SURROUNDING AREAS, TOURING AND NOTABLE PLACES

Route to the Franciscan Missions ? One of Mexico?s most important tourist routes lies in the Sierra Gorda, northeast of Queretaro. There you can see visit Franciscan missions that were declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.

Departing from Queretaro, take Highway 120, which links San Juan del Rio to Ciudad Valles. You can make the first stop at Tequisquiapan, the perfect place to relax and enjoy a picturesque town. About 30 km (19 mi) along the same highway you?ll reach Bernal, which is located in Ezequiel Montes. At this spot you can visit the Peña de Bernal, a 350-meter (1,155-foot) hill that is believed to be a source of positive energy. About 12 km (7 mi) north you?ll arrive at Cadereyta, a farming area where you visit the San Pedro y San Pablo church, which has a baroque-style altarpiece. There you can also check out the Fernando Schmoll Nursery. Some 25 km (16 mi) ahead you?ll find a place called Vizarron, where they make various objects of marble. From there, you can head to the Franciscan missions of Sierra Gorda along Highway 120 to the north, then go 69 km (43 mi) until you reach Jalpan, where you can see the oldest mission, which was founded by Friar Junipero Serra. Then take Highway 69 until you arrive at Concha, in the town of Arroyo Seco. At this place you can visit the Mision de la Purisima Concepcion, which has one of the most beautiful facades on the route. The next stop, about 27 km (17 mi) ahead, is Tilaco, where you?ll find another mission dedicated to Saint Francis. The façade of this mission is adorned with saints and sirens, as well as an emblem with crossed arms and an image of the founder of the Franciscan order. The last stop is 18 km (11 mi) ahead in Tancoyol, where you can finish the tour at Templo de Nuestra Señora de Luz, yet another of the state?s important relics.