Querétaro is one of the most beautiful states in Mexico due to the colonial architecture of its cities and the beautiful landscapes that tourists like so much.
Let’s learn more about this dynamic city, one of the most important economic poles in the country. Let’s take a look at the main tourist places in Querétaro.
1. Historical center of Queretaro
Let’s start our tour in what is perhaps the most visited place by tourists: the historic center of Querétaro.
The baroque architecture and the original indigenous layout of the streets of the historic center of the capital of the state of Querétaro, are a vestige of the history that its buildings, squares and monuments keep, such as the Government Palace, once home to the insurgent of the Independence of Mexico, Doña Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez.
Very close to the Government Palace is the Theater of the Republic with an invaluable historical treasure, since Maximilian of Habsburg, the second Mexican emperor, was sentenced to death there on January 31, 1867 and the General Constitution of the Republic was promulgated on January 4 February 1917.
At night, the Legends tour takes place, characters dressed as from the colonial era who narrate stories that occurred in the old mansions of the historic center, during the Colonial Era.
2. Bernal, Magic Town
Guarded by a 350-meter-high monolith is the picturesque town of San Sebastián de Bernal, founded in 1642 and only 50 minutes from the state capital.
A place of cobbled streets, colonial buildings, dancing fountains, handicrafts and rich gastronomy, elements that coexist in a very particular environment where the Peña, the third largest monolith in the world, witnesses the party that is lived in this corner of Querétaro .
It is possible to ascend to the Peña through steep paths, so you must wear comfortable clothes and shoes, hydration, sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. From the top you have a beautiful panoramic view of the entire valley.
Bernal has historical constructions such as the Chapel of the Holy Cross, built in the 18th century; the main temple erected between 1700 and 1725 in honor of San Sebastián martyr and the Museum of the Mask, inside a 17th century castle.
For all this plus the warm treatment of its people, Bernal is one of the most visited tourist places in Querétaro.
3. Santa Clara Convent
Beautiful temple in the center of Santiago de Querétaro between Allende and Madero streets, in the center of the capital, with altarpieces carved in gold, very characteristic of the Baroque style.
The convent was built at the request of the Viceroy, Juan de Mendoza, who granted permission to Don Diego de Tapia for his daughter Luisa to take her vows as a nun. Its construction began and ended in 1607 and 1633, respectively.
The monastery also served as a prison for Doña Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez during the war of independence. In 1863, due to the Reform Laws, the nuns were expelled and part of the convent was destroyed. During Maximilian’s Empire it served as the headquarters of the French army.
Since 1921 it houses the Temple of the Sacred Heart and still preserves part of its historical heritage, such as the golden altarpieces, canvases, the choir, the ornate iron doors in the pulpit and the temple vestibule.
4. Tequisquiapan
Mexican municipality famous for its hot springs and wickerwork, one hour from the state capital. It is another of the most popular tourist places in Querétaro, for its hot air balloon rides and its hot water baths.
The historic center of pink cobbled streets and the Plaza Miguel Hidalgo, are places always visited by tourists, for being one of the most beautiful attractions in the municipality.
Other sites that Tequisquiapan offers are the Museum of the Basket, the Museum of the Rod and Wicker, the Opal Mines, the temple of Santa María de la Asunción and the Parque de la Pila, where the Cheese and Wine Fair is held annually. .
Its water parks and hot springs are also rich places to visit.
5. Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve
Protected natural area with ravines, abysses, mountains, rivers, waterfalls, pits and springs of crystal clear waters, where you can also do ecotourism and adventure activities.
The Sierra Gorda Biosphere is nestled in the Sierra Madre Oriental, just over an hour from the city of Santiago de Querétaro. A reserve rich in biodiversity with different types of ecosystems, since you can be in a semi-desert area and from there go to a thick oak forest with the Escalena River, the Puente de Dios and the Chuvejé waterfall, among other natural attractions.
There is a wide range of tour operators, accommodation, eco-lodges and cabins, so you can get to know this beautiful place up close, home to endemic plants and animals.
6. Hill of the Bells
Hill in the city of Santiago de Querétaro where, by order of the former president, Benito Juárez, the generals, Miguel Miramón and Tomás Mejía, were shot on July 15, 1867.
The hill, which was once outside the city, is located within the urban sprawl. It is currently a recreational historical site where the restricted Maximilian Chapel is located.
You can also admire an obelisk as a remembrance of the execution, as well as a 13-meter-high monument to Benito Juárez, which is on a pink quarry base on the esplanade of the place, very popular for strolling and enjoying a pleasant walk.
7. Vineyards of Queretaro
This Bajío state has established itself as an important wine producer, being the second nationally with the largest number of bottles produced.
