Santiago de Queretaro

Set amidst the rolling hills of Central Mexico, the city of Santiago de Queretaro (just Queretaro to the locals) is a patchwork of jacaranda-lined roadways and well-to-do neighbourhoods, crowned at the centre by a UNESCO-attested kernel of criss-crossing colonial lanes, charming Spanish plazas and more worthy examples of historic Mexican architecture than you can shake a regional goat’s cheese tamales wrap at!

Be sure to ask your Santiago de Queretaro tour guide for a walking route of the World Heritage old town here; encompassing the neo-classical facades of the Theatre of the Republic, the looming arches of the city’s iconic aqueduct, and the wealth of historic squares and charming baroque churches that abound throughout its streets. Then, why not follow in the footsteps of Emperor Maximilian I in the days leading up to his execution by visiting the Convento de la Santa Cruz, sample some of the local wines and cheese in the cantinas of the downtown, or gear up for a spot of golf at a country club. Outside of the city limits, yet more novel experiences await, with hikes up the largest stone monolith at La Pena de Bernal, and relaxing mineral spas around Tequisquiapan to name a few.