Bernal

Bernal is defined by the Peña de Bernal: the striking rock formation is a natural attraction and a sacred place for the Otomí-Chichimecas. The town also has a historic center, museums, regional cuisine and craft traditions. If you are looking for a vacation rental in Bernal, your interests can help determine what kind of trip to plan: Would you like to explore the rock and its activities, discover cultural sites or sample local specialties?

The rock formation and its significance

The Peña de Bernal is considered the third-largest monolith in the world. It is 288 meters high and lies 2,515 meters above sea level. The Peña is believed to be the solidified interior of a volcano, whose remaining parts disappeared through erosion and the passage of time. Rock climbing and mountaineering are possible at the Peña; during the Fiestas de Santa Cruz, a procession makes its way to the summit. The rock is a sacred place for the Otomí-Chichimecas. Traditional rituals celebrated there honor the relationship between people, nature and the cosmos.

The cultural landscape of the Peña de Bernal was recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009. Its full designation is “Places of memory and living traditions of the Otomí-Chichimecas of Tolimán: the Peña de Bernal, guardian of a sacred territory.” This cultural context adds another dimension to the natural landmark: Alongside experiencing the landscape, a visit can also offer an opportunity to learn about Otomí-Chichimeca traditions.

Town life, masks and museums

Villa de Bernal lies at the foot of the Peña. Its streetscape features beautiful portales, uneven cobblestone streets and colorful houses. Inns and restaurants, handicrafts, stalls selling regional snacks and museums add to the town’s character. The historic center is also home to the Capilla de la Santa Cruz and other cultural attractions. Plaza El Mirador in San Sebastián Bernal offers a view of the Peña.

Around 300 exhibits are displayed across three permanent exhibition halls at the Museo de la Máscara. The museum also has a screening room, a playroom and guided tours. The museum has a special connection to the mask-making competition: Since 1987, local artists from Bernal have made masks for it every year on May 2; the museum preserves a collection of these works. The Fiestas de Santa Cruz, held from May 1 to 5, feature a procession to the summit of the Peña, a marathon and a competition for handmade masks. On March 21, thousands of people gather at the Peña for a mystical-religious festival celebrating the spring equinox.

Activities and regional cuisine

Ecoturismo Los Cuervos offers guided safari rides at the base of the Peña. Along the way, the guide explains the area’s history, flora, fauna and legends. Another guided tour takes visitors to a lookout point from which they can watch the sunrise over Bernal and the surrounding area. The experience also includes a traditional cleansing ritual in a steam bath, led by a shaman and accompanied by copal incense and eagle feathers. These experiences offer different ways to explore the area: You can choose to focus on the landscape and nature, local history or a ritual.

Cuisine is also part of Bernal’s character. Traditional dishes include Gorditas martajadas, Gorditas de migajas and gorditas made with cracked corn, served with molcajete salsa. Dulces Bernal makes natillas flavored with coconut, walnut, sesame, amaranth and pine nut. Other offerings include cajeta, camote, coconut sweets, guava and quince paste, palanquetas and garapiñados. Guided museum tours about the history of Querétaro’s traditional sweets are also available there for 25 MXN per person.

Bernal’s streets are lined with craft stalls selling accessories made from quartz, obsidian and other stones, as well as colorful handmade items. Nearby, San Juanito Vitivinícola in the Valle de Bernal offers walks through its vineyards, a look at winemaking in the wine cellar and cava, and guided wine tastings. When choosing a vacation rental, first consider which side of Bernal you want your trip to focus on: the rock, cultural discoveries, regional cuisine or a trip to the vineyards.

More destinations: Arroyo Seco, Vizarron De Montes, Santa Rosa Jáuregui, Cadereyta De Montes, Pinal De Amoles, Ciénaga, Ezequiel Montes, Santiago De Querétaro.

For the overview of the wider travel region: Querétaro.