Monterrey Points of Interest and Useful Information Travel Tips - Packages/Deals & Travel Agents Near Me

Activities

Macro Plaza - The City's Center
Macro Plaza, or Gran Plaza, is definitely the centerpiece attraction in Monterrey. The Faro de Comercio, or Tower of Commerce, dominates the landscape of the Macro Plaza, and is the highest monument in México. Most nights a beam of red laser light circles the city from atop the tower, making for some interesting effects when it scans the nearby mountains. The tower is a great starting point for a leisurely stroll through the heart of Monterrey. The plaza is long (6 blocks) and narrow (1block) and is almost as big in total area as the Zocalo in México City. The plaza is really a series of smaller plazas joined together to form a pedestrian plaza with fountains, parks, benches, shade trees, the city theatre and bandstands.

In close proximity to the plaza are, numerous museums, the city's beautiful cathedral, Paseo Santa Lucia and Barrio Antiguo. You could easily spend a couple of full days enjoying the contents of the city's museums. Paseo Santa Lucia, adjacent to the Museum of Mexican History, is a pleasant diversion from the bustling city, with a walkway along a canal; sidewalk cafes and you may be lucky enough catch some entertainment, be it planned or impromptu. The Paseo is an especially pleasant spot to visit in the evenings when the quiet atmosphere and unique lighting make for a very pleasant experience.

The state tourism office is located nearby at at 5 de Mayo 525 Ote., in the Elizando Páez Building, they have a good variety of maps and brochures, describing the city's many attractions. All booklets and maps are dispensed free of charge by a friendly bilingual staff.

A unique way to see the Macro Plaza, Barrio Antiguo and the downtown area, which is also known as Zona Rosa, is to hire a horse drawn carriage. These unique carriages and can be hired in several locations downtown, ask about these tours at your hotel. Trolley tours are also an easy way to get acquainted with the heart of Monterrey. The replicas of old fashion trolleys operate every half hour or so and you can catch the trolley in front of the Howard Johnson Hotel or in front of the MARCO museum. Allow at least a few hours for exploring Macro Plaza, Barrio Antiguo and the city center.

Barrio Antiguo
A must on any visitors list of things to do in Monterrey should include at least a couple of visits to Barrio Antiguo, or old town. If possible, visit during daylight hours to admire the colonial architecture that was prevalent in Monterrey around the turn of the century Here you can get a real feeling of what is was like to live in the times of old Monterrey. You can also get a taste of Monterrey's numerous culinary delights, as some of the towns finer eateries, quaint cafes and night spots are located in Barrio Antiguo.

Visit again at night, as this area is also "The Place" when it comes Monterrey's nightlife and can even become downright crowded on weekends, when the local police put much of the Barrio off limits to vehicular traffic. This arrangement makes it easy to enjoy the area at your own pace and also gives you the added comfort of knowing that this area is a fairly safe place to be.

San Pedro Garza Garcia
Garza Garcia is a separate city, but indeed a very important part of Monterrey. This affluent suburb is home to the offices of many of the areas most important businesses. It is also the location of some of México's finest and most well kept residential neighborhoods. Wide streets with landscaped center medians add to the overall attractiveness of Garcia Garza. The city can boast of being México's safest city, with a modern, high tech, police force and city government, which are deeply committed to keeping the city's reputation in place. Modern malls and shopping centers along with some of the areas finer hotels and eating establishments choose to call Garza Garcia home.

Also located in Garza Garcia is Planetario Alfa, a high tech complex featuring an observatory, a science garden, prehispanic garden, open aviary and an IMAX dome theatre. Interactive displays challenge the young an old alike, along with temporary exhibitions that offer insights to art, science and technology. All of this is presented in an ultra peaceful setting, with some pretty amazing architecture that should make visiting Planetario Alfa a must on any visit to Monterrey. A cafe and souvenir store are located on the premises and free transportation to downtown is available. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Garza Garcia is also the gateway to Chipinque National Park.

