Magnificent Monterrey, Mexico

It’s big, it’s bold, it’s Monterrey. Located less than 150 miles south of the international border, this capital city of the state of Nuevo Leon is one of Mexico’s busiest communities. A center of commercial and industrial activity, Monterrey is also a favorite getaway with many Texans looking for a dose of city culture. Ringed by mountains and overlooked by Cerro de la Silla or Saddle Mountain, the city offers plenty of outdoor fun as well.

Several carriers including Aerolitoral provide quick flights from San Antonio to Monterrey. Arriving in the city, you’ll quickly see evidence of its sprawling business life, which spills across the city in everything from high tech industry to traditional glass factories.

The focal point of the city is Gran Plaza, considered one of the largest city squares in the world. Spanning over 100 acres, the plaza is filled with fountains and statues, a relaxing escape in the hub of the city. The plaza is also home to many of the city’s stately government buildings including the Palacio del Gobierno, located at the north end, and the Palacio Municipal on the south side.

While in Gran Plaza, you can’t miss the Fuente de La Vida or Fountain of Life. This traditional statue of Neptune and nymphs is a striking contrast to the park’s other most noted centerpiece: the Faro del Comercio or Commerce Lighthouse. This bright orange concrete slab is topped with a laser beam, a green light that symbolizes the economic promise and prowess of the city. In the evenings, you’ll be able to see the beam from across the city, shining out the promise of Monterrey’s thriving business economy.

Cultural Attractions

For all its industrial foundations, Monterrey is also deeply rooted in the arts, evidenced by the city’s numerous museums. On the southeast corner of the Plaza stands Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, better known as MARCO. This museum features changing exhibits of contemporary Latin American art. At the entrance to the museum, visitors will find a soaring sculpture by Mexican artist Juan Soriano.

Art lovers also enjoy the Museo del Vidrio or Museum of Glass, showcasing glass in many forms. Appropriate for the city which houses many glass factories, this museum looks not only at the industrial production of glass but also at its artistic uses. Several temporary exhibits are highlighted every year along with classes, tours, and more.
Culture buffs shouldn’t miss Parque Fundidora, home of the Center of the Arts, Cineteca-Fototeca Nuevo Leon, Cintermex, Coca-Cola Auditorium, the International Business Center of Monterrey, the Center of Plastic Arts of Nuevo Leon, and, most especially for families, Plaza Sesamo Park, an amusement park with 17 water slides, several swimming pools and other attractions.

History lovers enjoy the Obispado or the Bishop's Palace, constructed for retiring bishops. Tucked high above the city atop Chepe Vera hill, this historic site was used during the Mexican-American War, the French Intervention, and the Mexican Revolution of 1915. Exhibits on regional history fill the structure.

Art combines with science and technology to teach young visitors at the Alfa Cultural Center. The unique museum uses interactive displays and virtual reality to teach visitors about the world around them. The center includes an IMAX theater, a planetarium with an Omnimax system, and more. Another favorite stop with families is the Bio Parque Estrella, a safari park where more than 1000 animals and 50 species reside.

Natural Attractions

With its setting of mountains and valleys, it’s not surprising that Monterrey offers many natural attractions as well. Outdoor lovers enjoy Grutas de Garcia (Caves of Garcia), which are located northwest of the city. It’s a steep climb up to the caverns but a cablecar sweeps visitors up to the top for a look in these caverns which were once part of the seafloor. Today a whole network of chambers lies in these ancient caverns, estimated over 60 million years old. Stalactites, stalagmites, and even an underground lake make the journey well worth the effort.

Also located on the road to Saltillo, Cascada Cola de Caballo or Horsetail Falls is also a favorite with outdoor buffs. Enjoy the cascading falls on foot or hire a horse or burro for a ride in the surrounding hills.

All this activity can make any traveler thirsty and, in Monterrey, relief is never far away thanks to the Cuauhtemoc Brewery. Here Bohemia, Superior, Sol, and Dos Equis beers are produced in a modern facility that’s representative of Monterrey’s business success. Guided tours of the brewery are available, followed by a taste of the local product, of course.

Most San Antonio travelers make the trip to Monterrey a weekend excursion, an easy order thanks to the city’s many excellent hotels including the Hilton Garden Inn, located near the Cintermex Convention Center, and the Presidente InterContinental Monterrey, a favorite with business travelers.

For More Information:

For more on Monterrey, contact the Monterrey Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-554-5123 or see www.ocvmty.com.mx. The Convention Bureau can help visitors plan their stay in Monterrey with information on special events, museum schedules (most are closed on Mondays), and more.

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