Important chapters of the history of Mexico’s independence were written in Querétaro. Nowadays, thanks to its amazing tourist infrastructure, which combines culture with natural beauty, this destination guarantees a complete holiday experience.

Known as the entrance gate to the Bajio (Mexican Lowlands), Querétaro is the capital of the state bearing the same name, and it is situated within the central area of Mexico.

In 1550, this region became a very important place of transit. For those looking for gold and silver, this was a compulsory stop on the way to Zacatecas.

As the legend has it, on 25 July 1531, when it was founded, Querétaro achieved peace thanks to the protection of the Apostle Santiago, who appeared from above to seal with his image the cultural mestizaje (miscegenation). By the 18th century, Querétaro would be the third most important city in New Spain. The most important indigenous community, among many here, is the Otomi, who have occupied this land for more than 5,000 years and whose contributions include their knowledge and abilities with herbal medicines.

The landscape of Querétaro, Mexico, is like a stage of natural wonders, including woods, ravines, rivers, dams, waterfalls, caves, crypts, mountains, and thermal bath resorts, turning it into a natural attraction for lovers of outdoor activities. The landscape is framed by mountains so high that they seem to touch the sky.

In short, Santiago of Querétaro, to give it its official name, has over 460 years of history. One way of getting to know the city is to set out on a walk in the city center, where one can see the city’s historical monuments, a collection of treasures that is part of the 1996 declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Among the tourist attractions in this city, it is definitely worth mentioning those from the 17th and 18th centuries. These are wonders made of stone, with Baroque altarpieces inside; there are also Neo-classical buildings from the 19th century, colonial mansions, and a vast amount of pre-Hispanic heritage. To get to know this city, a good option is to take a tram ride and drive past all of the outstanding tourist attractions.

For aerospace buffs, the city of  Querétaro is the most advanced center of the Mexican aeronautics industry. In 2005, Bombardier Aerospace, a division of the Canadian conglomerate, opened a plant here, providing employment for about 2,000 people.

The nearby city of San Juan del Rio Querétaro  is worth a visit. About 50 km (31 m) from the capital, it is known for its opals and wineries.

For the tourist, it is hard to decide where to eat in this city because there is a vast variety of restaurants offering fine international cuisine and local cooking, as well as a selection of new Querétaro wines.

There is a wide selection of hotels and bed and breakfast places, ranging from small, intimate accommodations such as the Villa del Villar to good-value hotels such as the Hotel Mirabel Querétaro.