Tequisquiapan: A Day Trip to Querétaro’s Pueblo Magico
Tequisquiapan is one of six Pueblo Mágicos (Magical Towns) in the Mexican state of Querétaro. It offers a glimpse into the country’s rich history and traditions. Visitors can explore the town’s many art galleries, museums, and craft markets, where they can purchase locally-made textiles, ceramics, and other traditional handicrafts. The town may be small, but there are many things to do in Tequisquiapan.
If you’re looking for more information about Mexico, click here.
If you want to visit another Pueblo Mágico in Querétaro, Bernal, click here.
Click here to see what there is to do in the capital of Santiago de Querétaro.
- Where is Tequisquiapan, Mexico located?
- How far is Tequisquiapan from Santiago de Querétaro?
- What is Tequisquiapan known for?
- How much time do I need to spend in Tequisquiapan?
- What can I do in Tequisquiapan?
- Walk around the cobblestone streets
- Visit the Plaza Principal- Miguel Hidalgo
- Admire the Parroquia Santa María de la Asunción
- Take a picture with the Tequis sign
- Go Shopping in the Mercado de Artesanías
- Admire the Miniatures at the Museum Mexico Me Encanta
- Stand in the Center of Mexico
- Stroll through the Jardín del Arte & the arches
- Talk a walk in the Parque de la Pila
- Have lunch at one of the many cafes
- Take a Tequisquiapan Tram tour
- Take a wine tour
- Take an evening tour of flavor
- Go up in a hot air balloon
- Is Tequisquiapan safe?
- Where to stay in Tequisquiapan
- Final Thoughts on visiting Tequisquiapan
Where is Tequisquiapan, Mexico located?
Tequisquiapan is the supposed exact center of Mexico, in the state of Querétaro. It lies 62km to the east of Santiago de Querétaro, and takes 75 minutes to reach Tequisquiapan by bus. It is 187km from Mexico City, and takes 3-4 hours by bus.
How far is Tequisquiapan from Santiago de Querétaro?
Tequisquiapan is just one hour and 15 minutes on the bus from Querétaro. It can be easily reached using the Flecha Azul bus company. The ticket window is in terminal B at the Central de Autobuses Querétaro.
Buses leave every 30 minutes between Santiago de Querétaro and Tequisquiapan, starting at 6:30 am until 9 pm. The cost is 80 pesos ($4 USD) each way.
You should get off the bus in Tequisquiapan just across the street from this Oxxo. Just next to the Oxxo is a covered bus stop. This is where you’ll wait for the bus that will take you back to Santiago de Querétaro. Buses come every 30 minutes, and you can purchase your ticket when you board the bus.
From the Oxxo, walk straight down Av. Benito Juarez about 10 minutes until you reach the main plaza of Tequisquiapan.
What is Tequisquiapan known for?
Tequisquiapan is known for its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant cultural scene. Tequisquiapan is particularly known for its locally-produced wine, cheese, and other culinary delights, which visitors can sample at the town’s many restaurants and cafes. Additionally, the town hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Wine and Cheese Festival, the Balloon Festival, and the Festival of Saint John the Baptist (December 27), which draw crowds from all over Mexico and beyond.
How much time do I need to spend in Tequisquiapan?
The answer to this question really depends on what you’re looking to get out of Tequisquiapan. If you’re looking for a small, quiet town to rest, then you could easily spend 2-3 days. There are many things to do in Tequisquiapan, so giving yourself a few days will allow you to see them at ease.
However, if you only have one day, then one day is just fine. I only went for one day and was able to see quite a bit. While it is a cute Pueblo Mágico, I didn’t love it as much as I loved Bernal, for example.
What can I do in Tequisquiapan?
Walk around the cobblestone streets
Like all Pueblo Mágicos in Mexico, Tequisquiapan is full of cute streets, jacaranda trees, flowers growing up sides of buildings, cobblestone streets, and colorful flags. Take a stroll around these small streets and get lost a little. It won’t be hard to find your way back, as this town is very small.
Visit the Plaza Principal- Miguel Hidalgo
You can’t miss this plaza. If you walk into the centro from the bus stop, you’ll run right into it. It’s a beautiful square with several trees and plants in the center. Plenty of benches for taking a break. The plaza is surrounded on three sides by restaurants, shops, and tourist info offices behind several portico openings.
Admire the Parroquia Santa María de la Asunción
The Parroquia Santa María de la Asunción is a historic church located right in the Miguel Hidalgo plaza. Built in the 17th century, the church features a stunning Baroque-style facade and houses a collection of religious art and artifacts. The church is a popular destination for visitors to Tequisquiapan, who come to admire its architectural beauty and learn about its cultural significance.
Take a picture with the Tequis sign
Just like all Mexican towns, Tequisquiapan has a a word sign in several colors. This one is shortened to just TEQUIS for obvious reasons. Tequisquiapan might not fit in a photo, and take up a lot of space in the plaza. The Parroquia is just behind the letters, so with the right angle, you can get a great photo.
