Peña de Bernal is a towering rock formation that has become a place of pilgrimage because of the quaint chapel located halfway up. The monolith is 1,421 feet (433 meters) tall and dates back millions of years. Climb the rocky giant to appreciate all its natural features and the spectacular views from the summit.
Discover the many coves and cliffs that decorate the face of the rock during your ascent. Only experienced climbers should attempt to reach the peak, since it is fairly arduous. Wear suitable climbing shoes or boots and carry plenty of water and food. Join the thousands of hikers and vacationers who gather here annually on the spring equinox to get closer to nature.
Chat with friendly locals on the monolith and appreciate the excellent views of neighboring mountains and the town. Reach the chapel on the trail on foot. Admire the charm of this tiny religious structure, from which you can see vineyards and farms that make up the surrounding terrain.
Stroll through the narrow cobbled lanes in the town at the base of the rock. Visit the Mask Museum for a glimpse into the local culture and history. Local vendors sell handicrafts, works of art and wool blankets and ponchos that shield you from the fierce winds of the mountains.
Note that the name of the site is Spanish for “Boulder of Bernal.” Among the largest of its kind in the world, it is often compared with Rio de Janeiro’s Sugar Loaf and the Rock of Gibraltar. It is free to climb the rock, which is open to the public at all times and particularly busy on weekends.
Peña de Bernal is about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) northwest of the town of Bernal in the state of Querétaro in central Mexico. Leave your car in the parking lot at the foot of the rock for a small fee. Get around the town of Bernal via the public trolley system.