Chipinque National Park
Just 20 minutes from downtown Monterey and about 10 minutes from San Pedro Garza Garcia, this natural paradise seems very far removed from any large city. Chipinque National Park is a favorite getaway for nature lovers, hikers, climbers, bird watchers and mountain bikers. It also attracts those who are just seeking a little peace and quiet. The well kept hiking trails (over 15 km.) and picnic grounds draw big crowds on weekends, especially in the summer when the temperature is well below that of the city. The winding paved road along with an abundance of dirt trails are huge attractions for local bicyclists, especially mountain bikers.

There is a general store near the entrance where you can buy picnic supplies, film, water and other necessities. There is also a restaurant at the same location. At the end of the road you come upon the beautiful Hotel Chipinque, a great getaway for couples or business groups that want to be able to keep focus on a special topic, without a lot of outside interference. Chipinque is a great place for a relaxing picnic lunch if you arrive at midday. The incredible solitude that this nature preserve offers the residents and visitors to Monterrey is an enormous asset to the city.

La Estanzuela
It doesn't seem possible that La Estanzuela is just a short (20 minute) drive southeast of downtown Monterrey. La Estanzuela gives you the feeling of being far away from any city, and high up in the mountains. This nature area is devoted to walking in the peace and quiet of a natural setting. Paved paths, on either side of a natural stream offer visitors a chance to feel a different side of Monterrey. The sounds of several small waterfalls and the running stream add a yet another touch of tranquility to already this peaceful area. Picnics are allowed and tables and trash receptacles are installed. This is another peaceful diversion to the hustle and bustle of the busy city, nearby. You can buy water, soft drinks and snacks at the entrance.

Presa de La Boca
Approximately 45 minutes southeast of Monterrey is the small town of Santiago and the Presa de la Boca reservoir. This man made lake has become a popular water sports area and weekend retreat for Monterey residents. The lake is large enough to play host to boating and fishing enthusiasts along with large numbers of jet skis. Along the shore are rustic resorts and restaurants where visitors with children can relax over lunch and a cold beer while the children enjoy the lake.

The town of Santiago has sprouted a large market place, on the lake side of the highway, which sells everything from rustic furniture to some of the hottest chili in México. If you are into HOT make it a point to get some "Chili del Monte" at one of the roadside stands selling citrus and honey and this local product, chilies spiced with vinegar. There are several very interesting nurseries selling exotic landscape ornaments along with a great variety of plants. A new modern disco is also in the finishing stages. There are several motels along the road and a larger hotel on a hill overlooking the lake.

Presa de la Boca: 20 miles southeast of Monterrey city limits on the Carretera Nacional, also called Carretera a Ciudad Victoria.

Cola de Caballo
Just a short distance up in the hills from the town of Santiago you will find the beautiful Cola de Caballo waterfalls. The waterfall got its name, which means horse tail, because the shape of the waterfall resembles a real horse tail. You can walk to the falls (almost a mile) from the entrance or you can rent a horse drawn buggy or ride on horseback. You can get very close to the waterfalls, close enough to get wet from the spray. This is a great place to take pictures of the family, so don't forget your camera. There are restaurants, snack bars and souvenir stands before you start the easy trip to the falls. Picnic tables are spread out along the river and near the falls.

There are more waterfalls further along the road and a small alpine type village just a short distance up the road. This is a pristine area that is patrolled by rangers that manage to control the crowds and keep the area clean. Ample parking is available at the entrance.

Location approximately 25 miles southeast of Monterrey city limits on the Carretera Nacional, also called Carretera a Ciudad Victoria. Look for the signs as you pass through the city of Santiago.

Grutas de Garcia
Just 45 minutes northwest of Monterrey, off the Satillo highway, are the truly spectacular caverns of Grutas de Garcia. These caverns, which were discovered in 1843, are more than 60 million years old, although they don't look a day of 40 million. The system of caves themselves are reached by way of an old cable car which takes you up the almost 2500 foot assent to the entrance. The entrance to the caves is huge and the, over one mile, passage through the caves is lighted, enabling visitors to view the spectacular stalagmites, stalactites, the petrified sea shells and other interesting crystalline formations. A 90-minute tour takes you through the 16 caverns nestled inside of Cerro del Fray (Friar's Mountain). This is an incredible journey into mother earth and this can be a very special adventure for the whole family. There are picnic grounds, children's playgrounds and a swimming pool near the parking area. For this reason the caves can get very crowed on weekends.

