The Peña de Bernal, located in the charming Magical Town of San Sebastián Bernal, in Querétaro, is considered the third largest monolith in the world, surpassed only by the Rock of Gibraltar in the Mediterranean and Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro. With an estimated altitude of 2,510 meters above sea level and an elevation of 350 meters above the town, it offers stunning panoramic views of the Querétaro region.
For the Otomi-Chichimeca culture, the rock is a sacred hill, as at its summit there is a pre-Hispanic cross carved in stone, which their ancestors used to venerate before the arrival of the Spanish and the evangelization of the region. Every May 4th, indigenous people climb in procession to the top of the cliff carrying an 85-kilogram wooden cross, in a tradition that continues to this day.
The best way to explore the Peña de Bernal is by ascending one of its faces, as the path is laid out to allow climbing without the need for special equipment. However, the last 45-meter stretch is completely vertical, so special attachments are required. In the town, expeditions can be hired to climb the entire rock.
Another option to discover the rock is aboard a safari, which takes visitors to explore the spring and cave with cave paintings hidden on the hill, offering a unique and fascinating experience for those who want to learn more about the history and nature of the area.
