You can reach Monterrey from many directions, but if you're driving south from the U.S. you'll probably take Highway 85 from Laredo. The first 45 miles south of the border are long and monotonous. South of Vallecillo, though, the road climbs gradually into the foothills of the Sierra Madre before dropping down into the industrial city of Monterrey, capital of the state of Nuevo Leon, and probably Mexico's leading manufacturing center.
Bustling, increasingly modern Monterrey retains much of its colonial charm despite being an industrial city. Historical landmarks are scattered throughout the city as reminders of its original 17th century settlers.
At the northern edge of town are the modern buildings of the state's streamlined, progressive University City. In the downtown area, in addition to a dozen ultramodern skyscrapers, are the attractive colonial style government buildings, the cathedral, and the modern Federal Palace (Palacio Federal), which affords a fine view of the city from its tower.
Monterrey is the heart of Mexico's beer industry. The country's largest brewery, Cuauhtemoc Brewery, on the outskirts of town, offers guided tours for visitors. Tourists are served free samples of the brewery's products Carta Blanca and Bohemia beers in a wooded beer garden.
Because of Monterrey's industrial boom, its population has been on the increase for the past couple of decades. In addition to the state university at the north end of the city, privately endowed Monterrey Institute of Technology at the southern end of town is as attractive as its cross town rival and as highly regarded in educational circles.
Picnic at Horsetail Falls
Highway 85 enters Huajuco Canyon south of Monterrey and follows the canyon for about 20 miles. The area is one of the most lush and fertile in all of Mexico.
Twenty four miles south of Monterrey is a short but rewarding detour off the main highway to the very popular resort area that features an idyllic waterfall called Cola de Caballo, or "Horsetail," which spills in delicate ribbons for 225 feet down a mossy, fern draped precipice. This is a perfect retreat for a picnic.
You leave the main highway at the south end of the village of El Cercado and follow a 4 mile, paved, privately owned toll road through orange groves and sugar cane fields into the forested foothills of the Sierra Madre. At the end of the drive is the resort complex of cottages, dining room, and swimming pool. Here you'll be greeted by the resident company of guides who will take you (for a reasonable fee) to the falls by burro, saddle horse, or horse drawn cart or, if you prefer to go without a guide, you can walk the 1/4 mile path from the resort to the falls.
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Interesting buildings deserve a visit, and you should plan to spend some time at the cathedral on Zaragoza Plaza, built between 1790 and 1840; the Municipal Palace (Palacio Municipal), a 17th century colonial style city hall; the ultramodern Purisima Church with impressionistic statues of the Apostles; and El Obispado (the Bishop's Palace), located on the west side of the city. Built in 1785, the palace served for years as a residence for church dignitaries. During the U.S. Mexican War, it functioned as a fort where Mexicans resisted American troops; it was also occupied by Pancho Villa during the Revolution of 1910.
Monterrey has two bullrings. The best season is from November to March, but during the summer, bullfights are sometimes staged on Saturday nights under the lights. After a day at the bullfights, you may enjoy a cooling drink at the Monterrey country club, Valle Alto Golf Club; tourists can pick up a visitors' card at the Chamber of Commerce.
Nearby areas to visit include the Garcia Caves and La Boca Dam. The Garcia Caves are about 30 miles northwest of Monterrey. A labyrinth of spectacular limestone caverns, the caves are open daily to visitors. A little funicular railway makes hourly trips daily from an excursion depot (5 miles northeast of the village of Villa de Garcia) to the entrance of the caves. The State Tourist Department operates the tram and conducts tours of the caverns. The funicular round trip and tour take about 2 hours.
La Boca Dam can be reached by taking Highway 85 south for about 25 miles. Here you can refresh yourself by enjoying one of several available water sports: swimming, boating, and water skiing.
