Mirador Cuatro Palos
Mirador Cuatro Palos
The Mirador Cuatro Palos is the ideal place to watch the sunrise (or sunset) and is the most recognized attraction in the Sierra Gorda. This viewpoint (mirador) is located at an altitude of 2700m and can be reached by steps that are relatively easy to climb, however, if you’re not used to being at high altitude, this can be a challenge
Your efforts will be rewarded by the phenomenon known as a mar de nubes (sea of clouds). Its name is so evocative that a description is not needed, but you do need to see it with your own eyes.
El Puente de Dios
El Puente de Dios
The Puente de Dios (Bridge of God) is one of the natural wonders of the Sierra Gorda. The limestone bridge was formed by the force of the Escanela River making its way downstream from the higher elevations of Pinal de Amoles. Under the bridge, jets of crystal clear water spray passers-by. There are no comparisons with the Puente de Dios in this world. It is truly unique.
Downriver from the Puente de Dios is the Cañon de la Angostura (Angostura Canyon). To cross the canyon, visitors must climb stairs and traverse a narrow walkway perched above the Escanela River along a vertical wall.
Cascada El Chuveje
CASCADA El Chuveje
El Chuveje is the most spectacular waterfall in the Sierra Gorda of Querétaro. The best time of year to visit is not long after the rainy season. In other destinations of Pinal de Amoles you have to go in groups led by a local guide, but here you are allowed to go without a guide and spend as much time as you like, without being hurried along.
Cueva de los Riscos
Cueva de los Riscos
The Cueva de los Riscos in Pinal de Amoles, Querétaro is one of the most incredible destinations in the Sierra Gorda. In addition to the cave, there are magnificent viewpoints along the route and cactus gardens. The complete tour of the cave takes approximately four hours to complete and you should be in good physical condition. The Cueva de los Riscos is centrally located and close to many other popular destinations.
El Cantón
El Cantón
El Cantón is a “ranchito” located in the municipality of Pinal de Amoles, in the mountains surrounding the Infiernillo Canyon. El Cantón receives its name from the four sides that surround it: Cerro de Juárez, Río del Conejo, Cerro de los Pinos and Santa Águeda. The locals say that the place is "cantonated", that is, in the middle of those four mentioned sites. Near the town are numerous caves, canyons, waterfalls, mountains and forests to explore.
Our long-distance hikes El Legendario and El Avatar pass through El Cantón.
Cerro el Infiernillo
Cerro El Infiernillo
The Cerro El Infiernillo is a short, but steep, climb located near the towns of Santa Águeda and El Cantón in the municipality of Pinal de Amoles. The view from the summit is spectacular and is best visited at sunrise. This hike is not recommended for small children. Our hike El Avatar also visits the summit.
Sauz de Guadalupe
Sauz de Guadalupe
Near the community of Sauz de Guadalupe, in the municipality of Pinal de Amoles, is a magical place where macaws from the Sotano de Barro visit for an afternool meal. You can find these birds flying high above the steep walls of the canyon del infiernillo, near a pool of water formed from the waters that descend from the higher elevations of the Sierra Gorda mountains.
The hike El Avatar passes through Sauz de Guadalupe.
El Sótano del Barro
Sótano del barro
Between the mountains of the Sierra Gorda Queretana, bordering the State of Guanajuato is Santa María de los Cocos, a community in the municipality of Arroyo Seco. With a population of only 394 inhabitants, it is one of the main tourist sites in the municipality of Arroyo Seco due to its main attraction: the Sótano del Barro.
About two hours before sunrise you start the climb to the Sotano del Barro to view the guacamayas (military macaws) as they fly around the opening of this enormous vertical cave.
You need to be in good physical condition to do this hike, but some of the local guides have burros you can ride on.
The hike El Legendario passes through Santa María de los Cocos and visits the Sótano del Barro.