Latest UpdatesCountries Why Join?IL MagazineFree Daily E-LetterVideoOur ExpertsTestimonialsFAQsTopics Belinda Woodhouse is the author of the 21 Reasons to Visit.. and videography enables her to live her dream life on the gorgeous Caribbean Island of Cozumel in Mexico "Magic Town" Mexico on $1,500 a MonthTequis is a Pueblo Mágico, a town chosen by the Mexican tourism board as one that offers "cultural richness, historical relevance, cuisine, art crafts, and great hospitality.|©iStock/Christopher PedrazaUpdated Oct 30, 2024By Bel Woodhouse Becky Ryder, a retired court reporter, has the best of both worlds—her favorite times of year, Spring and Fall, in Kansas City with her kids and grandkids. And in between, she escapes the Summer heat to enjoy the ambience of one of Mexico's Pueblos Mágicos (magic towns) famous for wine and cheese in the beautiful town of Tequisquiapan That's a bit of a mouthful so it's known as Tequis (tech-eees) for short Tequisquiapan, in the state of Querétaro in Mexico's central highlands so I decided to settle in Tequis," she says "I drove through Tequis with a friend and fell in love with it which is perfect because I wanted to speak Spanish." Learn more about Mexico and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter Simply enter your email address below and we’ll send you a free special report – Mexico: The Perfect Close-to-Home Retirement Haven Because the cost of living in both towns is relatively low Becky can keep her Kansas City home and afford to rent two-bath apartment is a five-minute walk from downtown for just over $700 a month "It's a romantic little town famous for wine and cheese," Becky says "But it's small and more economical." A great lunch in the main town plaza tourist zone is only $7.50 in most tourist zones in any city worldwide "I take my two granddaughters for a mediocre meal and it's $70 to $80 Whereas in Mexico it's a third to a quarter the price." Which is why Becky can live comfortably on around $1,500 a month And it's not just eating out and entertainment Getting a handyman to fix appliances is only $10 and they do good work Even health and dental care is a quarter of the cost Becky's son got dental implants after a car accident for $3,000 whereas back in the States it would have cost him over $10,000 the entire dental surgery worked all day Saturday and offered to come back in on Sunday if there was a problem sharing that "they went above and beyond" to make sure everything was perfect living in two countries isn't for everyone Each has its own appeal and when Becky's in Mexico she walks everywhere She says she misses driving and sometimes misses big box stores with an entire aisle just for cereal because it can be hard to find her size in Mexico Then when in the States she misses her life in Tequis While having family time each week with her kids and grandkids back home is great in Tequis there's more time for hobbies Becky says that Tequis just got a pickleball court and she loves it "I'm addicted to pickleball." That and teaching English keep her nice and busy That was another box ticked when looking for the perfect place to live in Mexico and she's tried a few then in Cuernavaca in the state of Morelos south of Mexico City for three years Becky says that this time she's found the place she wants to settle An expat Facebook group that's not too big Being close to an international airport to easily travel to and from the States what's not to love about a magic town in the heart of wine and cheese country Becky says that a bottle of sweet red regional wine is $4.50 And that's from one of the top wineries Freixenet which has the largest sparkling wine cellar in Mexico Which is great for her favorite part of the day Her afternoon happy hour with beautiful views from her rooftop The rooftop is also the perfect place to watch the sunrise Becky said these times of day and the community in Tequis are why she wants to stay Becky wanted to learn Spanish and become fluent In these smaller towns you can easily do that It enriches your life and the Mexican people are so warm and welcoming it's worth learning the language "Now I've got a lot of friends and I think it's nice to talk with people and connect with the community," she says should these be taken into account when calculating the center How about the territories of associated states What happens when territory is lost to conflict While finding the center of Mexico might not have to take into account all of these factors one that then-President Venustiano Carranza thought he could settle for good in 1916 It was during this year that he declared that the Geographic Center of the country fell near the town of Tequisquiapan a plaque and monument would be installed to commemorate the title The monument consists of a sculpted silhouette of the country, with a large metal pendulum suspended above and pointing roughly at the location of Tequisquiapan. Places in other states such as neighboring Guanajuato and non-neighboring Aguascalientes have also tried to claim the title It is the mid-north of the state of Zacatecas that is considered the most likely contender This of course makes the Tequisquiapan claim miss the mark significantly they are the only ones with a monument and presidential decree