Visiting Monterrey, Mexico

The third largest city in Mexico, behind Mexico City and Guadalajara, Monterrey is known mostly as a major industrial center, but it is a city rich in culture as well. Though you won't find ancient ruins here, there are countless museums, beautiful parks, and plenty of outdoor activities.

10 of my favorite attractions in Monterrey, Mexico

• Barrio Antiguo: In the Barrio Antiguo, or Old Neighborhood, you can find numerous bars, restaurants, and art galleries. It's especially lively at night, with live music blaring from various venues. The old-looking buildings and cobblestone streets are very different from the rest of the city. Every Sunday, one of the streets is closed so local artisans can sell their crafts.
• Bioparque Estrella: A great park for kids, Bioparque Estrella is a wildlife park that features a drive-through safari and a children's petting zoo. It's almost an hour outside of the city, but definitely worth the trek.
• Chipinque Ecological Park: Part of a larger National Park, Chipinque lies on top of a mountain, overlooking the entire city of Monterrey. There are plenty of picnic areas, and hiking, biking, and jogging trails. Just 20 minutes from downtown, it's the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle. Plus, the temperature up there is usually much cooler than that of the city.
• Cola de Caballo: The focal point of this attraction is an 80-foot waterfall that resembles a horse's tail, or a “cola de caballo.” It's almost a mile uphill from the entrance to the falls; my favorite way to get up there is on horseback!
• Grutas de Garcia: I'm always fascinated by caverns. The Grutas de Garcia, over 60 million years old, are no different. A cable car takes you up to the entrance. I found that ride to be scarier than the dark caves themselves!
• Macroplaza: One of the largest public squares in the world, the Macroplaza is the heart of downtown Monterrey. There are restaurants and museums nearby, but sometimes it's fun just to walk around the park.
• Museo de Arte Contemporaneo (MARCO): My favorite museum in Monterrey is the Museum of Contemporary Art. There are 11 showrooms filled with works of art from Latin America’s most important contemporary artists.
• Parque Fundidora: Within this park's 281 acres, there are museums, plazas, a botanical garden, manmade lakes, playgrounds, an ice skating rink, and a Sesame Street-themed amusement park. You can spend an entire day here, maybe even two! 
• Paseo Santa Lucia: A riverwalk that connects the Macroplaza and Parque Fundidora, this manmade channel is a fairly new attraction, only having been finished in 2007. A cruise down the almost two-mile long river is lovely, especially at night. The entire riverwalk has free WiFi, which is a neat feature!
• Presa la Boca: About 45 minutes outside of Monterrey is a lake big enough for a variety of water sports. Rent a boat, jet skis, or just relax along the shore.

Mariana Perez blogs about life as a stay-at-home mom to two beautiful little girls over at Riding With No Hands. Follow her daily adventures on Twitter @ohMariana.

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Photo courtesy of eperales.