Sierra gorda de querétaro: viaje en auto para conocer una joya
Sierra Gorda de Querétaro: a road trip through unforgettable landscapes
The Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve is one of Mexico's most important natural areas and a true green lung in the heart of the country. Much of this reserve extends across the state of Querétaro and represents the area with the greatest ecological richness and biodiversity in the entire region.
The landscapes of the Sierra Gorda de Querétaro will immediately dazzle you, as will the state's gems such as the Puente de Dios bridge over the Escanela River, the Chuveje waterfall, and the crystal-clear rivers of Concá. This natural paradise is the perfect setting if you are looking for outdoor activities, ecotourism, hiking, or simply a getaway in nature.
In addition to its scenic beauty, the Sierra Gorda of Querétaro is an example of sustainable tourism, where both local communities and visitors work together to protect their environmental heritage.
How to get to the Sierra Gorda?
If you are planning your trip and want to know how to get to the Sierra Gorda, the best option is to travel by car from the city of Querétaro. The journey takes around 3.5 hours, depending on your final destination, as the region covers several municipalities. Some of the most recommended scenic routes depart for Pinal de Amoles, Jalpan de Serra, or Landa de Matamoros. For greater comfort and flexibility, consider renting a car in Querétaro. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy incredible landscapes along the way.
When is the best time to visit Sierra Gorda? The best time to visit Sierra Gorda de Querétaro is between October and March, when the weather is cool and dry, ideal for hiking and exploring. However, if you want to see its greenest and most vibrant landscapes, choose the rainy months (June to September), although you should take precautions on the road.
What to do in Sierra Gorda? Jalpan de Serra If your goal is to get to know the Sierra Gorda of Querétaro in depth, the Magical Town of Jalpan de Serra is the perfect place to set up your base. From here, you can organize daily tours to the main natural, cultural, and archaeological attractions of the region. There's nothing better than renting a car to get the most out of everything this region has to offer: travel in comfort, flexibility, and safety. Jalpan has a wide range of accommodation options: from budget hotels, glamping sites, and campsites next to the dam to more comfortable options. You'll also find restaurants serving traditional Mexican cuisine, pharmacies, shops, auto repair shops, and all the services you need for your trip. Escanela River and Puente de Dios One of the most impressive landscapes in the Sierra Gorda de Querétaro is the Escanela River, with its crystal clear waters and jungle surroundings, ideal if you like hiking and adventure. This route takes you to Puente de Dios, a natural cave with a waterfall. Here's how to get to the Escanela River: From Pinal de Amoles, take Federal Highway 120 towards Jalpan de Serra. At kilometer 155, there is a dirt road turnoff that leads to the river. It is 5 kilometers to the base, where you will find shops and restrooms. From there, begin a 40-minute hike following the riverbed. Keep in mind that during the dry season, the route is accessible, but during the rainy season, the water level rises significantly, making it difficult to pass. Concá River The Concá River runs through part of the municipality of Arroyo Seco and is ideal for families, as its waters are shallower and calmer. The town of Concá is small but charming, with a Franciscan mission and deep-rooted traditions. Pinal de Amoles One of the most charming corners of the Sierra Gorda in Querétaro is Pinal de Amoles. With its typical red roofs and surrounded by coniferous forests, this mountain village is ideal if you want a getaway filled with nature, history, and adventure. It is located in one of the highest areas of the region, which gives it a cool climate all year round. In the surrounding area, you will find camping areas, springs, and the Extoraz and Escanela rivers. Cuatro Palos Viewpoint If you are planning a visit to the Sierra Gorda de Querétaro, another place you cannot miss is the Cuatro Palos Viewpoint, which will treat you to spectacular sunrises among the mountains. To get the most out of this experience, you'll need to get up early, dress warmly, and have your camera ready: the first rays of sun offer views that look like something out of a postcard.
The adventure begins with a hike along a trail that leads to one of the highest points in the region, located at 2,727 meters above sea level. From there, the landscape is simply breathtaking: you can admire the sea of clouds, observe Cerro de la Media Luna, and make out the silhouettes of the Querétaro semi-desert and the coniferous forests that cover this nature reserve. Las Adjuntas Just 16 miles from Jalpan de Serra, on Highway 69 towards Concá and Río Verde, is one of the most curious and beautiful sites in the Sierra Gorda de Querétaro: Las Adjuntas. This site is located on the Ayutla Bridge, right where two rivers—the Ayutla and the Santa María—converge. Although they join in the same channel, their waters remain separate due to their different temperatures and compositions. From the bridge, on the left side, you can clearly see the moment of union; on the right, you will see how the waters remain together but visually separated, in a kind of natural border that seems to have been drawn by hand. The most impressive thing about Las Adjuntas is the visual contrast: the Ayutla River, with its cold water, is crystal clear and blue, while the Santa María River, which is warmer, has a cloudier tone. If you want to visit this site, take Highway 69 from Jalpan towards Concá and Río Verde. When you reach kilometer 26, right at the Ayutla Bridge, you will have arrived at your destination. You can park after the bridge and walk down to the banks of the Ayutla River, where there is pedestrian access to the confluence area. Chuveje Waterfall Located 22 km from Pinal de Amoles, on the way to Jalpan de Serra, the Chuveje Waterfall is one of the most accessible and family-friendly natural destinations in the Sierra Gorda of Querétaro. To get there, take Highway 120 and then a 4-kilometer dirt road that leads to the park entrance. After paying a nominal fee, you begin a 30-minute walk along a trail surrounded by trees and small waterfalls, which runs alongside the river until you reach this impressive 50-meter-high waterfall. Although swimming is not allowed in order to protect the local wildlife, you can enjoy the scenery, cool off, and relax to the sound of the water. This is an ideal place for hiking, bird watching, or simply disconnecting.
The 5 Missions of the Sierra Gorda Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Franciscan missions of the Sierra Gorda de Querétaro are architectural gems from the 18th century, built between 1751 and 1766 by Fray Junípero Serra. Their fusion of Christian and indigenous symbolism makes them a unique testimony to cultural fusion.
Jalpan Mission (Temple of Señor Santiago) Landa Mission (Temple of the Immaculate Conception) Tilaco Mission (Temple of St. Francis of Assisi) Tancoyol Mission (Temple of Our Lady of Light) Concá Mission (Temple of Saint Michael the Archangel)
The Sierra Gorda de Querétaro is one of those destinations that has it all: nature, culture, history, and adventure. If you are looking for natural tourist attractions in Querétaro, choose this tour and prepare to be amazed at every turn. Reserve your car at Hertz Mexico!