to back their title This extremely remote border crossing was closed to prevent smuggling and looting There is only one place in the world where the corners of four nations come together A pair of 19th-century granite markers symbolically record where the state boundaries of New York A quirky monument to the 49th parallel in downtown Prešov The most easterly point on mainland Australia offers dramatic ocean views This metal monument marking the middle of Belgium represents three regions coming together to form one country This unassuming stone bollard is a centuries-old marker denoting the center of the city The geographic midpoint of the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium Already a member? Log in Not a member? Sign up Explore our Food Tours → Located less than 200 kilometers from Mexico City Tequisquiapan is one of Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos places deemed to be rich in cultural traditions and symbolism by the country’s Secretariat of Tourism it was a favorite weekend getaway and a popular place to unwind The “magical” qualities of the town are plentiful even in spite of the occasionally severe winters developed vineyards in the area; the latter now makes excellent sparkling wines using méthode champenoise as well as reds and whites here Tequisquiapan’s Feria del Queso y el Vino – National Cheese and Wine Fair – was one of the country’s most important wine events topped only by the Valle de Guadalupe Festival While we certainly don’t mind a tasting or two we drove to this picturesque village for queso a singular project undertaken by Iker Pedrero the owner of the Quesos Néole cheese factory he built an underground cave that was meant to replicate a natural grotto under controlled conditions he worked in the agricultural sector growing vegetables and chiles But after taking part in a cheese tasting led by Carlos Peraza Cava Bocanegra – the cave and attached restaurant have been open to the public only a few years and like many other food and beverage businesses The drive there is captivating: fields are dotted with vineyards and the mountains on the horizon give way to an immense bright blue sky Cava Bocanegra is located at the end of a gravel road it almost feels as if you’ve been transported to Italy Iker’s wife and her family are from an area north of Venice and speak the Veneto dialect which Iker pulls from to name some of his products (other names are inspired by the local history or environment) They have set up a beautiful outdoor seating area where you can enjoy a wonderful cheese tasting with a pairing of either wine or craft beer all while taking in the beautiful and relaxing landscape Iker takes us down inside the cave to give us a closer look at the cheese or aged cheeses – some are almost ready while others still have weeks yet “We keep the temperature in the cave between 16 and 17 degrees Celsius and 85 to 90 percent humidity and practically no air flow,” he explains A similar process occurs when you rest and age wine in barrels.” Iker is currently working on a new project with a local goat milk producer to create a type of Manchego-style goat cheese He shows us how the necessary bacteria are already present in the rind of the cheese But we’ll still have to wait a bit to taste the final result Every single piece of cheese must be turned over daily “This cheese here is very interesting,” says Iker pointing at the shelf below the queso Vecchio Once this cheese reaches its peak maturity we chop it up and put it into a clay pot together with tequila and anis to perform a three-month second fermentation Usually it’s enjoyed spread on top of toast with a little bit of butter.” Iker also collaborates with other local cheesemakers “We make our Romance cheese in conjunction with Gaby Flores 40-percent sheep milk formula created by the cheese master Iñaki Tablado then we split it and each quesería leaves the cheese to mature in his or her own cave If you taste both you could not tell that they came from the same batch,” Iker says “The unique conditions of each cave gives very different results Following a cow milk Spanish-style cheese recipe this cheese is left for 100 days in the cave The subtle spicy flavor makes Semi Desierto a huge hit with the Mexican market Iker makes other types of cheeses, including Misionero, a Swiss-style cheese with paprika, Provenzano, Trápola and more, which are sold on the premises, at the Quesos Néole store in Tequis, and online what matters are the particular characteristics of the local milk you have access to the specific and unique conditions of your cave and the adoption of new technologies and modern equipment,” he says “We have even ended up creating very interesting cheeses through our ‘errors’ in the process which turned out to be wonderful developments,” he adds We look forward to tasting these cheesy mistakes loading map - please wait...Map could not be loaded - please enable Javascript!