Monterrey
From MyVacationsTo
Monterrey IPA: [ˌmontɛˈrei] (Spanish: Monterrey) is the capital city of the northeastern Mexican state of Nuevo León and a municipality of the same name. Also known as the "City of the Mountains" and "Sultana del Norte" (Sultanate of the North), the city is a modern industrial and business center. It is the third most populated metropolitan area in the country and the second biggest metropolitan area after Mexico City. The whole metropolitan area has been ranked as having the highest GDP per capita and as the most secure conurbation in Latin America in 2005 and one of the two most secure in 2006. The city was named after the Countess of Monterrei (a city in Galicia, Spain) wife of the Viceroy of New Spain Gaspar de Zúñiga y Acevedo, Count of Monterrey.
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[edit] Transportation
Monterrey is well connected with the USA border, the sea and inland Mexico through several modern roads, including the Carretera Nacional (also known as the Panamerican Highway) that runs from Nuevo Laredo to México City and south, and the Carretera Interoceánica connecting Matamoros with the port of Mazatlán on the Pacific; it is also crossed by highways 40, 45, 57. The divided highway Monterrey-Saltillo-Matehuala-Mexico City is the main land corridor to interior Mexico.
There are several between-cities bus lines at the bus station downtown. Buses are modern and efficient, with many arrivals and departures everyday into deeper Mexico, to the U.S. border and into the United States.
[edit] Monterrey Aiports
Mariano Escobedo Airport (IATA: MTY) (ICAO: MMMY), Tel: +52 (81)83-45-44-34. Daily flights to Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Las Vegas and Los Angeles and it also has several flights a day that connect it with Guadalajara and Mexico city. A few of the low cost airlines also fly in from different parts of the country.
The usual fare to go from the airport to the city and vice versa is about US$25. If you are in the city, any taxi will take you and the fare will be the same from any point of the city to the airport.
In the airport you have to locate a special counter inside the terminal where you have to pay for the fare to the city. Once you pay you are given a ticket that has to be shown to the driver in order to be let into a cab.
Del Norte Airport (ICAO: MMAN), Tel: +52 (81) 80-30-90-90. If you are not flying commercial the best way into Monterrey is the Del Norte Airport. Simply put, there is no burocracy involved in entering Monterrey through this airport. There are various FBOs that will be glad to assist you with your every need, and the hospitality of every single employee of the airport and the FBOs give you a very warm welcome to Monterrey. The FBOs can get you in contact with a car rental company or can take you to your hotel. This airport is closer to the city than the Mariano Escobedo Airport.
[edit] Get around
Once in Monterrey, the easiest way to get around is by cab (eco-taxis), they are green with white rooftops. They are pretty cheap and plentiful. There is a bus and rail system too but they are best left to the locals. Renting a car is not recommended, they are quite expensive (usually in the US it's around $30 per day but in Mexico it's more like $50+). Besides, navigating the streets are a bit tricky in the older parts of town, and just like any major metro area, parking is always an issue. Go for the cabs. The Green Cabs called "Ecos" are extremely cheap, the starter fee is around $0.50, and an average trip is around $3-5d, very convenient. Also be cautious of stationary taxis waiting for people outside of a bus station or airport, they may try to take advantage of you and charge you more than the usual fare, if you are verbally given a fare that is not reasonable don't take the taxi.
Monterrey also has a modern subway which covers much of the downtown area and the municipality of Guadalupe.
Public transportation in the city includes a modern but limited in lenght, rapid transit system or metro with only two lines, the Metro Línea 2 is currently being expanded to the north of the city, and construction works are estimated to finish by September 2007. There are many city bus lines that vary in quality and route, althought by decree, all bus lines (privately funded) had to change their vehicles by January 2007. Thousands of economical and efficient taxi cabs can also be found. Traffic jams, although less impressive than those seen in other Latin American big cities, are becoming more frequent, primarily at rush hours.
