San Sebastián Bernal and I didn't start out on the right foot. A road side blowout occurred just shy of town. Our rough introduction was quickly forgotten and cleansed from my memory. I was charmed as soon as my foot hit cobblestone street in the town's main plaza. Our quick one night stopover was not sufficient; however, our tires were obligated to keep turning in order to arrive to the southern tip of Mexico in time for my free diving course. Our love affair was brief; a one night stand to remember, with no morning walk of shame. We made the most out of our sole day; hiked the famous slab of rock looming over the town, watched the USA play their final game in the world cup while mingling with two older Mexican tourists, and meandered town aimlessly.
Magical
The Mexican government nominated this sleepy town as a Pueblo Magico based upon it's natural beauty, cultural riches and history. We were attracted to visit the magical town of Bernal upon a friend's recommendation; urging us to hike the massive rock, famous for it's healing energies emitted from deep within an amethyst cave. Legend claims a snake is located at the heart of the giant rock; granting the secrets of the universe to the brave and skillful, who make it past and into the cave.
The Mexican government nominated this sleepy town as a Pueblo Magico based upon it's natural beauty, cultural riches and history. We were attracted to visit the magical town of Bernal upon a friend's recommendation; urging us to hike the massive rock, famous for it's healing energies emitted from deep within an amethyst cave. Legend claims a snake is located at the heart of the giant rock; granting the secrets of the universe to the brave and skillful, who make it past and into the cave.
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The people of Bernal are rumored to be some of the oldest in the Republic of Mexico; living long into their nineties, having been granted the gift of longevity from the therapeutic powers of La Peña de Bernal [Bernal's Boulder]. Several of the aged shopkeepers greeted us kindly; surprised by the foreign faces entering their store, eager to converse with us and know our story. Others barely looked up over the counter top as we skimmed quickly through their merchandise. We strolled playfully through the peaceful cobblestone streets unmolested by vendors, entranced by the brightly colored buildings and mesmerized by the wild west meets colonial vibe.
Monolithic
La Peña de Bernal is now the tallest monolith on Earth, after much debate and years of work to accurately measure it hovering at 1, 421 feet [433 meters] above sea level. Visitors are able to hike half way up the rock, but need a guide [or their own gear] for the technical climbing toward the top. I shuffled slowly up the well defined trails; cursing my sea legs for abandoning my strong mountain lungs, of long ago. Our labor was rewarded with views of the pueblo of Bernal and the outlying areas; quickly gaining momentum for their tasty Mexican mablec and other wines. We relaxed high upon the rock in the warm sun doing our best to ignore the three drunk hikers inclined to shout to their lazy friend; oblivious to their clamor, circulating steep above.
La Peña de Bernal is now the tallest monolith on Earth, after much debate and years of work to accurately measure it hovering at 1, 421 feet [433 meters] above sea level. Visitors are able to hike half way up the rock, but need a guide [or their own gear] for the technical climbing toward the top. I shuffled slowly up the well defined trails; cursing my sea legs for abandoning my strong mountain lungs, of long ago. Our labor was rewarded with views of the pueblo of Bernal and the outlying areas; quickly gaining momentum for their tasty Mexican mablec and other wines. We relaxed high upon the rock in the warm sun doing our best to ignore the three drunk hikers inclined to shout to their lazy friend; oblivious to their clamor, circulating steep above.
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Our first nights sleep in a bed after many nights of camping in the heavy, cold rain in
San Miguel de Allende. My eyes didn't open until dawn and loading up the car without a wet tent was blissful; even if I was wearing days old clothes.
San Miguel de Allende. My eyes didn't open until dawn and loading up the car without a wet tent was blissful; even if I was wearing days old clothes.
Curious About Our Road Trip Through Mexico? Check Out Our Road Logs:
Mexico By Road...[Days 1-5]
Mexico By Road...[Days 6-13]
Mexico By Road...[Days 14-20]
Mexico By Road...[Days 21-28]
Mexico By Road...[Days 29-34]
Mexico By Road...[Days 1-5]
Mexico By Road...[Days 6-13]
Mexico By Road...[Days 14-20]
Mexico By Road...[Days 21-28]
Mexico By Road...[Days 29-34]