→ more information Covering stories that matter to the community Artisans’ Traditions Sojourn to Kennedy Center in D.C CALEXICO — In the magical town of Tequisquiapan there exists an assortment of colorful fantastical beings which owe their origins to a collective of women artisans the alebrijes represent hybrid species of commonplace and mythical creatures that have been imbued by their creators with imaginary backstories that are as lively as the hands that created them Less often do any of those alebrijes’ backstories include having appeared in an arts and culture festival at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington a few dozen of the collective’s alebrijes will have accomplished just that said Calexico native and Tequisquiapan resident GinaLinn Espinoza who was invited to showcase some of her handcrafted paper mâché creations in the three-day event a member of the El Colectivo de Mujeres de Tequisquiapan to further promote and market her artisan colleagues’ wares on a much larger scale “These women will never get a chance to come to the United States much less exhibit at the Kennedy Center in Washington “so I’m going to bring some of their work.” a former corporate executive turned personal development coach and motivational speaker said the Kennedy Center invitation came unexpectedly Though she has been indulging her artistic talents for the past few years her goal for 2021 was to raise her profile as an artist at the international level she has been steadily entering art contests starting in January with a contest in Dubai and followed two months later with an American Latino Museum submission It was likely those contest submissions that prompted the invitation to exhibit her alebrijes for the Kennedy Center’s upcoming arts and culture festival entitled “¡Viva Cultura!: A Celebration of Latinx Arts and Culture,” she said “That might be how my name showed up,” Espinoza said during an interview at the Calexico home of her mother She will soon travel to the East Coast accompanied by five of her alebrijes and a few dozen others crafted by her colleagues in the El Colectivo de Mujeres de Tequisquiapan When Espinoza did decide to delve into the world of traditional handcrafted Mexican folk art a few years back Espinoza also hand crafts large mojigangas or oversized sculpted puppets that often accompany large-scale festive events in Mexico Festive large-scale events are the norm in Tequisquiapan which is designated a “pueblo magico,” or magical town by the government of Mexico for its cultural she was able to organize a workshop where women were paid to create piñatas that were then donated to seniors in Tequisquiapan Additional financial assistance from supporters in the states also funded a sock-knitting workshop “That’s what kept us alive during COVID,” Espinoza said Yet even before she decided to redefine herself as an artist she was living her life in a manner that reflected an art afficionado’s penchant for collecting compelling works those compelling works were a collection of positive memories as opposed to a life that could be summarized as merely existing Some of her past creative endeavors include producing stage plays at the Million Dollar Theater in Los Angeles including one of a rock opera based on the Day of the Dead holiday “It’s about curating your own life,” said Espinoza The “examined life” she currently lives is quite different from her past career as a Walmart corporate executive That 10-year career came to an end more than 20 years ago when Espinoza successfully sued the company for sexual and racial harassment the experience left her “damaged” and in need of professional mental health intervention she discovered that the thing that made her most happy in life was being able to help people grow their talents and abilities So began her stint as a small business consultant in the San Diego area which in turn transitioned into a career as a life strategist Her newfound footing also had allowed her to reclaim her health adopt a more suitable lifestyle and help others follow suit “The problem is we don’t always know what to do.” The alebrijes Espinoza tends to create are typically composed of up to three different types of animals and are meant to represent different aspects of those creatures That way an alejibre who is part elephant and owl can have pearls of wisdom emanate from the creature’s trunk Her creations will typically be equipped with shoes to help them in their adventurous travels a traditional Mexican folk charm often used to request divine intervention or express gratitude for an answered prayer Espinoza said she never has a predetermined pattern or color scheme in mind but instead chooses to let the creative spirit guide her The alebrije’s eyes are usually the last feature to be painted and often are depicted in a way that reflects the creature’s backstory “I don’t know what they’re thinking until the very end,” she said Espinoza will partner with the Camarena Memorial Library to host an online alebrije-making workshop The effort will be similar to an online workshop she recently hosted for children in Mexico that encouraged them to use common household items “Never in my life did I think I’d be the one to help revive traditions in Mexico,” Espinoza said For advertising and submission of legal notices or inquiries email: info@calexicochronicle.com Alicia Keys extends tour to Mexico and Latam Fourteen-time Grammy award winner Alicia Keys announced that she will perform in Mexico and Latin America for the first time ever We had to make it happen!” the artist said via