Activities and Attractions in MonterreyCERRO DE LA SILLA (SADDLE MOUNTAIN): A Natural Monument in MonterreyWith no doubt this famous hill is Monterrey’s icon, located in the southeastern part of the city and can be seen from almost any place in the city and right away you can see its saddle shape.CAMPING IN MONTERREYThe city is surrounded by wooded areas of great natural beauty that are ideal for walking, camping and enjoying the superb views. Among the best-known are Horsetail Falls and Mesa Chipinque.HORSETAIL WATERFALL PARKThis Park, located near to Santiago, southeast of Monterrey, is a protected area with security and controlled access on the east side of the Sierra Madre. The vegetation is thick and is made even more beautiful by the waterfall, after which the place is named. The river flows through innumerable spots that are ideal for camping.THE HUASTECO CANYON NEAR MONTERREYPrehistoric peoples left proof of their artistic skills on the rocks of the sheer walls of the Huasteco Canyon, 9.5 km south of Monterrey, in Las Cumbres National Park. The canyon is a gigantic mass of 305 m with attractive formation and mountainous crests on which pre-historic peoples drew the petroglyphs. Don’t try to reach these cave paintings unless you are an experienced rock climber, though, as it could be dangerous.POTRERILLOS (SMALL PADDOCKS) CANYONThe inhabitants that lived in this region eight thousand years ago left artistic drawings of geometric designs and of their worship of nature in at least ten thousand petroglyphs at a place called “Boca”, at the entrance to the Potrilleros Canyon, about 47 km from Monterrey on the way to Monclova, Coahuila. This sierra has an odd shape with its two valleys enclosed by the entrances to two canyons. One of these faces the southwest, where the caves are; the other canyon, near the town of Hidalgo and notable for its 700-meter vertical walls, faces in the opposite direction. This is one of the most spectacular places for climbing in the country.DOWNTOWN MONTERREYThe majority of entertainment options are concentrated just a few blocks from the hotel zone in the downtown area, in the Barrio Antiguo (Historic Downtown) which is easily accessed from other parts of the city. The Historic and famous downtown area is home to a variety of restaurants and cafes, in addition to bars and nightclubs that play live music of many types. One of the most frequently visited attractions in the City is the Gran Plaza, located in the heart of Monterrey together with the Municipal Palace and the Paseo de Santa Lucia (Santa Lucia Trail).ARCHITECTURE OF MONTERREYThe epitome of modernity and industrial development, the city of Monterrey has a tradition of 400 years of history expressed in its streets and buildings. A symbol of this is the Macroplaza, a broad area lined with civil and religious buildings such as the Cathedral, the Chapel of Sweet Names, the Casino, the City Theater, the Central Library, the State Congress and the City Hall as well as major museums. Monterrey has combined colonial architecture with modern buildings, creating daring and unusual contrasts.MESA CHIPINQUEJust 30 minutes from the center of Monterrey stands one of the most incredible panoramic sites in the north of Mexico. Set 1,524m above sea level in the majestic Sierra Madre, it commands spectacular views. It was named after an indigenous patriarch who lived on the tableland until he was driven out by the Spaniards. This place is ideal for horseback riding and picnics.CHIPINQUE ECOLOGICAL PARKThis Park covers a surface area of 1,626 hectares, and is an example to be followed by other cities as to how to construct a recreational place where people can learn about the conservation of the flora and fauna. It has gentle paths and special planned out walks. There is security, camping areas, a hotel, and games for children.GARCIA GROTTOES OF MONTERREYLocated just 45 minutes drive from the Monterrey’s Downtown; these grottoes have a kilometer of passages and chambers. A cable car takes you from “Friar” Mountain to the cave entrance 762 m above ground.LA PASTORA PARKThis park offers stunning natural surroundings, with attractive green areas, a natural lake and the largest zoo in the north of the country.EXTREME SPORTS IN MONTERREYThe mountainous area between Monterrey and Saltillo, Coahuila consists of parallel mountain crests separated by long deep valleys and steep ravines. This spectacular scenery is ideal for hiking or mountain biking trips that can last a weekend or several days, camping in the woods or among crags and other kinds of land forms.HIKING & CLIMBINGThose who enjoy climbing sheer rock faces will have a whole range of possibilities to choose from in Monterrey, beginning with the impressive crags of the nearby Canyon Huasteco, continuing with the peaks on the crest of the Sierra de las Mitras and ending with the steep, 700 m high walls of the Small Paddock Canyon, next to the village of San Nicolas Hidalgo, 40 km outside Monterrey.SIERRA DE LAS MITRASWest of Monterrey, between Santa Catarina and Ramos Arizpe, lays a rugged, craggy, mountainous area 16 km long and 6 km wide. Its 14 rocky peaks drop 1,400 meters to the base of the mountain. It has almost vertical, 300-meter walls leading up the northeast face to the summit that is 2,060 meters above sea levelFISHINGThe La Boca dam is 36 km from Monterrey on the road to Allende, Ideal for water sports, fishing and skiing enthusiasts. Located 36 km outside Monterrey, is a popular weekend fishing spot and a great place to have fun. GOLF Monterrey has two superb golf courses, one in the Club Campestre Monterrey, the other in the Club de Golf Valle Alto.CLUB CAMPESTRE MONTERREY.