Peña de Bernal (in English: Bernal’s Boulder or Bernal Peak) is the second-largest monolith in the world, after Mount Augustus, Western Australia. At 350 meters (1150 ft) it is also the fourth-tallest monolith in the world, after Mount Augustus, the Rock of Gibraltar and Sugarloaf Mountain.
Peña de Bernal is located in San Sebastián Bernal, a small town in the Mexican state of Querétaro.
Rock and mountain climbers will find heaven on Earth at Bernal Rock: along its surface, visitors will find coves, cliffs and rocks worth exploring. But do not be fooled by its apparent climbing simplicity; to reach the top, climbers must have some experience. On March 21st of each year, during the spring equinox, this site welcomes thousands of tourists looking to get close to nature and get a charge of energy.
At the foot of the rock, visitors will find Villa de Bernal, a Magical Town with beautiful portals, cobblestone streets with an irregular layout, taverns, restaurants, handcrafts, traditional food stands, museums (such as the Mask Museum) and colorful houses. Its downtown area is home to the Saint Sebastian Martyr Temple, a building with an eclectic style built from 1700 to 1725.
Peña de Bernal (photo: planeta azul)
At this picturesque little town, craftsmen create wool blankets and ponchos used as protection against the wind coming from the sierra mountains; and on the streets, visitors will find quince, guava and peanut candy.
Those planning an excursion at Bernal Rock can stay in this town or in the city of Tequisquiapan, located near by.
To climb the rock, climbers must have equipment for at least a medium altitude circuit, including clothing, non-skid shoes or rugged boots. Likewise, it is important to carry plenty of water, food, cooking utensils, a sleeping bag and a compass.
Sources: QueretaroGuide, VisitMexico
