the rapids of the river, or skydiving on Skydive.
Bernal is probably the magical town best known by the tourists who visit us, and belongs to the municipality of Ezequiel Montes. Of course, the Peña de Bernal is, without a doubt, an impressive natural giant to see; Going up to the Peña, buying handicrafts and ending your day eating gorditas de maíz quebrado, is the best way to spend a day with the family.
In the same municipality of Ezequiel, this Villa Progreso, an unparalleled destination in which you can find old Otomi chapels, artisans who work with ixtle and ceramics; in Ezequiel there are some vineyards such as La Redonda, Freixenet and Los Aztecas that open to tourism not only with excellent products, but also hosting incredible events.
Very close to Bernal, Tolimán stands as a destination that shares Otomi traditions with Catholic festivities. For example, the Festivities of San Miguel de Arcángel, a clear example of its syncretism.
And in Colón we never cease to be amazed by the artisanal wines of Tierra de Peña or the organic cheeses of Flor de Alfalfa. Without a doubt, they are the perfect hosts to do a tasting of all the flavors of the semi-desert. In addition, they do not leave religion aside, because in Soriano, it is where the largest religious tourism in the state arrives.
Sierra Gorda
Where the most indisputable natural beauty of the state awaits, this is where biodiversity plays an extremely important role in the preservation of the endemic flora and fauna of Querétaro. In addition to nature, it is always a delight to try the mountain gastronomy, which carries the history of several generations, appreciate the folk dances and the traditions of the villages.
The five Franciscan Missions have their space here in the Sierra in different municipalities, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2003. These are Jalpan Mission, Landa Mission, Tilaco Mission, Tancoyol Mission, and Concá Mission.
Jalpan de Serra is one of the two magical towns in the region, and the furthest from the capital, is right in the heart of the Sierra Gorda. A multitude of species live here, and its Jalpan Dam is a RAMSAR site, that is, as a wetland of international importance where migratory bird species go to get supplies.
San Joaquin is a magical town that is filled with color and Huastec music every April, due to the National Huapango Contest, where couples from all over the country participate demonstrating their skills. Among its attractions are the archaeological zone of Ranas, and the Grutas de Los Herrera, places that in very cool seasons are shrouded in fog. Apple liqueur is extremely popular, which you can find at Finca Doña Lore, which also has stunning views.
In Pinal de Amoles we can find places of indisputable beauty, such as the Cuatro Palos Viewpoint, Chuveje Waterfall or Puente de Dios, mystical places that provide breathtaking views. Camping with your friends or going to a cabin with your partner are activities that we are sure you will enjoy. Going to El Cedral is also a must, because in this mountain corner, you will not only enjoy its green areas and its waterfall, but you can also practice a hiking route that aims to see the small axolotls that inhabit the river.
Sótano del Barro in Arroyo Seco is another one of those places that leave us impressed. It is a chasm surrounded by oak forests, where the green macaw lives, its depth reaches 455 meters. It is not the only natural place in the municipality, we are also amazed by Las Adjuntas, where the Ayutla and Santa María rivers converge, a perfect place to swim in the pools, spend the day with the family and enjoy the water currents. On your walk through this municipality, you can’t miss the Millennium Tree with a diameter of 22 meters, of which it is not known for sure when it dates.
Paradise Canyon, surrounded by towering crags in Peñamiller is perfect for hiking lovers, as the rugged terrain, the river passage and the landscapes full of cacti are the perfect setting for those who enjoy physical activity. After a long walk, El Oasis will provide you with rest and pools to cool off.
Finally, it is in Landa de Matamoros where the natural area of El Madroño stands out, where marine fossils that are approximately 100 million years old lie.
To learn more and book your next getaway, visit www.queretaro.travel
