In recent years, the Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Spain has become more popular than ever, despite having existed for centuries. Every year, millions of people set out to fulfill the dream of walking nearly 800 kilometers to reach the Cathedral of Santiago and complete one of the world’s most famous pilgrimages.
The good news is that you no longer need to cross the Atlantic to experience something similar. In Mexico, Querétaro has inaugurated its own Route of Santiago, a journey that promises adventure, reflection, nature, and local cuisine.
Querétaro Inaugurates the Route of Santiago
At the beginning of January 2026, Querétaro Governor Mauricio Kuri, together with the Order of the Knights of the Camino de Santiago, officially inaugurated this new route, which covers 127 kilometers through the Sierra Gorda and is divided into seven stages.
According to Alejandro Rubín, president of the International Association for Tourism Cooperation and Development, this route—known as the Initiatory Way—is a replica of the Camino de Santiago that European pilgrims have traveled since the Middle Ages to honor the Apostle Saint James.
It is not simply an imitation. The route has received the symbolic blessing of the original Camino de Santiago, making Querétaro a new destination for pilgrims, travelers, and adventurers seeking a similar experience without traveling to Spain.
Where Does the Route of Santiago Pass Through in Querétaro?
The route crosses some of the state’s most spectacular landscapes, passing through the following municipalities:
- Pinal de Amoles
- Landa de Matamoros
- Arroyo Seco
- Jalpan de Serra
Along the journey, visitors walk through mountains, rivers, and waterfalls while passing through towns rich in history, culture, and traditional cuisine.
An Accessible, Low-Impact Route
One of the route’s most attractive features is that, unlike the original Camino de Santiago in Spain, Querétaro’s Route of Santiago is considered low impact. Participants do not need to be athletes or have exceptional physical fitness to complete it.
The route has been designed to be safe, accessible, and enjoyable, even for those attempting this type of experience for the first time.
In addition, the Sierra Gorda is a peaceful and well-preserved region, making the route a safe environment for hikers.
Source: directoalpaladar
