Querétaro Walking Tour The Railroad District and Mezcal Tasting

Step off the usual tourist path + into Querétaro’s historic train-station district, a neighborhood locals once called La Otra Banda—the “other side” of the city. On this thoughtfully paced walking tour, you’ll uncover how railroads, working-class barrios, + cultural reinvention shaped modern Querétaro. Begin where colonial power + Spanish influence set the stage, then cross the river into La Otra Banda + experience the city through food, stories, + spaces rooted in everyday life. Sample beloved regional dishes + tastes of tradition. Along the way, explore former industrial spaces transformed into creative hubs and discover how this once-overlooked area is experiencing a cultural revival. Savor flavors at an exciting new arrival that reimagines classic Mexican seafood dishes, with a modern, elevated touch. The experience culminates with a guided chocolate + mezcal pairing. This tour blends history, food, and storytelling to reveal a side of Querétaro most visitors never see.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   15 min

   We start on the “established side” of colonial Querétaro—towering churches, elite patronage, and Baroque power. You’ll decode dramatic architectural details, hear how patrons shaped the city, and learn how this sacred space later flipped roles—from convent to barracks to revolutionary infrastructure.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   10 min

   Time to fuel up like a rail worker. At this family-run gordita spot, you’ll taste a local classic and learn why humble street food is part of Querétaro’s industrial story.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   5 min

   A surprising stop that shows the neighborhood’s modern creative voice.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   5 min

   We pause on a bridge built during Mexico’s civil-war years and talk about the river as both lifeline and boundary.

5. 5

   Cantina La Casa Verde Desde 1928

   20 min

   Step into one of La Otra Banda’s most iconic cantinas—open since 1928, when train whistles still timed the neighborhood’s daily rhythm. Here, we’ll settle in for a tequila and pair it with classic cantina bites—the kind of simple, satisfying snacks that once fueled rail workers after long shifts.

6. 6

   Antigua Estacion Del Tren

   15 min

   Step into Querétaro’s railroad era at the city’s historic train station—where steam, steel, and modern Mexico arrived. Hear how the tracks connected Querétaro to Mexico City and the border, and how rail workers, telegraph lines, and revolutionary movement reshaped “La Otra Banda.”

7. 7

   Stop 7

   10 min

   Discover one of the quirkiest pocket parks in Querétaro—decorated with thousands of broken plate pieces. Hear how this tiny plaza connects centuries of trade, rail travel, music, and everyday barrio pride.

8. 8

   Historic Center of Santiago de Queretaro

   30 min

   Techol (Upscale Barrio Kitchen) A standout newcomer in La Otra Banda, Techol represents the neighborhood’s culinary reinvention. Here, innovative local chefs reinterpret classic Mexican flavors through seafood-focused, seasonal dishes. We’ll sample a few refined bites inspired by a traditional executive comida—the kind of thoughtful, midday meal fueling Querétaro’s next generation of creatives.

9. 9

   Stop 9

   40 min

   Prepare for a sensory finale. At El Curandero, guests experience a guided chocolate and mezcal pairing that goes far beyond drinking and snacking. Learn how agave and cacao shaped Mesoamerican culture, how mezcal is crafted from wild and cultivated agaves, and how botanicals influence aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel. This tasting is equal parts history, botany, and pleasure—an eye-opening finish that ties together tradition, innovation, and Mexican botanical heritage in every sip and bite.

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• One of the vendors can only be accessed by a spiral staircase.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.