Hiking the Pena de Bernal (Mexico)

THE BLOG: https://bbqboy.net/hiking-the-pena-de... Join our Mexico FB Group:   / httpsbbqboy.net   Hiking the Pena de Bernal is the highlight of a visit to the state of Queretaro. The Pena (or “rock’) is a giant monolith, a piece of volcanic rock and the Pena de Bernal is among the 3 largest volcanic rocks (or “monoliths”) in the world.The Peña is considered one of the 13 Natural Wonders of Mexico. The number 1 reason people come to Bernal is to hike up the monolith. That’s what I did. It’s easy and the path is well indicated and well maintained (it’s administered by local authorities and you have to pay a 30 peso fee to hike up. Hours are 8 am to 5 pm). Don’t get intimidated by some of the posts you’ll see on the internet saying that this is a difficult hike. It’s really not. It took me 35 minutes to get to the top and I took my time. You can’t go to the very top of the Peña. That’s only for climbers with proper equipment and a permit. But even at that, you get great views of Bernal and the countryside. This video shows you the hike up. It’s really not that hard. Much more on Bernal here: https://bbqboy.net/visiting-the-puebl... Other Highlights in Bernal 1. A very pretty old town It’s not big – but Bernal’s center is really pretty. The main square is full of trees and greenery and is dominated by a yellow and red church. The surrounding streets are colourful and you’ll find a lot of small restaurants and bars. And looming in the background is the Peña When I think of Bernal I think of 3 things: Pan de Queso “Cheese bread”. It’s a really good pastry filled with light, sweet cheese Gorditas. Corn tortillas stuffed with different fillings. Try to get one stuffed with Nopales. Tuk-tuks – the three-wheeled vehicles you usually see in Asia. I’ve never seen them in Mexico but in Bernal they operate as taxis You’ll see lots of all the above in Bernal. 2. Staying at Cantar del Viento We stayed a night at Cantar del Viento. It was spectacular. It’s a boutique hotel with 6 different villas, all with views looking out at the Peña. My mom and I stayed in Villa de Sol which has 2 bedrooms on 2 floors. Beautiful property, a great little restaurant (we had the Arrachera steaks with a bottle of Mexican wine. Fantastic), all hosted by a wonderful lady (“Tony”). Staying there was one of the highlights of our 3 week trip in Mexico and if you can manage to stay here I recommend you do (book early, they get quite busy). #Bernal #Queretaro #Mexico