Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve
Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve
Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve
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TomW1944
Querétaro30 contributions
This is one of the best places to visit in central Mexico, and it is a shame more Americans don't take the time to visit (or maybe it is a good thing?). This is where Brother Junipero Serra built his first five missions in the 18th century before heading to California and building nine more there, including San Diego, Santa Barbara, etc. etc. There are older churches and missions since this area was first visited by the Spanish in the 1530s. For history buffs this is a must see, especially the missions in Tancoyol and Tilaco which are in little villages. Conca is also in a little village but is closer to civilization. Tilaco is my favorite, is not at all tourist oriented, is very clean and well-maintained, and is so far from the main highway that few tourists take the trouble to visit. The others are in larger towns; Jalpan where most folks stay since it has a fairly wide selection of hotels and is centrally located, and Landa de Matamoros which is in a larger town on the main highway to Xilitla and was the last mission completed. Conca was the first.
The Sierra Gorda is also known, among Mexicans at least, as the place for eco-tourism in central Mexico. It has a long list of natural wonders from tropical rain forests to mountain pine forests to hidden waterfalls and caves, to bird sanctuaries, etc. Las Pozas de James in Xilitla is a unique location with surrealistic ruins and statuary hidden away in a tropical jungle, and worth the drive. It could be the setting for the movie Time Machine, futuristic ruins in the even more distant future. Really extraordinary.
There are tours to the Sierra Gorda from Querétaro or you can rent a car and drive the four hours from Qro to Jalpan. Do not drive during the rainy season (April-May to Sept-Oct), use a tour bus instead. Except during Holy Week, Independence Week and Christmas, finding a hotel in Jalpan (also called Jalpan de Serra) is not a problem, but you can also phone ahead if you are the nervous type. Do not expect to be able to reserve a room with a credit card, or to pay with a credit card. Some of the better (cheaper, cleaner, well located, pleasant and best service) hotels do not accept credit cards in Mexico. Also do not expect to get a confirmation number and all that American stuff. Their word is their bond, and I have never been told that my reservation is confirmed and later found out that I had no room. Do not expect you make a real reservation by e-mail or the web, you have to call. But do expect to use your credit or bank card to get cash from machines in most larger towns like Jalpan, Matamoros, Xilitla.
Do not stay at the Hotel Mision Jalpan or Maria del Carmen unless there is nothing at the Sierra Inn or unless you really need to stay in town and cannot stay at the Hotel Conca outside town (need a car). Mision Jalpan and Hotel Conca are way overpriced by Mexican standards (or even American standards). M. del Carmen and Sierra Inn are priced about right, but the first is noisy (if you like a good night's sleep) and directed toward tour buses.
The minimum stay in the Sierra Gorda is two nights to be able to really get a feel for the area; but a 4 or 5 night stay would be better. You can do it in one day and not stay overnight, but the trip is 4 hours each way from Querétaro, and driving at night in the mountains is a definite no-no. There are just too many people and donkeys and cows wandering around, although the road is in great shape. To see all the missions, a one night stay is really necessary, but pushing it; and you will miss the natural wonders and Las Pozas.
The Sierra Gorda is also known, among Mexicans at least, as the place for eco-tourism in central Mexico. It has a long list of natural wonders from tropical rain forests to mountain pine forests to hidden waterfalls and caves, to bird sanctuaries, etc. Las Pozas de James in Xilitla is a unique location with surrealistic ruins and statuary hidden away in a tropical jungle, and worth the drive. It could be the setting for the movie Time Machine, futuristic ruins in the even more distant future. Really extraordinary.
There are tours to the Sierra Gorda from Querétaro or you can rent a car and drive the four hours from Qro to Jalpan. Do not drive during the rainy season (April-May to Sept-Oct), use a tour bus instead. Except during Holy Week, Independence Week and Christmas, finding a hotel in Jalpan (also called Jalpan de Serra) is not a problem, but you can also phone ahead if you are the nervous type. Do not expect to be able to reserve a room with a credit card, or to pay with a credit card. Some of the better (cheaper, cleaner, well located, pleasant and best service) hotels do not accept credit cards in Mexico. Also do not expect to get a confirmation number and all that American stuff. Their word is their bond, and I have never been told that my reservation is confirmed and later found out that I had no room. Do not expect you make a real reservation by e-mail or the web, you have to call. But do expect to use your credit or bank card to get cash from machines in most larger towns like Jalpan, Matamoros, Xilitla.
Do not stay at the Hotel Mision Jalpan or Maria del Carmen unless there is nothing at the Sierra Inn or unless you really need to stay in town and cannot stay at the Hotel Conca outside town (need a car). Mision Jalpan and Hotel Conca are way overpriced by Mexican standards (or even American standards). M. del Carmen and Sierra Inn are priced about right, but the first is noisy (if you like a good night's sleep) and directed toward tour buses.
