Querétaro and Peña de Bernal

Santiago de Querétaro, capital of the state of the same name, lies about 215 km north of Mexico City. The historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, features baroque churches and convents, tree-lined plazas, and an 18th-century aqueduct with 74 arches. The conspirators for independence met in the city in 1810 and the Constitution of 1917 was signed there.

To the east of the capital, the state's semi-desert contains Peña de Bernal, one of the largest monoliths in the world, with the colorful village at its foot, and Tequisquiapan, a town known for hot springs, cheeses and wines. The region's vineyards form the cheese-and-wine route.

To the north, the Sierra Gorda is a biosphere reserve of mountains, canyons and forests. There the Franciscans led by friar Junípero Serra built five missions in the 18th century with baroque facades covered in figures sculpted by indigenous artisans; they became a World Heritage Site in 2003.

This destination brings together 4 cities: Santiago de Querétaro, Bernal, Tequisquiapan, Jalpan de Serra.