This colonial city has lots of cultural attractions as well as the opportunity to enjoy many activities in the great outdoors. For example, you can visit the archeological ruins or go exploring in the surrounding hills. In Queretaro, every day presents the chance to learn something new and participate in plenty of fun activities.
Aqueduct
The aqueduct spans the Bernardo Quintana Boulevard, and it's a real symbol of pride for the people of Queretaro. It is considered the most important urban construction of the eighteenth century and was built in order to easily bring fresh water to the city. The construction began in 1726 and took 9 years to be completed. Made of pink quarry stone, the aqueduct features 74 arches reaching up to 23 meters in height and measuring up to 1280 meters long. Even today, the city's water supply still arrives via the aqueduct where it is stored in 10 public fountains and 60 private ones, which are situated throughout the city. The construction of the 70 fountains was completed in 1738.
Queretaro Museum of Art
The former San Agustin Convent is located in Allende Street in the historic center. This museum exhibits national and European paintings and sculptures from the seventeenth to the twentieth century, with the temporary exhibition hall displaying the most recent trends in Plastic art. The architectural style used to build this convent is one of the most representative examples of baroque in Latin America, and just another good reason to visit Queretaro.
Regional Museum of Queretaro
This museum was founded in 1936. It is located inside the former Convent of San Francisco. It was the first religious building in the city and features several exhibition rooms displaying different artistic and cultural pieces, as well as a many interesting historic items that date from pre Hispanic times up to the twentieth century. The museum is located on Corregidora Avenue in the historic center of Queretaro. It is a splendid museum that you simply must visit.
City Museum
The ''Museo de la Ciudad'' is situated inside the former Convent of the Capuchin Nuns of San Jose de Garcia. This building dates back to 1771 and was used as a barracks during the application of the Reforma laws in 1861. The museum features different cultural elements that allow the visitor to gain a good appreciation of Queretaro's history and the exhibition halls are full of artistic and cultural pieces definitely worth viewing on your trip to this beautiful city.
Cerro de las Campanas
This park is of great historic importance because it is here that the struggle ended between the Republic and the Spanish Empire. During the time of Emperor Maximilian of Habsburg, his generals Miguel Miramon and Tomas Mejia were executed here, by order of the War Court. This event resulted in the victory of the Republic, and the declaration of Mexico's sovereignty. Located, in this park, is a chapel commemorating the execution of Maximilian of Austria, which was built in 1901 by the Austrian government. Nowadays this beautiful park is open to the public and features a stunning monument of President Benito Juarez, built by the Mexican government in 1967.
Currently, the ''Cerro de las Campanas'', is a recreational park with large green areas, games, an artificial lake, a theater and a tiny museum named ''Museo del Sitio'', that features reproductions of documents, pictures and other items relating to the Second Empire.
Santa Rosa de Viterbo Temple
This magnificent temple that features a remarkable Arabic influence, is considered the most exuberant and original example of Moresque architecture in Queretaro. It has an unusual exterior design that features typical elements of Gothic architecture, such as the buttress finished off in a kidney shape, burlesque masks, and the tower has a cone shaped roof. The carved doors and the unique altarpieces as well as the ornamentation inside are also absolutely stunning. The cloister, fountain and exterior steps give a special decorative touch that is well worth seeing. The building of the Santa Rosa de Viterbo Temple was finished in 1752 and it is definitely an architectural wonder, unique in style!
San Agustin Temple
The San Agustin Temple, the former San Agustin Convent, was founded in 1728 and is one of the most amazing buildings built by the San Agustin Order in New Spain, during the baroque glory of the eighteenth century. The convent was restored in 1889 to accommodate the Federal offices. Since 1988, it serves as the home of the Queretaro Museum of Art.
El Cerrito Archeological Zone
This area is located seven kilometers from the city of Queretaro. It is a pre-Hispanic settlement with distinct influences of the Teotihuacan. The name comes from the main structure that looks like a pyramidal plinth, which seen from afar appears to be a hill. Important discoveries have been found in this area, such as sculptures, hieroglyphic calendars and statuettes. The site dates back to the beginning of the first millennium and ongoing restoration began in June 2004.
Jalpan Dam
This beautiful area is perfect for a bike ride, ATV's or a leisurely stroll. There is a whole host of wonderful wildlife living in among the trees and lush vegetation, creating a fantastic natural attraction. The area is also great for fishing, particularly for bass and carp and if you visit during March then you can enjoy the annual bass fishing tournament held here.
Sotano de Barro
This huge cave features a straight drop down of over 400 meters, the deepest in Latin America, and the surrounding area is home to the biggest green macaw in the country that lives in among the lush vegetation. When in Queretaro a visit to this wonderful natural attraction is highly recommended.
“Queretana” Cavalcade Route
The traditional Queretaro cavalcade is a four day journey that departs from the stunning Sierra Gorda mountain range and finishes in the heart of Queretaro, passing through forests, jungles and desert along the way. The main objective is to recreate the experience of Mexico's forefathers during colonial times and also the battle against the Second Empire. This event is open to everyone, although those who love horses and nature will find it especially enjoyable. The "Queretana" cavalcade is carried out every year between the 19th and 23rd of July and you don't have to do the whole route, you can join in anywhere along the way and complete as much as you like.