Exploring the charming towns of Tequisquiapan and San Sebastián de Bernal from Santiago de Querétaro promises a delightful day trip for travelers. This 10-hour adventure offers a chance to indulge in the region’s renowned cheese and wine, with a guided vineyard tour revealing the winemaking process. Visitors can also enjoy the local culture and artisan markets, creating a truly memorable experience. Whether you’re a food and wine enthusiast or simply seeking to discover the enchanting magic towns, this day trip provides a well-rounded glimpse into the unique offerings of this picturesque part of Mexico.

This experience made our list of the 10 Best Wine Tours In Santiago De Queretaro.

Key Points

From Santiago De Querétaro: Cheese, Wine, and Towns Day Trip - Key Points

  • A day trip from Santiago de Querétaro to Tequisquiapan and San Sebastián de Bernal, showcasing local cheese, wine, and the charm of these magic towns.
  • Includes a visit to a cheese shop for a tasting of 14 unique cheeses, accompanied by two glasses of Querétaro wine.
  • Offers a guided tour of a local vineyard to learn about the wine production process, with additional wine tasting.
  • Provides free time to explore the picturesque architecture, local culture, and artisan markets in the magic towns.
  • Priced at €70.13 per person, with a duration of 10 hours and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

From Santiago De Querétaro: Cheese, Wine, and Towns Day Trip - Tour Overview

This day trip from Santiago de Querétaro takes visitors to the charming towns of Tequisquiapan and San Sebastián de Bernal.

Priced at €70.13 per person, the 10-hour tour is conducted in Spanish. Travelers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour departs at 9 AM from the Corregidora monument, returning at 7 PM. Highlights include visiting a cheese shop for a guided tasting of 14 cheeses with two glasses of Querétaro wine, touring a vineyard to learn about wine production, and exploring the picturesque magic towns at leisure.

Transportation, travel insurance, and other inclusions are provided, though the tour isn’t suitable for certain groups.

Itinerary Highlights

From Santiago De Querétaro: Cheese, Wine, and Towns Day Trip - Itinerary Highlights

While on the day trip from Santiago de Querétaro, visitors can look forward to several exciting highlights.

The tour includes a visit to the renowned cheese shop, La Mexicana, where you will have the opportunity to taste 14 different cheeses accompanied by two glasses of Querétaro wine, guided by a knowledgeable sommelier.

Plus, the trip involves a tour of a local vineyard, where guests can learn about the winemaking process from sowing to the final product, complete with a wine tasting.

Cheese and Wine Tasting

From Santiago De Querétaro: Cheese, Wine, and Towns Day Trip - Cheese and Wine Tasting

Visitors to the day trip from Santiago de Querétaro can look forward to an indulgent cheese and wine tasting experience at the renowned La Mexicana cheese shop.

Led by a knowledgeable sommelier, you will sample 14 unique cheeses from the region, accompanied by two glasses of Querétaro wine. This guided tasting allows guests to discover the flavors and nuances of the local cheese and wine pairings.

The tour also includes a visit to a nearby vineyard, where travelers can learn about the wine production process from planting to bottling, followed by an additional wine tasting.

These culinary highlights offer a well-rounded appreciation for the gastronomic delights of the Querétaro region.

Vineyard Tour

The tour also takes visitors to a nearby vineyard, where they can explore the intricate process of wine production.

Guests will learn about the journey from grape to glass, with an expert guide leading them through the various stages:

  • Sowing and cultivating the grapes
  • Harvesting and crushing the fruit
  • Fermentation and aging in oak barrels
  • Bottling and labeling the final product

The wine tasting is included, allowing participants to savor the fruits of the vineyard’s labor.

This hands-on experience provides a deeper appreciation for the artistry and care that goes into crafting the region’s renowned wines.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Exploring the Magic Towns

After seeing the wine and cheese tastings, the day trip participants explore the charm of the "magic towns" of San Sebastián de Bernal and Tequisquiapan.

They wander through the picturesque streets, admiring the colonial architecture and vibrant local culture. In Bernal, the iconic Peña de Bernal, a striking rock formation, stands tall, drawing visitors to this quaint town.

Meanwhile, Tequisquiapan captivates with its lively plaza, historic churches, and artisan markets, where travelers can browse unique handicrafts and sample regional delicacies.

With free time to discover these enchanting destinations, the participants gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and traditions of central Mexico.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes transportation, travel insurance, cheese and wine tastings, entrance tickets, a tour guide, hotel pickups and drop-offs, and gratuities.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for:

  • Children under 12
  • People with mobility impairments
  • Wheelchair users

Participants should bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, water, and cash.

Pets, weapons, oversized luggage, baby strollers, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed on the tour.

Important Information

As specified, participants should meet at the Monument of the Corregidora, where they should look for the "Me Gusta Queretaro" logo on the van. Attendees are advised to bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, and water. Cash is also recommended. The tour prohibits pets, weapons, oversized luggage, baby strollers, alcohol, and drugs.

What to Bring What’s Not Allowed
Passport or ID Pets
Comfortable shoes Weapons
Sunglasses Oversized luggage
Sun hat Baby strollers
Sunscreen Alcohol
Water Drugs

The tour’s meeting point and these guidelines ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Customer Feedback

From Santiago De Querétaro: Cheese, Wine, and Towns Day Trip - Customer Feedback

According to customer reviews, the overall rating for this day trip is 4.4 out of 5 based on 51 reviews.

Travelers were particularly pleased with the transportation, giving it a 4.7/5 rating, and the overall value for money, which scored 4.3/5.

Positive feedback highlighted the good organization, accommodating guides, and enjoyable cheese tastings, though some customers desired more wine variety.

Some participants also noted discrepancies in the pickup location, which the tour operator may wish to address.

  • Positive feedback on transportation (4.7/5) and value for money (4.3/5)
  • Good organization, accommodating guides, and enjoyable cheese tastings
  • Some customers desired more wine variety and noted discrepancies in pickup location

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Visit Other Attractions During the Tour?

The tour focuses on visiting a cheese shop, a vineyard, and the magic towns of San Sebastián de Bernal and Tequisquiapan. Additional attractions aren’t included, but participants have free time to explore local sights in those towns.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?

No, the tour doesn’t offer any discounts for seniors or students. The price of €70.13 per person is fixed and applies to all participants regardless of age or student status.

Can We Take a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, the tour can be arranged as a private tour instead of a group tour. Pricing and availability for a private tour may differ from the standard group tour option, so clients should inquire directly with the tour operator.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Location?

The tour spends around 2 hours at the cheese shop, 1.5 hours at the vineyard, and 1.5-2 hours exploring each of the two magic towns, Tequisquiapan and San Sebastián de Bernal. The exact time allocation may vary slightly.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Tastings?

The tour does not specify dietary restrictions for the cheese and wine tastings. However, participants are advised to contact the tour operator in advance if they have any special dietary needs or allergies.

Recap

This day trip from Santiago de Querétaro offers a delightful blend of cheese, wine, and charming small towns. Visitors can savor a tasting of 14 local cheeses paired with Querétaro wine, explore a vineyard, and enjoy the vibrant culture and artisan markets of Tequisquiapan and San Sebastián de Bernal. It’s a well-rounded experience that captures the essence of the region’s culinary and cultural treasures.

You can check if your dates are available here: