Are you searching for the Best Places to Visit in Queretaro? Are you thinking of a trip to North America and wondering what to explore in Queretaro? We’ve got you covered. Queretaro has been a rising star in Mexico’s tourism industry and has quickly become a favorite place. It is a charming colonial town in the middle of Mexico. Queretaro offers so many great things worth spending a few days exploring.
Formerly known as “Santiago de Queretaro,” most people call the city Queretaro. This is because it is the capital of the State. The money is home to nearly one million people. It is the 24th most populous city in Mexico. Queretaro’s historic center is still charming for such a small city. The historical is best enjoyed while walking along the many clean pedestrian streets lined with fountains, churches, and museums.
The historic heart of the city is home to over 1000 monuments. Many of these monuments date back to the 1700s when the town flourished. This was when the native people lived peacefully with the Spaniards. Queretaro has been designated one of Mexico’s 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This unique history and subsequent architecture are what made Queretaro so special.
Pena de Bernal
Pena de Bernal is one of the best places to visit in Queretaro. Photograph the view from the charming chapel built on top of one of the giant monoliths in the globe. Pena de Bernal, a tall rock formation, is now a popular pilgrimage destination due to the small chapel halfway up. The monolith stands at 1,421 feet (433 meters) high and reminds us of millions of years.
To appreciate its natural features and enjoy the summit’s breathtaking views, climb the rock giant. During your climb, you will be amazed at the coves, cliffs, and other features on the rock’s face. It is a challenging climb that experienced climbers should only attempt. You should wear suitable boots or climbing shoes and bring plenty of water.
Get closer to nature by joining the thousands of vacationers and hikers who come together every spring at the spring equinox. Talk to friendly locals at the monolith, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and town. You can reach the chapel on foot. Admire the beauty of this small religious structure. From it, you can see the vineyards and farms surrounding the area.
You can stroll through the small town’s cobblestone streets at the base of the rock. The Mask Museum offers a glimpse into local culture and history. Local vendors sell handicrafts, art, and wool blankets. Ponchos protect you from the harsh winds of the mountains.
The site’s name, “Boulder of Bernal,” is Spanish. It is one of the most impressive in the world and is often compared to Rio de Janeiro’s Sugar Loaf or the Rock of Gibraltar. The rock is accessible to all ages and is particularly popular on weekends.
Pena de Bernal lies approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) northwest of Bernal, central Mexico’s state. For a small fee, park your car at the foot of the rock. You can use the public trolley system to get around Bernal.
Head to a Winery
Mexico might be different from what you first think of when you think of Mexico. The Queretaro region is known for producing high-quality wines and excellent cheeses. This is due to its temperate climate and topography that allows cultivating wine grape varieties.
You can easily explore the entire region’s Wine and Cheese Route, depending on how much time and where you are located. But, if you want to choose a few options to help you focus your wine-drinking time, Finca Sala Vive from Freixenet and Bodegas de Cote should be on your list.
The former specializes in sparkling wines and cava, with some still wines. The former offers a variety of wines, from chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, merlot, and rose wines. Both wineries offer wine-loving travelers comprehensive tours and tastings.
Plaza Santa Maria Bullring
You can escape by taking in one of the many exciting concerts, festivals, or shows held regularly at Plaza Santa Maria Bullring. This is an excellent way for you to experience the renowned spot.
Visitors to Downtown Queretaro often visit Plaza Santa Maria Bullring. This entertainment venue should be one of many things you see in the area. Santa Rosa de Viterbo Temple can be found not far away. It is worth a visit.
Cheese Cave
Although you may not associate Mexico with gourmet or specialty cheeses, many cheese producers in the area produce some excellent products. Cava de Quesos BOCANEGR is a great place to learn about cheese production and taste delicious cheeses.
A tour is recommended before you relax with a glass or two of wine and some cheeses on the beautiful grounds. A cheese sommelier will guide you through the whole process of cheese making, including the aging process. You can also see the cheese cave.
After the tour, enjoy a guided tasting with wine or local craft beer. Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Casa del Atrio
Casa del Atrio is one of the best places to visit in Queretaro. If you are looking for a way to spend more time in Queretaro than just a day, Casa del Atrio is the place to be. This boutique hotel is located in the heart of the historic center in a renovated 19th-century house.