[edit] Orientation
The city of Monterrey is located in northeastern Mexico, in the state of Nuevo Leon. The Santa Catarina River (dry most of the year) bisects the city. Monterrey lies at the foothill of the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range, which seems to come to an abrupt start south of the city, i.e. the famous "Sierra de Chipinque" in San Pedro Garza García. A small hill, the Cerro del Topo and its smaller Topo Chico are located in the suburbs of San Nicolás de los Garza and Escobedo. West of the city rises the Cerro de las Mitras (Mountain of the Mitres), named that because it is shaped as the profile of several bishops with their mitres. East of the city, the iconic most recognized symbol of Monterrey the Cerro de la Silla (Saddle Mountain) dominates the view. South of the Santa Catarina river, the Cerro de la Loma Larga separates Monterrey from the suburb of San Pedro Garza García.
[edit] Practical Information
[edit] Climate
The city of Monterrey possesses a slightly radical climate, with quick changes in the weather possible at any time, summer or winter. The annual average is of 22 degrees Celsius, and the coldest months are those comprised between December and March, while the hottest days are between May and August; in some occasions thermometers can reach up to 45º Celsius during summer.
[edit] Hospitals
Monterrey has some of the best hospitals in Mexico. Here's a list of some of them:
| Hospital | Address |
| Hospital San José [www] | Av. Morones Prieto #3000 Pte. Col. Los Doctores Monterrey, N.L. +52 81 8348 5329 |
| Hospital Christus-Muguerza [www] | Av. Hidalgo Poniente 2525 Col. Obispado Monterrey, N.L. +52 81 8399 3453 +52 81 8399 3449 |
| Hospital OCA [www] | Av. Pino Suárez Zona Centro Monterrey, N.L. +52 81 8375 7405 |
| Hospital Santa Engracia [www] | Av. Frida Kahlo 180 Col. Valle Oriente San Pedro Garza García, N.L. +52 81 8368 7777 |
| Hospital Universitario | Av. Francisco I. Madero Col. Mitras Centro Monterrey, N.L. +52 81 8346-94-00 +52 81 8333 6563 +52 81 8333 6863 |
[edit] Consulates
[edit] Accomodation and Camping
- List of Hotels in Monterrey's Metropolitan Area.
- List of Motels in Monterrey's Metropolitan Area.
- List of Cabins near Monterrey's Metropolitan Area.
[edit] Food
Monterrey is a paradise for spicy food lovers. Worthwhile local delicacies are:
- cabrito - baby goat barbeque
- tacos - choose from "trompo", "bistek", "barbacoa", "Chicharron" or "arrachera"
- machacado
- atropellado - dry meat with tomato, onion and peppers, really good!
- taco azul (blue taco) - don't forget to stop by here to enjoy some great morning tacos located in Av. Leones and Rangel Frias, in the heart of cumbres district
Also, you should go out and enjoy the mariachis; you can see them and enjoy great food and local drinks at El Regio or La Valentina.
Consider going to El Rey del Cabrito, Gran Pastor or Gran San Carlos for some of the best cabrito in town.
El Rey del Cabrito
One of the most famous restaurants in Monterrey, this restaurant's speciality—as its name suggests—is cabrito (kid goat). The other dishes, like the magnificent grilled beef cuts, should not be overlooked however. This locale is the oldest of three branches, which are all located in the city. The decor is a little excessive with stuffed animals on the walls and objects from this northern region. Still, the menu prices are not as high as other restaurants of this class and the atmosphere is informal with a mixed clientele.
Constitución 817 Monterrey 64000 Mexico +52 81 8345 3232 Open Hours1:30p-9p daily
El Gaucho
This is one of the recommended places to enjoy Argentine food. El Gaucho is well-known for its excellent meat. What you never know is if you will be able to finish your portion, for the plates are piled high. So, here is a piece of advice: unless you are very hungry, it is best to ask for half portions. Besides meats, their menu offers the usual dishes for this type of restaurant: side dishes, salads and turnover pies. The prices are reasonable, and the decor is not in the least ostentatious.
Arroyo Seco, 100 Monterrey 64740 Mexico +52 81 8358 4218 Open Hours1.30p-midnight daily
El Regio
This is one of the most traditional and well-known restaurants in all of Monterrey for cabrito (kid goat). Politicians, artists and other celebrities gather here for the popular, regional fare. Cuts of grilled meat, soups and abundant side dishes such as rice and beans are also on the menu. There is a playground for children while adults enjoy the meal to mariachi music and other Mexican bands. The establishment is truly a taste of Monterrey culture at its best.
