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There are an array of things to do in Mexico, with Jalpan sharing quite a few of those!
Bring your senses to life as you explore the hidden gems of Jalpan – an oasis of culture, tradition, and nature.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Jalpan:
1. Convent of Santiago de Jalpan
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Baroque-style convent located in Jalpan de Serra, Mexico.
What to see or do: Admire the stunning Baroque architecture and artwork throughout the convent. Visit the ornate main altar and the beautiful cloisters.
Attend a service at the still-active church.
Don’t miss: The mural paintings in the chapel done by native artists from the Sierra Gorda region. The peaceful gardens and fountains surrounding the convent.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to check the schedule of daily mass in the church before visiting. Arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Take a guided tour to learn more about the fascinating history of the convent and the region.
2. Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve
Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve is a protected area in the state of Queretaro, Mexico.
It boasts a diverse landscape of mountains, valleys, and canyons, making it a prime spot for outdoor activities, wildlife spotting, and eco-tourism.
What to see or do: Explore four different ecosystems within the reserve, including tropical rainforests and desert landscapes. Take a hike to Cascada El Chuveje, a stunning waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.
Go birdwatching to spot over 300 different species of birds, including toucans, parrots, and eagles. Visit the Pueblo Magico of Jalpan, a picturesque colonial town with a beautiful mission church.
Don’t miss: Visit the impressive Sotano de las Golondrinas, a giant sinkhole that drops 1,000 feet straight down and is home to thousands of swallows.
Take a boat ride down the Rio Escanela, a scenic river with towering cliffs and crystal clear waters. See the Puente de Dios, a natural limestone bridge spanning a turquoise river.
Insider travel tips: Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and bug repellent.
Check out the guided tours available through the reserve’s visitor center, which offer educational experiences and assistance in navigating the park’s different areas.
Stay in one of the many eco-lodges or campgrounds within the reserve for an immersive and sustainable experience.
3. Santa Maria del Agua de Landa Mission
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Baroque-style Catholic mission located in Jalpan de Serra, Mexico.
What to see or do: Admire the beautiful architecture and interior decoration, take a guided tour to learn about the history of the mission and the indigenous people who lived in the area.
Don’t miss: The striking façade of the mission, decorated with intricate stone carvings and sculptures depicting biblical scenes and local flora and fauna.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Combine a visit to Santa Maria del Agua de Landa Mission with a trip to nearby missions, like the nearby San Francisco del Valle de Tilaco.
4. Puente de Dios Natural Bridge
Puente de Dios, which means “Bridge of God” in English, is a natural bridge located in the Sierra Gorda biosphere reserve of Jalpan de Serra, Mexico.
What to see or do: Visitors can hike down to explore the crystal-clear pool of water beneath the bridge, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The area also has several hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Don’t miss: Don’t forget to bring your swimwear, as the natural pool beneath the bridge is a must-see. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to spot the diverse wildlife in the surrounding park, including colorful birds, monkeys, and deer.
Insider travel tips: The park can get crowded during peak season, so it’s best to arrive early in the day to avoid the crowds.
Also, wear sturdy shoes for your hike, as the trails can be uneven and rocky. Finally, bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as the area can get hot during the day.
5. Tancoyol Archaeological Site
Tancoyol Archaeological Site is an ancient Mesoamerican settlement in Jalpan, Mexico.
What to see or do: Explore the well-preserved ruins of Tancoyol Archaeological Site, including temple foundations, plazas, and remains of residential areas. Observe the intricate architecture and design of the site that dates back to 250 – 600 CE.
Don’t miss: The most impressive structure at Tancoyol Archaeological Site is the pyramid of Tancama, standing at 65 feet high. Be sure to take a closer look at the intricate carvings and stucco work on this pyramid.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sunscreen, hat, and water as the site is expansive and there is limited shade. Also, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
6. Jalpan Dam
Jalpan Dam is a large water reservoir located in Rajasthan, India.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing and picnicking in the scenic surroundings of the dam.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the stunning views of the sunrise and sunset, reflecting on the water surface of the Jalpan Dam.
Insider travel tips: – Visit during the monsoon season for the best views of the dam.
7. Santa Maria de la Purisima Mission
Santa Maria de la Purisima Mission is a historic church located in the town of Jalpan de Serra in the state of Queretaro, Mexico.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the impressive Baroque architecture of the church, including its ornately decorated façade and bell tower. Inside, there are beautiful frescoes and other intricate details to discover.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of a visit to Santa Maria de la Purisima Mission is seeing the Churrigueresque altarpiece, which is considered to be one of the finest examples of this style in all of Mexico.
