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Travel Guide TEQUISQUIAPAN Contents DISCOVER TEQUISQUIAPAN 01 TEQUISQUIAPAN PROFILE 02 TEQUISQUIAPAN ATTRACTIONS 03 TEQUISQUIAPAN DINING 09 TEQUISQUIAPAN SHOPPING 11 TEQUISQUIAPAN NIGHTLIFE 14 THINGS TO DO IN TEQUISQUIAPAN 15 DISCOVER TEQUISQUIAPAN Tequisquiapan is a small town in the southeastern part of the Mexican state of Queretaro. Located approximately 35 miles away from the capital, the city dates back more than 400 years. This relatively flat area of central Mexico has small valleys and plains as well as a warm, provincial atmosphere, colonial architecture and charming cobblestone streets. Both locals and visitors enjoy a pleasant climate and the lovely green landscapes of “Tequis”, as this Magic Town is famously named. Tequisquiapan is home to special subsurface features, including subterranean streams that form the hot springs that the region is known for. Due to this unique geology, various types of trees and shrubs grow in the area from which the wood, cane and wicker are used to create colorful furniture and crafts. Special mention should be made of the area’s vineyards, as this is one of the best wine regions in Mexico. In Tequisquiapan and the surrounding area there are lovely villages that offer everything from simple hotels to large properties with a full selection of services and features. 1 TEQUISQUIAPAN PROFILE A “Magic Town” with colonial architecture The home of the National Wine and Cheese Fair Known for its vineyards Famous for breeding bulls Manufacturer of furniture as well as cane and wicker pieces Home to beautiful hot springs Surrounded by enchanting towns 2 TEQUISQUIAPAN ATTRACTIONS In addition to having a fascinating historical and cultural past, the natural surroundings and fertile lands of Tequisquiapan offer plenty of delightful attractions, including the vineyards area (located within the second most popular wine region of Mexico), and the healing thermal waters of springs fed by underground streams. The area also has villages with lovely colonial architecture, old farms and opal mines. 3 TEMPLE OF ST. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION Construction on this important temple began in 1874 and was completed in the late nineteenth century. It is known for its neoclassical facade of white stone and a clock that was built in 1897. PLAZA MIGUEL HIDALGO Located amidst stone arches and the old Temple of St. Mary of the Assumption, Plaza Miguel Hidalgo is the main meeting place and the heart of Tequisquiapan. Time seems to have stopped in this plaza, where the atmosphere of old colonial Mexico is alive and well. The plaza has a gazebo that was constructed at the turn of the century and is surrounded by handicraft shops, restaurants and cafes. 4 CACTUS GREENHOUSES Approximately 20 minutes away from “Tequis” in the town of Cadereyta de Montes are two fascinating and important plant nurseries. Manuel Gonzalez de Cosio Regional Botanical Garden and Quinta Fernando Schmoll are research centers for the breeding, preservation and exhibition of the Queretaro semi-desert cacti as well as some species from the American and African continents. CHEESE AND WINE MUSEUM This museum is located behind the main temple in Tequisquiapan and was founded by two prestigious cheese and wine producers. Inside, you’ll find displays that showcase the processes and tools used in the preparation of these products throughout history. Souvenirs are available for purchase at the museum. LA PILA PARK This quiet and historic place has a large basin where water was once stored and used by the locals as a swimming pool. Today it is popular with those who wish to enjoy a relaxing stroll or a quiet picnic under lush ancient cypress trees. 5 VILLA DE SAN SEBASTIAN BERNAL More popularly known as “Bernal”, this picturesque Magic Town is 25 minutes north of Tequisquiapan. Founded in the seventeenth century, it is now visited by thousands of tourists wishing to explore fascinating attractions like the Pena de Bernal, the world’s third largest monolith and the ideal place to enjoy rappelling and climbing. The town also has beautiful colonial buildings like El Castillo (The Castle), the Chapel of Souls, the Chapel of the Holy Cross and the Temple of San Sebastian Martir. Quiet cobbled streets, green landscapes, restaurants with delicious Queretaro cuisine and a trendy Artisan and Gourmet Market that sells wool clothing, ceramic pottery and wood crafts all combine to create a unique and enchanting atmosphere. WATER PARKS Tequisquiapan and its surroundings are home to a variety of refreshing water resorts and hot springs where you can relax and unwind. Open throughout the year, they feature swimming pools, water slides, wading pools and other outdoor activities. 