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The city of Monterrey is the third biggest city
in Mexico with almost 3 million residents. The name
means mountain king and when you arrive, you will
know why...high imposing mountains ring the city
and define it. Monterrey is probably the most
Americanized city in Mexico with strong cultural,
commercial, and historical ties to Texas. In fact
when Texas was part of Mexico, it was often
governed from Monterrey. The city was established
in 1596 and is an interesting mix of old and new.
Below are some of the most popular tourist
attractions. Barrio Antiguo-The old quarter is a
pleasant walking district with many art galleries,
bars, discos, and restaurants. It is located
directly across the grand plaza from the hotels.
The nightlife starts relatively late (around
10:30pm). The Marco Museum-This world class
contemporary art museum is located on the plaza
directly across from the major hotels. It is
located on the corner of Zuazua and Ocampo
Centro. Gran Plaza- This large plaza is at the
center of Monterrey is surrounded by the hotels on
our 'where to stay' list. It has a large number of
fountains and sculptures and is often a nice place
to stroll or get a shoe shine. The Markets- Mercado Colon and Mercado
Juarez are somewhat grungy,but are a fun if you
like crowds and bargaining. Carapan- This store has a wide variety of
Mexican arts and crafts. It is located directly
behind the Ancira hotel. Cola de Caballo- If waterfalls are your
thing, try to make it out here. The falls are about
25 miles out of Monterrey. Ask your hotel concierge
about rates for group tours, buses and cabs. Grutas de Garcia - This is a cave complex
in the Sierra El Fraile is about 30 miles out of
Monterrey. Ask your hotel concierge about rates for
group tours, buses and cabs. Plaza de Toros Lorenzo Garza- Bullfights
are held at 5pm on Sundays. Alfonso Reyes 2401 Nte. More info... can be found at the Monterrey
tourism board's website. You will notice grapevine motifs all around
Parras. Grape cultivation, or more specifically,
wine making, has been the lifeblood of the people
here for 400 years. The full name of the town
Parras de la Fuente means grape vine of the
fountain. The city is an oasis...literally! It is a
place in the middle of a forbidding desert where
the water bubbles from the earth and stands of
ancient oaks grow. Time seems to move very slow
here. If you are a city dweller you will appreciate
the night sky which is usually spectacularly
clear... but we're digressing. If you have some time during the day on Saturday
you might want to check out the following: Iglesia Santo Madero - This dramatic
improbable church seems as if it was plucked from a
surrealist painting. The tiny chapel perched atop
Cerro del Sombreretillo is accessible by taxi and a
10 minute hike. Inside you will find 150 years of
retablos and ex-votos (painted images from
villagers giving thanks for miracles big and small)
and a great view of the city. The Winery - Attached to the Hacienda, it
offers tours and a store full of local wines, rums,
brandies, and tequilas. The tour, unfortunately, is
only in Spanish. The Town- Parras has 9 major churches,
some dating back to 1598. Each church has a small
plaza. The town is easily walkable. More info: For more information, call the,
English-speaking staff at the Coahuila state
tourism office (52-84) 15 17-14, or 15 21-74, or
Infotur (91-800)84-200. Or write to Turismo
Coahuila, Blvd. Luis Echeverria Alvarez No. 1560,
Edificio Torres, Piso 11, Saltillo C.P. 25286. This
website also has a nice overview of the
city. |
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