Monterrey: City of Mountains

By Patricia Earnest

Monterrey, Mexico's third largest city, is rolling out a warm welcome mat to visitors. New to the scene are theme parks, updated museums, an IMAX, soft adventure vacations, and newly constructed resorts conveniently accessible from the city, yet located in and around the stunning Sierra Madre Oriental mountains that enfold the city.

Sightseeing in Monterrey
Monterrey is clean with well-kept streets, modern buildings, and prosperous suburbs. In fact, Monterrey has a somewhat American look, since many of the prominent public buildings were designed by Alfred Giles, known for his San Antonio public buildings. Designed in the turn-of-the-century beaux arts style, they lend an attractive ambiance to the city.

Apart from the cathedrals, churches and palaces, several museums are a must-see on any visit to the city. The History Museum sits in the center of the city, on the city's founding place -- the Springs of Santa Lucia. The museum's main exhibit is arranged chronologically, moving from an interesting presentation on Ancient Mexico, through Colonial times to the 19th-century and on to Modern Mexico. It's an exciting exhibition, open day except Mondays.

Travelers with children will love the Planetario Alfa with its IMAX theater and hands-on exhibits. Outside is an aviary with over 200 birds from 15 different species, a science garden with games demonstrating science principals and a pre-hispanic garden with replicas of prehistoric cultures' sculptures.

Day Trips From Monterrey
Horsetail Falls is 26 miles southeast of Monterrey on Mexico 85. Turn two miles beyond Villa de Santiago. Picnic tables with grills sit enticingly amongst the trees on the path up to the 82-foot falls. You can ride a horse to the top of the falls for $4 or ride in a horse cart for $3.50. Near the entrance, there are stalls with crafts and food.

If you like giraffes, then be sure to visit the Estrella Animal Park in Montemorelos, past the Falls, 55 minutes from Monterrey. It is a nature reserve where 700 animals from 50 different species foam freely in magnificent scenery. The best way to see the animals is by safari bus. Grab a cup full of grain and you will be able to lure the animals to the side of the bus and see them really close up.

Where to Eat
For a special treat, visit Las Palomas Restaurant, in nearby Santiago for a truly Mexican feast. The restaurant sits on the side of the airy park-like town center. The rooms and furniture are painted with bright festive colors, the food is excellent and live music sets the scene.

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