The state capital and largest city in the region is well worth a visit. Santiago de Queretaro is a spectacular blend between colonial and modern Mexico. Boasting the largest mall in Latin America, Antea Lifestyle Center is a shopping and entertainment mecca that will keep you busy for hours. Queretaro is a proper city. Sights not to be missed in the Centro are the Templo de San Agustin, the Templo y Convento de la Santa Cruz, the Templo de Nuestra Señora del Carmen, the Cathedral of Queretaro and the Parroquia de Santiago. As you drive around the city make sure you spot Los Arcos, the famous aqueduct that supplied the city with water in the 18th century.
Explore the town where Dominik used to visit his grandparents during weekend getaways from Mexico City. Tequisquiapan is known for its mineral spas and well preserved Spanish colonial buildings lining its cobbled streets. The pink neoclassical Santa Maria de la Asuncion church is not to be missed! Have breakfast, lunch or a glass of wine at the historic Hotel Maridelfi. Stroll through the local market as well as some of the artisanal shops and don’t forget to get a deliciously refreshing ‘paleta’ (sorbet popsicle) at paleteria La Michoacana.
Get up early and join a wine and cheese tour. You are in the heart of central Mexico’s wine country. Visit cava de quesos Bocanegra and enjoy a variety of sumptuous cheeses paired with wine or craft beer. Three of the best vineyards in the region are Viñedos La Redonda, Finca Sala Vivé by Freixenet and Viñedos Azteca. All three are excellent options for a crisp glass of white wine in the early afternoon.
Better known as ‘Bernal’ and recognized as a ‘pueblo mágico’, or magic town, San Sebastian Bernal is the quintessential central Mexico day trip. Small, very calm and peaceful it’s the perfect getaway. Explore the quaint streets (window) shopping local arts and crafts and don’t forget to try some of the local candies. If you are feeling hungry, El Arrayan is the best restaurant in town. The Templo San Sebastian Bernal, framed by the Peña de Bernal monolith is the perfect spot for a selfie. Bring comfortable shoes as no visit to Bernal is complete without a hike up Peña de Bernal, one of the 3 largest monoliths in the world.
If you are up for a serious day trip, SMdA is probably the most renowned destination in the region. About a 1.5-hour drive north of San Juan del Rio/Queretaro, San Miguel de Allende is known for its baroque Spanish architecture and thriving arts scene. The neo-Gothic church Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel, whose pink towers rise above the town’s center, is not to be missed. Don’t forget to visit the artisan market (mercado de artesanias). Wander the intimate streets, buy a Mexican memento at Azul Cobalto or Casa Maxwell, eat delectable fish tacos at Pescau, try a tequila tasting at the exclusive Casa Dragones and don’t miss the stunning view from the rooftop terrace at the Rosewood Hotel (#selfie)
This is the venue for all of the weekend's wedding events!