Tequisquiapan Travel Guide

Plan your visit to Tequisquiapan with this comprehensive travel guide that covers attractions, food, accommodation, and important tips.


Introduction to Tequisquiapan

Located in the heart of Mexico’s Bajío region, Tequisquiapan is a quaint colonial town in the Querétaro state. The town is renowned for its hot springs, colonial architecture, and rich historic heritage. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will take you through all the must-visit places in Tequisquiapan and what to do when you get there.

List of Places to Visit in Tequisquiapan

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Museo del Queso y del Vino (Cheese and Wine Museum)

This museum showcases the production process and history of the local cheese and wine making industry, which has a rich heritage in Tequisquiapan and is a popular tourist attraction.

La Pila Park

La Pila park is a beautiful green space in the heart of the town, surrounded by palm trees and colonial buildings. The park is perfect for a picnic or a relaxing walk.

Parish of Santa Maria de la Asuncion

The Parish of Santa Maria de la Asuncion is a beautiful church that reflects the town’s colonial heritage. It is the focal point of major events in town, and it is worth exploring the impressive architecture.

Natural Attractions of Tequisquiapan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Los Oasis Water Park

Los Oasis Water Park is a fun place to beat the heat and cool off. With a wave pool, waterslides, and plenty of other attractions, this park is perfect for families and friends looking for an adventurous day out.

La Cañada de la Virgen

La Cañada de la Virgen is a natural reserve with scenic views. It’s a great place to hike or bike and offers a magnificent backdrop of the Sierra Gorda mountains.

Balnearios

Balnearios are natural hot springs that are popular in Tequisquiapan. These hot springs offer a relaxing experience with their therapeutic and medicinal properties.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tequisquiapan

La Cañada de la Virgen

The Cañada de la Virgen is a great hiking and biking route. It’s an ecological park that features a total of 5 trails that range in difficulty level from easy to challenging. Visitors can enjoy scenic views, and there are many areas to stop and take photos along the way.

Best Things to Do in Tequisquiapan: Activities and Tours

Market Day

Market day is an event that happens every Sunday in the town square. Local vendors sell everything from traditional arts and crafts to homemade foods and sweets.

Wine Tour

Wine tours are popular in Tequisquiapan, where visitors can explore the region’s famous vineyards and wineries and sample the local wines.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Hot air balloon rides are a fantastic way to take in the panoramic views of Tequisquiapan and the surrounding countryside. Visitors can book a ride with the many licensed tour operators in town.

Week-Long Itinerary for Tequisquiapan

Day 1: Check out the local town square and soak up the market day atmosphere.

Day 2: Relax at a balneario (hot spring) and taste the local wine.

Day 3: Visit the Cheese and Wine Museum and learn about the town’s gastronomy.

Day 4: Go hiking or biking in La Cañada de la Virgen.

Day 5: Take a hot air balloon ride over the town and surrounding countryside.

Day 6: Explore the historic town and visit the Parish of Santa Maria de la Asuncion.

Day 7: Enjoy a final soak at a balneario and take some souvenirs back home.

Food and Drink Scene of Tequisquiapan

Must-Try Dishes

Tequisquiapan’s cuisine is influenced by the region’s rich agricultural heritage, with traditional foods such as barbacoa, tamales, and enchiladas always on the menu.

Local Beverages

The town’s wine-making industry is renowned throughout Mexico, and its vineyards and wineries offer some of the best tasting varieties of wine. Freshly squeezed juices and fruit-based sodas are also popular with the locals.

Where to Stay in Tequisquiapan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hotel Casa de Vino

This beautiful hotel is located in the center of the town and offers guests a luxurious stay overlooking the town square. The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated.

Posada del Virrey

This colonial-style guesthouse is an ideal choice for those looking for an authentic Mexican experience. The hotel boasts a beautiful garden and a swimming pool.

What to Buy in Tequisquiapan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Cheese and Wine Products

Tequisquiapan is famous for its cheese and wine products. Be sure to bring home some locally made cheese, wine, and honey.

Local Culture and Customs of Tequisquiapan

Tequisquiapan has a rich cultural heritage with the town square serving as a gathering place for the local community. Its locals are friendly and welcoming, and it is easy to connect with them on a personal level.

Best Time to Visit Tequisquiapan

The best time to visit Tequisquiapan is from November to March when the weather is cooler, and there are fewer tourists than during the peak season.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tequisquiapan

Do:

  • Learn some basic Spanish phrases.
  • Try the local food and wine.
  • Make some time for a hot air balloon ride.

Don’t:

  • Wander around the town at night alone.
  • Forget to respect local customs and traditions.
  • Haggle too aggressively in the market.

Safety and Health

Safety in Tequisquiapan

Tequisquiapan is considered to be a safe town for tourists. However, like any other destination in the world, it is always essential to be aware of your surroundings and take safety precautions.

Health in Tequisquiapan

Tropical diseases such as dengue fever and intestinal infections can be common in Mexico. Be sure to pack insect repellent and always drink bottled water.

Getting to Tequisquiapan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Tequisquiapan

Querétaro International Airport is the most convenient airport to reach Tequisquiapan. From there, visitors can take a taxi or rent a car to get to the town’s center.

Bus Stations Near Tequisquiapan

The Querétaro bus station is the closest and most convenient station to Tequisquiapan. Visitors can take a taxi or rent a car from the bus station to get to the town.

Other Options

Visitors can also choose to take a private transfer service from Querétaro International Airport directly to their destination in Tequisquiapan.

How to Get Around in Tequisquiapan

The town is small and easy to explore by foot. Visitors can also rent a bike or a car to explore the surrounding countryside on their own.

Where to Go Next from Tequisquiapan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende is a picturesque town and a popular destination for tourists. With its stunning architecture, vibrant art scene, and rich historic heritage, it is well worth a visit.

Salamanca

Salamanca is a bustling industrial city and is famous for its oil refineries and gas plants. It’s a great place for a day trip to explore the industrial history of Mexico.

Conclusion

Tequisquiapan is a charming colonial town with lots of hidden gems to explore. From its vibrant markets to scenic outdoor adventures, Tequisquiapan has something for everyone. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can plan their trip and make the most of their stay in this beautiful Mexican town.

Plaza Hidalgo in Tequiquiapan, Iglesia Santa Maria in background. Plaza Hidalgo in Tequiquiapan, Iglesia Santa Maria in background. Shops and restaurants line the cobblestone streets. Shops and restaurants line the cobblestone streets. Wicker baskets are a local handicraft. Wicker baskets are a local handicraft.