Querétaro

Santiago de Querétaro

Santiago de Querétaro is a beautiful colonial city. During the time of the conquest and the establishment of New Spain, it was a very important government center. This provincial location of deep-rooted traditions is an important industrial center although its main charm is the quality of the people who live here.

The strong missionary campaign that was executed in the city can be seen in the architectural remains of the 18 missions built in Querétaro. Today this area is included on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

The historical center of the city should not be missed. Here you can see the Sangremal, the Santa Rosa de Viterbo Temple and the Alameda in an area where the past coexists with one of the mightiest cities in the country. Along the way, you will see monuments like: the Aqueduct, a grand example of civil architecture that allowed water to be transported from the springs east of the city and helped with the healthy development of a large city. The Aqueduct is made up of 72 arcs, the highest of which is 23 meters, and brings the water into a public system. The final point of the Aqueduct is located at the highest point in the city, the Santa Cruz Convent. One of the water source points highlighted on the Aqueduct is Neptune. Other important points on the Aqueduct are the Ahorcados on Zaragoza Ave., Santo Domingo and the Hebe Fountain in the Benito Zenea Garden.

Other architecture in the city is worth noting, like the Casas Reales. It is located in the Plaza de Armas and is the site where Doña Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez called for the beginning of the independence movement. Today it is the Government Palace. The Casa de Ecala, with its magnificent façade of beautifully worked quarry, is located in this same plaza. La Fuente de los Perros (The Dog Fountain) is named for the four dogs that surround the column that supports the image of Querétaro's benefactor, Marqués de la Villa del Villar del Águila. The Casa de los Conde de Regla or the Casa de los Cinco Patios and the Casa de la Marquesa are other examples of beautiful colonial architecture.

Querétaro is a city that honors the past, offering everything necessary for an excellent vacation.

San Juan del Río

San Juan del Río is another important city in Querétaro known for the local artists' work with opals.

It has a magnificent infrastructure of services made up of hotels and restaurants. Some of the hotels and restaurants are located in old haciendas and large houses, giving them a special Querétano touch. The oldest structures in the city date back 400 years before Christ.

The majority of the civil structures in the city were constructed during the 18th century. The Señor del Sacromante Sanctuary, the Santo Domingo Temple and Convent, and the San Isidro Club sports facility are other great attractions to visit.

Jalpan de la Sierra

Jalpan de la Serra is located in the heart of the Querétaro mountain range. This area boasts a pleasant subtropical climate, immense and intense landscapes perfect for adventure tourism, and a rich cultural legacy. Several mini beaches exist along the Jalpan River, so this area is ideal for hikes, camping, and day trips.

The Jalpan Dam is located 1.5 kilometers from the municipal capital. It is great for boating and fishing trips and also has an area of palapas for rest and relaxation.

El Puente de Dios (The Bridge of God) is a singular cavern that requires the company of experts to explore it. In the center of Jalpan de la Serra you will find the Sierra Gorda Museum. The museum exhibits diverse pre-Hispanic objects and utensils found in the region. Another attraction is the post office constructed in the 19th century that served as the prison of General Mariano Escobedo.

Don't miss the mission constructed under the guidance of Brother Junipero Serro that was dedicated to the Apostle Santiago. This temple was the first of five missions built. Jalpan also has important pre-Hispanic origins that can be studied in their archeological ruins.