Sierra Gorda ACTIVE – Active Tour

Querétaro – Bernal

In the morning, you will picked up from your hotel and taken straight to the small colonial village of Bernal in the Sierra Gorda of Querétaro. With professional equipment, you will begin the ascent using anchors the via ferrata to the summit of the 288-meter-high monolith “Peña de Bernal”. It offers breathtaking views over the surrounding area and is the third largest monolith in the world after Ayers Rock in Australia and Sugarloaf Mountain in Brazil. It is said to have magical powers and to ensure a long life to those who make it to the summit. The fabulous views and panorama of the Sierra Gorda of Querétaro compensate for all efforts. Afterwards, you can relax and enjoy the warm sun of Mexico before the most exciting part of the day begins. Rappel down the 60-meter-high vertical rock wall, of course secured by your guide. At the end of the tour, you will have the opportunity to get to know Bernal by yourself and to have two or three of the famous Gorditas (corn patties with your choice of filling) for lunch (optional). Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Puente de Dios – Jalpan de Serra

After breakfast, continue to Rio Escanela (approx. 3-hour-drive), where you can enjoy an approx. 2 1/2-hour-walk hike along and through the crystal clear turquoise river. It leads you the the beautiful Puente de Dios (God´s Brigde), a naturally formed bridge across the river. Once you arrive, you can cool off in the natural pools (during the summer months). Afterwards, you will continue to Jalpan where you will have lunch (optional) and some time to explore the city. Learn all about the pre-Hispanic culture of the Sierra Gorda as well as the Fransiscan missions. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Xilitla – Sótano de las Huahuas – Xilitla

After a traditional breakfast, you will spend an unforgettable day in Xilitla. Visit the excentric Edward James Castle, which is a fascinating collection of surreal buildings and constructions hidden in the middle of the jungle. These architectural structures were inspired by artists such as Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso. After exploring the gardens and structures, you will have some free time to cool off or relax in the natural pools and waterfalls that are part of the castle (during the summer months). In the late afternoon, you will hike to the Sótano de las Huahuas, an impressive funnel-shaped gorge, home to the Huahua bird species which is similar to a sparrow. At sunset the birds return in large numbers to the gorge to spend the night and the spectacle is a unique experience. Afterwards, you will be taken to your small hotel in Xilitla where you spend the night. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel & lunch box)

Landa de Matamoros – Ayutla – Jalpan de Serra

After breakfast, you will visit architectural sights, such as the Franciscan Missions in Landa de Matamoros and Tilaco. The five Franciscan missions of the Sierra Gorda were built during the final phase of the Christian faith conversion in Mexico in the mid-18th century and became an important reference point in the subsequent evangelization of California, Arizona and Texas. The lavishly decorated facades of the churches are interesting as they reflect the creative collaboration of missionaries and natives. Afterwards you are taken to the two rivers of Santa Maria and Ayutla. This is the most adventurous part of your Sierra Gorda tour! Challenge your deepest fears and overcome the rapids and bumps of the river with a tube. You have time to relax and enjoy the extraordinary clear water. After relaxing in the beautiful surroundings, continue to your hotel in Jalpan. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

El Chuveje – Mirador de Cuatro Palos – Querétaro

In the morning, you will be picked up and taken to the waterfall “El Chuveje”. After a short hike, you will reach the breathtaking waterfall, which is surrounded by turquoise blue water. You can cool off in the natural pools (in the summer months) before returning to Querétaro where your journey ends, you will still make a stop at the “Mirador de 4 Palos”, located in one of the highest and most spectacular mountain ridges of the Sierra Gorda. At the top of Cerro de la Media Luna, oak forests meet semi-desert and you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views. At the end of the day, you are returned to your hotel in Querétaro. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

All activities can be adapted to your wishes, needs and physical fitness, but a good physical condition is required.