7 Essentials: what to see and do in Querétaro (Mexico) in 1 day

With a trip through Mexico in search of the colonial cities who are registered on the list of World Heritage for the Unesco You shouldn't miss a visit to Querétaro.

If a road trip is organized from CDMX, Querétaro It can be the first stop on the journey to Guanajuato y Zacatecas.

It is also possible to consider it as a excursion from Guanajuato, from which it is barely 120 kilometers away.

This excursion can be combined with San Miguel de Allende, which is located just halfway between the two.

Querétaro It is probably the least known of all these cities of the so-called Silver Route o Inland Path.

And although its monumental wealth is not so spectacular, it is highly recommended because its historic center allows you to quickly immerse yourself in its traditional environment, with cobblestone streets, palaces and churches with baroque facades, traditional shops and a very pleasant and safe street environment.

It is worth remembering that some of the decisive episodes that led to the declaration of Mexico's independence and, also here, the Constitution national.

For all these reasons it occupies a prominent role in the history of the country.

Querétaro, World Heritage Site

La Unesco included Querétaro on the list of Heritage in 1996 for being an example of multicultural city.

In it, neighborhoods with a geometric layout designed by the Spanish coexist with the richness of baroque constructions from the 17th and 18th centuries, along with original indigenous centers (otomi, tarascos y chichimecas) of winding streets.

This combination is unique in the viceregal cities.

Proof of this originality is that Querétaro It was founded in 1532, but not by Spanish colonists, but by the chief otomi Conin.

What to see on the Querétaro tourism visit

Today your historical Center It is one of the richest in the country and has cataloged 1.400 monumental buildings.

A walking tour of this area is a very pleasant experience that allows you to get to know a medium-sized capital full of charm and interest.

Zenea Garden in Querétaro

A good place to start the walk Querétaro is Zenea Garden, a wide, tree-lined square that is very frequented by queretanos throughout the day and, above all, at dusk.

There are always balloon sellers and shoe shiners, characters present in almost all Mexican cities; In the center stands out the kiosk and a fountain dedicated to Hebe, the Greek goddess of youth.

The eastern side of the garden is occupied by the San Francisco church, from the 17th century, which on the façade shows a relief of the city's patron saint, St. James.

It is time to remember that the full name of the city is Santiago de Queretaro.

In the old cloister of the church there is currently the regional Museum.

Monument to the Conchero Chichimeca Dancer in Querétaro

On one side of the church is the monument to the Danzante Conchero Chichimeca.

The shellholes They are ritual dancers that mix pre-Hispanic and Christian influences and usually appear in different religious festivals in many places in the country.

En CDMX It is easy to see them in the Zócalo square or in the surroundings of Main temple.

In the case of Querétaro It refers to one of the indigenous ethnic groups of the area and to legends related to the founding of the city.

If we continue along the Corregidora street Towards the north, we will immediately see the Corregidora Square, surrounded by restaurants, and further on San Antonio square, with the temple of the same name.

One block from this square appears the Republic Theater, place where the winners of the Mexican Revolution met in the Constituent Congress to prepare the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States that still rules the country.

It should be noted that it was the first in history that included social rights.

Guerrero Garden in Querétaro

If we walk towards the west along the September 16th Street, we will arrive immediately at Warrior Garden, another of the most attractive spaces in the city.

La Neptune fountain It occupies the center of the square and the trees that surround it show their crowns cut by a team of gardeners.

The mass of the ex-convent of Santa Clara, with one of the most elaborate interiors in the city.

It was once part of an immense religious complex that once housed 8.000 Poor Clare nuns.

Querétaro Cathedral

There are more interesting buildings in the surrounding area, such as the cathedral, which was originally the oratory of San Felipe Neri.

Its façade is quite curious since it is tezontle, a bright red volcanic rock, and is covered by columns, sculptures and reliefs.

It is one of the last constructions of the viceroyalty and therefore shows the transition between baroque and neoclassical styles.

House of the Marquise in Querétaro

In the Francisco Madero Street There are several important mansions, but above all of them the so-called Marquesa's House, built in the 18th century for the Marchioness of Villa del Villar.

It stands out for its stone and wood decoration, and is now converted into one of the most charming hotels in Querétaro.

Plaza de Armas in Querétaro

Another area full of attractions is Plaza de Armas and its surroundings.

It is surrounded by several viceregal mansions like that of the Lopez de Ecala, The one of the Five Patios and The corrector.

The latter is now the Government Palace.

Inside the House of the Five Patios is the La Viejoteca bar, one of the most curious and well-known in Querétaro.

Nearby is the Santa Rosa Inn, a hotel that occupies an 18th century mansion that has been perfectly rehabilitated to become another of those unique hotels that give new life to historic buildings.

Convent of Santa Cruz in Querétaro

A few blocks away, at the eastern end of the historic center, appears the Convent of Santa Cruz, one of the most interesting places in the city.

The oldest parts date back to the mid-17th century and it is said that it was the site of a battle between the Spanish and otomi.

It seems that several miracles have happened in this convent and its surroundings.

In any case, your visit is an interesting immersion in the ways of life of the colonial era that is well worth it.

The convent was the first propaganda school fide, that is, the propagation of the faith.

The best-known character related to this convent was the Mallorcan friar San Junipero Serra, who from here founded numerous missions in California.

In the surroundings, stalls are usually set up where indigenous women sell the local crafts.

Traditional fabrics are some of the most interesting purchases, so it is a good opportunity to purchase a colorful piece that will be a nice souvenir of the visit to Querétaro.

One of the curious details of Querétaro is Legends and Myths show.

This is a nighttime pedestrian tour through the streets of the historic center in which a group of actors dressed in period clothing, and accompanied by musical instruments, represent some of the city's best-known legends on real stages.

The light from the torches adds a very special point to the route.

How to get to Querétaro

If you travel on your own, you should know that the city ​​of Queretaro It is located just over 200 kilometers, two and a half hours by car, from Mexico City.