Several wineries offer tours of the vineyards, wine tastings and other activities, in which the history of these production houses with a growing presence in the international market is known.
These vineyards are mainly in the vicinity of Tequisquipan and San Juan del Río, whose geoclimatic characteristics are optimal for the cultivation of the vine and the production of wines of incomparable flavor and quality.
8. Jalpan de Serra, Magic Town
Magical Town northwest of the state capital, Franciscan monasteries and other historic buildings, recognized as Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
You can start the tour of the infrastructures of the Main Square such as the post office, which during the War of Reform functioned as a prison for General Mariano Escobedo.
The Temple of Santiago Apóstol is another faithful vestige of the Franciscan legions that settled in this place during the Colony. It was erected at the request of Fray Junípero Serra during the evangelization missions to the natives, between 1751 and 1758.
Jalpan is also the entrance to the Sierra Gorda and all the natural wealth it offers through its varied ecosystems, for those who want to explore its winding paths, swim in its crystal clear waters or admire the beauty of the landscape.
9. Jalpan Dam
In the heart of the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve, 1.5 kilometers from the Magical Town of the same name, is the Jalpan dam, which stores the waters of the Escalena River, a torrent that rises at the top of the Pinal de Asmoles mountain range. .
Its margins are covered by abundant vegetation where a great variety of fauna and migratory birds have their habitat. In its waters you can practice sport fishing for mojarra and bass, kayak and activities such as bird watching, camping and renting bicycles.
This place is a Ramsar zone since 2004, international recognition of areas that have the necessary criteria to serve as waterfowl habitat.
You can stay in one of its many ecotourism cabins.
10. Queretaro Aqueduct
The symbol of Querétaro par excellence. Aqueduct built in stone and pink quarry between 1726 and 1735, whose arches reach 28 meters in height.
There are 74 arches that run just over a kilometer away. At night and depending on the season of the year, they are illuminated with beautiful lights of different colors.
The aqueduct is in Calzada de los Arcos, Bosques del Acueducto neighborhood. It can be reached by taking the tourist bus that leaves from the city center.
From its viewpoint you have a beautiful view of Santiago de Querétaro and in the vicinity of the Carretas neighborhood, there are a good number of cafes-restaurants where you can have a snack or dinner.
11. El Cerrito Pyramid
The most important ceremonial center of the Bajío once occupied for more than 1500 years by pre-Hispanic civilizations such as the Toltec, Teotihuacan and Chichimeca.
The Great Pyramid, the Rectangular Platform, the Palace of Sculptures and the Palace of Dance are the most important structures in this archaeological zone on Hidalgo Street, on the corner of Paseo del Cué, in the city of Querétaro.
Its opening hours are from Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm; Saturdays and Sundays, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Do not forget to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, a cap or hat, and your camera.
12. Cadereyta, Magic Town
Historical municipality founded in 1640 with impressive mansions, a privileged place with the diversity of its geography, because to the north it has a thick forest that houses endemic flora and fauna and to the south is a semi-desert area with the most beautiful cacti in the region, which you can meet and admire up close in its botanical gardens.
The tour begins in its historic center with its characteristic colonial architecture present in its buildings, temples, squares and constructions; enjoy its gastronomy with dishes such as Nopal en Penca and pork carnitas, while trying the chamuco bread.
The Zimapán Dam Island offers a magnificent stay in its ecotourism cabins, while the population of Toluquilla protects the remains of ancestors in its archaeological zones.
13. Zimapan Dam
The Zimapán dam is in the channel where the Tula, San Juan and Moctezuma rivers join, between the limits of Hidalgo and Querétaro. In addition to generating electricity, it is a fantastic place for bird watching.
Imposing rock walls that rise more than 400 meters high, surround the also known as Fernando Hiriart Dam, which provides a natural spectacle to those who navigate these waters by kayak, boat or yacht. Camping is allowed.
The Infiernillo canyon, the Taxidó springs, the Aguacate spring and the Cortina, are some points of the dam that you must visit to admire the beauty of the landscapes or to do sport fishing for catfish, sea bass, carp and mojarras.
There is a wide range of accommodation in the vicinity of the dam such as cabins and ecotourism camps.
14. Tancama Archaeological Zone
Tancama means “hill of fire” in Huasteco, perhaps due to the alignment of the sun with one of the hills of the site, a position that occurs during the winter solstice, a phenomenon that gave this place its name.
It is a set of buildings with stones and slopes, with square, circular and pyramidal formations. It has a ceremonial center and three uneven plazas known as El Mirador, Santiago and La Promesa.
Explore its narrow streets and discover the history of its inhabitants.
The archaeological zone is in the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve, east of the magical town of Jalpan, 40 minutes by car. You must bring water, a hat and a snack.
