Mexico - Winter 23/24 : 2024-01-03 : Travel San Miguel de Allende to Querétaro

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Tip
Type Name Description Service Provider Cost Notes Actions
General Info Location of Bus Depot in San Miguel 2.1km walk from AirBnB $0.00 Rome2Rio says there may only be two busses: one departing 05:30 and one departing 19:50. We may end up taking a taxi...

BUUUUUT internet randos from Reddit say,
  1. Buses to CDMX (Mexico City) leave every hour and they all make a stop in Queretaro.
  2. If you are at the SMA station, there are two companies with a position at the station that take you to Queretaro. Be careful, I do not recommend looking at the schedules online or asking by phone, always base yourself on the schedules that are published inside the station. Also take into account that the last bus to Queretaro leaves around 7pm, after that, another one doesn't come until around 12am and after 12am, until morning.

Bus lines:
  1. Ovnibus (https://ovnibus.com.mx/) CHEAP, hourly - can't find evidence of its existence
  2. ETN (https://etn.com.mx/) 9:40-11:10, 12:30-14:20, 16:10-17:40
  3. ETN journey search: https://viaje.etn.com.mx/search/t-san-miguel-de-allende-central/t-santiago-de-queretaro-terminal/11-Jul-23/p/A1/departures
General Info Grutas Tolantongo most beautiful hot springs in Mexico

Closer to Tequisquiapan - visit from there?		 $0.00 Tolantongo Grutas is way up in the mountains in Hidalgo state. It sits at 4,200-feet (1,280 m) above sea level, in Mezquital Canyon. Mezquital is what’s known as a box canyon, meaning it’s shorter and narrower than larger river canyons. It is surrounded by hot springs and underwater thermal pools, which heat all the waters throughout Las Grutas de Tolantongo, Hidalgo, Mexico. Don’t miss the Tolantongo Cave and Tunnel — the site’s main water source.

$180MXN/person. Daily 7AM - 8PM
See downloaded PDF
General Info Hike up Peña de Bernal Went to Bernal in 2022 with Laura but it was too hot to hike.
Can maybe do as a day trip from Tequisquapan, although it looks like we'd have to take a taxi. But, we have a long time in Tequis, and not much to do, so....		 $0.00 This behemoth of a rock, known as Peña de Bernal, is among the largest of its kind. The towering wonder comes just behind other famous monoliths like Australia’s Ayers Rock and the Rock of Gibraltar. Peña de Bernal is a spectacular sight to see shooting up above the scenic puebla. Yet to really experience Peña de Bernal, we strongly recommend anyone whose fit to hike up it!

You do need proper rock climbing gear to reach the very top. There are adventure outfitters who can assist with gear, but that needs to be arranged in advance. Yet without climbing gear, you can still trek about 80% of the way toward the top of the monolith. You’re then rewarded with sweeping views of the town, surrounding mountains, and the countryside down below. Plan to spend up to two hours or so for the steep roundtrip hike up Peña de Bernal.

The gigantic rock certainly is an attention-grabber. But it’s the historic pueblo magico (magic town), which sits in the monolith’s shadow, that makes for a most charming base to set out from. This domestic tourism hotspot gets busy on the weekends. So a weekday visit will give you more space on the trails and a tranquil atmosphere. Meanwhile, the weekends are more festive, yet crowded.
General Info Cerro de las Campanas National Park Learn the Sordid History of Cerro de las Campanas National Park

Visited this in 2022		 $0.00 Cerro de las Campanas is a Mexico National Park located right within Queretaro. While the grounds of this National Park are scenic, the importance of the park is actually more for its historical significance than its natural beauty. Even if you’re not aware of the history this site holds, taking a stroll around the park still makes for a very worthwhile thing to do in Queretaro.