The unassuming entrance is akin to entering an antique shop or the home of someone who has accumulated a remarkable collection of curiosities and unique home decor pieces over many years.
The rooms are all decorated in a unique way around the lush courtyard that serves as the breakfast area. The experience includes free Wi-Fi, handcrafted toiletries, and a beautiful, intimate spa.
Antea Lifestyle Center
Many travelers believe that a vacation is incomplete without a visit to the mall. Visit Antea Lifestyle Center to spend the whole day browsing its shops.
Antea Lifestyle Centre is a paradise for shoppers in Jurica. Plaza del Parque Shopping Mall is another attraction that you might find interesting.
Tequisquiapan Opal Mine
This working mine offers stunning views of the Queretaro valley and a history of opal mining.
You can look for opals and see them transformed into gemstones during a guided tour at the Tequisquiapan Opal Mine (“Mina de Opalos La Carbonera”). Over the past century,
Tequisquiapan was a prominent location for extracting and exploiting opals. These opals are then polished and made into artisanal jewelry that is sold all over the globe. The Tequisquiapan Opal Mine is an open-air mining operation on top of a hill surrounded by Queretaro’s wild landscapes.
You will ride in a four-wheel-drive jeep up steep dirt roads that pass lush green vegetation. Your knowledgeable guide will explain the importance of opal mining in the region and how it has changed over the years. Ask the guide any questions and hear stories about former miners. Watch as miners attempt to remove stones from the rocks.
Follow the guide on rock-strewn tracks toward natural caves or tunnels. You can watch a demonstration on hammering techniques, then grab a hammer to start digging for your opals. The workshop is where you can see how artists transform raw stones into stunning fashion accessories. You can turn your opal into jewelry or buy pre-made parts from the shop.
Take a moment to admire the Queretaro Valley’s rugged beauty while you are here. You will find patches of fields, craggy hills, and lakes like Presa Centenario. Clear days can be seen in the Pena de Bernal monolith at 1,420 feet (433 meters) high, located to the north.
The mine is located in La Trinidad, approximately 7 miles (11 km) west of Tequisquiapan. You can take public buses or arrange private transport with one of the tour operators in Tequisquiapan. The Tequisquiapan Opal Mine’s doors are open every day.
There is an admission charge. Guided tours are offered twice daily and last approximately 4 hours. Comfortable shoes are a must, as tours involve walking a lot. You should also bring a hat to protect yourself from the scorching sun and a water bottle.
Temazcal Tonatiu Iquzayampa
Temazcal Tonatiu Iquzayampa is one of the best places to visit in Queretaro. For a relaxing treatment, visit Temazcal Tonatiu Iquzayampa. After the treatment, you will feel almost like you are floating out of your door.
This place of relaxation is located in Tequisquiapan. You can then explore the area by paying the entry fee. After finishing at Temazcal Tonatiu Iquzayampa, look around nearby attractions like Tequisquiapan Opal Mine and Termas del Rey Water Park.
Do Some Museum Hopping
Queretaro has many museums that you can visit if culture is your thing. The most distinctive is MUCAL or the Museo del Calendarial, the first museum of its type in the world. The museum has 19 rooms that display original Mexican artworks and hundreds of retro-style calendars. After your visit, you can relax in the beautiful courtyard.
Museo de Arte de Queretaro is Queretaro’s art museum. It displays European paintings and sculptures, as well as 19- and 20-century Mexican paintings.
Museo Regional de Queretaro houses exciting exhibits that tell the city’s story and its rich history. It is located in an elegant 16 the-century building.
Vinedos La Redonda
Vinedos La Redonda is one of the best places to visit in Queretaro. Vinedos La Redonda has everything you need, whether you are looking for a general overview, a new favorite wine, or just a pleasant glow in the glass.
Ezequiel Monts will be where you’ll find Vinedos La Redonda. You can visit it for free, so you will have more money to explore. El Oasis Water Park and Termas del Rey Water Park are two other notable attractions near the wine-making facility.
Conclusion
All destinations are awesome! According to my opinion, Antea Lifestyle Center is the best to start. I hope you have enjoyed our list of Best Places to Visit in Queretaro.
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