The State of Queretaro has several diverse archeological sites. The archaeological sites of Ranas and Toluquilla were used as important forts and ceremonial centers in the 16th century by the 'Chichimeca' tribes. These cultures built pyramidal bases, ceremonial areas and plazas that were well adapted to the environment.

Several cultures have influenced Queretaro, such as the Toltecas and Purepechas, the pyramid of the Cerrito, the archaeological zones of Toluquilla, Cadereyta and Colon and the cave paintings of Milpa Vieja and Nopalera. Sculptures, carvings, ceramic handicrafts, pyramids and other structures have all been found in these zones.

The Historic Monuments Zone of Queretaro, has many civil and religious baroque monuments from the 17th and 18th centuries when the Otomi, the Tarasco, the Chichimeca and the Spanish lived together. The town has retained its original street patterns of both native Indian inhabitants and Spanish conquerors.