21 Unforgettable Things To Do In Monterrey, Mexico

The Sierra de Madre Oriental mountains of Nuevo Leon and Coahuila, close to Monterrey, are home to Cumbres de Monterrey National Park. For outdoor lovers of all ages and experience levels, this park provides a variety of excursions.

Due to its proximity to El Taray Reserve, a parrot reserve in the eastern mountains, it is regarded as a priority location and a crucial place for bird conservation.

The park has a number of hiking paths that range in difficulty from basic to very difficult. The environment and vistas on these walks are breathtaking.

The Garcia Caves, also known as Las Grutas de Garcia, are about fifty minutes from Monterrey. There are two modes for people to enter these caverns after arriving at Garcia Cave Park.

Taking the cable car up the mountain is the first and least taxing method to get there, but regrettably, it doesn't always work. Hiking up the mountainside is the alternative.

The numerous stunning passages and rock formations that are visible throughout the cave tour are the reason these caves are well-known. The caverns include aquatic fossils in addition to stalactites and stalagmites. Numerous tour companies provide both group and private trips to see these amazing caverns.

Monterrey has its own city center, called the Marco Plaza, much like any other planned township or city. Also, it is the fourth-largest city square globally. You now have more than enough justifications to travel to one of Monterrey, Mexico's top ten destinations.

Actually, it's the ideal place to begin your exploration of a beautiful Mexican city. Every institution and attraction in the plaza is easily accessible by public transportation. In the evening or if you don't feel like going somewhere, you may also spend time in the lovely gardens.

Museo del Acero Horno 3, located in Parque Fundidora, is part of a historic steel factory that provides a variety of experiences. You may tour the Foundry, see the equipment and various steel industry exhibitions, and ride the elevator to the top of the building.

Try the H3 Canopy adventure, however, if you want an exhilarating experience. It involves a descent of 230 feet (70 meters) from the top of the structure over a suspension bridge, rappels, and zip lines.

Just 20 minutes from Monterrey's downtown lies the well-known climbing destination La Huasteca Canyon, which is part of Cumbres de Monterrey National Park. It attracts a lot of tourists each weekend and offers a great location for novice, moderate, and expert climbers to hone their abilities.

On your first visit, it's advisable to hire a local guide to give you a tour of the park. Somewhat fit climbers can tackle Huasteca Park's Eagle's Nest or Nido de Los Aguiluchos hike. It involves trekking, rappelling into a daylight cave, and then rappelling down a few more times.

At Matacanes Canyon, thrill-seekers won't want to pass up the chance to challenge their level of fitness. In the Cumbres de Monterrey National Park, Matacanes Canyon is located south of Monterrey. Visitors can swim in the naturally formed lakes created by the water flowing through this canyon.

Adventurers may rappel down an 80-foot waterfall for a unique canyoneering experience, and they can even descend into enigmatic underground rivers amid grottoes. For those who are more daring, there are also a number of natural slides and minor cliff leaps.

About 28 miles (45 kilometers) from Monterrey city, in the Cumbres de Monterrey National Park, lies the Cascada Cola de Caballo, also known as the Horse Tail Waterfall. This waterfall, which is 82 feet high, cascades in a shape like a horse's tail.

In addition to the waterfall, you may rent horse or cart trips here when you get there, as well as crafts, souvenirs, and beverages.

You may take pictures and take in the peaceful views of the water bouncing off the rocks and the surrounding foliage from a number of observation sites during the simple hike around the falls. After seeing the waterfall, stop by the quaint adjacent village of Villa de Santiago, which dates back to the colonial era.

From all throughout Monterrey, one can see the famous and instantly identifiable Cerro de la Silla, also known as Saddle Hill. Fortunately for tourists, Cumbres de Monterrey National Park is located near the city.

The hike up this mountain is really difficult, but the breathtaking view over the city at the summit makes the effort worthwhile. If you want to buy oranges from a local on the route, bring a few pesos.

One of Monterrey's most well-liked outings. You will reach the antennas atop the well-known Cerro de la Silla. You may take in the stunning view of the entire city and the neighboring hills from the summit.

On the outskirts of Monterrey, in the Cumbres de Monterrey National Park, lies a park called Parque Ecologico Chipinque. This natural park is strictly monitored and protected.

Strict guidelines about the conservation and preservation efforts carried out in this region must be adhered to by all visitors. Because it serves as a feeding and resting place for migratory monarch butterflies, Chipinque is special.

In addition to butterfly viewing, Chipinque Ecological Park provides a variety of outdoor pursuits, including hiking, mountain biking, and trekking. Hiking at night provides a stunning perspective of the city lights below.

Learn about the history and production of regional sweets from the state of Nuevo Leon at the tiny but amusing Museo del Dulce, or Museum of Sweets, which is modeled after a house from the middle of the 19th century.

In addition to tasting and seeing the ingredients, many of which are local fruits that you might not be acquainted with, you will also witness the usage of traditional tools. Additionally, there is a store where you may buy additional candies for the duration of your visit. However, Mexican candy sometimes combines sweetness with a surprising amount of spice, so proceed with caution.

The Museo del Dulce is a unique location to both satiate your palate and get some knowledge about Nuevo Leon's past.

Just outside of Monterrey, in the Cumbres de Monterrey National Park, lies a natural area called Parque Natural La Estanzuela. Although the hiking route might be challenging in some areas, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the valleys and mountains from several overlooks.

