Queretaro City, Queretaro

Queretaro city, located 220 km northwest of Mexico City, is a location where past and present meet with colonial flavor. Its Historic Downtown, declared by UNESCO World heritage of Humanity, allows a nice stroll amid admirable buildings, examples of baroque style, like the Convent of the Cross, the temples of San Felipe Neri and Santa Rosa de Viterbo. Old houses have been converted into museums or beautiful galleries, cafes, and restaurants, where you can taste authentic and delicious Mexican dishes, as well as international cuisine. In contrast, modern architecture is also present in the city. Therefore, many shopping areas and malls as well as hotels are available for visitors who want to know more of the history of this city and of the country.

Perhaps the most distinctive symbol of the city are the 74 arches that form the aqueduct, that was built during the first half of the eighteenth century, in the colonial period. It is a huge hydraulic work that was used to bring water to the convents and to public spaces.

Queretaro is known as the cradle of Constitution, since it was in the Theater of the Republic where, in 1917, the current and highest ruling document of the country was first announced. Besides, tourists should visit the Independence Square or, as known locally, the Square of the Dogs, since four stone dogs decorate a central fountain. The moderate weather of Queretaro invites tourists to walk in this city through its walkways that connect the main plaza with several streets.

Just a few kilometers outside Queretaro, tourists should visit the town of Bernal and to admire, or even to climb, the third biggest monolith in the world. Other locations include the archaeological sites of Toluquilla and Ranas, as well as the springs waters of Tequisquiapan, only 74 km. east from Queretaro.