Located in the state of Querétaro, just one hour by car from its capital city (Santiago de Querétaro) and approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes from Mexico City, Tequisquiapan is one of the most beautiful and picturesque towns in the country’s central region.

According to tradition, it was founded in 1551 during the Colonial period, but it retained its pre-Hispanic name, which in the Nahuatl language means “Place over the Tequesquite River,” due to the abundant trees of this type that grew along a nearby river.

Today, Tequisquiapan is a charming town that invites visitors to rest, relax, and stroll through its cobblestone streets to discover beautiful plazas, temples, and colonial-era buildings. These house local art shops, galleries, boutique hotels, and delicious restaurants offering the best of traditional cuisine from Querétaro.

Your visit can begin on Saturday morning at Plaza Miguel Hidalgo—the heart of this Pueblo Mágico—where you can explore the Parish of Santa María de la Asunción, take photos by its fountain or kiosk, and enjoy breakfast at one of the restaurants located in the arcade area or nearby. Our favorites are El Maravillas and K’puchinos, both specializing in traditional Mexican cuisine (don’t miss the famous Querétaro-style enchiladas). For dessert, we recommend buying a delicious artisanal ice cream in the plaza before heading to one of the three handicraft markets or the fantastic art corridor, made up of more than 14 workshops, that Tequisquiapan offers. There, you can admire how skilled local artisans transform reed, wicker, and rattan into wonderful pieces such as baskets, bags, hats, furniture, and original home décor items that you’ll surely want to take home as souvenirs.

As evening falls, and if you’re traveling with friends, you can enjoy some of the delicious wines produced in the region at La Luna Terraza bar, located just steps from the parish and the monumental letters spelling “Tequis.” To unwind, we recommend booking a room at Hotel Río Tequisquiapan, Casa de Vino, or La Plaza de Tequisquiapan, all featuring charming suites, swimming pools, and beautiful gardens, as well as excellent locations that allow you to leave the car behind and explore the town’s main spots on foot.

For those with an adventurous spirit, Sunday can begin early with an exciting hot air balloon flight that lets you admire the Pueblo Mágico and its surroundings—where hotels, spas, water parks, and vineyards stand out—from more than 150 meters above ground! Grupo Vuela en Globo, with over 40 years of experience, offers tours that can easily become an unforgettable adventure.

Once back on land, don’t miss the opportunity to book one of the tours that allow travelers to discover beautiful nearby natural landscapes on horseback or in 4x4 vehicles. But if tastings and pairings are more your style, we recommend following the Cheese and Wine Route, which starts in Tequisquiapan and stops at some of the region’s most renowned vineyards such as Sala Vivé, La Redonda, and San Juanito. These wineries offer fascinating tours of their facilities and even the chance to participate in colorful grape-stomping festivals. A unique and 100% Instagrammable experience in Querétaro! 

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