15. Landa of Matamoros
Municipality and another of the tourist places of Querétaro very close to Jalpan de Serra, also an important part in the evangelization carried out by Fray Junípero Serra, during his time in the region in the 18th century.
Proof of this were the Franciscan missions Santa María de Landa, built between 1761 and 1764, and the Mission San Francisco Tliaco (1754-1762), faithful examples of the baroque style and Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2003, due to their great architectural wealth and value. historical.
In Landa you can also enjoy adventure tourism, because being part of the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve, it has caves, canyons, cellars like the one in Tliaco, with more than 600 meters high where you can practice camping, cycling mountain, hiking and other activities.
On the Moctezuma River you can practice kayaking, boat rides, sport fishing and on its banks, horseback riding and hiking. You will be able to observe the beauty of the landscapes and places such as the waterfall and the Santa Martha area.
16. San Joaquin
Another municipality nestled in the Sierra Gorda de Querétaro, a cheerful town where music is present in all its cultural manifestations, one of them, the Huapango Festival, celebrated in April since 1970.
San Joaquín has a very picturesque architecture, whose main tourist attractions are the San Joaquín Parish, with its clock tower, the Main Square and the Mining Museum.
The history of the town, customs, natural riches and traditions, earned it the recognition of Magical Town.
The Round Stone Glorieta at the entrance, which was used for crushing materials, is a tribute to the mining activity in the area; In the Mirador la Crucita, the representation of the Stations of the Cross is held during Holy Week and from where the view of the town is spectacular.
Another natural beauty of San Joaquín is the Gruta de los Herrera, 2 kilometers from the town and where you can see capricious formations with stalactites and stalagmites.
17. Wonder Waterfalls
A little more than 13 kilometers from San Joaquín are the Cascadas Las Maravillas, a series of waterfalls that bathe beautiful rock formations.
Upon reaching the community of Las Maravillas, follow a steep path that becomes narrower as you go, due to the abundant and humid vegetation that flanks it.
You will find the first waterfall, a drop of 30 meters high that caresses a rocky column. During the fall it connects with the second waterfall and forms a veil of water 60 meters high.
The third waterfall is barely 5 meters high, but falls into a crystal clear pit. Along the riverbank you can admire the beautiful landscape, including some cave paintings embodied in one of the rocky walls.
18. Toluquilla Archaeological Zone
A 20-minute drive from San Joaquín and at the top of a hill surrounded by ravines, is the Toluquilla Archaeological Zone, a ceremonial, political and administrative center, occupied between the years 300 to 1300 of our era.
The site is dominated by pyramids of stone and mud covered with slabs, a huge construction with remains of stucco on the outside, as well as four structures for the ball game; it is an excellent place with vegetation to explore and enjoy a nice walk.
It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and clothing and a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun. Hours are Monday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
19. Campo Alegre National Park
Campo Alegre National Park is a place to camp, explore and be in contact with nature, 1.5 kilometers from San Joaquín.
The place is surrounded by pines, oaks and cedars, with a large area to settle with grills, dining rooms and to enjoy children’s games.
You can rent ATVs, practice cycling, hiking, billiards and gotcha.
The park has rental cabins of various sizes, whose prices and hours you can check here .
Campo Alegre’s climate is cool during the day, but very cold at night. No pets allowed.
20. Ranas Archaeological Zone
Archaeological zone 3 kilometers from San Joaquín built between 200 and 600 BC Important economic center that came to dominate the routes of the Sierra Gorda.
The place is occupied by the ruins of a ceremonial, political and religious center, inhabited by Chichimecas.
According to historians, the population was dedicated to the exploitation of cinnabar, a material in great demand at that time by the Mesoamerican peoples, with which pigments were made.
Among its main vestiges, three ball game structures stand out, aligned on the same central axis, as well as the ceremonial buildings from which excellent views of the Sierra can be seen, due to the strategic location of this site on the hill.
There is transportation service from San Joaquín and guides that will guide you, if you want to walk to it.
21. Pinal de Amoles
Another lofty corner in the Sierra Gorda. Mining town surrounded by ravines and abysses, covered by one of the few remaining cloud forests in Mexico, founded in 1606.
It is a protected natural area, habitat of unique flora and fauna in the world. Ravines and abysses whose peaks rise to 3 thousand meters above sea level, formed by the geological characteristics of the environment, the passage of time and by the deformation of the rocks, mainly limestone.
The monument to the miners welcomes you to this town lined with houses with reddish roofs, which invites you to visit other sites such as the former Bucarelli convent, built in the 11th century, also part of the Franciscan missions nestled in the Sierra Gorda of Queretaro.
