Known as the GREEN JEWEL, this region of Mexico (which is about the size of Rhode Island) finds itself recognized on the list of THE TOP 100 SUSTAINABLE DESTINATIONS IN THE WORLD.
And yet, the vast majority of travelers have never heard of this beautiful rural and rugged offshoot of Mexico’s Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range in the state of Queretaro.
And that’s a good thing!
No Overtourism Here
In an age where the travel industry had to create a new word, Overtourism, it is good that the commercialization of incredible natural areas like this one are still mostly hidden from the mass crowds of tourists.
As welcoming as the local population of this region are to foreigners, they definitely have no interest in expanding their inventory of a handful of rustic cabins and small hotels they have built which are scattered throughout a few inconveniently located rural villages.
Traditions run deep in these isolated pockets of humanity where indigenous languages are still spoken (along with Spanish).
At this time, the people in these small villages have created an infrastructure to accommodate only small groups of curious and adventurous travelers. At the same time, they work to keep their local environment protected from erosion by outside influences and tourism greed.
Rural & Rugged
Located mostly in the eastern area of Querétaro state, the Sierra Gorda Biosphere also extends into the states of San Luis Potosi, Hidalgo, and Guanajuato.
This rural region comprises almost 950,000 acres with high mountain peaks to deep canyons to small narrow valleys. The peaks vary from 650 to upwards of 10,000 feet in altitude. This region occupies close to a third of Queretaro state.
For a comparison, the Sierra Gorda Biosphere is somewhat similar to the type of geography you would encounter in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park located near the Tennessee/North Carolina border in the United States. That national park consists of about 525,000 acres.
Interestingly, the climate in the Sierra Gorda is like two sides of a coin. On the western area of this mountainous range, the land takes on semi-arid conditions. The flipside is that on the eastern edge, the climate drastically does a switcheroo with warm, moist, and humid tropical weather. Interspersed in the higher altitudes, travelers may also encounter forests enveloped in clouds. They call this region a Fog Forest (Bosques de Niebla).
Because of these climatic changes, travelers will encounter a big variety of flora and fauna. Traveling from the west, travelers will first encounter dry sage brush in a desert environment which eventually turns into green forest overgrowth.
Limestone is prominent in this area so large caverns, sinkholes, and caves can be found throughout this huge biosphere. Pristine crystal clear streams also add to the ambiance as they meander throughout the many valleys.
A wide variety of wildlife make their home in this tangle of mountains and valleys. Black bears, toucans, spider monkeys, otters, 650 different kinds of butterflies, many reptiles, and even 300 species of birds all live in this biosphere.
ADVENTURE AWAITS
The terrain provides perfect conditions for a variety of outdoor activities. The most popular are the hiking trails that wind through dense forests and valleys. Some of them ascend to high breathtaking viewpoints. Adventurers can also rappel down waterfalls, swim in the pools below, and explore some of the region’s numerous caves and caverns.
For those who are avid bird watchers, the Sierra Gorda is a paradise. With over 300 species of birds, including rare and endemic species, birding enthusiasts may find themselves excitingly adding to their Bird Life List Journal.
Imagine spotting the striking green feathers of the military macaw or catching a glimpse of the elusive black-polled yellowthroat. For birders, spotting these rarities are the moments which make a trip to this region in eastern Queretaro state an unforgettable experience.
Small Towns in the Biosphere
There are a few bigger towns where travelers can set up their “home base” for daily explorations into Mother Nature’s works of art. Mostly small mom & pop hotels and restaurants are the norm in these towns such as Jalpan de Sierra, Pinal de Amoles, and San Joaquín. Each town has its own charm with cobblestone streets, local markets, and friendly folks who are always willing to share a story or two about the region’s history and traditions.
The Sierra Gorda Biosphere region of Mexico is not for everyone. If visitors are expecting everyone to speak English and prefer to stay in Tesoros-style accommodations, then they will be sorely disappointed. This is rugged outdoor country with few fancy amenities.
Unless travelers plan to stay in the bigger town of Jalpan where there are a handful of 3 star hotels, the accommodations in the smaller towns and villages are mostly rustic cabins with a few small clean and comfortable hotels.
Unique Old Spanish Missions
Because of the difficulty in traversing this rugged topography, the Spanish clergy had a challenge in subduing the indigenous groups to comply with their authority and to convince them to convert to their religious beliefs.
Even though the Spanish conquered Mexico in the early 1500s, it took until the mid- 1700’s before the Franciscan and Augustinian religious orders were able to construct five missions in the Sierra Gorda outback.
All five of these missions stand out prominently because of their very ornate facades. Each one is unique with figures carved into the walls of the front of these churches which relate the stories of saints and Christian ways. In fact, they are so beautiful that in 2003, all five missions were officially recognized as World Heritage Sites.
Each one tells a story not only of religious conquest but also of the blending of cultures. The intricate designs reflect a fusion of indigenous and European artistic traditions with motifs that combine Christian symbols with local flora and fauna.
For those interested in history, art, or architecture, visiting these missions offers a unique glimpse into the past and an appreciation for the cultural crossroads that the Sierra Gorda represents.
Visiting the Sierra Gorda Biosphere is an Escape to the Wilderness
For those looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature, the Sierra Gorda offers an unparalleled experience. It’s a place where you can wake up to the sound of birds singing, spend your days exploring untouched landscapes, and end your evenings under a blanket of stars or fog. It’s a destination that offers both solitude and adventure.
It’s a region of Mexico where you can truly get away from it all.
