Help keep our prices low: Share with Friends
Queretaro
Considering a trip to Mexico? Why not explore one of the nation’s most underrated gems: Queretaro?
Queretaro (Querétaro), is the common name of the Free and Sovereign State of Querétaro, an administrative state in the Bajío region of México. Santiago de Querétaro is Querétaro’s capital city.
The history, natural wonders, and culture of Querétaro make it well worth most travelers’ time.
Where Is Queretaro?
Querétaro is in the Northern Central region of Mexico. It’s a land-locked state bordered by San Luis Potosí, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Michoacán, and the State of Mexico.
The state’s altitude is 2000 m above sea level, on average, and it encompasses three distinct geographic zones.
What is Queretaro, Mexico Known For?
The city of Santiago de Querétaro is known for its extraordinary history. The old colonial town of Querétaro is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique 16th-century Spanish Colonial architecture and city planning, and its visible mix of cultural influences.
The two most notable destinations in Querétaro are the historical zone and the aqueduct.
Historic Monuments Zone of Querétaro
The Historic Monuments Zone of Querétaro preserves the planned, old colonial town of Querétaro, where the Otomi, the Tarasco, the Chichimeca, and the Spanish lived in side-by-side quarters and streets.
The zone covers 203 blocks, and it encompasses 1400 designated monuments. Many are striking examples of baroque architecture, blended with layout and structural motifs drawn from Otomi culture. Conin, an Otomi leader and ally of the Spanish, oversaw the construction of two of these historic buildings: the Templo de San Francisco, and what is now the Museo Regional de Querétaro.
Both buildings became a beacon to other Indigenous groups, signifying the new city’s relative peace and harmony.
Querétaro Aqueduct (El Acueducto De Querétaro)
The Aqueduct of Queretaro is a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
The ancient aqueduct is one of the largest and oldest in Mexico. The Querétaro Aqueduct is about 94 ft tall and 4,200 ft long, and it pumped 30 liters of clean spring water into the city per second. The 17-century construction dramatically improved water sanitation in Mexico.
Today, visitors can see the aqueduct’s 74 arches, many of which are decorated with carvings.
Things to Do In Queretaro
In addition to the historic sites, visitors often enjoy Querétaro’s natural wonders and religious sites.
La Pena de Bernal
For nature enthusiasts, La Pena de Bernal is a sight to behold. It’s one of the tallest natural stone monoliths in the world. The geologic wonder is the exposed, solidified magma core of an ancient, long-dead volcano.
Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve
Likewise, visiting the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve is a highlight. The reserve preserves the rare, heterogeneous ecosystem of Queretaro. It’s one of the most eco-diverse regions on the planet.
Visitors can see over 111 different species of mammal, including the rare neotropical other, among a wild variety of plants, birds, and butterflies.
Templo de Santa Rosa de Viterbo
Finally, the Templo de Santa Rosa de Viterbo is a beautiful baroque-style church filled with art, artifacts, and gilded treasures. One of the most beautiful is the dramatic 18th-century painting Sister Maria de Francisco y Neve, one of the only portraits of a nun from that era.
Queretaro Travel Tips
If you’re planning on traveling to Querétaro, keep these tips in mind.
Physical Safety
Querétaro is one of the safest cities in Mexico, with a very low crime rate and good security and infrastructure.
Still, while the U.S. State Department sets no advisories or restrictions against visiting Querétaro, it’s wise to take general precautions. Keep plenty of bottled water on hand, be savvy and alert to avoid potential scams, secure your valuables, and travel in a group on safe, well-lit routes.
Also, take appropriate actions to protect yourself from illness. Refer to the CDC guidelines to understand what precautions can prevent illness due to mosquitos, food or water sanitation issues, and conditions common due to the tropical climate.
Getting There & Transportation
Most travelers visiting Querétaro fly into the Querétaro Intercontinental Airport.
However, those who wish to stay on land can take buses or trains from the United States to Querétaro Bus Terminal (TAQ), also called Central de Autobuses de Querétaro. This international bus terminal is right near the heart of Santiago de Querétaro, the state’s capital city.
Travelers have multiple transportation options within Querétaro, including using the state’s comprehensive bus system, taking taxis, or renting a car. Reputable transit services are available at an affordable rate in most locations.
Communication
Spanish is the primary language in Querétaro, although many people speak English (particularly in the hospitality industry). It’s a wise idea to get a SIM card to make international calls.