22. Four Sticks Lookout
The Mirador Cuatro Palos is 30 minutes by road from Pinal de Amoles, a place to have the best panoramic views of the entire Sierra Gorda.
To get to the viewpoint, you have to go up a winding road until you reach the camping area, where you should take a tent, blankets, food, flashlights, and everything you need to enjoy the excursion.
A guide will take you to the viewpoint from Cuatro Palos on a 25-minute tour.
23. Heaven’s Gate
Impressive place surrounded by pines and streams, from where you can see the colorful town of Pinal de Amoles under the mist.
This beautiful place, also part of the Sierra Gorda, is on the highest road point in Mexico. It is known as the gates of heaven because that is the feeling it gives when the winter clouds descend to the level of the mountains.
To get there, it is necessary to follow the San Juan del Río – Jalpan de Serra highway, until reaching Pinal de Amoles. From there it is 3.8 kilometers.
24. Amealco, Home of the Otomi Dolls
Otomi dolls originate from Amealco, municipality of Querétaro.
These handcrafted rag dolls with colorful ribbons are part of the cultural heritage of Querétaro. They went from being toys of the girls of the town, to a craft that crosses the borders of Amealco.
You can find them in the tourist places of Querétaro and in other places, but you can only learn about their history by visiting the town where they were born, 75 kilometers from Santiago de Querétaro.
25. San Juan del Rio
Another mining city with impeccable colonial-style architecture, 44 minutes by road from the city of Querétaro.
Despite being a site with significant industrial activity, it still retains its traditional setting that invites you to discover its attractions, such as the Parish Church of San Juan Bautista, in the Main Square.
The Museum of Death and the Bridge of History are other historic buildings to visit.
Among the activities that can be enjoyed in San Juan del Río are hot air balloon rides.
Queretaro Tourist Places
Queretaro Aqueduct
Street of the Bugambilias in Santiago de Querétaro
Government Palace or Casa de la Corregidora
Magic Town of Tequisquiapan
Magic town of Bernal
Cultural Attractions of Queretaro
Being a Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the capital of Querétaro has many places that justify this distinction, such as:
- Regional Museum of Querétaro, in corregidora # 3, in the historic center.
- Calendar Museum, in Madero # 91, in the historic center.
- Former Las Capuchinas convent, today the Restoration Museum of Querétaro, in the historic center of the capital.
- The old railway station, in Héroe de Nacozari s/n esq. Winter.
Places I recommend to visit in Querétaro
Among the most famous tourist places in Querétaro are the Magical Towns of Bernal, Tequisquiapan and Jalpan de Serra; as well as San Juan del Río and the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve. The Cheese and Wine Route is a gastronomic experience that you should not miss.
Visiting the capital
Santiago de Querétaro is the official name of the city and walking through its historic center, walking through its cobbled streets, knowing its most emblematic buildings, some witnesses of transcendental historical events for Mexico, make the tourist feel like they are on a walk through time.
The Government Palace, the Theater of the Republic, the Cerro de las Campanas and the Aqueduct are must-sees in the capital, as well as the Calle de las Bugambilias, a colorful square decorated with these beautiful flowers.
The Alameda Hidalgo is a large wooded space ideal for spending the afternoon, as well as the old cloister of San Agustín, both examples of places you can visit.
Places with water to visit in Querétaro
Tequisquiapan is a good option to enjoy hot springs; in Tolimán you can pamper yourself with a relaxing massage or temazcal at the La Tortuga ecotourism center; In the Sierra Gorda you can enjoy the Zimapán Dam and the La Isla ecotourism center.
Nice and cheap places in Querétaro
Querétaro has a great tourist offer thanks to the activities it offers. In the city center there are a good number of hotels and Bed and Breakfast hostels, at affordable prices.
In the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve (Jalpan de Serra and San Joaquín) there is a wide range of tour operators of cabins and ecotourism camps, to spend days surrounded by nature.
Tourist municipalities of Querétaro
Mining, wicker crafts, the wine industry, cheese making and adventure tourism are the main attractions of the state represented in the municipalities of Querétaro, Tequisquiapan, San Juan del Río, Jalpan de Serra, Bernal and San Joaquín. .
Magical towns of Querétaro
Of all the tourist places in Querétaro, it is worth highlighting those that, due to their history, culture and traditions, have received the distinction of Magical Towns. These are Bernal, Tequisquiapan, Cadereyta de Montes, Jalpan de Serra and San Joaquín.
We invite you to share this article so that your friends on social networks also know the 25 best tourist places in Querétaro.
See also:
- Get to know the top 5 Magical Towns of Querétaro
- Read our guide about Peña de Bernal, Querétaro – magical town: definitive guide
- We leave you our guide on the 30 things to do and places to visit in Querétaro