social media The Latin American leg of the Alicia + Keys World Tour will kick off on May 3 at Jeunesse Arena in Rio De Janeiro Monterrey will see Keys performing at the CitiBanamex Arena on May 14 followed by the Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City (May 17) and the Auditorio Telmex in Guadalajara (May 19) Tickets will be available via the HSBC Big Sale on Mar. 27 at 11 a.m. CST and for general sale on Mar. 28. at 11 a.m., through the official Ticketmaster website Let’s go fly a kite in the Magical Town of Tequisquiapan, in Querétaro On the weekends of March 25–26 and April 1–2 the Fiesta de los Papalotes kite festival (papalote the Spanish word for “kite,” comes from a Náhuatl word meaning “butterfly”) invites you to bring your own kite — or build one onsite — to display in the air next to other kites of all shapes and sizes inflatable bounce houses and other entertainment options for the whole family Tequisquiapan is only two and a half hours away from Mexico City and is a popular destination due to its wine and cheese culture The festival will take place at the Cava de Quesos Bocanegra winery, located at km 50.2 on the Tequisquiapan–Querétaro Highway (7 km from the city of Querétaro.) Tickets are available from the winery’s box office. The entrance fee is 100 pesos and children under 1.2 meters get in free. Find out more information at the festival’s Facebook page Featuring 144 professional players competing for a total purse valued at US $7.7 million and 500 FedEx Cup points, the Mexico Open at Vidanta who is also the tournament’s defending champion Rahm’s confirmation indicates the tournament’s relevance for the PGA Tour’s top stars “This international tournament demonstrates the riches of the Nayarit Riviera and Puerto Vallarta to the world and confirms that we have it all in Mexico: the best service and the ability to operate at an incomparable quality,” said José Alonso winner of the 2021 edition of the Mexican Golf Open and the Latin America Amateur Championship (LAAC) in 2019 Last month, LIV Golf held its first-ever tournament in Latin America at the El Camaleón Mayakoba Golf course in the Riviera Maya.   Tickets are on sale now from Ticketmaster Mexico ADVERTISE WITH MND COMMUNITY GUIDELINES Subscription FAQ's Privacy Policy Mexico News Daily - Property of Tavana LLC At least 4 people have lost their lives in what is the second spate of severe flooding in the state in the last 2 weeks Flooding began after heavy rain on 01 October 2021 Authorities reported several rivers broke their banks High dam levels prompted authorities to open flood gates which has prolonged the flooding in some areas several municipalities in the state were affected which includes the the state capital Santiago de Querétaro Local media reported 3,500 homes and other buildings were damaged State authorities said full damage assessments are yet to be completed Local media also reported 2,440 people had evacuated their homes Troops from Mexico’s National Guard were drafted in to help with evacuation and clean-up operations Several flood-related fatalities have been reported Two people lost their lives after being swept away by the flooding Querétaro river in the Santa María Magdalena neighbourhood of Santiago de Querétaro Another person died after after a vehicle plunged into flood water on the northern outskirts of the city State Civil Protection said the body of a person reported missing a river in Santa Teresa in the municipality of Huimilpan was found by search and rescue teams on 06 October There were also unconfirmed reports of 2 fatalities in Corregidora This is the second flood event to affect the area in the last few weeks Heavy rain and the overflowing San Juan River caused flash floods in Tequisquiapan and San Juan del Rio from mid-September More than 50 families were evacuated from their homes in the La Rueda subdivision Media said the flooding was worsened by releases from the nearby Centenario Dam #Queretaro es #tendencia por las #inundaciones tras la #lluvia de este sábado pic.twitter.com/duKGDVBbFr — Salvador Castillo (@PeriodistaChava) October 3, 2021 — Miguel Angel Alvarez 🇲🇽 Reportero Mexicano (@malvarezvargas) October 3, 2021 — MAGAZINETVQro (@MagazinetvQ) October 1, 2021 Fuertes lluvias dejan 18 municipios con inundaciones y 3 personas muertas en Querétaro pic.twitter.com/w8WOKbclSW — Pincel de Luz Redacción (@PincelDLuz) October 5, 2021 Richard Davies is the founder of floodlist.com and reports on flooding news Cookies | Privacy | Contacts © Copyright 2025 FloodList Mexico — Hernandez Martinez came to Mexico to escape a brutal drug cartel in Honduras but his treatment in Mexico isn't much better local police robbed him and then threw him and five other migrants from Central America off of a moving train in this town about 100 miles northeast of Mexico City "The police took all the money I was carrying," the 41-year-old woodcutter said of the $120 he had borrowed from several relatives to make the journey There is nothing to go back to." Martinez said four other Hondurans he was traveling with had been taken away earlier in Oaxaca by local gang members "in front of (Mexican) authorities." While Mexican politicians complain about the mistreatment of Mexican immigrants fleeing