Querétaro is one of the most economically stable states in the country. Thanks to its central location, it is an excellent area for business and investments. As a result, Querétaro’s population enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in Mexico.
The state is divided into 18 municipalities and is approximately 11,769 km2. Its major cities include Tequisquiapan, Corregidora and the capital, Querétaro. It is bordered by the states of Guanajuato, San Luis Potosí, México and Michoacán.
An industry of 400 businesses makes up the main economic branch of the state. Of these businesses, more than 80% export their products and can be found in one of 14 industrial parks throughout the state.
The greatest symbol of excellence in Querétaro is Los Arcos. Los Arcos is considered to be the most important structure built during the 18th century. The building of this architectural jewel started in 1726 and was completed in 1735. It is made up of 74 arcs, the highest of which is approximately 75 feet, and is 4,200 feet long. Don Juan Antonio de Urrutia y Arana commissioned and funded the building of this aqueduct to bring water to Querétaro. Legend has it that he actually had Los Arcos built to demonstrate his secret love for a nun who lived in the city. Other important architectural sites are La Casa de la Corregidora, Casa de Ecala, the San Francisco Temple and the Querétaro Art Museum.
Some interesting cultural and historical sites in the state are Casa de la Zacatecana, Cerro de las Campanas (Hill of the Bells), the City Museum, the Regional History Museum, Panteón de los Queretanos (cemetery of famous people from Querétaro), Theater of the Republic, Templo de San Agustín, Templo de Santa Rosa de Viterbo, Templo de Santiago and Patio Barroco and the Templo and Convento de Santa Cruz.
There are also some important archeological zones in Querétaro like Cerrito and Toluquilla as well as recreational areas like Mundo Cimacuático Park, the Death Museum, Sanctuary of our Lady of the Pueblito, Wamerú Zoological Park, Peña de Bernal, Finca Freixenet, Tequisquiapan and the Botanical Garden, to name a few.
The geography of Querétaro and its architectural history make it a wonderful place for excursions, walks and exploration. There is a route called “Querétaro Misionero” that passes through the Franciscan missions of the state and offers impressive views of Peña de Bernal and Cerro de la Media Luna among others.
Adventure is a big part of Querétaro. Travel to caverns, parks, mountains and forests where you can rappel, mountain bike, practice archery and rock climb, all with the assistance of professional guides.
The state is well equipped to host meetings and large events with 148 halls offering capacities of 5 to 2000. There are also 39 four- to five-star hotels with more than 3,400 rooms to accommodate attendees.
The culture of Querétaro can be viewed in their diverse offering of museums that protect the history of their ancestors. Some of these museums include: Templo de San Francisco, Templo de San Agustín, Templo and Convento de Santa Cruz, Templo de Santa Rosa de Viterbo, Templo de Santiago and Patio Barroco, Fray Junipero Serra Mission, Templo de Santa Maria de la Asuncion, La Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe, Bucareli Mission and the old convent of Bucareli, Sanctuary of our Lady of the Pueblito, Sanctuary of our “Lady of Schoenstatt”, Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel, La Iglesia Chiquita, Sanctuary of the Virgin of Dolores de Soriano and Templo de San Pablo. The Monumental Zone, at the center of Querétaro, was the second place in the state to be named a World Heritage location by UNESCO.
Mexican cuisine is, without a doubt, based on the elements of corn, chili, cactus and fruit. All of these elements are found in the kitchen of Querétaro along with the indigenous art of making stews. Some of their delicious dishes include candy made from biznagas, huamiche and xoconostles, many varieties of chili and corn used in corn flour drinks and tamales as well as otomi tortillas.
Querétaro has a huge variety of attractions to offer on your next visit
