The 10 essential things to do in Monterrey

Are you going to Mexico? Why not take advantage of it to visit Monterrey, the third largest city in the country? The city and its region offer many activities that we detail here.

The city of Monterrey is a large metropolis located in the northeast of Mexico . It is the largest economic and commercial centre in the north of the country. Monterrey has 1.1 million inhabitants; She is the second richest city in Mexico. Surrounded by the mountains, it maintains a quiet atmosphere thanks to the many green spaces that embellish the different districts. You will enjoy the vibrancy of a large Mexican city without feeling oppressed and enjoying its relaxed and warm atmosphere. Typical North Gastronomy, cultural activities, escapades in the surrounding national parks are just an overview of what awaits you during your visit to Monterrey.

1. The Museum of Mexican History

The Museo de Historia Mexicana is located near the original site or was founded the city of Monterrey. Indeed, this museum is located in the current city centre, on the edge of the pleasant Paseo Santa Lucia , a channel that joins Parque Fundidora . Visiting Monterrey is an opportunity to explore the complex history of Mexico. You will wander among the 1,200 rooms in the building, which retrace the country’s evolution from pre-Hispanic indigenous populations to the present day. Management has not left the Colonization and the Mexican Revolution. An interesting visit not to be missed.

2. Fundidora Park

This park is a call to relaxation in the centre of Monterrey. Located in the location of the old steel mill, this vast green space combines artistic installations, entertainment and pleasant walks. Walk through fountain gardens on the wooded paths and admire contemporary works of art. Artists reuse the objects of the old metalworking plant. Industrial machinery parts have been converted into urban furniture elements for a spectacular design effect. Many cultural events and festivals take place in the park, and there is also a rink and a cinema.

3. Ecological park Chipinque

To visit Monterrey is to experience a megalopolis embedded in the surrounding nature. Chipinque ecological park, located at altitudes between 730 and 2200 metres, offers a concentration of the region's fauna and flora. The steep mountains and dense forests serve as shelters for all kinds of animals, and the observation of birds and butterflies is particularly appreciated by amateurs. You can choose between different marked hiking paths and create your itinerary according to your desires. Multiple points of view mark the course, for panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

4. Garcia Caves

When we look for what to do in Monterrey, Garcia’s caves prove to be an unusual and easy to organize activity. These geological formations that have spent thousands of years submerged under the sea level present marine fossils trapped in the hollow of their walls. Two guided tours are offered to you, the court for a 45 minute walk and the longest that will lead the adventurers in search of adrenaline at the farthest in the innards of the earth. In both cases, the path is well-designed and the lighting allows you to admire magnificent stalactites and stalagmites. A museum explaining the history of the formation of caves, as well as a mini zoo, are included in the visit. To reach the entrance of the caves, you will need to borrow a cable car, giving you the opportunity to enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding nature.

5. The Barrio Antiguo

For a dive in authentic Mexico, go for a tour in Barrio Antiguo the ancient quarter of Monterrey. Walk in the narrow alleys between the facades with shredded colours of the historic buildings. Breath and take the time to admire the architectural details of the beautiful preserved facades. At nightfall, sit on the terrace for a drink and a assortment of Mexican dishes. Join the local population and enjoy the warm atmosphere in front of a traditional music concert.

6. The Musée d’art contemporain Marco

Designed by the famous Mexican architect Ricardo Legoretta, the Musée d’art contemporain de Monterrey welcomes you with a dove sculpture, a work by artist Juan Soriano. The museum has no permanent collection. Indeed, it hosts temporary exhibitions dedicated to various themes, such as cinema with Martin Scorcese, modern painting or contemporary art. Not typical: the museum also offers drawing or painting courses, lectures and art history courses.

7. La Huasteca ecological park

Within the National Cumbres Park of Monterrey is a spectacular ecological park. The Huasteca is one of the most impressive landscapes in northeastern Mexico. The gigantic cliffs of grey rock will not fail to give you vertigo as soon as you arrive. As you sink between vertical walls on well-maintained paths, your impression of being tiny will not cease to grow. Observe cactus and plants! They grow directly into the stone above your heads and take all kinds of suspended gardens. If the hike is not your cup of tea, you can rent a quad to explore the trails that cross the park. Numerous points of interest erupt the nature reserve, such as the cave of the Virgin, whose contours resemble the face of the Virgin Mary. Another interesting site is Huichol , a ceremonial site stuck between the walls of the canyon, where the tribes came to pray and offer to the ancient deities.

8. Try the canyoning in the Matacanes Canyon

The canyon Matacanes is located not far from Monterrey, in the National Park Cumbres de Monterrey . He derives his name from the porous rock formations that we find there, named matacanes Spanish. The river dug its bed through matacanes . Team yourself with a shoulder harness, a helmet and ropes, and follow the guide! Your day will be full of strong sensations. You will start with a recall descent along a cascade that flows into the void. Admire the beauty of the landscape around you by letting yourself refresh by the water that splashes you, as to welcome you. Once inside the canyon, a succession of jumps and slides will lead you to natural, translucent pools in rocky slides. To finish the day, a passage through a cave will end up playing with your adrenaline, before a car return to Monterrey for a well-deserved rest.

9. The Cola cascade of Caballo

Near Villa de Santiago, less than an hour of transport, is a wonder of nature. Waterfall Cola de Caballo , horsetail in French, was named so because of its striking resemblance with the tail of the animal. A bridge allows you to get closer to the waterfall to see it fall in front of you and then blow under your feet. Note the lush nature that surrounds the place, a perfect entrance door for the Monterrey National Park.

10. The Ascension of the Cerro de la Silla

Visiting Monterrey would not be complete without a panoramic view of the city. The Cerro de la Silla is the mountain that can be seen from any point of Monterrey, just a short walk from the city centre. It has several summits, the highest of which is the peak of the Virgin, culminating at an altitude of 1,820 metres. Ascension requires a good physical condition and requires information on the paths to be taken according to the summit you want to climb. You will probably cross the premises that will encourage you in your climb, the place being very popular. Once you arrive at the top, you will be rewarded with a magnificent panoramic view of the region as well as the bustle of the city below.

How to get to Monterrey?

Monterrey is located in the state of Nuevo Leon in northeastern Mexico and has two international airports. From France, you will have to make a stopover to reach Monterrey, in general to the United States (Dallas, Atlanta) or to the United States. Mexico City . The average flight time is 14 hours with the stopover, which is a long journey. If you have time, cut off your trip in two days and take a few days to visit the capital. You will then find a flight between Mexico City and Monterrey for an hour and 30. Flight comparisons like Ulysses are the best way to find tickets at the lowest price

The main airport is the Airport General Mariano Escobedo (MTY), located in Apodaca, 24 kilometres from the city centre. A bus service available from terminals A and C will allow you to reach the centre in 45 minutes. The cost is about 50 cents. Taxis will take you there in about 30 minutes, and a car rental service is also present in the airport enclosure. Bus companies will allow you to reach other major cities in the country directly from the airport.

Where to stay in Monterrey?

When you visit Monterrey, you will have plenty of accommodation options. Charming room in the historical district or hotel suitable for work with meeting room, many options are available to you. To select the criteria that match you and find the best price, use a hotel comparison. ♪ accommodation in Airbnb is also developing in Monterrey, a good way to immerse yourself even more in Mexican life and culture.

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