to the United States Mexico is far more abusive toward Central and South American migrants like Martinez who seek asylum or want to pass through to the U.S. Many of the tens of thousands of refugees fleeing violence in their home countries "are routinely preyed upon by both criminal organizations and corrupt government officials in Mexico," the Washington Office on Latin America Martinez said he fled Honduras after a notorious local cartel killed his three younger brothers when they refused to work for them He said his starving family was counting on him to send money once he got to the U.S "My family has not eaten a cooked meal in months because there is no job except working for the cartel," he said There are no farms left to work in because of the droughts Now his biggest fear is that he'll be kidnapped by a Mexican cartel that will exchange him for another captive held by the Honduras cartel who runs a kitchen to feed migrants in Tequisquiapan “Many immigrants who take the train are kidnapped by the cartels here and exchanged with other cartels,” he said the women are sexually harassed and often used in the human trafficking business.” who has done research on the issue at the University of London said nine out of 10 Central American migrants in Ixtepec "had been the victim of a serious crime in Southern Mexico ranging from armed robbery and assault to gang rape and attempted murder." Fox said some migrants reported extortion by local Mexican authorities "But this is the tip of the iceberg of the abuse disappearance and murder at the hands of organized crime groups such "Those who cannot pay for their release are murdered and their bodies have been cut into pieces and burnt or dissolved in chemicals and made into fertilizer to spread on fields," Fox added director of the Americas Program at the Center for International Policy said the plight of Central Americans fleeing violence back home "has revealed a deep vein of hypocrisy among Mexican politicians for its treatment of Mexican migrants as criminals and then do the same to migrants in this country." murder and extortion of migrants in Mexico is rampant and authorities turn a blind eye or actively participate in it,” Carlsen said the Mexican agency that deals with Central American migrants said most Central Americans who arrive in Mexico complain about mistreatment by police and state authorities "There is a sentiment spread against them in this country "There is no sympathy for many of them who flee deadly violence amid poverty in their countries.” Rios said he also has been threatened by authorities for helping the migrants: “They tell me if I don’t stop working will be filled with colorful kites both big and small over the next two weekends during the town’s fifth annual kite festival Designated a Magical Town by tourism authorities and just a few hours north of Mexico City Tequisquiapan is a popular weekend getaway for residents of the country’s capital many of whom make the trek to sample the region’s renowned wines and cheeses But the next two weekends will be dedicated to reviving the inner child whose heart soars along with the kite held aloft by the breeze There will be workshops at which festivalgoers can make their own kites as well as many pre-made kites of all colors Festival organizers will also fly super-sized kites to wow attendees of all ages clowns and other activities planned for the weekends But don’t worry, grown-ups. The festival is to be held at the Cava Bocanegra cheese cellar, site of the Festival Viva El Queso cheese and wine festival so there will be lots of food and alcoholic beverages as well and the festival is pet friendly so the whole family can go on February 15 and 16 and the following weekend Tickets cost 75 pesos (US $4) and can be bought upon entering the festival (cash only) Source: El Universal (sp) San Miguel de Allende is known for being one of the most beautiful towns in Mexico, as well as a haven for American and Canadian expats. It could be said that this has something to do with the thriving wine industry in the area, although very few people outside the country actually know about it. Bodega Dos Búhos is undoubtedly the vineyard to visit in Guanajuato Casa Madero, Parras, Coahuila Moving north to the Parras region of Coahuila, you will find one of the biggest and best wine-producing areas in Mexico Here you can even visit the oldest winery in the Americas too – Casa Madero founded in 1597 – and taste its selection of wines which run the gamut from reds like Shiraz and Malbec to whites such as Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc This spectacular vineyard also has fully certified organic status and a quaint hacienda if you want to stay overnight The best-known vineyard in Querétaro is easily Finca Sala Vivé which is perhaps more commonly referred to simply as Freixenet in reference to the wine brand produced there As part of the Wine and Cheese route of the region – and situated just outside popular pueblo mágico Tequisquiapan – it’s not exactly a hidden gem but it is a well-organised and scenic spot that offers both tours of the grounds and the option to dine in the winery Our first vineyard option in Baja California – the most famous of all Mexico’s wine producing regions – is