Monterrey is the third largest city in Mexico. It is the capital of the state of Nuevo Leon in the northeast of the country. The city is located at the foothills of Sierra Madre Oriental mountains. After the Mexican Independence War Monterrey became an important business center. The city also experienced industrial growth over the years. It has a population of around 1.3 million people.
Most tourists come to Monterrey for business purposes. The city is full of life and vibrant, far Americanized. It enjoys high standards of living and has emerged into a progressive, modern city. It is however more than just a commercial and industrial center. Tourists can enjoy a wealth of cultural and entertainment attractions. There are restaurants, hotels, shopping malls and bars where travelers can taste some of the city’s famous beers. The Gran Plaza has modern buildings, gardens and monuments.
Enjoy the cutting edge contemporary architecture of buildings as the Puente Atirantado, the Puente Viaducto de la Unidad or the new circular TEC business school. If you like arts, visit the The Museo de Artes Contemporaneos (MARCO) with many temporary exhibitions. History is shown in the Mexican History Museum where you can look at the times the Maya, the Aztec, the Olmecs, the Toltecs and other civilizations ruled the lands. Monterrey has parks to every taste, such as the urban oasis Park Fundidora and the rugged mountain oasis the Chipinque Mesa.
Travelers to Monterrey need a valid passport and visa. American and Canadian citizens can also use a birth certificate with photo ID. Any traveler to Cancun needs a Mexican government issued tourist card (Mexican Tourist Permit), which is free of charge upon arrival. Don’t forget the beautiful surroundings of Monterrey. Take some days to visit the wildlife safari park, the Prese de la Boca dam or climb the saddle-shaped mountain Cello de la Silla. There are excellent opportunities for outdoor adventures.