Food & Lodging
To experience the truly vast, diverse array of food in Querétaro, try sampling popular tropical veg and street faire at tianguis, traditional open-air markets. Lines of stalls with frozen fruit, steamed nopales (cactus fruit), nacho-like chilaquiles, and a near-unlimited variety of salsas, moles, and pozole stews turn strolling down the street into a feast.
There are also plenty of lodging options at different price points in Querétaro. Those seeking an outdoor adventure might camp at the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve, rent one of the Cuatro Palos Cabins, or pitch a tent by the Jalpan Reservoir.
Travelers who want more conventional comforts can lodge in luxury, staying at a five-star spot in Santiago de Querétaro–like the perennially popular Dona Urraca Hotel & Spa, Meson Real De Plata, or Latit Hotel.
Explore Querétaro With Caravan’s Tour of Mexico’s Colonial Cities
Want to adventure in Querétaro without the stress of planning the trip? Join us, and experience the city on Caravan’s 8-Day Tour of Mexico’s Colonial Cities! Don’t delay booking your spot. Call our agents toll-free at 1-800-227-2826. Or, learn more by calling our information team at +1-312-321-9800.
2025 Hotels
2025 Hotels
Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are usually rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds.
Days 1, 2 • Mexico City
Barcelo Mexico Reforma
Ideally located on the Paseo de la Reforma, within an easy walking distance of historic Alameda Park and Monumento a la Revolución, the tallest triumphal arch in the world. The Barcelo has an on-site coffee shop, bar/lounge and a full service restaurant. The hotel features an indoor heated pool, fitness center, and spa. Free WiFi.
Days 3, 4 • San Miguel de Allende
Real de Minas
The Hotel Real de Minas is located in San Miguel de Allende within walking distance of Juarez Park and El Jardin and the Church of San Miguel Arcángel. Real de Minas has a full service restaurant, lobby bar, and lounge. The hotel features manicured gardens, an outdoor heated pool, fitness center, tennis courts, and billiards. Beauty treatments and massage services are available at the full-service spa for a fee. Free WiFi.
Days 5, 6, 7 • Guadalajara
Barcelo Guadalajara
The Hotel Barcelo Guadalajara is located in the metropolitan Zone Expo district of Guadalajara, adjacent to the Guadalajara Convention Center. This modern hotel has an on-site restaurant and lounge. The hotel features a fitness center and an outdoor heated swimming pool. Beauty treatments and massage services are available at the full-service spa for a fee. Free WiFi.
Airport Transfers
Airport Transfers
Arrival Transfers
Transfer on your own to the Barcelo Reforma Hotel (Av. Paseo de la Reforma 1) in the Centro Historico using the airport's taxi service. Rates are fixed based on city zones. Pay for your taxi ticket in advance at the booth inside the airport terminal and proceed outside to wait in line for your official verified taxi. Depending on traffic, the ride to your hotel should take approximately 30-45 minutes.
Departure Transfers
This tour includes departure transfers from your hotel in Guadalajara to the Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) in Guadalajara, Mexico on the day the tour ends. Transfers are scheduled to arrive at the airport at 5:00 a.m, 8:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. Transfers are only available on the day the tour ends. If you wish to extend your stay in Mexico, you will need to transfer on your own, at your own expense. Please ask the hotel bellman to arrange a taxi. Expect to pay $30.00 U.S. Dollars per taxi, plus tip. The driving time from the hotel to the airport is approximately 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan.
Passports & Visas
Passports & Visas
To enter Mexico, you will need a U.S. passport valid for 6 additional months after the date of your arrival into Mexico. Non U.S. citizens, please check passport and visa requirements. Note: If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, you should carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws.