We’ll help briefly get you up-to-speed now about the history of Cerro de las Campanas. This National Park is on this hillside where the Mexican Emperor Maximilian I surrendered and also later executed in the same spot. It was these events in 1867 that signified the end of the French Intervention and the fall of the Second Mexican Empire. Today you can visit the Austrian-built chapel on this hillside that now honors Maximilian I.
General Info Queretaro Event Calendar Check schedule closer to travel dates $0.00
General Info Restaurants Recommended restaurants $0.00
  1. The best brew-with-a-view in Queretaro is at Corregidora. Go early to snag one of only four tables on the second-floor balcony which overlooks Jardin Zenea down below. To help motivate your early arrival, they even promote $45-peso liters of beer Wednesday to Saturday until 6:00 pm.
  2. The city is known for a couple of specialties; a thick lentil soup laced with chunks of dried fruit (“sopa regional”), and the local take on enchiladas (“enchiladas Queretanas”), fried with chili sauce, onions, and cheese. A good place to try them is Café del Fondo (Calle José María Pino Suárez 53)
  3. Some of the best snack food in the city is knocked out at Tamales y Atoles Arteaga (Arteaga 48) a tamale specialist
  4. San Miguelito (Andador 5 de Mayo 39), is one of the city’s best Mexican restaurants.
  5. Have breakfast at La Biznaga: Among the most unique foodie experiences in Queretaro, La Biznaga makes a quite remarkable experience. The so popular restaurant is characterized by multicolored and artistic decorations and great food.
  6. Los Compadres, Calle 16 de Septiembre 46 - Excellent Mexican food. The "Rico Pozole" is very good.
  7. Boyo's pizza. You get two slices of delicious fluffy pizza for M$29 (Dec 2021). Or two hot dogs for M$25 (Dec 2021).
  8. Athéntica Comida China. You get spaghetti or rice with one kind of meat for M$65 (Dec 2021). It's open until around 19:00.
  9. La Mariposa - Great traditional food and antojitos prepared the old style. Downtown(Coordenates: 20.594565,-100.392535). Suggestions: "Pan de Queso", "Pozole", "Tamales"(spicy and sweet), atole, ice cream and shakes of "Mantecado", "nieve de limon", "Dulce de Membrillo", "Jamoncillos", "Enchiladas Rojas"(also known nowadays as "Enchiladas Queretanas"), "Enchiladas Suizas".
  10. Che Che - Great seafood and ceviche (raw fish "cooked" in lemon juice). The main dishes are very big -- plan to share with a friend. The appetizers are very tasty -- a meal in themselves.
  11. Il Diavolo, Universidad #202 Downtown (close to de la Cruz market), ☏ +52 442 223 0996. Italian cuisine, very relaxed ambient, pizza, salads & paninnis, great red wine, perfect for couples.
  12. Tamales Penamiller, Reforma # 59 Centro Historico (Between Pasteur and Rio de la Loza st), ☏ +52 442-212-6422. F Sa 19:00-23:30. Great homemade tamales and atoles from the Sierra Gorda de Querétaro. Tamales are filled with goat cheese in a red sauce, rajas, pork and also serving sweet tamales filled with cheese and nuts. Simply delicious. Made the artisan way, all natural ingredients. Atoles are different flavors from seeds to chocolate and fruits. Menu changes weekly so call ahead to see what they are serving on the day of your visit
  13. Pollos Los Nogales (Los Nogales), Avenida Pie de La Cuesta NO 1703 Int 13 Col. Los Robles Plaza B, ☏ +52 442 243 2025, losnogalespedidos@gmail.com. Lots of cheap combos and a really good chicken salad. You can order a whole chicken, soft drink, salsa, tortillas and pasta.
  14. Chava Invita - Classical "Cantina" founded in 1940s where you can take drinks and the food is free.
  15. Pluma Lounge Cafe, Manuel Gutiérrez Nájera 30 (close to Templo de la cruz and Plaza Fundadores), ☏ +52 442 713 1338. 10:00-22:00. Place to relax and taste one of the best coffees of Mexico, "Pluma Diamante", is made of Pluma Hidalgo, Oaxaca, an area known worldwide for its excellent climate for the production of coffee. For lunch you can find homemade pies, sweet or savory.
General Info Querétaro: City Tour in a Classic Ford T Vehicle Querétaro: City Tour in a Classic Ford T Vehicle $0.00 Discover Santiago de Querétaro on a guided tour. Board a replica of a 1908 Classic Ford T Vehicle and explore the historic city center, learn about Querétaro's legends, and see the famous aqueduct.
Duration 1 hour
Guide speaks Spanish and English
Meeting Place: Jardín Guerrero
200MXN
General Info Parque Nacional El Cimatario Parque Nacional El Cimatario $0.00 Get outdoors and explore the natural spaces at El Cimatario National Park. Slip on your boots, grab your map and check out the walking trails. Good news! It won't cost you anything to visit El Cimatario National Park in Queretaro. But your sightseeing doesn't have to end at this protected natural landscape. Close-by attractions like Santa Rosa de Viterbo Temple, Aqueduct of Santiago de Queretaro and Corregidora Stadium also make for an enjoyable day out.

My favorite time of day to visit El Cimatorio is during the morning. There’s not much shade out there (the majority of vegetation are cactuses), so it’s a good idea to plan your hike, run or mountain bike ride for before the hottest part of the day.

Be sure to pack your own water & a snack. You should wear a hat & plenty of sunscreen.

