Discover Santiago de Bernal: A Serene Magical Town in Querétaro

Experience a great adventure

The Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) of Santiago de Bernal, located in the state of Querétaro, is just right for a weekend getaway. It's serene, small, and certainly quite Instagram-worthy. Its proximity to Mexico City is only one of its endless perks: it is the gateway to the Sierra Gorda mountain range, it is located a short distance away from the Pueblo Mágico of Tequisquiapan, and it is part of the state's winecountry, so get ready for some amazing reds.

 

Bernal may be small but the boundlessness of things to do there will no doubt astound you. For starters, you can hike up the Peña de Bernal, the third largest monolith in the world. Its flora, composed of garambullos (brushy succulent plant), mezquites, and huisaches, makes the perfect postcard. At night, you can take in the dancing fountains at the foot of the monolith.

 

The monolith has given the Pueblo Mágico of Bernal the reputation that it is chock-full of positive energy. As such, places in which to get shamanic cleanses or detoxing temazcal steam baths abound.

 

One of the best things to do in Bernal is to stroll down Independencia Street and visit the Museum of the Mask. It boasts over 300 artifacts collected from different places, some of which were handcarved on dehydrated maguey stalks or bones.

 

Traditions for you to admire and that will delight your palateIndependencia Street also houses stalls offering Bernal’s typical dish: gorditas de maíz quebrado (broken corn gorditas). However, if you're interested in a more upscale lunch or dinner, head over to Juan Aldama Street, where you'll find a number of charming restaurants and bars. However, we have to warn you that Bernal is not known for its nightlife and parties end prior to 1:00 a.m.

 

If you're interested in purchasing handicrafts, the La Aurora Artisan Center is the place to visit. Located in front of the Main Garden, you'll find any number artisans in action, making coats, shawls, rugs, and cushions out of wool woven on a pedal loom.

 

You can visit the cheese and wine route in the outskirts of town and explore the San Antonio de Cal community, located right behind the Peña de Bernal. Otomí-Chichimeca customs remain intact within this community, which is why the region was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.