6 SAN JUAN DEL RÍO Only 12.5 miles away from Tequisquiapan, San Juan del Rio is the second largest city in the state of Queretaro. The city was forced to export silver shipments during the colonial era. There are numerous houses, squares and neoclassical churches that date from the sixteenth century to the nineteenth century, including the Parish Temple of San Juan Bautista, the main city church and the Santo Domingo Convent, which has a brown facade that was built in 1691. Visitors frequently explore farms and beautiful haciendas, many of which have been converted into hotels that display the history of colonial Mexico, including Hacienda San Gil, Hacienda Galindo, Hacienda La Venta and Hacienda La Llave. Another fascinating site is the Bridge of History. Built out of quarry stone and spanning the San Juan River, this eighteenth century bridge was used by people traveling to the northern and western parts of New Spain. You may also want to visit the Museum of Death, a former cemetery that operated until the middle of the nineteenth century. This museum is the only one of its kind in Mexico. OLD BERNAL STATION Old Bernal Station is a facility that now serves as a lookout point for the city. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the sunrise and sunset or admire panoramic views of Tequisquiapan. 7 QUERETARO VINEYARDS Other major attractions on the outskirts of Tequisquiapan are the vineyards that are just a few miles north of the city. The most important wine producers in the state are La Redonda and Cavas Freixenet, where the cellar is built 80 feet under the ground. The excellent climate and soil conditions have resulted in high quality products and both facilities offer tours for those who wish to see how the planting, tending, harvesting and wine making are accomplished. You can also enjoy visits to the wine cellars and sample delicious Queretaro wines. LEGENDS TOURS The popular Legends Tours offer the perfect way for you to learn about thehistory and myths of Tequisquiapan. These excursions take place on the weekend and feature artists that put on theatrical performances in places where important events took place. CELEBRATIONS AND FAIRS IN TEQUISQUIAPAN In the month of May, Tequisquiapan is overrun with visitors seeking to enjoy the National Cheese and Wine Fair, a grand event where wine and artisanal cheese producers display their wares. In July, the Fiestas de la Fundacion (Foundation Festival) is celebrated in the Magdalena neighborhood. This cultural and artistic event honors the anniversary of the founding of Tequisquiapan. Another celebration is the Feast of the Assumption on August 15, when the town’s patron saint is honored with traditional dances, banda music and fireworks in the evening. LA CARBONERA OPAL MINE The area around Tequisquiapan has several state operated mines that are the major producers of opal in the country. La Carbonera is an open-pit mine that is located in the Trinidad community, just seven and a half miles away from “Tequis”. Open to the public, this mine offers tours that allow you to admire a stunning natural landscape and listen as the miners tell their fascinating tales. 8 TEQUISQUIAPAN DINING The region’s fertile soil stretches from San Juan del Rio to the town of Bernal and passes through Tequisquiapan and Ezequiel Montes, forming an area known as the “Wine Route”, which promises visitors exquisite dining choices. This is where you’ll find the most important state vineyards, who present their wines to experts and amateurs during the annual National Cheese and Wine Fair. You’ll also have the opportunity to sample delicious artisanal products from area farms, including fresh cheese made from cow’s milk as well as strong cheeses made with the milk of sheep and goats. This cheese makes the perfect accompaniment for red, white and rose wines as well as the sparkling Queretaro wine. TRADITIONAL CUISINE Among the dishes traditionally served in “Tequis” are spiced and baked lamb, shredded pork, chicharrones de res (beef rinds), Queretaro mole with turkey, enchiladas, corn gorditas with martajada salsa and huitlacoche (corn smut) quesadillas. 9 BERNAL GORDITAS Tourism in Bernal is a treat for the mind, eyes and palate as all throughout this quaint little town you can find traditional Mexican gorditas. Cooks often have the cooking pan out and blue corn tortillas ready to be stuffed with a variety of fillings that are stored in customary blue pewter pots. Fillings include pork, nopales (cactus), marinated pork, ground beef, chicken with potatoes, and scrambled eggs with pasilla chili, among others. DRINKS The area’s classic drinks are pulque mixed with opuntia as well as atole (a traditional hot beverage) made with seasonal fruit. DELICIOUS SWEETS Traditional sweets include a tempting variety of crystallized fruit, charamusca candies, jamoncillos (milk and sugar candies), Bernal custard, pepitorias (seeds with honey and brown sugar) and quince cheese. 10 TEQUISQUIAPAN SHOPPING Tequisquiapan, San Juan del Rio and Bernal are all part of a major commercial district. This is where skilled artisans transform sticks into baskets and beautiful works of art, wool becomes soft textiles and milk is turned into delicious candies.