Finca La Carrodilla in the popular Valle de Guadalupe Known for making artisanal and certified organic wines it’s also dedicated to sustainability in every step of its operations from recycling water to the use of solar panels Finca La Carrodilla would make a great spot for a romantic day out or dinner and drinks with friends We move back to Parras for Bodega Rivero González in Coahuila Proud to be contributing to the great – if undervalued – tradition of Mexican wine this friendly vineyard offers guided tours of the vines and wine tasting in the vaults If you’re interested in a more organised wine event though try and head there for the Cosecha Mágica annual Wine Festival which takes place in August and enjoy their rosés and experimental blends In the Valle de Guadalupe, Ensenada you should definitely pay a visit to Adobe Guadalupe one of the region’s most long-standing and successful vineyards that’s got all bases covered from the classics like Cabernet Sauvignon to Merlot to lesser known varietals like Nebbiolo and Mourvedre book a room at their B&B and take advantage of the horse riding options available Sign up to our newsletter to save up to $800 on our unique trips See privacy policy Querétaro’s second best vineyard, La Redonda, could actually make for the ideal option if you prefer a more intimate experience. For 365 days a year, they’re open for you to enjoy the scenic views, Mediterranean-style climate and delicious wines (we have it on good authority that their rosé is exquisite Having been going strong for almost 40 years La Redonda shows no sign of slowing down any time soon either we move back to the temperate slopes of Ensenada and the Valle de Guadalupe in Baja California with Decantos Vinícola and its impressive installations this vineyard is a masterpiece of contemporary design and will please wine and architecture fans alike due to its flavoursome grapes and full-length glass walls in a move that sets it apart from many other wineries Decantos Vinícola uses natural rather than mechanical processes to produce its wines Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips drink and travel writer based out of Mexico but I also dabble in spewing my unsolicited opinions about teabags and pork pies Find more of my work at northernlauren.com See & Do 16 Must Visit Attractions in Guadelejara See & Do Unique Indigenous Towns in Mexico See & Do The Top 10 Things to See and Do in Tlaxcala See & Do Mexico's Most Stunning Lakeside Towns and Villages See & Do A View of Mexico City Through the Xochimilco Canals See & Do How to Spend Christmas and New Years in Mexico City See & Do The Most Beautiful Plazas in Mexico City Guides & Tips 14 Things You Should Never Say to a Mexican See & Do The 10 Best Things to See and Do in Pachuca See & Do Must-Visit Attractions in the Copper Canyon Guides & Tips A Guide To The Palacio De Bellas Artes See & Do The Most Magical Sites to Visit in Mexico US: +1 (678) 967 4965 | UK: +44 (0)1630 35000 tripssupport@theculturetrip.com © Copyright 2025 The Culture Trip Ltd Seated in the very heart of Mexico is the rapidly developing and economically powerful state of Querétaro. Last year, e-commerce giant Amazon announced that they would launch a new local zone here, their first in the whole of Mexico This is a testament to Querétaro’s history something which has made its capital city highly important to the nation What is less known is that Querétaro is also a state with great cultural importance and an intrinsic part of the fascinating history of Mexico The state offers an interesting blend of tradition and progress making it a promising destination for young professionals and families alike The history of Querétaro is long and storied has flourished since the pre-Hispanic era when it was inhabited by indigenous groups including Otomís It officially became a city in July of 1531 by decree from San Fernando de Tapia Conín an indigenous conqueror of Otomí origin who converted to catholicism under the Conquista If you drive to Querétaro via the Mexico-Querétaro highway you will see a 70-meter statue of him — a sight as familiar to Queretanos as the Statue of Liberty is to any New Yorker A century later, President Venustiano Carranza signed the 1917 Mexican Constitution in the city of Querétaro the first constitution and the pillar on which today’s legal system stands and remembrance of its rich history can be found all over the city and cobblestone streets warrant a visit all on their own “Querétaro” means “place of large rocks,” which makes sense when considering the state is home to the Bernal peak Querétaro is home to seven wonderful pueblos mágicos that add to its charm and cultural value From the cobblestone streets of Bernal to the colonial charm of Tequisquiapan these are towns that captivate visitors with their timeless beauty Whether exploring ancient architecture and history or indulging in local delicacies each one of these places invites travelers to embark on a journey that will be unlike to any other Querétaro is also home to the Sierra Gorda natural reserve which encompasses an impressive 32% of its territory extending into neighboring states Guanajuato The Sierra Gorda is a biodiverse region home to thousands of species and has so many natural wonders it