10 UNIQUE Things To Do In Querétaro
World-class wineries within driving distance. Local cheeses galore. 1400 monuments to explore. You must be in Querétaro! The gorgeous city of Querétaro is easily one of the most interesting destinations in Mexico.
The city is absolutely a hidden gem destination and should be at the top of your bucket list! With a relaxed vibe, fun outdoor activities, charming colonial towns, and delicious food and wine, you will not get bored with so many unique things to do in Querétaro.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link, we may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you.
About Querétaro
Querétaro is a state in central Mexico, about three hours north of Mexico City. The state capital is Santiago de Querétaro, which happens to be the country’s main aerospace hub. It is a modern, flourishing city that embraces its colonial roots.
Outside the city, there are colorful villages, famous vineyards and wineries, and beautiful countryside waiting to be discovered. If you love wine, fine dining, history, and nature, you will feel right at home in Querétaro!
How To Get To Querétaro
Getting to Querétaro is easy for any international traveler. Querétaro has its own international airport, which will make getting there a breeze! You can fly directly to Querétaro Intercontinental Airport (QRO) from Dallas/Fort Worth with American Airlines, and from Houston with United.
Once you land, you can easily reach Santiago de Querétaro and nearby towns like Tequisquiapan by bus, taxi, or rental car.
If you’re a U.S. citizen, you are in luck. As of right now, US citizens don’t need a visa to enter Mexico. You can spend up to 180 days in the country with your passport alone!
Unique Things To Do In Querétaro
There are so many exciting things to do in Querétaro that you couldn’t possibly fit them all into one trip! With tons of unforgettable activities to choose from, you’re sure to find something you love.
Here are 10 things you MUST see and do in Querétaro!
1. Visit a Winery in Querétaro
Querétaro has to be one of my favorite underrated wine regions in the world. With a wine making history dating back to 400 years, you will encounter incredible wine without the clout of the old world wine regions (…but I still love you anyways, Bordeaux <3). After touring Querétaro’s wineries, you just might decide it’s your new favorite wine destination!
There are more than 30 wineries to choose from, where you can tour the vineyards and learn about the wine making process from vine to bottle. At some of the wineries, you can even bottle your own wine or experience a fun tradition like a grape-crushing festival!
And the best part: Querétaro has more than 300 outstanding local wines to choose from. Imagine yourself sipping a glass of expertly crafted wine while taking in the beauty of the countryside. Talk about heaven on earth!!
I highly recommend checking out Viñedos Azteca while in Querétaro, as this is the oldest winery of the region. Or, if you would like to have La Peña de Bernal (which is another fun and unique thing to do in Querétaro, but we’ll get to that later) as your backdrop for the day, visit San Juanito Winery!
2. Try Local Cheeses
Querétaro is a cheese lovers heaven. With more than 10 artisanal cheese shops in Querétaro, you could make an entire day out of tasting cheese! After eating my little heart out (and more cheese than anyone could want!), my top recommend is Quesos Vai, a beautiful cheese shop that also will teach you about the cheese making process!
Quesos Vai sells over a dozen cheeses, with each one being more tasty than the next. Visit their store to sample fresh Mexican and international cheeses like Panela, Manchego, Oaxaca, Provolone, and Gouda infused with red wine!
One of the best ways to experience Quesos Via is to take a tour of the vineyard and cheesery (am I making up words now?) You can even get to pet cows and calves while touring the stables! Quesos Vai also offers an exciting opportunity to make your own cheese to take home with you.
3. Rock Climb La Peña de Bernal
This next unique thing to do in Querétaro is for the adventurous spirit. Climbers love visiting Querétaro to climb La Peña de Bernal—the third-largest monolith in the world!
Climbing La Peña de Bernal without a guide is only recommended for experienced climbers. You can hike partway up the monolith and use your own equipment to climb, or book a guide to help climb this incredible rock!
From the summit you will have a gorgeous view of the magical village of Bernal—a jaw-dropping 1,421 feet below that is surely not for the faint of heart! The view is absolutely worth the squeeze, though, for those with a love of adventure, and this is truly an experience of a lifetime that I highly recommend.
4. Walk the Streets of a Pueblo Mágico
Pueblo mágico, the English word for “magical town,” is easily one of the most charming aspects of Querétaro. The name pueblo mágico signifies towns in Mexico that have gone to great lengths to preserve their history and culture. For anyone with a love of culture, you should spend a day exploring the many different “pueblo mágico” towns in Querétaro!
While there are many pueblo mágicos in Querétaro—if you only have time for one, choose Tequisquiapan. Tequisquiapan is the quintessential fairytale town and I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
The streets of Tequisquiapan will transport you back to 16th-century Mexico. The town was built in the 1500s and seems to be frozen in time, with centuries-old colonial buildings and cobblestone streets just waiting to be explored!
My absolute favorite part of Tequisquiapan is the pink Santa María de la Asunción parish, it is just so dang cute!
While there, you should visit the many artisanal markets filled with ceramics, textiles, and regional foods. For a relaxing day trip, head to the nearby Termas del Rey hot springs to soak in the warm mineral water! Afterwards, hop on a hot air balloon and soar high above the town for a bird’s-eye view that will leave you absolutely speechless.
