Queretaro, the capital of the State of Queretaro is located 220 km NW of Mexico City on RF57 and RF45 at an altitude of 1,970m. It perches on Mexico's extensive central plateau. The northern Sierra Gorda mountains, making both desert and pine forest environments, give way to green hillsides, rolling plains and fertile farmland in the southern part of the state.
With a population of 484,500 Queretaro is still one of the most attractive colonial cities. It has played a pivotal role in Mexican history which you can see when you walk through the streets. The early 19th century saw the city as the centre of rebellion against Spain. At one time it was the capital of Mexico when US troops took over Mexico City. The treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, which ceded California, Arizona and New Mexico to the United States, was formulated 1848 at the city's Academy Fine Arts. Emperor Maximilian's last headquarters was in the city as well. The present Mexican constitution was drafted in Queretaro in 1917, and Mexico's dominant political party, the Partido Revolucionario Institucional (PRI), was organised in 1929.
Today Queretaro is a manufacturing centre with many industries on its outskirts. Despite its large industrial base Queretaro maintains its scenic interest. The central section features elegant buildings, shady parks and flower-filled gardens. The cobble stoned streets are narrow but well maintained. The city has a 6 mile 50-foot-high aqueduct, constructed by the Spanish more than 200 years ago. It is still in use.
Return to previous page