Go Shopping in the Mercado de Artesanías
Just two blocks away from the Miguel Hidalgo plaza, you can find the Mercado de Artestanías. It actually encompasses three different buildings that all meet on the same corner. Here you can find traditional clothing, jewelry, fancy water bottles made of iron, etc. This market is very relaxed. It does not have the chaos you can find in the bigger markets of Guadalajara or Guanajuato.
Admire the Miniatures at the Museum Mexico Me Encanta
This museum is cute. Very cute! There are dozens of very detailed miniature scenes of daily life in Mexico: A Quinceñera party, a Day of the Dead Celebration, a market, a hair salon, a construction site, etc. Out back there are several small tables set up with various traditional Mexican games. Kids will love this museum, but adults will also get a kick out of it. The cost to enter is 50 pesos (40 pesos for kids).
Stand in the Center of Mexico
It has been determined that the precise geographical center falls right in Tequis. To mark the spot, there is a giant structure with 3 poles meeting at the peak, like the shell of a teepee, and a pendulum right in the center. You can go up on the platform and take a picture in the center of Mexico. You can find it on Google Maps as Centro Geográfico de México en 1916.
Stroll through the Jardín del Arte & the arches
About one long block east of the Miguel Hidalgo Plaza you can find the Jardín del Arte. At the front of this small park, you’ll find a beautiful façade that appears to have once been the entrance to the city. Just beyond the façade, you can find a statue dedicated to a famous Mexican actor/comedian named Cantinflas. The statue was created in honor of the actor who was in a 1971 film called “El Profe” that took place in Tequis.
Talk a walk in the Parque de la Pila
This is a spacious park in Tequisquiapan, about a 10-minute walk from the main plaza. There are playgrounds for children, as well as food vendors within the park.
Have lunch at one of the many cafes
There are dozens of cafes and restaurants all around the centro of Tequis. You can also find some great spots for lunch off the small streets going out from the plaza, with very nice atmospheres. I had lunch at a quiet local restaurant called Fondita el Refugio, just next to the pendulum.
Take a Tequisquiapan Tram tour
There is a cute tourist train that goes around town introducing you to local stories and history. Unfortunately the tranvia doesn’t run every day. It only goes on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The cost is 180 pesos for 75 minutes. However, there is a small kids train that goes around the main plaza everyday which is fun for kids.
You can send a Whatsapp message to make reservations or ask for further details: 414 219 6059.
Take a wine tour
This area is famous for its wine and vineyards, so naturally there are a ton of different tours to introduce this to you. The tours last about 6.5 hours, and leave from Tequisquiapan at 11 am. They include vineyard tours, visits to a cheese cave, wine and cheese tastings, a guide and transportation. The cost is 1100 pesos per person, and there is a 2-person minimum.
You can send a Whatsapp message to make reservations or ask for further details: 414 219 6059.
Take an evening tour of flavor
This tour is for adults only. It lasts nearly 4 hours and begins at 7pm. It includes a visit to a chocolate shop, craft beer tastings, dinner, transportation, water, and a guide. It allows you to try several flavors that the region is known for.
You can send a Whatsapp message to make reservations or ask for further details: 414 219 6059.
Go up in a hot air balloon
This is another popular activity in the region. This hot air balloon tour includes breakfast. The activity lasts 3 hours and is $161/person. There is a 10-person maximum limit.
Is Tequisquiapan safe?
Yes! Tequisquiapan is a very small Pueblo Mágico in the state of Querétaro; it has a very chill vibe. I never felt threatened, nervous, or scared. The opposite, in fact. Everyone I encountered was friendly and kind. I really don’t think safety is a concern in this small town.
Where to stay in Tequisquiapan
Casa Jasave Hotel
Cost: $50-$70/night
Description: The location of this hotel is excellent- just one block from the main plaza. You can also get breakfast for just $3 extra. There is also free parking on-site. Each room has a TV with Netflix, wifi, free toiletries, lines, and towels. One of the best rates you’ll find in Tequisquiapan.
Bello atardecer – hotel boutique
Cost: $155-$230/2 nights (2-night minimum)
Description: This hotel is beautiful, with a stunning indoor inner courtyard with lots of light. The rooms are clean, stylish, and spacious. Breakfast is included with certain reservations, otherwise it is available for $14. Beyone the room, the hotel offers free bikes, a shared lounge, a terrace and a bar. Each room has wifi, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with free toiletries, a hairdryer and shower.
Hotel Boutique La Granja
Cost: $118- $270/night
Description: This hotel is in a great location between Parque La Pila and Miguel Hidalgo Plaza. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden, a restaurant, a bar, 24 hour security and a terrace.
Final Thoughts on visiting Tequisquiapan
I was glad to have visited Tequis, as it is an easy 75 minute drive from Santiago de Querétaro; it was nice to see another place in the state of Querétaro to understand it better. That said, it was not my favorite Pueblo Mágico in Querétaro. That award easily goes to Bernal. However, if you are interested in wine, cheese, anda very relaxing stay, Tequisquiapan could be just the place for you.
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