Weather & Clothing
Weather & Clothing
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| Mexico City | San Miguel de Allende | Guadalajara | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp | Rain | Temp | Rain | Temp | Rain | |
| Jan | 71/44 | 0.3 | 72/42 | 0.4 | 75/41 | 0.7 |
| Feb | 74/46 | 0.2 | 75/44 | 0.3 | 79/43 | 0.5 |
| Mar | 77/49 | 0.2 | 79/48 | 0.2 | 83/46 | 0.2 |
| Apr | 79/53 | 0.5 | 83/52 | 0.3 | 87/51 | 0.1 |
| May | 80/56 | 1.5 | 84/56 | 0.9 | 88/57 | 0.6 |
| Jun | 77/57 | 4.5 | 81/58 | 3.1 | 84/61 | 4.6 |
| Jul | 74/56 | 4.9 | 78/57 | 4.2 | 79/61 | 6.8 |
| Aug | 74/56 | 4.7 | 78/57 | 3.6 | 79/60 | 5.7 |
| Sep | 73/56 | 4.6 | 77/56 | 3.1 | 79/60 | 4.4 |
| Oct | 73/52 | 2.0 | 76/51 | 1.1 | 79/54 | 1.5 |
| Nov | 72/47 | 0.4 | 75/46 | 0.3 | 78/46 | 0.4 |
| Dec | 71/44 | 0.1 | 72/42 | 0.1 | 75/42 | 0.2 |
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico City | ||||||||||||
| temp | 71/44 | 74/46 | 77/49 | 79/53 | 80/56 | 77/57 | 74/56 | 74/56 | 73/56 | 73/52 | 72/47 | 71/44 |
| rainfall | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 4.5 | 4.9 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 2.0 | 0.4 | 0.1 |
| San Miguel de Allende | ||||||||||||
| temp | 72/42 | 75/44 | 79/48 | 83/52 | 84/56 | 81/58 | 78/57 | 78/57 | 77/56 | 76/51 | 75/46 | 72/42 |
| rainfall | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.9 | 3.1 | 4.2 | 3.6 | 3.1 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 0.1 |
| Guadalajara | ||||||||||||
| temp | 75/41 | 79/43 | 83/46 | 87/51 | 88/57 | 84/61 | 79/61 | 79/60 | 79/60 | 79/54 | 78/46 | 75/42 |
| rainfall | 0.7 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.6 | 4.6 | 6.8 | 5.7 | 4.4 | 1.5 | 0.4 | 0.2 |
Clothing Tips
This is a casual tour. Casual wear is suggested for sightseeing and daytime travelling. Dress code for evenings is casual. Suit jackets for men and dresses for women are not required. During the middle of the day, the sun is hot and bright. Caravan recommends shorts or light pants, a light shirt, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Also essential are comfortable, sturdy walking shoes with good treads.
Travel Tips & FAQs
Travel Tips & FAQs
These are only the first 11 Travel Tips. Read all 43 Travel Tips Included meals for each tour are listed at the end of each day. Meals are shown by B (breakfast), L (lunch) and D (dinner). Full, buffet, or deluxe continental breakfasts are included everywhere. Free bottled water is provided on the motorcoach. Alcoholic beverages are not included unless specified. Virtually everything! Hotels, most meals, all of the activities described in the itinerary, airport departure transfers, gratuities to hotel porters and restaurant staff. Caravan’s professional Tour Directors and local guides will be with you every step of the way, ensuring a worry free vacation. They are fluent in English, experienced and fun, ensuring a worry-free vacation. Prices do not include air travel, country entry or departure fees, airport porters, visas, phone calls, valet, laundry, all items of a personal nature, extra food and beverages not on the regular menu, and tips to the Caravan Tour Director, driver, and local guides. A well-paced and unhurried itinerary is our goal, after all, you are on vacation! Touring days begin and end at reasonable hours and include frequent stops. While the occasional early morning departure is necessary, we do our best to ensure a leisurely vacation. Caravan has been offering fully guided tours worldwide under the same family ownership and management since 1952. Caravan understands and truly cares about your great expectations. The farther in advance that you book, the more likely it is that your preferred tour will be open. Late bookings are welcome if the space is still available. Families are always welcome on any of our tours, but we do not have any programs specifically for or limited to families. Families can make specific requests for connecting, adjacent, triple or quad rooms, when available. Children must be at least 5 years old. Caravan Travel Protection offers peace of mind if you cancel for any reason whatsoever prior to the departure of the tour. The travel protection plan also includes air, baggage, evacuation, medical, and quarantine coverage. The cost is $129. Children age five (5) and older are welcome on tour when accompanied by an adult. Usually, children travel during the school vacation months of June, July and August, and also during spring and winter school breaks. If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws. Caravan provides unlimited bottled water on the motorcoach. Clients are welcome to take bottled water with them to their rooms or with meals (no need to take more than you need in the moment, your Tour Director & Driver will ensure an adequate supply for the whole tour). Purified water may be offered in some locations, however Caravan cannot guarantee the safety or rigorousness of the purification process. Please limit yourself to bottled water. Caravan recommends using bottled water to brush your teeth, avoiding ice in your drinks, and avoiding street food vendors. Caravan has chosen the restaurants and menus carefully in Mexico. Most meals will not include an appetizer of soup or salad because of food safety concerns.Are meals included?
