Queretaro...

The city of Queretero is located in Mexico’s central region, 220 km (136 mi) north of Mexico City. The climate is mild, with average temperatures ranging between 22º and 25º C (72º and 77º F). Expect light winds at night.
This city, the state capital of Queretaro, is full of rich history, as evidenced by the magnificent architecture in the Centro Historico (Historic Center). In fact, the UNESCO declared Queretaro a World Heritage Site.

Among the edifices that stand out are: el Templo y Convento de la Cruz (The Temple and Convent of the Cross), el Templo de San Felipe Neri (The Temple of Saint Felipe Neri) and el Templo de Santa Rosa de Viterbo (The Temple of Saint Rosa de Viterbo). These constructions are beautiful examples of baroque architecture, and their interiors house valuable altarpieces made by artists from the colonial period. The city also has large plateresque-style houses, some of which have been converted into museums or elegant restaurants offering the best in regional cuisine.

As you walk along Queretaro’s cobblestone streets you can visit the Teatro de la Republica, an important building where Mexico’s constitution was signed in 1917. You’ll also find numerous art galleries, restaurants and cafes with bohemian atmospheres, which stand in sharp contrast to the modern hotels and commercial zones. In the city’s surrounding areas, you’ll see the impressive Arcos aqueduct, one of Mexico’s most important water delivery systems built during the colonial era. After having undergone several restorations, today the aqueduct is an important city symbol.

Also nearby lies the town of Bernal, where you’ll see the third largest monolith in the world. There you can also visit the Franciscan missions of Sierra Gorda, which are important architectural structures. In addition, you can explore the archaeological ruins of Ranas and Toluquilla or enjoy swimming resorts in the picturesque town of Tequisquiapan, located 74 km (46 mi) east of the state capital.

MUSEUMS...
As you’re walking along the streets, be sure to visit some of the museums to learn more about the city’s interesting culture. You’ll see permanent and temporary exhibits, such as history displays, as well as paintings and sculptures.

Casa de la Zacatecana – Located at 59 Av. Independencia. This large house is a 17th-century baroque construction with patios and several showrooms. Here you’ll see old furniture, paintings, chandeliers, sculptures and an important collection of clocks and crucifixes from the 18th to 20th centuries. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 6:00.
Museo de Arte – Located on the corner of Vicente Guerrero and Av. Pino Suarez. This museum houses an art collection and offers lives concerts at night in its patio area. The building is of baroque architecture and is adorned with figures of musical angels, saints and odd animals. Open daily from 8:00 to 6:00.
Museo Regional – Located at 3 Corregidora. This regional art museum has 16 showrooms with permanent exhibits of pre-Hispanic objects, as well as national and local history exhibits. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 to 8:00.

HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURE...
The historic monuments zone in Queretaro was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO due to the magnificent architecture made from finely sculpted hewn stone. The churches, convents and other edifices stand as a testament to the city’s fascinating history.
Acueducto (Aqueduct) – Located on Calzada de los Arcos. This monumental work is one of the city’s most representative architectural accomplishments. It is 1280 meters (4,224 feet) long, has 74 arches and was built 300 years ago.
Casa de Ecala – Located in front of the Plaza de Armas. This beautiful example of local baroque architecture was built in the 18th century. The façade has majestic windows with forged steel balconies. One of the stone window frames has a peculiar design in the form of a curtain. Open Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 5:00.
Casa de la Marquesa – Located at 41 Francisco I. Madero. This is one of the most beautiful examples of local baroque architecture. The two-story façade has hewn stone sculptures and various balconies. The interior is of magnificent Moorish-influenced architecture, as evidenced in the railings, arches, chapel and mosaics. Currently, the edifice is a hotel. Open daily from 9:00 to 5:00.
Plaza de Armas – Located on the corner of Andador 5 de Mayo and Pasteur. At the beginning of the 17th century this was a market. Today, it is a pleasant square with sidewalk cafes and the Marques de la Villa del Villar del Aguila statue.
Beatario de Santa Rosa de Viterbo – Located on the corner of Av. General Arteaga and Ezequiel Montes. The exterior of this church has two beautifully painted flying buttress arches and several bas-reliefs. Inside you’ll see a churrigueresque fan with the image of Santa Rosa, a notable pulpit with ivory inlays and gold-covered wooden altarpieces. Open daily from 9:00 to 6:00.
Oratorio de San Felipe Neri (Cathedral) – Located on the corner of Av. Francisco I. Madero and Melchor Ocampo. This church represents the transition from baroque architecture to neoclassic, as evidenced in the façade, which blends styles from the 17th and 18th centuries. Notable features are the columns and pink hewn stone ridges, as well as the use of volcanic rock on the façade. Open daily from 8:00 to 7:00.
Real Convento de Santa Clara Asis – Located at the corner of Allende and Andador Madero. The most notable features are the main doors, the choir’s forged steel gates and the baroque-style interior. In addition, it has twin facades and a beautiful cupola with Talavera tiles. Open daily from 9:00 to 7:00.
Templo de la Congregacion – Located on Av. 16 de Septiembre. This is the city’s second church built to honor the Virgin of Guadalupe. The cupola and the tiled towers have the colors of the Mexican flag, while the façade has a hewn stone Virgin figure. Inside you’ll see an organ and the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe painted by Miguel Cabrera. Open daily from 8:00 to 7:00.
Templo y Ex Convento de la Santa Cruz – Located on the corner of Independencia and Manuel Acuña. This church has a neoclassic façade and a large porch that serves as a lobby. Inside you’ll see what were the old kitchen, the dining hall and a cellar. In the hallways you can see 17th- and 18th-century paintings. At the Ex-Convent’s famous orchard you’ll find a tree with thorns that grow in the form of a cross. Open daily from 8:00 to 7:00.
Palacio de Gobierno - Located on San Francisco Street, in the downtown area. This is a two-story palatial construction with a series of windows and balconies. This beautiful building was the headquarters of the Casas Reales, then it was a jail, and later it became the Casa de la Corregidora, the home of Doña Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez, who played a key role during
Mexico’s independence movement. Open Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 9:00 and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 2:00.

