Peña de Bernal, Querétaro. A magic town that rises to the occasion.

Bernal is a small town, with less than 3,000 residents, and thus it’s also one of the smallest Magic Towns in Mexico…which means it is very easy to get around as most of the activity is located in the Main Plaza. Though it’s small, it’s big in a world class / world famous way. Bernal is known for its enormous monolith of massive rock, the Peña de Bernal, the third highest on the planet but the only one that is surrounded by vineyards, a bustling Magic Town, and numerous activities which will keep you busy from morning until night!

In 2005, Bernal was designated a Pueblo Mágico ("Magical Town") by the Mexican Secretariat of Tourism (SECTUR). The Magical Towns are admitted for being localities that have magic symbolic attributes, legends, history, transcendental facts that associate in each of its cultural manifestations, and that today mean a great opportunity for tourism. And yet, while officially established in 1940, the surrounding areas have a history dating back to the 1500’s.

However, if you are planning a trip to Queretaro (the capital of the state by the same name) a visit to Bernal is a must. While the Bernal monolith is always the elephant in the room, it should certainly be on your to-do list. Hiking up to the top of the monolith, which is 1,420 feet high, can be a great daytime adventure. Although it may look daunting, those who have a moderate level of exercise capability should be able to reach the mid level without too much difficulty. However, doing the hike to the top is more challenging, and certainly more difficult and we strongly suggest this be undertaken by one of the many highly capable guides, should always be done with friends or family and always with a good amount of water and resting whenever feeling tired. Once having reached the summit, (or even the mid level) the views are absolutely astounding – and during a clear day, it is not unusual to see distant towns miles away!

After climbing “the rock”, (which by the way is taller than the Rock of Gibraltar or the Sugarloaf in Rio De Janeiro) you will want to rest, and think about lunch or dinner…and Bernal has many choices to offer to you! For a great lunch or early dinner, we recommend you get to the main plaza and just spin around – you will see numerous places to dine.
Additionally, there are some great shops to visit offering everything from handmade pottery, to great jewelry and fabrics stores. And since Bernal is on the Wine and Cheese route, don’t miss the most well known winery in this town – Las Cavas Freixenet. Or if you simply want to sample some great local cheeses along with a great glass of red wine, just about any restaurant will have a great local selection for you to select something that will treat your palate.