2-Day Sierra Gorda Adventure: Tubing & Hiking from Querétaro

5.00

(3 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

Early morning in Santiago de Querétaro, the city’s still waking up as we meet our guide—Miguel, always with that easy grin—either at the office or right at our hotel. There’s coffee in the air and a bit of nervous excitement; I remember double-checking my backpack for socks and sunscreen. After a quick intro talk (Miguel’s stories about past groups are half the fun), we pile into the van and head out. The road winds through hills dotted with nopales and wildflowers, and before long, we’re deep in the Sierra Gorda.

The first stop? A forested canyon where you can actually hear the waterfall before you see it. We gear up for a 45-meter rappel—honestly, my hands were shaking a bit as I clipped in. The air down there is cool and smells like wet stone and moss. Once at the bottom, there’s this rush of relief mixed with awe; sunlight filters through the trees onto the water spray. Lunch comes just when you need it: homemade gorditas stuffed with beans and cactus, eaten at a shaded picnic table while cicadas buzz around us.

Later, we drive to Jalpan de Serra—a town that feels like it’s paused in time. The Franciscan mission stands out against the plaza; locals gather by tiny shops selling pan dulce. We stroll down to Jalpan Dam as dusk settles in, watching herons skim across the water. That night, I crashed early at a small inn (you’ll either stay here or in Concá), lulled by distant music from someone’s radio.

Day two kicks off with breakfast—eggs rancheros if you’re lucky—before heading to the river for tubing. Those big rubber tubes look goofy but they’re perfect for bouncing along about three kilometers of river bends. The water’s cold enough to wake you up fast! Sometimes you’ll spot kingfishers darting overhead or hear frogs croaking from muddy banks. There are moments of calm drifting followed by bursts of laughter as we hit little rapids.

Before lunch, there’s time for a short hike to some turquoise pools tucked away behind tall grasses. Some folks jump right in; others just dangle their feet and watch dragonflies hover above the surface. It’s peaceful here—just birdsong and splashing—and honestly hard to leave when it’s time to pack up for home.