Great Side Trips

Chipinque National Park

Just 20 minutes from downtown Monterey and about 10 minutes from San Pedro Garza Garcia, this natural paradise seems very far removed from any large city.  Chipinque National Park is a favorite getaway for nature lovers, hikers, climbers, bird watchers and mountain bikers.  It also attracts those who are just seeking a little peace and quiet.  The well kept hiking trails (over 15 km.) and picnic grounds draw big crowds on weekends, especially in the summer when the temperature is well below that of the city.  The winding paved road along with an abundance of dirt trails are huge attractions for local bicyclists, especially mountain bikers. 

There is a general store near the entrance where you can buy picnic supplies, film, water and other necessities.  There is also a restaurant at the same location.  At the end of the road you come upon the beautiful Hotel Chipinque, (See: Hotel Information) a great getaway for couples or business groups that want to be able to keep focus on a special topic, without a lot of outside interference. Chipinque is a great place for a relaxing picnic lunch if you arrive at midday.  The incredible solitude that this nature preserve offers the residents and visitors to Monterrey is an enormous asset to the city.

Chipinque National Park: (81) 8335-6979.  Entrance fee of approximately 30 pesos.

La Estanzuela

It doesn't seem possible that La Estanzuela is just a short (20 minute) drive southeast of downtown Monterrey.  La Estanzuela gives you the feeling of being far away from any city, and high up in the mountains.  This nature area is devoted to walking in the peace and quiet of a natural setting. Paved paths, on either side of a natural stream offer visitors a chance to feel a different side of Monterrey. The sounds of several small waterfalls and the running stream add a yet another touch of tranquility to already this peaceful area.  Picnics are allowed and tables and trash receptacles are installed. This is another peaceful diversion to the hustle and bustle of the busy city, nearby.  You can buy water, soft drinks and snacks at the entrance.

La Estanzuela Nature Area: (81) 8337-1388.  A very small entrance fee applies.

Presa de La Boca

Approximately 45 minutes southeast of Monterrey is the small town of Santiago and the Presa de la Boca reservoir.  This man made lake has become a popular water sports area and weekend retreat for Monterey residents.  The lake is large enough to play host to boating and fishing enthusiasts along with large numbers of jet skis.  Along the shore are rustic resorts and restaurants where visitors with children can relax over lunch and a cold beer while the children enjoy the lake. 

The town of Santiago has sprouted a large market place, on the lake side of the highway, which sells everything from rustic furniture to some of the hottest chili in México.  If you are into HOT make it a point to get some "Chili del Monte" at one of the roadside stands selling citrus and honey and this local product, chilies spiced with vinegar.  There are several very interesting nurseries selling exotic landscape ornaments along with a great variety of plants.  A new modern disco is also in the finishing stages.  There are several motels along the road and a larger hotel on a hill overlooking the lake.

Presa de la Boca: 20 miles southeast of Monterrey city limits on the Carretera Nacional, also called Carretera a Ciudad Victoria.   

Cola de Caballo

Just a short distance up in the hills from the town of Santiago you will find the beautiful Cola de Caballo waterfalls.  The waterfall got its name, which means horse tail, because the shape of the waterfall resembles a real horse tail.  You can walk to the falls (almost a mile) from the entrance or you can rent a horse drawn buggy or ride on horseback.  You can get very close to the waterfalls, close enough to get wet from the spray.  This is a great place to take pictures of the family, so don't forget your camera.  There are restaurants, snack bars and souvenir stands before you start the easy trip to the falls.  Picnic tables are spread out along the river and near the falls. 

A five star hotel, Hacienda Cola de Caballo (See: Hotel Information), is located a short distance before the waterfall and provides a beautiful view of the forest below.  The restaurant is said to be a great place to have lunch or dinner, before driving back to the city.  A bungee jump is located on the hotel grounds.  You jump directly into the forest from a platform built out over a steep cliff adjacent to the jumping area.

There are more waterfalls further along the road and a small alpine type village just a short distance up the road.  This is a pristine area that is patrolled by rangers that manage to control the crowds and keep the area clean.  Ample parking is available at the entrance.

Cola de Caballo:  Entrance fee of  approximately 35 pesos.  Location approximately 25 miles southeast of Monterrey city limits on the Carretera Nacional, also called Carretera a Ciudad Victoria. Look for the signs as you pass through the city of Santiago.  

Grutas de Garcia

Just 45 minutes northwest of Monterrey, off the Satillo highway, are the truly spectacular caverns of Grutas de Garcia.  These caverns, which were discovered in 1843, are more than 60 million years old, although they don't look a day of 40 million.  The system of caves themselves are reached by way of an old cable car which takes you up the almost 2500 foot assent to the entrance.  The entrance to the caves is huge and the, over one mile, passage through the caves is lighted, enabling visitors to view the spectacular stalagmites, stalactites, the petrified sea shells and other interesting crystalline formations.  A 90-minute tour takes you through the 16 caverns nestled inside of Cerro del Fray (Friar's Mountain).

This is an incredible journey into mother earth and this can be a very special adventure for the whole family. There are picnic grounds, children's playgrounds and a swimming pool near the parking area.  For this reason the caves can get very crowed on weekends.

Grutas de Garcia:  Entrance fee of approximately 40 pesos, less for children (includes cable car and tour).  Location: Approx. 25 miles southwest of Monterrey off of the main highway to Satillo.  Turn off near the Km. 22 marker.
 

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