My Tour Price Includes
My Tour Price Does Not Include
A Well-Paced Itinerary
Fully Guided Tours Since 1952
Many Tours Sell Out Each Year
Family Trips
Caravan’s $129 Travel Protection
Children on Tour
International Travel with Minors
Drinking Water in Mexico
Customer Reviews
Customer Reviews
These are only the first 7 Customer Reviews. Read all 15 Customer Reviews "I would highly recommend this tour. For me and my husband, we visited several places on our bucket list--Mexico City, the anthropology museum, Teotihuacan, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato. Every local guide enriched our experience. Our nephew, who is 27, accompanied us and he enjoyed it as well. We had a wonderful time; we always do with Caravan! This was our sixth tour and I plan to recommend it to my friends. Thanks for the great job you and your guides do to make visiting Mexico so rewarding!" "We had a fantastic tour. We had a wonderful time in Mexico. The tour guide was great. The bus driver was great. All the places we went were great. The meals we ate out away from the hotel were great. The morning buffets were fine. The only thing we would change is the quality of the buffet meals at night at the hotels. They just didn't stand up to the Caravan quality we’ve had in the past. We would and do highly recommend Caravan Tours to everyone we come across. We can’t say enough nice things about Caravan!! We plan to continue going on many more Caravan Tours in the future." "We really like that Caravan takes care of all of the details. It made it so much more enjoyable for me vs when I have to plan it all. The venues we went to were all great and very educational or just very enjoyable. We were never bored and the pace was great." "I liked all the destinations. I am not a history buff so the Anthropology Museum was a bit much, although beautiful. Xochimilco was a lot of fun. I was hoping to see more of Queretaro. We stopped briefly to see the aqueduct but not the historic center. San Miguel was great.Guanajuato was great. Guadalajara and Tlaquepaque were great.Tequila was great. The closing dinner was fun and the trip to the airport worked perfectly.The local guides were extremely knowledgeable." "Educational. I learned a lot about the country. The tour package is exceptional." "The entire tour exceeded my expectations. It was great!" "This is our fifth tour with Caravan, and while all of our tour directors have been commendable, Carlos Rivera stands out as exceptional. We will definitely recommend this tour to others."
Read All 15 ReviewsClick Here to Read All 15 Customer Reviews
Why Travel with Caravan?
Why Travel with Caravan?
Excellence Since 1952
You can trust our years of experience with tours of superb quality and excellent value. Caravan has enjoyed the same family management and ownership since 1952.
Caravan Care
For your safety, Caravan cancelled most 2020 and all 2021 tour departures and refunded 100% of all payments received. See Caravan’s Covid-19 Terms of Travel.
Caravan's Proud History
In 1965, Roger Mudd hosted a two-hour CBS TV special on Caravan Tours. This TV production took about one month to make and was so successful it inspired the 1968 romantic comedy movie “If it’s Tuesday this must be Belgium.” In the early 50’s the Mayor of Dublin presented Caravan with the Key to Dublin for bringing the first American tour to the city after WWII. Since then, Caravan has been recognized as a pioneer in travel. You can trust in our stability, experience and dedication to quality.
Great Hotels
Stay at park lodges, scenic resorts, and excellent hotels in great locations. See hotel descriptions on each tour page.
Meals
Most meals included within Latin America. For USA and Canada tours, included meals are listed on each itinerary page. Bottled water is provided on motorcoaches in Latin America.
Complete Sightseeing
Enjoy complete sightseeing with more visits, extra features, and local guides.
Fully Guided by Tour Directors
All tours conducted from start to finish by professional tour directors, who are fluent in English, experienced, and fun.
All-inclusive
Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary page. Caravan does not sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional expensive activities.
Shopping Freedom
Caravan will not bring you to overpriced shops in exchange for payments. Caravan gives you ample opportunity and time for great shopping, and the freedom to choose where and when to shop.
Great Value, Book Early
Caravan’s strong buying power gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can find anywhere. In a typical year, most of our tours sell out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best air fare.
How does Caravan Tours sell these tours for such a low cost?
Caravan delivers volume to our suppliers, who in turn reward us with their very best prices. We in turn pass these savings on to you, and you reward us by buying our tours. As volume continues to rise, we then receive even better prices from our suppliers, and we pass even greater savings on to you. This year our tours are better than ever.
Trade Association Memberships
Caravan is a member of NTA (National Tour Association), ABA (American Bus Association), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and ACMA (American Commerce Marketing Association).
