After this past year’s drop in tourism, Mexico is launching several new campaigns designed to bring the tourists back to its pre-2009 levels. Even when Mexican tourism was booming, most Americans would think “Mexico” and their minds would turn to margaritas on a beach. As beautiful and restful as Mexico’s coasts are, many tourists are looking for more of what the country has to offer. The state of Querétaro, with its historical sights and stunning natural beauty, might be unfamiliar to Americans but it also just may be exactly what they’re looking for.

Querétaro’s Ministry of Tourism is expanding its efforts in attracting US tourists. Querétaro is an exceptionally safe part of Mexico, with one of the strongest economies in the country. There are activities and sights to suit many different tastes, from historical sites to stunning natural beauty to an active, urban nightlife. Their new tagline is “Explore the Unexpected” and it’s an apt description of this beautiful land full of unexpected beauties.

Santiago de Querétaro
The Spanish conquistadors arrived in Querétaro in the mid-1500s. With its strategic location and wealth of natural resources, Querétaro would go on to play a huge role in Mexico’s history. The architecture of the capital city of Santiago de Querétaro (usually referred to simply as Querétaro) reflects the history of the state. Walking through the city is like walking back through time. You can see Spanish and Moorish influences throughout the old city, right next to buildings built during the height of the city’s power in the mid-1800s. During the Mexican Revolution at the turn of the twentieth century Querétaro played a major role, many of the participants living and working in the city. Querétaro was even briefly the capital city of Mexico, beginning in 1847. These days, the city offers tourists many beautiful hotels and restaurants not to mention a plethora of historical sites.

Quaint cobblestone streets lead to blooming balconies and perfectly manicured park squares around every corner of the city. The old part of the city was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. There are numerous churches and former abbeys that are open to the public and illustrate the city’s fabulous wealth at the height of its influence in the 1800s. Gold leafing and ornate carvings cover every inch of the Templo de Santa Clara. Many of the hotels located within the old part of the city are converted manorhouses. One of the most impressive is la Casa de la Marquesa (Madero 41, Centro Histórico). Built in 1756 in the baroque style, la Casa de la Marquesa has a beautiful, colorful exterior but its interior is positively jaw-dropping. Ornate carvings, chandeliers, even a private chapel make La Casa de la Marquesa an unforgettable place to stay. Each room is unique—the Don Mañuel room has massive wooden doors that one padlocks from within and a balcony overlooking the Templo of San Francisco across the street. Another beautiful place to stay is the Hotel El Meson de Santa Rosa (Pasteur Sur 17, Centro Histórico) which has a restaurant located in its lush courtyard.

Dining options are everywhere within the city, ranging from small bites to high-end restaurants to suit the most finicky palate. The very affordable Cafetería la Mariposa (Angela Peralta 7) has a small dining room and shop, and serves some of the best local food and Mexican pastries in town. Restaurant Chuco el Roto (at Andador Libertad and Plaza de Armas, Centro Histórico) prepares traditional fare and has patio seating overlooking one of the city’s lovely town squares. Harry’s Restaurant (Juárez Sur No. 7, Centro Histórico) is a fancier dining option, featuring Cajun food.

Within the city center there are many important historical sites to visit. Many seventeenth century churches (called “templos”) and convents remain intact, and in fact most of the churches are still in use today. Templo de Santa Clara is one of the most ornate churches in North America, with painted and gilded frescoes and carvings covering every inch. Just outside the city center are the still-standing remains of a seventeenth century aqueduct. This aqueduct brought water from local springs to fulfill the needs of the growing city. Lit from beneath, the aqueduct is now one of the more striking elements of the cityscape.

It is not just colonial historical sites that dot the landscape of Querétaro. Within the city limits there is an ancient pyramid left by the indigenous people of the area. Unlike many other pyramids in the world this one is a solid structure. The area surrounding the area is an active archeological dig and is open to the public and free of charge. The views of the city and surrounding areas are spectacular.

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