San Juan del Río

San Juan del Río is an administrative center in Querétaro state located on Mexico's high plateau at 1922 meters elevation. The city combines industrial and commercial zones with traditional farming areas spread across its sprawling layout.

Fernando de Tapia founded the settlement on June 24, 1531, establishing it as the first Spanish outpost beyond the Valley of Mexico. This founding represented a key step in expanding colonial control northward.

The city is known for its Museum of Death, which occupies a colonial-era building and displays how funeral practices evolved across different periods of Mexican history.

The city offers various ways to move around, including public buses and taxis for getting to different areas. Because the city spreads across several districts, planning your route beforehand makes exploring easier.

The Bridge of History, built in 1711, remains a landmark that once served as a crucial point for trade between Mexico City and northern mining regions. This stone structure shows how the city functioned as a key junction for commerce during colonial times.

GPS coordinates: 20.38705,-100.01196

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:22