Holiday in Santiago de Querétaro

What makes Santiago de Querétaro special as a destination?

Santiago de Querétaro is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Mexico and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996 for its exceptionally well-preserved old town. The city is located in the central highlands at an altitude of 1,820 meters, just two hours by car north of Mexico City, and combines colonial splendor with one of the country's most dynamic economic regions. The Acüducto de Querétaro is the city's landmark: The impressive 18th-century aqueduct stretches over 1,280 meters with 74 arches and was built between 1726 and 1735 to supply the city with fresh water. It is particularly striking in the evening when the stone arches, up to 23 meters high, are illuminated and stand out against the sky. The old town (Centro Histórico) impresses with a harmonious ensemble of baroque and neoclassical architecture. The Templo de Santa Rosa de Viterbo, with its unique inverted buttresses, is considered a jewel of Mexican baroque. The Jardin Zenea, Plaza de Armas, and Plaza de la Independencia are lined with elegant buildings and invite leisurely strolls. The cobbled streets are adorned with colorful facades, art galleries, and upscale restaurants. Querétaro played a key role in Mexican history: Here, in 1848, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed, ending the Mexican-American War, and in 1917, the current Mexican Constitution was adopted. Emperor Maximilian I was executed in 1867 on the Cerro de las Campanas — a memorial commemorates this historical moment. The wine region of Querétaro surprises visitors: In the semi-desert hinterland, grapes thrive on volcanic soils, leading to an increasing number of award-winning wines. The Ruta del Queso y Vino (Cheese and Wine Route) takes you to wineries and artisanal cheese factories in the picturesque Sierra Gorda.