The natural attractions of Querétaro and the cultural richness of its regions allow Querétaro to be one of the states with the most Magical Towns in the country. Tequisquiapan, Ezequiel Montes, Amealco de Bonfil, Cadereyta de Montes, San Joaquín and Jalpan de Serra have differences among themselves, but they are united by being picturesque destinations with many treasures to discover
The Magical Towns Program emerges as a strategy for tourism development in Mexico, aimed at diversifying the tourist offer in the interior of the country with fresh alternatives for national and foreign visitors.
Each Magical Town stands out for its historical value, nature, and culture. Currently there are 132 towns in the country and 7 belong to the state of Queretaro.
The first of them to be established was Bernal in 2005, later Jalpan de Serra in 2010, Cadereyta de Montes in 2011, Tequisquiapan in 2012, San Joaquín in 2015, Amealco in 2018, and finally Pinal de Amoles, which joined in 2023.
Each of these magical towns has stories, crafts, gastronomy, and artistic-cultural expressions that make them unique and an ideal option for the traveler looking to explore every corner of Queretaro.
Bernal
In addition to being the first magical town in the state, it is probably also the most recognized. Bernal has fascinated visitors with its friendly people, its tranquility and without a doubt its magnificent Peña, which stars in the photos of travelers who visit the place.
La Peña de Bernal was declared a protected natural reserve in 2007; and is part of the traditions and living memories of the Otomi-Chichimeca culture, declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
In its local gastronomy, you can’t miss the prickly pear nopal or the corn gorditas, as well as the great variety of esquites. However, there is an increasingly varied offer of contemporary restaurants, among which we highlight Olivo Tinto, a signature gastronomy proposal.
Among its festivities, the Festival of the Holy Cross stands out, celebrated at the beginning of May, where the residents climb to the top of the rock and place a huge wooden cross; as well as the spring equinox, an event that welcomes the season of the year.
Beyond the RZRS or ATV tours along the foothills of La Peña, there are several activities that can be done in Bernal, among them, discovering its museums, such as La Máscara, the Rosalío Solano Cinema Museum, the Casa del Dulce, or the Quartz Museum; do a zip line circuit with Avex Tirolesas; or discover the legends of the area on a night tour through its streets.
The main crafts you can find are those made with quartz and clothing made of wool.
Jalpan de Serra
Located in the heart of the Sierra Gorda, this municipality contains great biodiversity in its surroundings, with spectacular views, surrounded by mountains, forests and rivers, which create a unique, different, and striking place for tourists.
Trying the cecina is a must, as well as the zacahuil or the revoltillo -red and green-; However, it should be mentioned that Jalpan has delicious meals made with seafood, which maintains a different culinary proposal that is well received by visitors. In the very center of the town, you will find La Placita del Sabor, which prepares stews and garnachas typical of the region and which we recommend visiting in the afternoon.
In Jalpan de Serra you can find two of the five Franciscan Missions, which were named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2003. The Santiago de Jalpan Mission was built between 1751 and 1758 and crowns the main square of the municipality; and the Mission Nuestra Señora de la Luz de Tancoyol built from 1761 to 1767.
Nature is an important part of the attractions of this town, with the Jalpan Dam being one of the most beautiful and inspiring places for tourists. It is designated as a Ramsar Site, which means that it is a wetland of great importance for migratory birds. However, places such as the Tancama archaeological zone or the Río Adentro Cave also stand out in the area.
Cadereyta de Montes
The semi-desert landscapes and a few wooded areas have made Cadereyta a magical town with a wide variety of attractions. It is also the largest in terms of territorial extension.
In its main square, you can admire theTemple of San Pedro and San Pablo, and not far from there, are the two botanical gardens: the Cadereyta Regional Botanical Garden, and Quinta Fernando Schmoll, places that make efforts to conserve cacti species in the region. They are places for the safe and responsible sale of these species.
Cadereyta has become a perfect destination for camping, visiting caves or taking long walks through its waterfalls and canyons, which are located to the north of the municipality. It also has interesting bodies of water, such as Tzibanzá, whereYou can do water activities, or hang out in one of the springs that are on the shore of the Zimapán dam.
In addition, in Cadereyta you can also do extreme activities, such as parachute jumping or scenic flight in a small plane.
The Barbecue and Pulque Boye Fair is one of its most relevant events, and a great exponent of its gastronomy. Although it is known for its barbecue and cured pulque, this area also hosts meals that use insects such as xamues and fruits such as garambullos, extracted from the cactus with the same name.
Cadereyta is also a cultural destination, in 2021, it was named the National Capital of Chess in Mexico by the Chess Federation in Mexico; and among the crafts it produces, you can findsaddlery, clay work, ixtle pieces and marble pieces.