Gonzalitos y Vancouver Monterrey 64620 Mexico +52 81 8346 5614 Open Hours7a-2a daily
For a more extended list of Restaurants in Monterrey click here.
[edit] Sights
Cerro de la Silla - This mountain is considered the symbol of the city.
Macroplaza. Built in the early 1980s, this plaza is the largest in Mexico and the second largest in the world (400,000 square meters). The Macroplaza features the following monuments, buildings and pedestrian zones: Palacio de Gobierno, Faro del Comercio, Explanada de los Heroes, Jardín Hundido (park), Teatro de la Ciudad (City's Theater), Biblioteca "Fray Servando Teresa de Mier" (a public library), Fuente de Neptuno (Neptune's Fountain), Capilla de los Dulces Nombres (a catholic chapel), Plaza Zaragoza, Monterrey's City Hall and Homenaje al Sol (monument designed by Rufino Tamayo).
Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace) - A Neoclassical construction where the office of the governor is located. It also hosts a Museum.
Cerro del Obispado - A hill that hosts the Palacio del Obispado (the Bishopric Palace). It offers an espectacular view of the city.
Fundidora Park www. A public park located inside the former Monterrey Foundry property, which operated from 1900 until its bankruptcy in 1986. The park has an area of 120 hectares, which contains extensive walking tracks, an artificial lake, playgrounds for children and a 2.1 mile permanent road course which is popular with joggers, bicyclists and inline skaters. Fundidora Park also includes a convention center (CINTERMEX), a hotel, a museum, Sesame Street Park, the Monterrey Arena, the Coca-Cola's Auditorium, Cineteca Nuevo Leon, and other smaller buildings and cultural venues. Every year since 2001 the park has held the Champ Car World Series Grand Prix of Monterrey.
Cerro de la Silla |
Macroplaza |
Grand Prix Monterrey in Fundidora Park |
Faro del Comercio |
Fuente de Neptuno |
Museo de Historia Mexicana |
Palacio de Gobierno |
Palacio del Obispado |
[edit] Museums
Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Monterrey (Museum of Contemporary Art of Monterrey) - Displays important contemporary Latin American paintings, sculptures, architecture and designs of famous artists.
Zuazua sur, Monterrey, Nuevo León
Open Hours: Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday 11:00-19:00; Wednesday (Free entrance) & Sunday 11:00-21:00
Museo de Historia Mexicana - Holds the most important exhibition of the Mexican History in the northern region of Mexico.
Dr. Coss sur 445, Monterrey, Nuevo León
Museo de la Fauna y Ciencias Naturales (Fauna and Natural Science Museum) - The only museum of this kind in north Mexico.
Av. Alfonso Reyes Nte. 1000, Monterrey, Nuevo León
Museo del Palacio de Gobierno - Stores a collection of historical documents about legal, social and political history of Nuevo León.
Zaragoza y 5 de Mayo, Monterrey, Nuevo León
Museo Metropolitano de Monterrey - Offers a journey through the history of Monterrey.
Zaragoza, Monterrey, Nuevo León
Museo Regional de Nuevo León El Obispado
Rafael José Verger, Monterrey, Nuevo León
Planetario Alfa - Museum of Science, Art and Technology.
Av. Roberto Garza Sada No. 1000, San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León
Salón de la Fama (Hall of Fame) - Honors the best baseball players of the country and displays documents related to the history of this sports.
Av. Alfonso Reyes No. 2202, Monterrey, Nuevo León
[edit] Entertainment
[edit] Theaters
[edit] Theme Parks
- Parque Plaza Sesamo (Sesame Street Theme Park) www
- Open Hours: Tuesday-Friday 15:00-20:00; Saturday and Sunday 11:00-20:00
- Bosque Mágico www
- Open Hours: Wednesday-Friday 14:00-21:00; Saturday and Sunday 11:00-22:00
- Mundo de Adeveras www- Theme Park specially designed for kids.
- Open Hours: Enter website to consult them.
[edit] Sports
Monterrey is an important sport spot. It is the home of two professional football teams (Rayados and Tigres), a baseball team (Sultanes), and a basketball team (Fuerza Regia). This guarantees a chance of watching a game every week. Monterrey also has important Bull Fighting and Lucha Libre (mexican WWE) Plazas.