The minimum stay in the Sierra Gorda is two nights to be able to really get a feel for the area; but a 4 or 5 night stay would be better. You can do it in one day and not stay overnight, but the trip is 4 hours each way from Querétaro, and driving at night in the mountains is a definite no-no. There are just too many people and donkeys and cows wandering around, although the road is in great shape. To see all the missions, a one night stay is really necessary, but pushing it; and you will miss the natural wonders and Las Pozas.
Written 12 April 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alduca
Queretaro13 contributions
The Sierra Gorda Queretana is an excellent place, similar to Chiapas or Catemaco Forests. It is ubicated at the central part of mexico and near from mexico city (about 5 hours) it is provided by several waterfalls, mountains, mexican fauna, eco-sports, hiking, etc.
My experience was only in the Chuveje Waterfalls and a river hiking route into Puente de Dios and The Angostura Canyon.
For both places you can take a cab from any of the near towns as Pinal de Amoles or Jalpan.
Entrance $20 pesos
For Chuveje there is a very easy pad up tu the waterfalls but dont miss to use adecuate footwear for some streams that cross the pad. There are toilets during the route. At the waterfalls you can go swimming and take some pictures. Someone told me that in some seasons this waterfall do not contain so much water...
For Puente de Dios, it´s a good idea to hire one of the childrens that are at the beggining of the pad as your guide, they know each part of the river and the best place to cross it. ($50 to $100 pesos) It last about 1 hour to get to puente de dios but it worths it (2 hours all route). During the route, you can see spectacular places and pass through some small waterfalls and swimm in small pounds formed in the river. Puente de Dios is where all the tours finish as it is an awesome hole made by the river in the middle of mountain. You can pass through it and see some estalactitas as the water is filtrated from the mountain, as well as some extra views after it.
Some pictures atached
My experience was only in the Chuveje Waterfalls and a river hiking route into Puente de Dios and The Angostura Canyon.
For both places you can take a cab from any of the near towns as Pinal de Amoles or Jalpan.
Entrance $20 pesos
For Chuveje there is a very easy pad up tu the waterfalls but dont miss to use adecuate footwear for some streams that cross the pad. There are toilets during the route. At the waterfalls you can go swimming and take some pictures. Someone told me that in some seasons this waterfall do not contain so much water...
For Puente de Dios, it´s a good idea to hire one of the childrens that are at the beggining of the pad as your guide, they know each part of the river and the best place to cross it. ($50 to $100 pesos) It last about 1 hour to get to puente de dios but it worths it (2 hours all route). During the route, you can see spectacular places and pass through some small waterfalls and swimm in small pounds formed in the river. Puente de Dios is where all the tours finish as it is an awesome hole made by the river in the middle of mountain. You can pass through it and see some estalactitas as the water is filtrated from the mountain, as well as some extra views after it.
Some pictures atached
Written 25 July 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ana Maria S
Ottawa, Canada38 contributions
Mar 2016 • Couples
Sierra Gorda Ecotours is the way to go to visit this incredible biosphere in the Mexican Sierra in Queretaro. My husband and I spend three days and two nights discovering cultural and natural sights, surrounded by changes of climates from semi-dessert, oak forest, foggy mountains to exuberant tropical forests. Our local guide Esteban Jimenez explained the history of the area and the various sustainable programs helping the local flora, fauna and its people.
We visited three Franciscan Missions built from 1750 to 1768; slept in comfortable and beautiful adobe cabins; explored rivers, waterfalls and gardens; hiked up Cuatro Palos to reach the highest point at 2727 meters; drove more then 3000 curves; visited the magical gardens of Edward James called Las Pozas; eat local food cooked in open fire stoves and most of all, we met wonderful, friendly, interesting and proud people!
We visited three Franciscan Missions built from 1750 to 1768; slept in comfortable and beautiful adobe cabins; explored rivers, waterfalls and gardens; hiked up Cuatro Palos to reach the highest point at 2727 meters; drove more then 3000 curves; visited the magical gardens of Edward James called Las Pozas; eat local food cooked in open fire stoves and most of all, we met wonderful, friendly, interesting and proud people!
Written 22 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NCTravelingGirl
Charlotte, NC287 contributions
Feb 2016
After my husband and I were invited to stay in a friend's house in San Miguel de Allende last year, I asked her if there was hiking or other outdoor activities nearby as most of our vacations involve those activities. She told me about a couple of places but I also googled hiking in the Mexican central highlands. That is where I found SGE. I contacted the office and corresponded with Juan Garcia who answered all my questions - so I was pleased when we arrived to find that he was our guide! As luck would have it, we were the only ones on that particular Nature tour so had Juan as a PRIVATE guide. he was great. If interested in seeing a beautiful part of Mexico few Americans (or anyone for that matter!) see, I highly recommend this tour. Accommodations are basic but in lovely locations. The food is traditional, lots of tortillas, beans, veggies in sauces, etc- generous portions and good. Juan very generously answered all our questions about every topic under the sun. We hiked some beautiful trails, saw some fascinating sites (such as the sink hole the swifts fly out of at daybreak), and thoroughly enjoyed the small towns we stopped in. Feel free to contact me off site if interested in this tour; I am glad to share.
