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Destinations 2012

Querétaro  

 

   2012
     
Tequisquiapan is located in the south-central part of Mexico, in the state of Querétaro, approximately 2 hours from Mexico City. It is famous for its thermal waters primarily, but also for its beautiful colonial architecture and streets, and its production of wine and cheese. The three-day festival of cheese and wine is held in the vineyards of the area during the first weeks of May in the central plaza. Before the Spanish conquistadors arrived and introduced cheese and wine to the area in the 1500s, Tequisquiapan was inhabited by the Nahua and Chichimeca people and referred to as “Tequesquiatlapan,” meaning “river with carbonated water.”

With a population of approximately 55,000 habitants, it is the fourth-largest community in the state. It is a weekend tourist site for many Mexico City residents and Europeans because of its plazas, pedestrian walkways, art galleries, street performances, outdoor cafes, and sparkling thermal waters.

Its location in the heart of Mexico provides an ideal climate year-round with warm, sunny days and cool nights. The average temperature year-round is in the mid 60s, and rarely goes below 50F.		  

 

History 
Before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, the area now occupied by what's now the town of Tequisquiapan was commonly known as "Tequesquiatlapan," meaning "River with carbon    

According to local chronicler Jesús Landaverde Chávez, the lords of Jilotepec frequented the natural springs and fountains of Tequisquiapan only during very special occasions. Upon arriving , they would take a bath in the thermal waters of one of its numerous springs, during which they would deal with affairs of state and settle mild disputes among themselves.

  
Culture
Tequisquiapan is especially noted for its wines and cheeses, two entirely "new" foods that first made their appearance in the Americas with the arrival of the Spanish Conquistadors in 1521. It was during Mexico's colonial period, in what today is the State of Querétaro, that the planting of grapevines and the culture of wine making was first attempted and eventually took hold. The Spanish conquistadors also brought cows, sheep and goats to the New World in 1492. During the first weeks of May, the vineyards of the area meet in the central plaza for the Festival del Queso y del Vino. It consists of a three day wine and cheese tasting. This festival attracts many tourists each season.