Your guide to visiting one of Mexico's best kept secrets and off-the-beaten path destinations.
Set against the forests of the Sierra Gorda biosphere reserve, San Joaquín, Queretaro is one of the least visited pueblo magicos that I have come across! About 3 hours from the city of Queretaro and 1.5 from the next big town (Cadereyta pueblo magico) it is an isolated mountain town but honestly has everything you would want or need. I have been a handful of times because I currently live in the region, so you can take my word for it! If you are like me and feel like most destinations in Mexico have been overrun by international tourists, you will certainly not feel that way here...
ABOUT SAN JOAQUÍN
This beautiful town and municipality in central Mexico has a lot to brag about. For one, they have a gorgeous and extensive archaeological site, Ranas, that has been well-preserved and takes you back in time. Also, San Joaquin hosts the nationwide Huapango competition, bringing youth and adult dancers from all over Mexico! Huapango is a special kind of folkloric music native to central Mexico, typically practiced in the states of Queretaro, Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí, and a little of Puebla, Veracruz, and Tamaulipas. It is very common where I currently live, and typically most big parties and events end the night with a quintessential Huapango group (a trio consisting of a violin, jarana, and guitar) and the whole crowd stomping away. The national contest happens every year in April and it goes for most the night, as dance partners take their turns and try to come out on top! While the pueblo is great year round, this is the one trademark event!
GETTING THERE
If you’re not renting a car, you will have to take a bus here from the Queretaro terminal. They leave every hour, just be prepared for some curvy roads!
THINGS TO DO
1.. Stroll the streets and pop into the market. San Joaquín's downtown is two or three main colorful streets and a plaza by the main church. You can eat for cheap right on the street here, too. You will also want to check out the free Huapango museum to get more context on the dance and music.
2. Visit Ranas Archaeological Zone. This is walkable from the town center (about 45 minutes) or a quick taxi ride. For just 80 pesos, you can spend hours touring this place that is full of small pyramids, oak trees, and Prehispanic ball courts. We loved being able to climb over the majority of the ruins with a very picturesque backdrop. This is the most underrated archaeological zone I have yet to see! On the way back, I recommend you eat lunch at this place that feels like a treehouse and is a great, tasty deal.
3. Visit Grutas Los Herrera. These caves are not very extensive but they are quite beautiful, and just a 20 minute walk from town. I have yet to go, but it is on the list!
4. Stay at Campo Alegre. There isn't a ton of accommodation in this town, so you may have the best luck by staying at this natural camping area just uphill from town. They supposedly host the biggest camp event in Latin America every year, with thousands of campers!
5. Toluquilla Archaeological Zone is only 20 minutes drive from the town center, but I have yet to go because it is seemingly inaccessible by public transit. It is much smaller than Ranas but I hear it is even more peaceful and more off-the-beaten path. One option would be to hire a taxi to get there and back, probably costing about 400 pesos.
6. Cascada Maravillas for the real adventurers! For starters, it is possible to reach on transit by taking a bus from the bus station at 12pm in the direction of Apartadero community. You will get off in the community of Maravillas then have the option to hike to and from the waterfalls, or to ride on the craziest quad moto bike for about 100 pesos. The hike is definitely pretty steep and not particularly scenic, so I recommend the quad! The water was very cold but bright blue, but most the year it is now just a trickle because well, drought! There are also bathrooms, changing areas, and a few chilly pools where you can drink or picnic.
If you are looking for a cool and affordable mountain town in the middle of hot and dry central Mexico, San Joaquín may be just what you're looking for! It has the perfect amount of things to do for a day, or you can take your time and stick around to really live the authentic experience.
THERE'S MORE TO SEE
For other nearby travel spots based in Queretaro, you won't want to miss Tequisquiapan pueblo magico/ wineries, Bernal pueblo magico, Amealco pueblo magico, and the Sierra Gorda biosphere reserve. As always, feel free to comment or reach out for any more questions about traveling Mexico!