Hours of operation: Thursday-Sunday from 7 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Closed Monday-Wednesday

This national park is located a 10-minute drive from Querétaro city center. Don’t have your own set of wheels? You can get out there and back using Uber or a regular taxi.
General Info Amealco Amealco de Bonfil $0.00 Looking for the perfect souvenir to remember your time in Querétaro? Plan a day trip to Amealco to visit the birthplace of the Muñeca Queretana. Indigenous women make and sell these beautiful dolls. The town even has an entire museum dedicated to the handicraft.

Rome2Rio says it's a one-hour bus ride, about $7CAD
General Info Tramvia tour Take a tour around town on the tourist bus $0.00 I thought I would learn a lot of history and legends about Queretaro and that was exactly what happened. It turned out to be one of the most fun things to do in Queretaro. It’s a pleasant ride on the old tram with a local guide explaining all the funny stories about the city.

The cost is 200 pesos, and it lasts about 75-90 minutes. You can sign up at the tourist kiosks around town.
General Info San José Mária Cheese Ranch Uriel does as a tour $0.00 Visits by appointment, can take the tour in English
For visiting jeans and tenis or boots are suggested
whatsapp +52 442 1302161
General Info San Joaquín Uriel does as a tour
Closer to Tequisquiapan, but Rome2Rio says to get there from Tequis, go back to Queretaro first. Can take a bus from Q, but it's 3 hours. Maybe do Uriel's tour?		 $0.00 San Joaquín (Querétaro) is a town in the state of Queretaro. The town is in the Serra Gorda mountains in the huasteca region, and is known for its outdoor recreation. It is designated by the Mexican tourism ministry as a Pueblo Magico in recognition of its charm and tourism infrastructure.
General Info Bullrings Querétaro has two bullrings, one is considered the third most important in Mexico (Plaza Santa Maria), and the other is considered the most beautiful bullring in Latin America (Juriquilla). $0.00
  • Santa María Bullring: The Santa María Bullring keeps alive the ancient bullfight tradition brought by the Spanish to the new continent. This cultural show has shown bullfighters from around the globe to Santa María Bullring. Besides, the enclosure hosts important sociocultural shows as concerts of well-known international and national artists. Check the billboard to find out about upcoming events.
  • With more than 30 years, the Plaza de Toros Provincia Juriquilla, is one of the most emblematic venues in the state of Querétaro, since its versatility can host from bullfights, concerts, festivals and very special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, etc.
Travel Resource Bus to La Encantada Simon says we can pay cash in the busses to go to La Encantada
Reddit says it's 11 pesos. Reddit also says there's there is a machine where you can get the card at the bus terminal		 $0.00 Take T-04 (Ruben Jaramillo), L07 (Eduardo Loarca), 44 (Paseos Del Pedregal Evc), or 45 (La Loma). They all drop off at Zaragoza Y Luis Pasteur (the park down the road). We can transfer to another bus, but... why? It's a short walk from there.
Travel
Type Name Service Provider Origin Destination Cost Notes Actions
Bus SMA to Querétaro Primera Plus SMA Querétaro $17.05 $106MEX / ea
Accommodation
Type Name Service Provider Confirmation Location Cost Notes Actions
Bed and Breakfast La Encantada AirBnB $1180.03 Host: Sophie is in WhatsApp
Check-in via door combination to be provided. One combination for front door, one for room door.
Paid half 2023/01/25. Other half due scheduled for Dec 21, 2023
Free cancellation before 2:00 p.m. on Dec. 29. Cancel before check-in at 2:00 p.m. on Jan. 3 for a partial refund.
Laundry on-site
Luggage drop


Trip Log

Notes Actions
A few days ago Brent noticed a bakery not far from our AirBnB. Like, a proper bakery, not a coffee shop bakery.

Yesterday we went there for the first time and were surprised and delighted to discover it’s a self-serve bakery where you take a tray and then go behind the counter and pick your own items to buy.

I was so intrigued that I forgot to take photos yesterday. Today it was our last stop on our way out of SMA and I did not forget this time.
Today we walked to the bus depot in SMA, took the bus to Querétaro, and then took a taxi to our AirBnB. We’re staying at the same place, in the same room (canary room) as last time. I am so happy to see that Querétaro and our AirBnB are pretty much exactly the way I remember them!!
I wasn’t feeling super ambitious this evening but we still wanted to get out for a walk. Brent suggested doing a spin around our very interesting block, so we did that and then had a beer on ‘our’ roof.

Very happy to see some familiar sights: Los Arcos, Templo La Cruz, Taco Tucson, the food trucks down the road, and El Tanque all decorated up for the season.


Photos

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