- Estadio Tecnológico (Rayados' Stadium) www
- Av. Manuel Barragán. Col. Tecnológico. Monterrey, N.L.
- Estadio Universitario (Tigres' Stadium) www
- Ciudad Universitaria. San Nicolás de los Garza, N.L.
- Plaza Monumental Lorenzo Garza (Bull Fighting) www
- Av. Alfonso Reyes 2401 Norte. Col. del Prado. Monterrey, N.L. +52 81 8374-0450 ; +52 81 8374-0505
- Arena Coliseo (Lucha Libre) www
- Av. Colón 1050 Pte. Monterrey, N.L. +52 81 8375 5001 ; +52 81 8375 9130
Estadio Tecnológico |
Estadio Universitario |
Monumental Lorenzo Garza |
Arena Coliseo |
[edit] Shopping Centres
Go to Shopping Centres in Monterrey.
[edit] Nightlife
The clubbing scene is in Moterrey is very hot. Nightclubs range from the typical "dive bar" to the very expensive, valet-please-park-my-Lamborghini places. Because Monterrey is home to the top colleges in Mexico, thousands of young people from all over Mexico party as early as Wednesday. You will surely find a club that suits your taste. There are 2 major clubbing areas to know about, downtown known as the Barrio Antiguo and the Centrito, in the Colonia del Valle.
- Barrio Antiguo (Old Town) is probably your best option if you are only in the city for one night. You will find plenty of bars with live music that open until early in the morning. Make sure you visit Bar-Rio Antiguo and Zocalo (its courtyard hosts 4-5 clubs), located on Padre Mier. Keep an eye out for people handing out "No Cover" passes on the street, as well as flyers advertising events, cover fee, and special offers (example: 2x1 on bottles before 12 a.m., girls 50% off cover fee before 11 p.m.) at the different nightclubs.
- The Centrito has seen a steady decline in its night scene, and there is much left besides the Ocean Drive bar. But you can still go to a club called Havana which is located in Avenida San Pedro or the Privatt.
- Nirvana Rock Joint outside of Plaza Fiesta San Agustin features 80's, 90's and some recent music. Good selection of beer, liquor, and appetizers. Free breathalyzer test, ask the bouncer for a safe taxi if you can't drive.
- A night out is not complete until you finish eating "breakfast" at a local taqueria or hot dog stand. Tacos del Julio and Tacos del Güero are two of the most seeked establishments for this purpose.
- The traffic fine for being caught driving under the influence can reach up to US$2,500 or three days imprisonment. It's not worth the risk.
| Club/Bar | Type of Music | Address |
| Bar-Río Antiguo | Live Music | Padre Mier 1094 Ote. Zona Centro Monterrey, N.L. |
| Café Iguana | Alternative Music | Diego de Montemayor 927 Sur |
| Far West Rodeo | Western/Rodeo | Av. Los Angeles 309 San Nicolas de Los Garza N.L. |
| Privatt | Live Music | Av. Roble 300 Col. Valle del Campestre San Pedro Garza García, N.L. |
| San Pedro Antiguo | Live Music | Juárez 326 Zona Centro Monterrey, N.L. |
| Skandal | Disco & Tropical Shows | Ocampo 436 Pte. Zona Centro Monterrey, N.L. |
| Skizzo | Electroclub/Techno | Mariano Matamoros 935 Ote. Zona Centro Monterrey, N.L. |
| UMA | Live Music | Dr. Cross 3837 Zona Centro Monterrey, N.L. |
[edit] Daytrips from the city
[edit] Santiago, N.L.
- Cola de Caballo (Horse’s tale waterfall)
Exciting waterfall located at about 40 km from Monterrey.
- Cascada del Chipitin (Chipitin's Waterfall)
- Presa de la Boca
[edit] García, Nuevo Leon
- Grutas de García (Garcia's Caves)
About 40 miles northwest of Monterrey are the Grutas de Garcia. Discovered by priest Juan Antonio Sobrevilla in 1843 while he was walking around the area, the caves were under water in ancient time that’s why you can see sea life signs on many of its walls.
You can take a cable car ride to explore the caves or walk up on foot. The route inside the caves lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour maximum, crossing almost 700 steps and a distance of 1 kilometer
Open Hours: 9:00-17:00 hrs.
