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Day trip to Peña de Bernal

A DAY TRIP TO PEÑA DE BERNAL

This charming Pueblo Mágico is absolutely breathtaking.  Even though it’s pretty small, you can spend a whole day wandering the streets and enjoying the atmosphere.  Peña de Bernal or San Sebastián de Bernal, is located in the state of Querétaro, just an hour away from the city of Querétaro.  Most tourists come on a day trip with a tour or come out for a day by car.
 
What’s popular about this magical town is it has the world’s third-largest monolith.  It’s the city’s attraction, but the town itself is an attraction too.
 
Here are some things to do on a day trip to Peña de Bernal.

Day Trip To Peña de Bernal

Table of Contents

The Wine And Cheese Trail

The state of Querétaro is the second-largest producer of wine in Mexico after Baja California.  In recent years, the amount of vineyards and wineries has exploded in the state.  Some of the most popular ones are Freixenet, La Redonda, and Viñedos Azteca.  If you are a wine lover, make sure to visit one of these.  If you’ve never been on a wine tour, perhaps you can give it a try.
 
And let’s not forget the cheese!  Various restaurants do cheese tours.  There are so many kinds to try in the region.  I didn’t realize I would like so many of the ones I tried.  I even bought some to take with me.

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    Check Out The Monolith Or Hike It

    Peña is the monolith that Bernal is known for.  You can admire it from the town below or hike the marked trail to get a nice view from above. It’s quite steep, so make sure you go ready to hike.
     
    If you are a bit more of an adventurous hiker, you can scale the side of the monolith with a guide and equipment. It measures over 335 meters (1,099 feet).  The only other monoliths bigger than this are the Rock of Gibraltar and Sugar Loaf in Rio de Janeiro.

    Wander The Streets

    As a Pueblo Mágico, Bernal is quite touristy and gets busy.  Therefore I recommend visiting during the weekday if possible.  Regardless, the town is gorgeous, and the Peña monolith’s backdrop makes it more stunning. In addition, there are many shops and handicrafts you can purchase or browse as you walk along the streets.

    Stop By The Church

    The Parroquia San Sebastian is the church that decorates the small town of Bernal.  You can go inside and take a look, or you can sit outside and admire it as you eat a snack. Behind it, you have an incredible view of Peña.

    What To Eat

    One of the most well-known places for lunch is Gorditas El Negrito.  They are bread-like, corn tortilla-like forms filled with all types of fillings you can choose from.  Two of them will be filling. You can choose from different kinds of meats, and they are delicious.  Pair them with a michelada which the town is also known for, and you’re good for the day!
     
    If you get hungry for a snack later, don’t hold back on trying esquite.  Esquite is corn off of the cob and placed in a cup.  Usually, there are no added flavors.  Instead, add butter, salt, lemon, chili, and mayo.  However, in Peña, they sell esquite with different flavors.

    How To Get There

    If you are in Querétaro and decide to take a day trip to Peña de Bernal, you’ll realize it’s one of the best things to do in the state.  You can visit by tour providing transportation, renting a car to visit, or getting there by bus.  From Central Camionera, you can purchase your ticket at the platform at the Flecha Azul Counter.  A one-way ticket is less than 50 Mexican Pesos.  The trip is a little under an hour.
     
     
    When you are ready to head back to Queretaro, you wait for the bus on the opposite side of where you were dropped off.  You’ll need to be patient and way for the Flecha Amarilla bus to pass by.  You get your ticket from the driver, which again is 50 Mexican Pesos.

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      Where To Stay

      If you are only going for a day trip from Queretaro, then you can stay in the city center of Queretaro. It is the most convenient spot for walking around and getting to the main sites.  I stayed at Septimo Hostel, which also has some great private rooms.  The shared rooms are were as low as 9 USD.  It was only a 15-minute walk to the main areas of the city center.

      What to Pack

      • Water Bottle: This area of Mexico is hot, near 90 degrees. I recommend taking a water bottle that keeps your water cold.
      • Daypack:  I always travel with a small daypack to carry for day trips. It’s perfect for having hands-free and carrying your cash, water, clothes, towels, and extra shoes. I also bring my phone, GoPro, phone charger, and sunscreen.
      • Mirrorless:To capture the best moments and spots with the best quality.
      • Power Bank: It is essential that the cell phone is always charged and this powerbank is a great  option.
      • Sunscreen: It´s good to take care of your skin and eco-friendly.
      • Drone: Your photos and videos with a drone will give you a wider and more wonderful view.

      Travel Booking Resources

      Book Your Flight:

      To find cheap flights, check Skyscanner and Google Flights. These search engines check airlines to find you the best deals.  The more flexibility you have, the better flight deals available.

      Book Your Accommodation:

      Booking.com is my favorite booking site for hotels but it also shows great deals on hostels and apartments. Plus, when you reach Genius Level, you get special discounts, included breakfasts, and upgrades on some hotel rooms. Hostelworld is specifically for budget travelers who enjoy hostels.  This is the best place for finding great options.

      Don’t Forget Travel Insurance and Visa Applications:

      Travel insurance will protect you against theft, injury, illness, and cancellations. Sometimes unexpected things happen during a trip and protections will keep you covered.  Two great options are: Safety Wing and World Nomads. Also, iVisa can help you get a visa if you need one. 

      Book Tours:

      Sometimes the best way to see a place is through tours.  I recommend checking out Get Your Guide for some fun and unique adventures wherever you go. 

      Check out my other travel resources to help you book your trip!

      Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and purchase a product, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Please note I only recommend products and brands that I personally use or have used and believe in. 

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