Insider travel tips: If possible, try to visit the church during one of the many religious festivals that take place throughout the year, as these provide an opportunity to see the building in use as a place of worship and to experience the vibrant local culture.
Additionally, visitors should be respectful of the religious significance of the site and dress appropriately for their visit.
8. San Francisco de Asis Mission
San Francisco de Asis Mission is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of five historic missions located in the Sierra Gorda region of Queretaro, Mexico.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the ornate Baroque-style architecture of the mission, admire the intricate frescoes that adorn the walls, and learn about the history and culture of the indigenous peoples who once inhabited the area.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the beautiful courtyard with its unique fountain, the intricate carvings on the wooden doors, and the impressive bell tower which dominates the skyline.
Insider travel tips: Try to visit early in the day to beat the crowds and to take advantage of the cooler temperatures. Also, be sure to wear comfortable shoes as the mission is spread out over a large area.
9. Rio Escanela
A lush canyon located in the Sierra Gorda of Queretaro, Mexico that is popular for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and swimming.
What to see or do: Take a dip in the crystal-clear natural pools, explore the canyon walls on a challenging hike, or admire the stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and waterfalls.
Don’t miss: Visiting the Escanela River waterfall, which cascades down 35 meters into a turquoise pool surrounded by lush vegetation.
Insider travel tips: Wear sturdy shoes for hiking and bring bug spray to protect yourself from pesky insects.
The best time to visit is during the dry season (November to April) when the water is clearer for swimming and the trails are easier to navigate.
Additionally, a local guide can help you navigate the area safely and provide insight into the region’s unique flora and fauna.
10. Charco del Ingenio Botanical Garden
Charco del Ingenio Botanical Garden is a beautiful 170-acre ecological reserve located in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. It is a popular spot for nature lovers and bird watchers.
What to see or do: Visitors to Charco del Ingenio can explore the many hiking trails that crisscross the property. There are over 200 different species of plants and cacti, as well as over 80 species of birds.
The garden also features a museum with exhibits on the history of the region, as well as a meditation space and a labyrinth.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of Charco del Ingenio is the stunning view of the canyon and the sunset from the highest point in the garden.
Visitors can also take a guided tour to learn more about the plants and animals living in the reserve.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, as many of the hiking trails can be steep and rocky.
11. El Chuveje Waterfall
El Chuveje Waterfall is a picturesque cascade located in the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve in Jalpan, Mexico.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a moderately strenuous hike to the waterfall and enjoy the stunning natural scenery along the way.
Once at the waterfall, they can bask in the natural beauty of the clear waters cascading down 100 feet into a small pool at the base.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to swim in the refreshing waters of the pool at the base of the waterfall, surrounded by a lush and verdant landscape.
Insider travel tips: – It’s recommended to visit during the rainy season (May to October) when the waterfall is at its most impressive.
12. Misión de San Miguel Arcángel
Misión de San Miguel Arcángel is a historic church and UNESCO World Heritage site in Jalpan, Mexico.
What to see or do: Take a guided tour of the church and learn about its history and significance in the region. Admire the stunning architecture and intricate details of the interior and exterior.
Don’t miss: The peaceful courtyard and gardens surrounding the church, as well as the nearby museum that showcases the culture and history of the indigenous Pame people.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. Wear comfortable shoes as the church grounds are quite large.
Consider exploring more of the Sierra Gorda region while you are in Jalpan.
13. Casa de la Cultura Jalpan
Cultural center in Jalpan de Serra, Mexico.
What to see or do: Attend concerts, theater performances, art exhibits, and workshops on Mexican culture and traditions.
Don’t miss: The stunning mural by renowned artist Juan O’Gorman depicting the history and culture of the Sierra Gorda region.
Insider travel tips: Check the schedule ahead of time and try to catch a performance or workshop during your visit. The center also offers guided tours of the mural and the building’s architecture.
14. Sierra Gorda Ecotours
Sierra Gorda Ecotours is a sustainable tourism company that offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve in Jalpan, Mexico.
What to see or do: Visitors can choose from a variety of activities, including hiking, birdwatching, horseback riding, and cultural tours of local indigenous communities.
The reserve is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including over 300 species of birds, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
Don’t miss: Make sure to check out the Puente de Dios, a natural bridge formed by a river that has carved through the rock over millions of years.
Also, don’t miss the chance to see the impressive waterfalls, including the Cascada El Chuveje.
Insider travel tips: When visiting Sierra Gorda, it’s important to pack comfortable, sturdy shoes and plenty of sunscreen. It’s also recommended to bring insect repellent and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated during your outdoor activities.
Additionally, be sure to respect the local community and their traditions when visiting nearby villages.