Querétaro

Written by Andreas Keller, Marika Maslanka, Miguel Lopez
01/08/2025
Brick archway with stone pillars in Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico, offering a glimpse of local architecture.
Kevin Villavicencio Hernandez, Pexels

Querétaro, a city nestled in central Mexico, is celebrated for its well-preserved colonial architecture and profound historical significance. It presents a dynamic fusion of rich culture and a flourishing modern environment.

The Historic Center of Querétaro serves as the central point for social engagement. Here, you can explore various bars, traditional cantinas, and venues featuring live music, including rooftop establishments that offer scenic views of the city. Public areas such as Plaza de Armas and Jardín Zenea are vibrant spaces ideal for leisurely strolls, observing daily life, and enjoying impromptu street performances and organized cultural gatherings.

Top 5 Things to do in Querétaro

Activities in Querétaro range from exploring the historic city center and its significant architectural landmarks to venturing into the surrounding areas for unique wine and cheese experiences and majestic natural formations.

1. Explore the Historic Center

Stepping into Querétaro's Historic Center is like entering an open-air museum. We found ourselves wandering through charming pedestrian streets, known as 'andadores,' such as Cinco de Mayo, which are lined with colorful buildings and inviting cafes. We took time to admire the grand colonial architecture of the Querétaro Cathedral and the historic Casa de la Corregidora. The city's plazas, like Plaza de Armas with its delightful Fountain of the Doggies, and the lively Jardín Zenea, offer perfect spots for people-watching and enjoying impromptu street performances. Exploring the varied museums housed in former monasteries, such as the Querétaro Art Museum, provided a deeper understanding of the region's rich history and culture.

Cost: Free to explore. Many museums, like the Querétaro Art Museum, offer free entry (donations are encouraged).

Transport: The Historic Center is very walkable, making it ideal for exploration on foot. Public buses (QROBus) are available if needed; a prepaid card costs approximately 28 MXN, and individual rides are around 10 MXN. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber are also readily available, with a 5km ride costing about 177.5 MXN (approximately 10 USD).

2. Experience the Wine and Cheese Route

The Querétaro Wine and Cheese Route offers a delightful sensory journey through the region's burgeoning wine country. We visited a local vineyard, such as Finca Sala Vivé by Freixenet, and a cheese factory to learn about the production processes. The experience typically includes tastings of regional wines and a variety of cheeses, allowing us to savor the distinct flavors of Querétaro. Many tours also incorporate a visit to the 'Pueblo Mágico' (Magical Town) of Tequisquiapan, known for its craft markets and charming main square.

Cost: Tour costs vary. A full-day guided tour from Querétaro, often including transportation, multiple tastings, and visits to other towns like Peña de Bernal and Tequisquiapan, can range from 80 USD to 1429 MXN (approximately 47-84 USD). For a self-guided option, bus fares to Tequisquiapan are around 65 MXN (approximately 3.80 USD) and a bus from Bernal to a winery like Freixenet costs around 16 MXN (approximately 0.90 USD). A cellar tour and tasting at a winery might cost around 120 MXN (approximately 7 USD).

Transport: Most tours include round-trip transportation from Querétaro city. For independent travel, buses depart from Querétaro's main bus terminal to towns like Tequisquiapan and Ezequiel Montes (near Peña de Bernal), from where local transport or taxis can be used to reach vineyards and cheese factories. Taxis can be hired but would be more expensive for a full day of visits. A 5km taxi ride costs around 177.5 MXN (approximately 10 USD).

3. Hike Peña de Bernal

Rising dramatically from the landscape, Peña de Bernal is a colossal monolith and a truly impressive sight. We embarked on the hike to its base, and for more experienced climbers, the ascent to the chapel halfway up offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and vineyards. The town of Bernal itself, a 'Pueblo Mágico,' provides a charming experience with its cobbled lanes, local handicrafts, and the Mask Museum.

Cost: Free to climb the monolith. There is a small fee for parking at the foot of the rock.

Transport: Peña de Bernal is located about 59 km from Querétaro. Buses are a cost-effective option, taking about 1 hour 10 minutes and costing 65-110 MXN (approximately 3.80-6.50 USD) to Ezequiel Montes, from where you can take local transport. A taxi directly from Querétaro can take around 49 minutes and cost 500-650 MXN (approximately 29-38 USD). Many Wine and Cheese Route tours also include a stop at Peña de Bernal.

4. Admire the Acueducto de Querétaro

The Aqueduct of Querétaro stands as an iconic symbol of the city and a remarkable feat of 18th-century engineering. We viewed its 74 towering arches, stretching for 1.3 kilometers, from various vantage points. The Mirador de Los Arcos offers a particularly stunning panoramic view, especially as the aqueduct is lit up after dark. For those interested in its historical function, the aqueduct culminates at the Convento de la Santa Cruz, where its water system can be further understood.

Cost: Free to view. Some walking tours may include the aqueduct as part of their itinerary.

Transport: The Aqueduct is a prominent landmark in the city and can be seen from many areas. The Mirador de Los Arcos is accessible by car or taxi. A local city bus could also take you to the vicinity. Taxis in Querétaro start around 40 MXN, with 27.5 MXN per kilometer.

5. Visit Cerro de las Campanas National Park

Cerro de las Campanas is a historically significant site where Emperor Maximilian I was executed, marking a pivotal moment in Mexican history. Exploring the park, we found a chapel, a museum that delves into this historical event, and serene walking paths. The monument to Benito Juárez also stands prominently, adding to the site's importance.

Cost: Entry costs are generally minimal, if any. The focus is on the historical significance and monuments.

Transport: Cerro de las Campanas is located within Querétaro city. It is accessible by taxi or public bus. A taxi ride within the city would start at 40 MXN with an additional 27.5 MXN per kilometer. Public buses are a cheap option, costing around 10 MXN per ride.

Check out our other pages on Querétaro

Getting There icon Getting There Restaurants icon Restaurants Bars and Entertainment icon Bars and Entertainment Hotels icon Hotels Budget Stays icon Budget Stays

Discover destinations in Mexico

Baja California Sur
Central Highlands
Northern Mexico
Pacific Coast
Southern Highlands
Yucatán Peninsula & Caribbean Coast