ARCHAEOLOGY...
In Queretaro’s surrounding areas you can visit several archaeological sites, some of which were influenced by Teotihuacan. At these places you can learn about the pre-Hispanic indigenous people that once inhabited the region.
Ranas – Located 157 km (97 mi) northeast of Queretaro, on Highway 120. This beautiful archaeological zone was a city-fortress and important ceremonial center. At the site you’ll see ancient ball courts, pyramids and courtyards on a hill surrounded by lush vegetation. Open daily from 9:00 to 6:00.
Toluquilla – Located 93 km (58 mi) northeast of Tequisquiapan and 65 km (40 mi) from Queretaro, off Highway 120. This ancient city was built on top of a hill. The most notable sights are the ball courts and a structure where you can still see the original stucco on the walls.

ECOTOURISM...
For nature lovers, Queretaro’s environs have some beautiful reserves where you can do ecotourism outings that allow you to appreciate a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Parque Nacional El Cimatario – Located 12 km (7 mi) southeast of Queretaro. Covers an area of 2,450 hectares (6,051 acres); lowland brushwood vegetation predominates.
This quiet park offers beautiful landscapes that are optimal for observing small plant and animal species.
Reserva de la Biosfera Sierra Gorda – Located north of Queretaro, off the San Juan del Rio-Xilitla Highway 120, in the direction of Sierra Gorda. This biosphere reserve, with 383,567 hectares (1.2 million acres), is perfect for exploring diverse ecosystems and observing a wide array of wildlife, as it covers 32% of the state’s territory. The reserve has a special area for bird-watching, allowing you to spy hummingbirds, buzzards and goldfinches. You can also visit the Sotano del Barro, in Arroyo Seco, a giant sinkhole 400 meters (1,320 feet) deep, where you’ll find the largest habitat in the world of the military macaw.
Vivero Quinta Schmoll – Located 71 km (44 mi) from Queretaro off Highway 120, in Cadereyta, at Avenida Colegio Militar and Las Fuentes. Here you can see about 4,000 cactus species and other flora while learning about the efforts being made to conserve these species.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES...
In Queretaro’s surrounding areas there are beautiful areas where you can do diverse outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, rappelling and climbing.
Parque Nacional El Cimatario – Located 12 km (7 mi) southeast of Queretaro. Covers an area of 2,450 hectares (6,051 acres); lowland brushwood vegetation predominates.
In this park’s periphery you’ll find the Cerro Cimatario, a hill where you can go hiking with the whole family, without the need of a guide.
Peña de Bernal – Located 59 km (37 mi) from the city of Queretaro, in the town of Ezequiel Montes, this place has the third largest monolith in the world, which is 350 meters (1,155) tall. From the top of the rock formation you’ll get a gorgeous panoramic view. If you like rappelling and climbing, this is a great place.

ARTS AND CRAFTS...
Queretaro’s artisans produce wool textiles, serapes and embroidered leather goods, among other items. They also make wicker furniture, wooden utensils, saddlery, semi-precious stones with opal, basketwork and marble objects. Yet without question, the state’s most representative works of art are the sculptures made from hewn stone. In the city’s Historic Center you’ll find numerous craft shops selling their works.

GASTRONOMY...Queretaro’s cuisine is a national treasure, as it offers dishes and recipes dating back to the colonial era. Over the years, local ingredients have been added to the dishes, such as corn, chile, cactus and regional fruits, given the dishes a unique Mexican flavor. Indigenous influences are strong as well, as many of the dishes are prepared with various cacti, huamichi, xoconostles (sweetened prickly pears), cornmeal beverages and tamales. Many of the dishes are prepared for civic and religious celebrations, as the harvest season coincides with many national holidays. During your visit, be sure to try the regional enchiladas, Queretaro’s mole, barbacoa de borrego (baked lamb), pollo hortelano (a chicken dish) and the famous seasoned cheeses. For dessert, indulge in sweetened nopal, jamoncillos (milk candy) and fruits and flowers made of sugar.

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Querétaro City Tour