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Everyone knows Mexico is a no-brainer if you’re looking for a sunny getaway in a gloomy winter, with world-class leisure hotspots like Cancun, Tulum and Puerto Vallarta to its name, where it’s always balmy and the resort staff treats you like royalty.
As well established as it may be, we still think Mexico is criminally underestimated for culture.
If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed than Mexico City, and you find that San Miguel has already become far too popular for your taste, then this hidden colonial gem with a UNESCO World Heritage-listed center and affordable prices might be the place for you. the solution. .
And the best part is: you can fly there non-stop!
No long layovers in CDMX or Cancun International:
Is Querétaro one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico?
Tucked in the central Mexican hinterland, Santiago de Querétaro serves as the capital of the state of the same name and is easily one of Mexico’s most overlooked destinations due to its architectural wealth alone:
Founded as early as 1531, during the first wave of European migration to the Americas, it has collected an enviable array of monuments that have stood the test of time, ranging from religious to civil structures.
In other words, the cityscape feels timeless, unlike other resort-filled areas in Mexico that have been swamped by the 21st century development boom.
Perhaps the city’s most easily recognizable attraction, the striking orange-colored church of St. Francis of Assisi houses beautiful sacred art, while the domed church of St. Rose of Viterbo has a distinctive Baroque exterior and gold-clad interior.
If you know your history, you’ll be happy to hear that the trial of Maximilian I, a former Emperor of Mexico, was held in nearby Teatro de la RepublicaAnd on the Hill of Bells you can visit a small chapel, built on the spot where he was executed in 1867.
With its ornate interior patios and art exhibits, the former former Monastery of St. Augustine is also not to be missed, not to mention the numerous piazzas, 18th-century colonial houses and charming restaurants along the aqueduct-lined Centro Historico.
You can explore the old city in a vintage car for less than $10!
As you might have guessed, there’s plenty to keep you busy in Querétaro, so a tour of the historic center is easily the best way to maximize time and see as much as possible.
You can choose between one walking tour of the western half of the UNESCO-protected area, which might be our favorite, as exploring on foot is your best bet for discovering perfect, secret spots, and it only costs $14.83 per person.
Alternatively, if you prefer to exert as little physical effort as possible and still To take in the sights, hop on a classic 1908 Ford T to drive through the city’s colonial core for one negligible $9.89––for less than the price of lunch at a mid-range restaurant downtown!
This tour is perfect for capturing the scale of Querétaro’s 18th-century aqueduct or even driving up the Hill of Bells, home to the Maximillian Chapel. In the meantime you can satisfy your hunger early century nostalgia by driving a vintage car.
Querétaro is one of the most affordable cultural destinations in Mexico
Aside from its cultural value, part of Querétaro’s enormous appeal to foreigners, especially Americans, is its affordability compared to other tourist-dominated cities in Mexico.
Based on Numbeo estimatescan eat for as little as $8.90 if you’re craving street tacos and soda, while sitting down for a more elaborate three-course presentation on a restaurant patio will set you back around $40.
You can even stay in the heart of the colonial center for as cheap as $51 per night (El Serafin Hotel Boutique), or $72 for a superior double room with city view at the five-star hotel Hotel Criol.
It’s not dirt cheap, and comparable to other major cities in Mexico, but it won’t break the bankor.
Looking for the best empanadas and guacamole in town? Attempt The Carter Bar: The wood memorabilia and Old World atmosphere are second to none, and their drink menu leaves nothing to be desired.
Whatever you do, not leave Querétaro without tasting Hacienda El Saliter‘s octopus (pulpo) ceviche, and unless you’re unsure about pork, Tacos Mario serves the best pork tacos you will have in your life – not even an exaggeration.
Fly non-stop to Querétaro from the US
This year, Querétaro International Airport (QRO) broke its own annual record by registering more than 2 million passengers in transit for the first time in 2024, a 15.1% increase in 2023 it appears that the demand for city trips in Querétaro is growing.
That’s possible this season fly non-stop to Querétaro (QRO) from the following US departure points:
1 flight per day with Aeromexico
Every Tuesday and Friday 1 flight with Volaris
2-3 flights per day with American Airlines
Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 1 flight with Aeromexico
4-5 flights per day with United Airlines or VivaAerobus
Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 1 flight with VivaAerobus
Additionally, starting in April 2025, nonstop flights will be offered from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) every Wednesday and Saturday with low-cost carrier VivaAerobus.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