Written 7 February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rafetraveller
Vancouver39 contributions
Mar 2016 • Couples
We spent an incredible 3 days with our guide Manuel touring the Sierra Gorda. Manuel was professional, dependable, charming, and very knowledgable. Manuel's English was very good, which was terrific as only one of us speaks Spanish.
We visited throughout the valley - waterfalls, lookouts - and gained incredible insights into the lives of the people living there. Highlights were our swims each day, our night in San Juan de los Duran - truly off the grid, seeing 2 million swallows fly out of a cavern, and the magical garden at Xilitla - Edward James amazing creation.
Great value, and truly a different part of Mexico that is well-worth visiting.
We visited throughout the valley - waterfalls, lookouts - and gained incredible insights into the lives of the people living there. Highlights were our swims each day, our night in San Juan de los Duran - truly off the grid, seeing 2 million swallows fly out of a cavern, and the magical garden at Xilitla - Edward James amazing creation.
Great value, and truly a different part of Mexico that is well-worth visiting.
Written 9 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
annikoo
Espoo, Finland16 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
We visited the Sierra Gorda for 4 days over Easter and loved every minute. We drove in from Mexico City, a 5-hour drive on windy mountain roads. The area is scattered with incredible natural wonders, from waterfalls to Franciscan missions hidden in mountain valleys. We stayed in Jalpan which is a good base for exploring the area. We stayed in the new and spotlessly clean Posada Aurora 2 blocks from the main square. In the future I would probably recommend staying in a few different spots overnight because moving from one place to another takes a while due to the mountain roads; there are plenty of things to do also further south near Peñamiller and San JoaquÃn which we unfortunately didn't have time to visit.
We visited all the 5 Franciscan missions, the enchanting former Bucareli mission, El Chuveje waterfall, las Adjuntas where the crossing of two rivers forms natural pools perfect for dipping into on a hot day, did a quadbike tour with the great young guides from Soy Sierra Gorda to the Tancama archeological site and climbed to the Cuatro Palos viewpoint (unfortunately the day was cloudy so we didn't see much, but the place in itself is like being in heaven).
Highly recommend Sierra Gorda for its beautiful nature, the fresh air and magical little archeological and cultural treasures hidden in the valleys.
We visited all the 5 Franciscan missions, the enchanting former Bucareli mission, El Chuveje waterfall, las Adjuntas where the crossing of two rivers forms natural pools perfect for dipping into on a hot day, did a quadbike tour with the great young guides from Soy Sierra Gorda to the Tancama archeological site and climbed to the Cuatro Palos viewpoint (unfortunately the day was cloudy so we didn't see much, but the place in itself is like being in heaven).
Highly recommend Sierra Gorda for its beautiful nature, the fresh air and magical little archeological and cultural treasures hidden in the valleys.
Written 6 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Farafel
Victoria, Canada4 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
Hola: My son and I recently had the pleasure to book a tour of the Sierra Gorda for four days with the Sierra Gorda Eco Tours. Our guide was Juan Manuel Garcia.
We were excited and also a bit nervous as we took the 4.5 hour bus ride from Queretaro, along windy mountainous roads. Upon arrival in Pinal de Amoles we were promptly greeted by Juan, who loaded us and our luggage and drove us to our first destination, Quatro Palos. We were overwhelmed by the incredible views, the clean, fresh air and the hospitality of the fonda ladies. Juan was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable regarding the local flora, fauna, history and ready to answer all of my questions. A fellow birdwatcher, he was always prompt to rendezvous, and also very kind in providing me with a much needed coffee to start our birdwatching day at 630 am.
We travelled with Juan to El Chuveje waterfall, where he let us explore and swim at our leisure, then to the missions at Landa and Conca, the Ayulta River, and on the final day to Xilitla to Las Pozas. Our meals with Juan were always a great time for exchanging information. We visited local cafe initiatives, sponsored by the group, where we were able to taste local foods and chat with the people. We also visited business ventures, the Mariposa Ceramic workshop and the Pura Vida fruit business. It was a great opportunity to be informed and to support the local people.
The tour exceeded our expectations. The area is very special, beautiful and unique. However, what really made the trip the best was having this young man as our guide.
We hope to return soon.