takes several visits to see them all and mountains 3,000 meters above sea level all a testament to the versatility of Querétaro’s ecosystems Querétaro is one of the most industrialized states in the country with industry producing 36% of the state’s GDP and over 400,000 jobs and growing workforce have been causes of its continuing social and economic growth one that contributes significantly to the country’s GDP This has attracted companies from a diverse range of industries to the state The automotive and aerospace sectors are both leading industries in Querétaro and a pillar of its economy with major manufacturers like General Motors and Continental Automotive Systems investing billions and creating thousands of jobs identified that Querétaro was the state with the third most social and economic development in 2023 and general well-being and quality of life of its inhabitants Out of 2,478 cities in the country, Querétaro has been frequently ranked in the top 5 with the best quality of life by news outlets and Mexican research institutions for years. Last year, newspaper El Universal ranked Querétaro #3 in Mexico Whether you’re coming for a couple of hours you will soon understand why it’s such an important and beautiful thread in Mexico’s tapestry Montserrat Castro Gómez is a freelance writer and translator from Querétaro A woman was severely injured in Querétaro after being hit by a freight train while trying to take a selfie on Thursday The woman was struck in the head by the train at around 9 a.m The state of her health has not been reported but her injuries appear to have been life-threatening from Tequisquiapan and known in the area as a keen runner and sportswoman the woman went close to the tracks to pose and take a photo without weighing the risk The train whistled to warn her to move away she fell to the ground and was bleeding severely Station staff attended to her until municipal police and paramedics arrived and took her to the hospital in San Juan del Río With reports from El Sol de San Juan del Río and Noticias de Querétaro Over 30 of Mexico’s 132 Pueblos Mágicos are within three hours driving distance of the sprawling urban monster that is Mexico City It’s a contradiction born of history and economics Most of Mexico’s development has been  centered in this high mountain plateau The Pueblos Mágicos program has been spectacularly successful in showcasing their wonderful charms enticing people to spend holidays in places beyond the beaches the largest domestic source of potential tourists but also because capitalinos look to escape the capital’s noise and infamous smog an independent consultant and former president of the National Coordination of Pueblos Mágicos Committees These 30 pueblos near Mexico City demonstrate the wide variety of natural and cultural environments in and around the Valley of Mexico They’re also a testament to the resilience of local cultures in the face of Mexico City’s often overbearing presence Most articles about Pueblos Mágicos in the Mexico City area list certain towns time and again Although by no means the only pueblos worth visiting they should be on your shortlist if you have limited time It has the colonial-period architecture centered on a church and plaza which nearly define Pueblos Mágicos in central Mexico an industry reignited by American William Spatling in the 1920s not only attracts many Mexico City residents on weekends but it has an established foreign resident population Its attractions include spring-like weather craggy mountains and a New Age vibe that comes in part from being known as the birthplace of the Mesoamerican god Quetzalcoatl Tequisquiapan in Querétaro has also become popular with foreigners in part because of its semi-arid climate and easy access to points north It and neighboring Bernal are also in the state’s wine country attract weekenders looking to spend time in cabins in cool forests The area is also known for a history of British mining in the 19th century which left its mark on its architecture and the Mexican version of the Cornish pasty Valle de Bravo in México state has been popular with Mexico City weekenders for decades Its main attraction is its lake (really a reservoir) surrounded by high forest In addition to being the entrance into monarch butterfly territory so maybe you have seen these and wonder what’s next Puebla’s Sierra Norte has a number of Pueblos Mágicos, some of which are within weekend distance of the capital. The best-known of these is Cuetzatlán, which is not only famous for its indigenous textiles but also has a strong Danza de Voladores tradition, including all-female troupes Malinalco, México state, has been regionally popular for quite some time. Nestled in a box canyon, it has maintained its rural nature despite being very close to Mexico City and Toluca. Its main attractions are its many quaint houses and the Cerro de los Ídolos archeological site Similar to Tepoztlán but less crowded is neighboring Tlayacapan in Morelos When I first visited more than 15 years ago locals were surprised to see a foreigner interested in the nearly-forgotten structures The México state-Michoacán border is monarch butterfly country and several Pueblos Mágicos look to attract these tourists Tlalpujahua, Angangeo (Michoacán) and El Oro (State of México) have town centers that reflect their mining heritage. In addition, Tlalpujahua is Mexico’s “Christmas town.” But proximity to Mexico City does not guarantee a successful Pueblo Mágico Sometimes road conditions and traffic are an issue like Tepotzotlán and Metepec in México state the urban sprawl surrounds their historic centers Those pueblos that are less than two hours away meaning that they miss out on hotel and restaurant income but the tourism still creates significant costs in municipal services such as police and sanitation Successful Pueblos Mágicos also have to contend with the environmental impact of all these visitors Water usage skyrockets during peak tourism periods but also because vacationers are not as conscientious about its use as they might be at home Pueblo Mágico status often brings pressure to develop Visitors look for a certain level of services and entertainment in their tourism destination and accommodating new businesses change the atmosphere but Pueblos Mágicos have also attracted foreigners looking for alternative places to live These issues are the trade-offs for economic development It does not mean that you should not make the effort to visit Leigh Thelmadatter arrived in Mexico over 20 years ago and fell in love with the land and the culture in particular its handcrafts and art. She is the author of Mexican Cartonería: Paper, Paste and Fiesta (Schiffer 2019) Her culture column appears regularly on Mexico News Daily When the magical chaos of Mexico City starts to grate on my nerves Knowing my preference for unbridled walking I decided recently to spend a long weekend in the lovely Full disclosure: I’m a fairly recent transplant to Mexico still donning rose-colored glasses My Mexican honeymoon rages with crystalline palpability suggest a getaway in Querétaro to even the most jaded of travelers You really don’t need much time to adequately explore the city and its surroundings I spent three nights here and felt that to be perfectly sufficient creativity sparked and thirst for adventure quenched If you’re looking for a great weekend away with friends or solo (like I was) The region’s background is worth a refresher The 13th century saw its original indigenous inhabitants the Spanish arrived in what is now Queretaro and struck an alliance with the Otomí to push the Mexica out the Otomí leader Conin converted to Catholicism and founded Querétaro in 1531 Querétaro grew alongside the Spaniards until the 19th century when local revolutionaries planned a rebellion it’s the official birthplace of Mexican Independence Santiago de Querétaro boasts about 2.3 million inhabitants and explodes with soul Let’s start with food because, well, isn’t it an essential component of any meaningful experience? While I would be remiss to label Querétaro a foodie city, one should try its personalized, noticeably thicker version of mole and enchiladas Queretanas filled with chicken and slathered in red sauce and crumbly cheese Being pseudo-vegan, I was unable to try either of these dishes. However, being a taco LOVER, I was absolutely delighted by the handful of excellent vegan options sprinkled throughout town. Vanggie Restaurant is a must-try that can be found within the sleek walls of a stylish, floral courtyard. If you dig hipster vibes, TacoGreen is another fantastic option to fill your belly Since I start nearly each day of my life with fresh juice I always beeline for the closest open-air market upon waking up Mercado de la Cruz is the city’s main attraction I found myself unable to break free of one popular stall whose name never caught my eye you will see a set of bar stools to your right and two to three jolly women selling café de olla vegan tamales and not-vegan-at-all-but-couldn’t-care-less carrot cake that I dream about on the regular I had unobstructed views of the square’s cathedral surrounded by local families and spirited street vendors Once revived, I made my way to Cerro de las Campanas a park that can be reached on foot or by Uber Not only did I stumble on several wonderfully dramatic quinceañera photo shoots I later realized that I was standing on the very grounds where Maximiliano l was executed in 1867 I could no longer ignore the city’s penchant for wine My small group tour stopped at Freixenet probably the most well-known of all the Querétaro-area wineries due to its cellar packed with Spanish-style cava Most tours offer the option to visit the traditional towns of Tequisquiapan I opted for Bernal because of its 100-million-year-old monolith that I ambitiously thought I’d be hiking Pro tip: Make Bernal its own day trip if hiking is on your radar Because I chowed down on various tacos most of the day, my dinner consisted of my preferred Mexican delicacy (besides tortillas): mezcal. I spent two of my three nights snacking and sipping in Alquimia Cocktail Bar chatting with the bartenders in Spanish (which improved exponentially with each drink I downed) feeling thoroughly recharged and reenergized by my visit While I didn’t have the chance to indulge in all of Querétaro’s offerings (I would have loved to partake in the nighttime tram tour and visit the El Cerrito archaeological zone) I felt wholly fulfilled by my four-day adventure