This colonial city in central Mexico has a UNESCO-listed historic center with 17th-century aqueducts. It's known for wine production and aerospace industry.
Querétaro, a city in central Mexico, is known for its UNESCO-listed historic center and modern aerospace industry. You'll see Baroque churches and an 18th-century aqueduct dominating the old town skyline. The city is close to small villages and vineyards in the surrounding countryside. It also has several museums that display the region's history and art.
Exploring Querétaro's Historic Center
The core of Querétaro is a well-preserved colonial area, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. As you walk through the narrow streets, you'll see many baroque churches and mansions from the 17th and 18th centuries. The Santa Rosa de Viterbo church has an ornate façade and unique elliptical dome. The iconic aqueduct, built in the 1720s and 1730s, stretches over 1.2 kilometers with 74 pink stone arches, demonstrating colonial engineering skills.
Museums and Cultural Attractions
Querétaro has several museums worth visiting. The Querétaro Regional Museum, in a former Franciscan convent, presents the area's history from pre-Hispanic times to the 19th century. The Museum of Art has an extensive collection of colonial-era paintings. The city hosts the Festival of Santiago de Querétaro, an eight-day cultural event during Holy Week, with music, dance, and theatrical performances.
Industrial Hub and Economic Growth
While maintaining its historical character, Querétaro has become an important industrial center. Over 1,500 multinational companies operate in the city, with a focus on the aerospace sector. Bombardier's manufacturing plant, opened in 2005, has made Querétaro the most advanced center for aeronautics in Mexico. This economic growth has led to Querétaro having the second-highest per capita GDP among Mexican metropolitan areas.
Day Trips from Querétaro
The surrounding region offers several destinations for day trips. You can visit Bernal, a Pueblo Mágico with a massive monolith called the Peña de Bernal. Tequisquiapan, another small town, is known for its vineyards and cheese production. You can follow the "Ruta del Vino" (Wine Route), which connects major wineries like Freixenet and La Redonda. The Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve has hiking trails and opportunities to observe local wildlife.
Getting Around and Practical Information
Querétaro's international airport is about 30 minutes from the city center, with regular flights to major Mexican cities. The city has a large bus terminal with connections to other parts of Mexico. In Querétaro, you can walk around the historic center, but taxis and ride-sharing services are available for longer distances. The city has lower crime rates compared to many other Mexican urban areas, making it a relatively safe destination.