We were excited and also a bit nervous as we took the 4.5 hour bus ride from Queretaro, along windy mountainous roads. Upon arrival in Pinal de Amoles we were promptly greeted by Juan, who loaded us and our luggage and drove us to our first destination, Quatro Palos. We were overwhelmed by the incredible views, the clean, fresh air and the hospitality of the fonda ladies. Juan was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable regarding the local flora, fauna, history and ready to answer all of my questions. A fellow birdwatcher, he was always prompt to rendezvous, and also very kind in providing me with a much needed coffee to start our birdwatching day at 630 am.
We travelled with Juan to El Chuveje waterfall, where he let us explore and swim at our leisure, then to the missions at Landa and Conca, the Ayulta River, and on the final day to Xilitla to Las Pozas. Our meals with Juan were always a great time for exchanging information. We visited local cafe initiatives, sponsored by the group, where we were able to taste local foods and chat with the people. We also visited business ventures, the Mariposa Ceramic workshop and the Pura Vida fruit business. It was a great opportunity to be informed and to support the local people.
The tour exceeded our expectations. The area is very special, beautiful and unique. However, what really made the trip the best was having this young man as our guide.
We hope to return soon.
Written 20 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
big spaniel
Arlington, VA69 contributions
Feb 2016
I took an overnight tour with Sierra Gorda Ecotours. I visited a waterfall and a couple of the old Franciscan missions in the area, as well as taking several short hikes, staying overnight in Jalpan. I never thought about this part of Mexico. It is very mountainous and not heavily-settled. There are five mid 18th-cenutryFranciscan monasteries that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites which are a bit different that other churches in Mexico, and have wonderful facades.
The best part of the tour was the "Ruta del Sabor" -- a network of roadside restaurants run by woman dedicated to the local indigenous cuisine. All the meals were very special and very delicious.
The Sierra Gorda makes a worthwhile side trip for a weekend.
The best part of the tour was the "Ruta del Sabor" -- a network of roadside restaurants run by woman dedicated to the local indigenous cuisine. All the meals were very special and very delicious.
The Sierra Gorda makes a worthwhile side trip for a weekend.
Written 27 February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
flezama2002
Mexico City, Mexico109 contributions
Sierra Gorda eco-system is located in the state of Queretaro/Mexico, driving from Mexico City takes 4 hours of just great views of more than 9 different evo-systems along the road, from desertic to rain forest.
Jalpan is the best town to stay, good Hotels, great food, WiFi and ATM infrastructure - best places from there are:
Jalpan itself - the mission and damp.
Xilitla - Edward James Castle.
The missions route wo/missing the canyons and waterfalls.
Golondrinas and Guacamayas basemnt - a great natural early morning spectacle.
Jalpan is the best town to stay, good Hotels, great food, WiFi and ATM infrastructure - best places from there are:
Jalpan itself - the mission and damp.
Xilitla - Edward James Castle.
The missions route wo/missing the canyons and waterfalls.
Golondrinas and Guacamayas basemnt - a great natural early morning spectacle.
Written 7 January 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karla A
Queretaro City, Mexico69 contributions
May 2018 • Family
One of my favorite places is La Sierra Gorda in Queretaro.
You can’t imagine how beautiful it is.
It is 3 hrs away from Queretaro. If you live in Mexico City, I recommend you to stay for a night in Peña de Bernal and then the next day drive to Pinal de Amoles and make a stop there. On your way to Pinal you will see Puerta del Cielo.
After Pinal the first stop you will make will be Puente de Dios or Chuveje.
Then you have to visit Jalpan and stay there for a night.
Then the next day you have to go to mision Conca and visit all the rivers there.
You can’t imagine how beautiful it is.
It is 3 hrs away from Queretaro. If you live in Mexico City, I recommend you to stay for a night in Peña de Bernal and then the next day drive to Pinal de Amoles and make a stop there. On your way to Pinal you will see Puerta del Cielo.
After Pinal the first stop you will make will be Puente de Dios or Chuveje.
Then you have to visit Jalpan and stay there for a night.
Then the next day you have to go to mision Conca and visit all the rivers there.
Written 29 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi everyone,
Does anyone know if you have to pay an entry fee (particularly for coming in by car) to visit/stay in Sierra Gorda Biosphere? Also, I've heard that it is difficult to get to the cave of swallows driving my yourself and you need a 4x4. Does anyone know about this? Your help would be much appreciated!
Thanks,
Kirsty
Written 6 March 2018
Hola Melivaldi, me gustaria viajar a la sierra gorda pero no se cuando es la temporada de lluvias, sabes cuando es? para poder prevenirme.
saludos
Written 9 October 2017
Hello, I am going to Mex in August, I am worried it will be too rainy and hot in the SIerra. Any thoughts on that concern?
Written 7 May 2017
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