Grutas de García |
Grutas de García |
[edit] Montemorelos, N.L.
- Bioparque Estrella www
The Park has two different areas. First the Serengeti Safari, an open area of 250 hectares in which the visitor may do a journey of 7 km, there he can see more than 700 animals of 50 different species that live at the moment in the park. Second the Mundo Infantil (Children's World), where you can find a play zone, petting zoo, a lake with pedal boats, etc. Open Hours: March 14 to August 20, Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00-19:00; August 24 to March 12, Thursday to Sunday, 10:00-18:00 (Opens in Holidays)
[edit] McAllen, Texas
Go shopping to McAllen, Texas. Highway cost from Monterrey to Reynosa is aproximately $500 Pesos (Roundtrip).
[edit] Eco Tourism and Extreme Sports in Monterrey
[edit] Bungee Cola de Caballo
Bungee Cola de Caballo is inside Hotel Hacienda Cola de Caballo, in Santiago, Nuevo Leon . It is located half an hour from Monterrey trough the ”carretera nacional” (national highway), very close to the famous horse tail waterfall. To check more info on how to get there see the maps on this address [1].
The Bungee site is open ALL weekends of the year (it doesn't matter if it is a sunny day, a rainy day or a tornado is on the way). The schedule is Friday from 3 PM to 8 PM , Saturday and Sunday from 11 AM to 8 PM . During Holly Week we open from Thursday until Sunday. The site can be open on weekdays for groups of 10 clients or more.
The price for a jump is $330 pesos, either ankles or waist. We also offer to take a picture or video of you jump. And of course, you can get a cap, t-shirt, key chain or any other souvenir.
To celebrate your jump you can stay at the Hotel and have a drink in the Xtreme Sports Bar, go to the Mirador restaurant and have a meal or stay in one of the comfortable rooms and relax.
We are waiting for you at Bungee Cola de Caballo. Remember that all it takes is a small step… well, maybe not that small.
[edit] Canyoneering
Monterrey is known as the City of Mountains . This mountain ranges have big walls and impressive canyons. Some of them with running water and some dry. In every season, summer or winter, Monterrey has a canyon for you. Here is a selection of the very best canyons in the area.
[edit] Matacanes (1 day)
Matacanes is the best canyon around. It has amazing turquoise color water, spectacular rappels aside waterfalls, exciting jumps to the water and two underground tunnels that gave the canyon its name. Come with Bungee Mexico and enjoy this incredible canyon. More info (in spanish)
[edit] Matacanes and Chipitin Canyon (2 days)
In this program we will visit two of the most impressive canyons of Santiago. During the first day we go to the Chipitin Canyon, where we will make 7 rappels, culminating in the beautiful cascade of the same name. In the dinner we will have fire. The following day we will make a descent of Matacanes canyon, simply most impressive of the zone. If you like adrenalin this adventure is for you.
ITINERARY
Day 1 - We leave Santiago very early and drive to Potrero Redondo. We will settle in the camping and the guides will give the instructions us to initiate the route of the Chipitin Canyon . The place where the river is born is where we enter the canyon. Here we will go trough 7 rappels, each one more amazing than the previous, until we arrive to the Chipitin waterfall. When end this day with a great food and a deserved rest in our camping. At night we will have a fire.
Day 2 - We start the day with a good breakfast and prepared ourselves for Matacanes canyon. We begin with a long walk until arriving to the cascade “El Salto” (the jump) which we will rappel. A large number of jumps to the water and some slides will be the activities of the day. At the end of the day we will have a great dinner and return to Monterrey .
INCLUDES:
- 2 Breakfast, 2 snacks during canyons, 2 dinners
- Safety equipment
- Professional guides
- Medical Insurance
- Local transportation
[edit] Stay Safe
According to América Económica magazine, Monterrey has ranked as the safest city in Latin America along with Santiago de Chile. Violent crime against tourists is not common as in other parts of Mexico. It is perfectly safe to walk outside even in the night. However, as in any metropolitan area in the world, it still has some crime issues, mainly related to drug traffic. Also avoid poorer areas that you may spot easily in some hills and the surroundings. Just keep in mind to maintain some minor precautions as you would do in any major city.