- This course was designed by Ault Clark Ink, and lessons from qualified staff are available. 107 Located on Alfonso Reyes Ave.CLUB DE GOLF VALLE ALTO.- This undulating, 18-hole course is located at La Estanzuela.THE ARCHBISHOP’S PALACEApart from its artistic and architectural value, the Bishop’s Palace, built in 1787, is renowned for having served as a fortress for defending the city during the US invasion between 1846 and 1848. It is Monterrey’s most important historical monument and was originally constructed as a retirement home for the archbishop. Today, this palace is the regional Museum of Nuevo Leon and is managed by the INAH (National Institute of History and Anthropology.HORSEBACK RIDINGIn Horsetail Falls Park, horses are available for hire for touring the countryside around this 24 m high waterfall. You can also go riding in the Chipinque Ecological Park.CUISINECooking is an important part of the local culture, and is based primarily on meat dishes. Classic examples include delicious roast kid, charcoal grilled ribs, Zaraza meat, braised kid and traditional beef jerky with scrambled egg, accompanied by wheat tortillas and traditional sauces such as pico de gallo, la bandera and la fresadilla. In Monterrey you can find great and fancy restaurants to small and tasty “fondas” (home style cooking) or local restaurants.GLASS MUSEUMSet in the former head offices of Vidriera Monterrey. Its halls display several striking glass figures produced in Mexico. The museum combines the history, art and science of one of man’s greatest inventions: glass.MUSEUM OF MONTERREYFounded in 1977 on the initiative of Cuauhtémoc Breweries which donated its production areas for this purpose. It has 17 exhibition halls on three levels, a cafeteria, library and store. Located on 2202 Alfonso Reyes Ave.REGIONAL MUSEUM OF NUEVO LEONSet in the former royal palace, this museum was built in the 19th century. In 1989 the building was remodeled as a museum. It provides an overview of the history and culture of the northeast of the country, from pre-Hispanic times to the industrialization of Mexico in the late 19th century.CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUMThis two-story modernist building by Ricardo Legorrets has 11 exhibition halls in an area of 5,000 sq. m. Opposite is an enormous bronze statue known as “La Paloma” by Juan Soriano, the symbol of the museum. The museum houses the largest permanent collection of contemporary Latin American art in the world. It alMEXICAN HISTORY MUSEUMso has a gift shop, restaurant, library and auditorium. This museum provides a broad overview of the history of the country. The ground floor contains the hall of temporary exhibits, library and video collection, auditorium, audiovisual hall, shop, cafeteria and cloakroom. The Museum Floor has five halls dedicated to the Earth, Ancient Mexico, the Colonial Era, the 19th century, and Modern Mexico. Located at 445 S. Dr. Coss St.SESAME STREET AMUSEMENT THEME PARKSet in the grounds of the Fundidora Park, this park was inspired by the Sesame Street series. It is divided up into sections, one of its greatest attractions being Aquamundo, whose slides and rivers make getting splashed an irresistible experience.NIGHT LIFE IN MONTERREYBig hotels with adjoining night-clubs have been the centre of attraction for night-clubbers in Monterrey. However, the "Barrio Antiguo" is becoming more popular as a night-spot, and providing an alternative to the 'big hotel scene'. Some night clubs charge an all inclusive cover fee; some a smaller cover and drinks on top. Drinks are served all night, don't even consider going to a nightclub until about 11pm or even Midnight, since they keep going all morning and people will start to leave at around 5 or 6 am. For all, Monterrey has a selection of good night spots to suit those looking for culture and those looking for a party!TEATRO DE LA CIUDAD (CITY’S THEATER)In the modern Teatro de la Ciudad, located in the Macroplaza, the performing arts are enhanced by the design of the theater, which has a capacity for 1,500, a hall devoted to experimental theater, two open-air theaters and rehearsal rooms.SHOPPING IN MONTERREYLike any cosmopolitan city, Monterrey has dozens of modern, functional malls and department stores offering a variety of Mexican articles as well as the latest in international fashion.To find hotel accommodations in Monterrey Activities please use the search box below, where you will find the best hotel selection at the lowest guaranteed rates.
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