On this trail, hikers frequently encounter coatis, which are little mammals with bushy tails. Along this walk, there are several 'ojos de agua' (deep ponds cut out of rock) where tourists may swim in the frigid water until they reach the river.

There are numerous bathing ponds and even some rocks above the pools where hikers may leap into the water as they continue to follow the river. This is a great site to visit because of the waterfalls, pools, and mountain beauty.

You should visit the stunning Fundidora Park if you enjoy taking lengthy hikes, especially with a river as your backdrop. Marco Plaza and the park are connected by the artificial riverwalk known as Santa Lucia. Charming fountains, sculptures, and other architectural features adorn the park.

In the evening, stroll down the Riverwalk with your significant other or, if you are hiking alone, by yourself. The boat trip from the plaza to the park is what makes it one of the most amazing tourist destinations in Monterrey, Mexico. Additionally, Fundidora has a Sesame Street Park, a number of playgrounds, and an ice rink.

The largest artificial river in Mexico is adjacent to the Paseo de Santa Lucia, often known as the Santa Lucia Riverwalk. Families love strolling down the beachfront, which draws tourists from all over the world who view this building as one of Mexico's 13 wonders.

The serene boat excursions, the charming waterfalls, and the lively cultural events that happen along the promenade are some of Paseo de Santa Lucia's features.

From Fundidora Park, the boardwalk leads to the Museum of Mexican History. Relaxing boat cruises that highlight points of interest offer a leisurely approach to exploring the man-made river.

A sizable park in the city, Parque Fundidora, often known as Fundidora Park, offers a variety of activities for people of all ages. With so many playgrounds spread out around the park, it's a favorite among families.

A lot of people run and walk in parks. There are also some sports fields and stations with fitness equipment strewn around the area. The park's cultural and artistic features are highlighted by the sculptures, paintings, and unusual fountains scattered across it.

The park is also home to a number of museums, including the Mexican History Museum, Kite's Children's Museum, Sweet Museum, and the Baseball Hall of Fame. The park's eateries and snack stands make it a convenient spot to spend a day with family if you can't bring a picnic.

The most important historical museum in northern Mexico is the Museo de Historia Mexicana, often known as the Mexican History Museum. At one end of the Santa Lucia Riverwalk, the museum is next to the Macroplaza.

A vast collection of items from pre-Hispanic Mexico to the 20th century may be found at the museum. The exhibitions feature life-size figures and original artwork depicting actual locomotives.

By fusing entertainment and active learning, this museum provides interactive modules that let visitors interact with the collection.

Although you may get a broad range of dishes in a modern city like Monterrey, the cuisine of northern Mexico is centered on meat, beans, and a preference for wheat tortillas over maize. Brito ("little goat"), a youngster prepared by roasting over an open pit or al pastor style on a spit, is one of the primary traditional meals to try here.

Typically, the goat is served with tortillas and beans. Machaca (also known as machacado), which is rehydrated dry beef or pork shreds, is another regional delicacy. It is eaten with a sauce in tacos or flautas (deep-fried tacos). There are still many alternatives for vegetarians, particularly in Barrio Antiguo, where restaurants and food vendors are serving vegan and vegetarian fare.

Visitors can volunteer to participate in scientific demonstrations at the Museo del Acero Horno in Parque Fundidora many times a day.

Throughout the many galleries, there are often workshops where kids may actively and dynamically learn about science.

Visitors may also feel and see several factors influencing the environment, such as ocean currents and temperatures, using a 360-degree globe map of Earth. Families may spend a few hours having fun with interactive science at this museum.

Don't miss the magnificent Museo de Arte Contemporaneo, which is identified by the enormous black dove sculpture by Juan Soriano at the entrance. Its unique interior rooms are flooded with light and water, and there are significant exhibitions of the work of well-known contemporary Mexican and Latin American artists.

The Museum of Contemporary Art, often known as MARCO, has a remarkable collection of Mexican and Latin American artworks next to Macroplaza.

Additionally, the museum curates art collections made by both domestic and foreign artists. Being one of Latin America's cultural hubs, this museum is well worth a visit.

The Gran Plaza, frequently referred to as the "pride of Monterrey," is more well known as the Macroplaza. Being one of the city's primary public areas, visitors to Monterrey would be negligent if they did not take in the lovely landscaping in this wonderful plaza.

This square is the fourth biggest in the world, covering 300,000 square meters. Nearly all of the city's tourist attractions are accessible by foot through the Macroplaza, which is home to colonial buildings and monuments.

Throughout the year, the square hosts fairs and festivals that attract visitors from all over the world. One of Monterrey's most well-known landmarks is the Neptune Fountain in the square.

Beside the Catedral Metropolitana de Nuestra Senora de Monterrey sits the ancient neighborhood known as Barrio Antiguo. Mansions from the 18th and 19th centuries adorn the cobblestone streets in the center of the city.

While some mansions are accessible to the general public, others are used as offices, libraries, art galleries, and other commercial establishments. These homes are the subject of enigmatic folklore, and the streets themselves could be haunted.

Visitors to Monterrey should not pass up the chance to stroll these streets, which are showcasing cuisine, art, and culture throughout this sector.

Much of Monterrey's wealth comes from the steel industry, which was converted into a sizable public park in the 1980s after the Monterrey Foundry closed. Numerous steel buildings and pieces of equipment surround the green spaces, serving as reminders of the park's past use.

Here, you may engage in a variety of leisure pursuits, such as biking and inline skating. Along with a number of museums, an arts center, and even a Sesame Street theme park for the youngest guests, there are kid-friendly play spaces.