5. Take a Trip to the Capital City
Your trip to Querétaro would be incomplete without a visit to its capital city.
The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is simply breathtaking. You will feel like you traveled back in time as you wander the cobblestone streets, taking in the Spanish-colonial architecture, lively plazas, and gorgeous churches. There are over 1,400 monuments in the historic center, so be sure to set aside plenty of time to explore them all!
For an extraordinary photo-op, stop by the Querétaro Aqueduct. This enormous Roman-style structure is nearly 4,200 feet long and has 74 stone arches. It was built in the 1700s and while it no longer carries water, it is an iconic symbol of Querétaro.
6. Discover Local History and Art at a Museum
Touring a museum is a great opportunity to dive into Querétaro’s fascinating past!
The Museum of Art of Querétaro houses a collection of Mexican art that spans the colonial period to modern times.
At the Museum of the City you will learn how Santiago de Querétaro became the innovative city that it is today.
A visit to the Museum of Regional History is the perfect chance to discover Querétaro’s past, from pre-Columbian times to the present.
7. Explore the Sierra Gorda Nature Reserve
Querétaro is not only a gorgeous city for exploring; there are many nature reserves and hiking trails in the surrounding area that are perfect for any nature lover!
The Sierra Gorda Nature Reserve has tons of hiking trails that will take you through beautiful landscapes. The geography is incredibly diverse with rugged mountain peaks, forests, waterfalls, canyons, and caves.
Don’t forget to pack your binoculars for a chance to spot a resplendent quetzal or golden eagle! And keep your eyes peeled for exotic wildlife like coati, colorful butterflies, spider monkeys, anteaters, ocelots, and javelinas.
Note: Please respect the wildlife in Querétaro and anywhere you travel. You should never approach or try to touch a wild animal.
8. Taste the Local Flavors
Querétaro is home to a thriving culinary scene. While its regional dishes aren’t super well-known internationally, the local cuisine is simply delicious.
In the city’s historic center, you will find lots of overpriced touristy restaurants, but if you venture into other parts of the city and especially the small towns, you will find authentic local flavors that will leave you wanting more!
Trying Enchiladas Queretanas is an essential part of any trip to Querétaro. These mouthwatering chicken enchiladas are topped with red sauce and served with stewed potatoes and carrots, salad, and cotija cheese. They are oh-so delicious!!
If you are a fan of chicharrón (deep-fried pork skin), you can’t go wrong with Gorditas de Migajas. Gorditas are thick, stuffed corn tortillas, and Querétaro’s recipe has a unique twist: bits of chicharrón are mixed into the dough to create a special taste and texture.
Pacholas are steaks made from ground beef, bread, egg, and spices. The ingredients are mixed into a dough and spread flat with a stone tool known as a metate. The Pacholas are then cooked on a hot griddle and served with avocado salad, corn, or mashed potatoes.
You will be able to find these local dishes at any number of the amazing restaurants in Querétaro. To eat like a local, I recommend trying out the restaurant Los Compadres for authentic Mexican cuisine.
9. Catch a Soccer Game
For a taste of local sports culture, watch the Querétaro Fútbol Club in action at Corregidora Stadium! Known as the Gallos Blancos, the Querétaro professional soccer team won the Copa MX tournament in the 2016 opening season.
This is a seasonal activity, so check prior to your trip to see when the soccer team is playing.
10. Go on a Mythology Night Tour
One of the most unique activities you can do in Querétaro is the Legends and Myths of Querétaro walking tour. This is a fun and interactive way to learn about local history and mythology!
As you walk the streets of Querétaro city at night, tour guides dressed up as historical figures narrate and act out legends, stories, and myths.
You will also pass by important historical sites in the city, including the palace where Mexico’s liberators conspired in 1810 to declare independence from Spain.
Summary
Querétaro may not be as well-known as Baja California, Mexico City, or the Yucatán, but this enchanting state in the heart of Mexico has so many unique things to do that you will not get bored! Querétaro packs a powerful punch when it comes to history, wine and cheese, and breath-taking landmarks.
It’s an ideal getaway for history and folklore enthusiasts, nature lovers, foodies, and wine aficionados. The relaxed atmosphere invites you to leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind and unwind in the peaceful Mexican highlands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
When is the best time of year to visit Querétaro?
The best time of year to spend time in Querétaro is the dry season, which runs from November to May. From June through October, there are heavy rains that could interrupt any outdoor activities.
Is Querétaro safe?
Querétaro is one of the safest states in Mexico and has some of the lowest crime rates in the country. For that reason it has become a popular destination for tourists and expats.
That said, any place has its risks, so you should take certain precautions. Try to avoid walking alone at night, don’t show off fancy jewelry or expensive items, and don’t carry around a lot of cash. As long as you use common sense, your trip to Querétaro should be smooth sailing.
What is the weather like in Querétaro?
Querétaro has a mild climate with two seasons, rainy and dry. The rainy season runs from June to October, and the dry season lasts from November to May.
The average daytime temperature in Querétaro ranges from 70 to 85 degrees throughout the year. It’s uncommon for temperatures to rise above the mid-90s or dip below the high 40s at any point during the year.
Overall, the weather in Querétaro is warm and pleasant year-round.
One Comment