Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico
October 24 - November 14 [2021]
And I thought Cartagena was awash in color! Wow, what a pleasant surprise.
Querétaro (pronounced Kar lay ta row) was brought to my attention by a You Tube Traveler researching affordable cities of interest in second and third world countries. Upon first glance, the city met most of my preferred criteria including ideal weather at high elevation, a significant historical presence and a population of one million or less. It was also located in a region that included two other cities on my radar (Guanajuato and San Miguel Allende) so I decided to pay a visit.
Querétaro is one of Mexico’s wealthier cities supported by a robust and diversified manufacturing base. It was officially founded in 1531 near the country's mid point 6000 feet above sea level in a semi-arid landscape reminiscent of those found in old Westerns. In 2006, the historic center was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Aside from an oddly placed Aqueduct and nine significant Cathedrals, the most memorable feature of Queretaro is its color. In fact, you can hardly walk a single block in the historic center without observing a dozen shades of primaries in various degrees of erosion. All of it on display in alternating hues and intensities depending on the time of day and angle of the sun. The entire composition is linked by cobble stone streets and a series of strategically placed open spaces within the city’s traditional grid.
As a general statement, the beauty of Querétaro can not be properly represented with words or photographs so its best to experience the City for yourself. There is no point in flying all the way to Europe when you can enjoy much of the same with a latin twist at a fraction of the price.
On a final note, my Airbnd host family was at the highest level of accomodative excellence and essential component of my positive experience in Querétaro. Their well designed apartment was located in a quiet neighborhood 15 minutes from most sites of interest and they provided accurate information whenever requested. Thanks again, Gustavo, Laura, Arturo and Cecilia!
