The main reason I haven't been posting here much since I returned from my Dec/Jan trip to Mexico is that I have been spending most of my spare time working with the photos I took.
I visited Bernal early during my trip. I knew that a town sat at the foot of one the natural wonders of Mexico. I was pleasantly surprised by how nice the colonial town is. Guide books have little or nothig to say about the town.
I have just finished by Peña de Bernal gallery. Take a look.
larpman
1
longford
John, very nice photos; excellent presentation/quality. Anonimo posted a thread earlier today linking your Bernal album, click here to see what's been said thus far. About Bernal, and that area of Queretaro: I, too, am surprised by the guidebook avoidance. LP needs to find some new writers - people who enjoy travel. And photos from elsewhere during the last trip, soon to follow (or did I miss them)?
2
anonimo
John, sorry if I announced this prematurely, but I saw it on Pbase, to my delight, and wanted to pass it along.
5
geriande
That Anonimo is on the ball! I thought I had seen these photos (some of them) awhile ago. They sure are beautiful!
6
anonimo
Larpman @ #4: I was browsing Pbase's "Recent Galleries" as I often do, and there it was! (I also awaken very early)
7
anonimo
A separate question: did you stay at the Hotel Centenario, and if so, how was it, and the rates? It looks like a classic Colonial Mexican hotel, with a strong Moorish influence.
8
larpman
Unfortunately I was there on a day trip out of Queretaro. I have been reliving that day by working on my photos. I'd like to return for a stay of about three days. I like to explore the small place (population 6,000) in more detail, take time with my photography, and climb at least part way up la Pena. When I entered the Centenario and took the photos of the interior, I saw no one there. Bernal like many towns does most of its business on weekends, since most visitors are Mexican. The town is also popular on the vernal equinox people into new age spirituality, who like the indigenous people of the area, believe that the monolith has special powers at that time. I'd also be curious to see what the castle-like fantasy house looks like when its done. Unfortunatley, iy obsecures the view of la Pena from some angles.
9
larpman
Longford,
It's not just Lonely Planet. Most books say nothing about Bernal. LP says a little (very little). The extremely detailed Blue Guide of Mexico mentions la Pena de Bernal but does say a word about the town.
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One warning for all interested in visiting Bernal on a day trip from Queretaro: the last bus back leaves fairly early. When I was trhere in December, the last departure was at 5pm.
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
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