Location: Approx. 25 miles southwest of Monterrey off of the main highway to Satillo. Turn off near the Km. 22 marker.

Attractions

Monterrey has enough attractions to keep it's visitors on a busy schedule. There is a really Parque La Pastora, with a zoo, a lake and a wooded area. Connected to the zoo is a separate children's amusement park, Bosque Mágico, with over thirty-five rides and other attractions just for kids and teens, including amusement park rides, water rides and special shows. Plaza Sésamo, a water based amusement park that includes many dry rides, mainly for the younger set, and also the site of a great water park for all ages.

There are bullfights and rodeos at various locations and times throughout the year. Soccer is big in Monterrey and the city has several large stadiums, catch a professional soccer match if your timing allows. An abundance of modern multi-cinemas, show current movies, all over the city and in all of the malls. Scattered around the countryside which surrounds Monterrey are various rivers, some with spectacular waterfalls and several natural hot springs. The surrounding mountains offer attractions, too numerous to list.

There are cultural activities of different types in different venues being presented almost every day, all year long. Live concerts, from classical to rock, featuring big name performers are a regular occurrence in Monterrey. A good place to get information and up to date schedules, for all local activities, is the state tourism office near the north end of the Gran Plaza. Try to find a copy of "What's on Monterrey" in a hotel lobby or local restaurant for an up to date listing of current attractions.

Two parks stand out as excellent places to spend some of your leisure time. Parque Fundidora, is a giant park adjacent to the city's modern Expo and Convention Center. Located close to the physical center of the city, this is a great place to relax, get some exercise or to just get away from it all.

There are even speakers located along the paths within the park which emit soothing music, adding to the relaxation factor that is available here.

There are large green areas along with historical remnants of the areas first industry, a museum and various other entertainment venues. This park is also the location of the Monterrey Grand Prix, which is the opening event on the CART racing schedule for Indy cars. This race, usually held in March, is a very popular local attraction and draws large crowds to Monterrey. Bicycles are available for rent within the park and there are miles of trails, some of which include portions of the race track. While you are in the park take time to visit the ultra modern Expo Center, which is open to the public, if there are no expositions taking place.

Chipinque National Park, which borders Garcia Garza, offers a very pleasant location for many outdoor activities and is very close (15 minutes) to the city center. This park is an excellent place to relax or get some active exercise. Jogging, hiking, mountain biking and just plain walking along the roadway or the well-kept trails within the park are very popular with the locals. There is a nice hotel, high in the mountains, with a great restaurant that offers some pretty fantastic views. A log cabin style complex, near the entrance of the park, features a restaurant and a convenience store, which sells picnic supplies and souvenirs.

Golf and Tennis
Although the populace is very receptive to recreational activities and the city has some high quality private clubs for both golf and tennis, public facilities are surprisingly sparse. The offerings, as limited as they are, seem to be very reasonably priced.

Shopping
Monterrey is becoming a shopping powerhouse. Many factories build all kinds of furniture, which is then sold locally at reasonable prices. Arts and crafts, from all over Mexico, are sold at numerous locations. Local leather products are prominent and this city offers probably one of México's largest inventories of cowboy boots, which are sold all over the city. The Zona Rosa, adjacent to the Gran Plaza, is the center of shopping in the downtown area. A large pedestrian mall has been created and is very popular, especially with locals.

Modern shopping malls are also very popular in Monterrey and they tend to get very crowed especially on weekends. The malls offer everything you would expect, from upscale department stores to elegant specialty shops and food courts with some incredible menus. Most malls also have multi-cinemas, featuring first run movies in English, with sub-titles in Spanish. Many unique items for home decoration are another popular item in Monterrey.