Tequisquiapan
Tequisquiapan is one of the magical towns with the highest level of tourism in the state, thanks to its offer of wine tourism experiences and the Art, Cheese, and Wine Route. Recently, this municipality has also been recognized as a wellness destination, ideal for those seeking rest and holistic activities, through spas or temazcales.
The culinary offer of Tequisquiapan includes spaces such as Cava Bocanegra, where meals are prepared with their own cheeses, and more traditional places such as K’puchinos, which house family recipes and have become an icon in the municipality.
The National Cheese and Wine Fair is an annual event that lasts three weekends, where families and friends enjoy a wide variety of Mexican wines and cheeses, complementing the experience with tastings, artistic presentations, and many other activities.
Some vineyards that we recommend you visit are Viña Magal, Los Rosales, Viña Tx, and Vinícola San Patricio. Although not everything is wine in Tequis, if you are looking for outdoor activities, you cannot miss visiting the El Redentor opal mine or ATV rides around the region.
Going to Tequisquiapan is also returning with a basket weaving craft, an element that many families still work on. You can also purchase other types of crafts, such as opal jewelry or clothing made from blankets.
San Joaquin
Magical town, incorporated in 2015, surrounded by mountains and foggy roads, where you can enjoy camping, hiking, or cycling, learning a little about its mining history, and its gastronomy, such as lamb barbecue, or products made with apple, like jams and liqueurs.
It is known for holding the Huapango National Competition in April, where thousands of people come, including contestants and lovers of this beautiful dance.
One of its tourist places is the archaeological zone of Las Ranas, which is considered a ceremonial, political and religious center of the ancient Chichimecas. Or the Campo Alegre National Park, a wooded area ideal for enjoying a family meal, enjoying the view and the nature that surrounds it.
Another beautiful destination is the Gruta de los Herrera, an underground cavity covered by rock formations and stalagmites, which form interesting figures. In the same area you can enjoy swings and buy crafts.
You can’t miss visiting Finca Doña Lore, and try its famous liquors, or go to Cascada Las Maravillas, a perfect space to test your hiking skills.
Amealco de Bonfil
The only magical town in the Bosques y Campos del Sur region of Queretaro. In addition to its tranquility and traditional adobe and tile houses, this little town has become popular for being the birthplace of the Lele and Dönxu dolls, creations of Otomi women and Cultural Heritage of the state.
Amealco is an old municipality, which permeates its daily life with culture; You can find its flavors and colors in its gastronomy, which you find in its market and in the places on the road. Tostadas de arriero, lamb barbacoa, guajolote mole and even chicharrón de res are stewing that people travel to taste, always accompanied by a traditional pulque.
Among its attractions is, of course, its center, where the Doll Museum is a must-see, with a collection of more than 300 handmade dolls from different states, made with different plant and textile fibers.
In November, one of its most important events takes place, the National Doll Fair, however, throughout the year the artistic and cultural proposal can be seen for the entertainment of visitors and families from Ameal.
In the outskirts, you can enjoy doll-making and herbal workshops, and various hiking activities, either to the Red Dunes or the Yospi Peaks. It has recreational parks such as Cerro de los Gallos, and spaces for cross-country cycling lovers in Laguna del Servín.
Pinal de Amoles
Pinal de Amoles has become the seventh and last magical town to join the list, with a cold and humid climate, this has become the perfect tourist destination for camping, and having spectacular views, towards the entire Sierra Gorda.
Pinal has essential places to visit, such as the Cuatro Palos Viewpoint, where you can observe the sunrise through the immense mountains that surround it and a sea of clouds, however, it is not the only one, a recently inaugurated viewpoint at La Peña de las Guacamayas, made of glass floor, with equally beautiful views.
Also unmissable are Puente de Dios, Cascada del Chuveje, places where water is the protagonist, and the natural landscapes are dreamlike beauty. Or the impressive former convent of Bucareli, where you can embark on an adventure and do activities such as zip lining and hiking.
You cannot leave without visiting the ajolotario, which is in the Tomas Mejía Museum, where you will learn more about their characteristics and the ecosystem where they live. If your intention is also to meet this friendly little animal in its natural environment, you cannot miss going to El Cedral, the only space where you can admire these amphibians on a guided tour.
In Pinal, cecina is also typical and delicious, which we recommend you try in the fonditas that are located on the sides of the road. If you’re lucky, you might even try atole de teja, made with sun-roasted sunflower seeds.
Some crafts that you can find are those made with pine sticks, a natural resource used by locals to make jewelry and baskets.
Queretaro is an excellent place to visit, with a great location and proximity to many other states in the center of the country. There are many activities to do as a family, not only in the magical towns, but also in its other municipalities. During your visit we recommend that you practice responsible tourism, respecting the localities that welcome you, and taking care of the natural and historical environments that you discover, remember that they are everyone’s heritage.
