Last Updated on September 5, 2021 by Natalie
If you’re looking for cool places to visit in Queretaro, Mexico, I recommend checking out the acueducto Queretaro or the Queretaro aqueduct and viewing it from Mirador de los Arcos. It’s a special site that is distinctly Queretaro. Let’s check it out!
Queretaro Aqueduct (Acueducto Queretaro)
One thing that I found really cool about Queretaro during my house hunting visit was that you can see the Aqueduct when you are driving though the city. In fact, I spent four years knowing that the Acueducto de Queretaro existed and I didn’t know there was a viewing area.
The aqueduct is part of the historic center if the city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Additionally, the American Society of Civil Engineers designated the aqueduct as International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark (source).
Here are additional day trips from Queretaro to add to your itinerary!
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Distinctly Queretaro, the Queretaro aqueduct is worth a visit!
Visiting the Mirador de los Arcos
The viewing area is called Mirador de los Arcos and I recommend finding your way there. It’s accessible by car and there are parking spots (though, it’s possible those will be at a premium during busy hours). We went on a weekday morning and there were parking spots available.
Another way to access this is via the Tranvia.
Once we parked, we walked up to the viewing platform. It was pretty and clean and not at all crowded on a weekday afternoon in July. The view was pretty, even on a rare overcast day. We took several photos, a little video, and then walked across the street to check out the vendors that were set up. This is a decent place to buy trinkets and souvenirs.
There is also a beautiful church behind the vendors. The gates were closed and locked, so I admired the church and the grounds from afar.
After we felt that we’d seen everything the Mirador de los Arcos has to offer, we walked back towards our car. However, we decided to go past that and walk down closer to the street. It’s a busy street, so be cautious if you try to cross it. Without crossing the street, you can see part of the aqueduct up close. It’s a different perspective from seeing it from above. It’s old and breathtaking.
If you’re planning a visit on your own, you probably will only need an hour or less, depending on the crowds at the time of your visit.
From top left: A street view of the arches. A vendor’s set up across the street from the viewing platform. Middle left: Viewing platform with the aqueduct visible in the background. Another close up of the arches. Bottom: The aqueduct as viewed from the platform above.
A brief history of the Aqueduct Queretaro, Mexico
The aqueduct is an 18th century marvel. It is 4,2000 feet long with 74 arches. On average, the arches reach a height of 94 feet (a different source says the tallest reaches 75 feet). In 1738, the 12 year construction was finished and the aqueduct began providing clean drinking water to the city of Queretaro. The water came from the Ojo de Ague del Capulin spring, a spring that was almost 6 miles from the city center (in the town of San Pedro de la Canada).
Though the aqueduct is no longer in use, it served the residents of Queretaro for over 230 years, until 1970. It’s an amazing piece of history that stand prominently and proudly within the skyline of Santiago de Queretaro.
Your (somewhat) fearless author, posing in front of the Aqueduct (far background). A smile is on her face!
How to find the Mirador de Los Arcos
Address:
Ejército Republicano 47
La Santa Cruz, La Pastora
Santiago de Querétaro, Qro 76025
Click here or on the photo to see the map.
In conclusion
If you’re spending time in Queretaro, make sure to give yourself an hour at this lovely destination. Though it’s small and can be seen quickly, it’s a picturesque spot worthy of a visit. Additionally, during the daytime hours, you can pick up some souvenirs and some food from local vendors.
Have you visited the Quertaro aqueduct? The best feedback comes from readers. Please leave a comment with your suggestions or questions!
