Population: 523,800
Elevation: 5779 ft

The elegant city of Santiago de Querétaro tends to be bypassed by visitors as they travel north from Mexico City. A couple of days spent exploring the sumptuous colonial architecture will reward the visitor with unforgettable memories.

The city of Querétaro is one of the Mexico’s most developed and industrialized cities and has also been the stage for some of the most crucial events in modern Mexican history. Despite its dramatic history, Querétaro retains a discreet colonial atmosphere reminiscent of times when the city flourished as an elegant residence for young novices and silver entrepreneurs.

The city has undergone a standard of restoration over the last few years, to demonstrate its “outstanding universal value and an exceptional example of a colonial town whose layout symbolizes its multi-ethnic population." As stated by the UNESCO committee upon nominating the city a World Heritage Site in 1996. At which time the name was officially changed back to Santiago de Querétaro.

Santiago de Querétaro was granted its name by the Viceroy Duke of Albuquerque in 1656. Its name was later confirmed in 1712 by King Felipe V, and it was considered the third most important city of the Viceroyalty during the 18th century.

The city now offers a service called "Explore Querétaro". This service provides visitors with a new way of seeing the city's most distnguished buildings, monuments, squares and gardens. "Explore Querétaro" now offers a 19th century style trolley ride troughout the city. Giving visitors the opportunity to learn about the history, legends and traditions that Querétaro has to offer.