Culture and Traditions
Destinations
Adventure and Nature
Magical Towns
Information
MICE tourism
Colonial Architecture
Adventure
Natural Wonders
Culture and Traditions
Destinations
Adventure and Nature
Magical Towns
Information
MICE tourism
THE CAPITAL OF SIERRA GORDA, MAJESTIC MISSIONS, AND DREAM-LIKE LANDSCAPES
This beautiful town is considered the capital of Sierra Gorda in Querétaro, and the journey to reach it is filled with natural wonders, including forests, mountains, rivers, waterfalls, caves, and semi-desert landscapes.
This charming town has a rich history, dating back to pre-Hispanic times when native people of the Pame culture settled here.
During the colonial era, Franciscan missionaries arrived and built fabulous missions with a unique baroque style, blending the knowledge of the friars with the creativity of the Pame Indians. In fact, these missions are considered UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Jalpan de Serra is located 184 km (approximately 3 hours) from the city of Querétaro and 352 km (about 5 and a half hours) from Mexico City.
Jalpan de Serra
What to See in Jalpan de Serra
Tourist Attractions of Jalpan de Serra
Plaza Principal (Main Plaza)
The picturesque town has a beautiful main square surrounded by historical buildings, including the post office, which once served as Mariano Escobedo's prison during the War of Reform.
Misión del Señor Santiago (Mission)
Another significant structure surrounding the main square is the Mission of Señor Santiago. Built by the Franciscans between 1751 and 1758, it is the first of the five missions founded by Fray Junípero Serra.
The mission features a saffron-colored mortar façade adorned with pomegranates, flowers, leaves, and sculptures of various saints, including San Francisco, Santo Domingo, San Pedro, and San Pablo, among others. An intriguing bicentennial eagle represents the indigenous and Hispanic roots.
Museo Histórico de la Sierra Gorda (Historical Museum)
Located in a former fortress built in 1576, the museum exhibits photographs, diagrams, archaeological pieces, and everyday objects that showcase the artistic, cultural, and historical heritage of Sierra Gorda in Querétaro. It also has a room dedicated to the Biosphere Reserve.
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Tancama Archeological Zone
Nearby, you can visit the Tancama Archeological Zone, where you can admire 42 structures built on terraces amidst beautiful natural scenery.
What to Do in Jalpan de Serra
Select your Adventure in Querétaro
UNMISSABLE EXPERIENCES IN JALPAN DE SERRA
Visit the Tancama Archaeological Zone
Enjoy Extreme Bucareli
Explore the Escanela River
Enjoy Nature Adventures
The surroundings offer various natural attractions, such as Jalpan Dam, perfect for sport fishing, Cueva del Puente de Dios (Bridge of God Cave), an authentic rarity, Cueva del Diablo (Devil's Cave), Sótano del Barro (Mud Cave), and Cueva del Aguacate (Avocado Cave).
Situated amidst the Sierra Gorda, Jalpan de Serra offers diverse adventures, including swimming among waterfalls, biking through the mountains, and hiking to enjoy the scenery on the way to El Salto Waterfall in Pinal de Amoles.
The Sierra's landscapes can also be explored by 4x4 vehicles, quads, or double motorcycles.
Explore a Cave
Another interesting place, located just 3 km from Jalpan, is Cueva del Puente de Dios, which you can reach by walking along the dam's shore. Further on, you can visit Cueva del Agua, which has a more challenging access but is worth it for its captivating rock formations.
Explore other destinations in Querétaro
San Juan del Río
Bernal
Querétaro
San Joaquín
Tequisquiapan
Amealco
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