Who would have thought that in less than two hours, you could go from the tropical heat of Mérida to the heart of Monterrey's imposing mountains? After a short flight, my adventure in the "Sultana of the North" began. If you, like me, are looking for an alternative getaway from Mérida, give yourself the opportunity to discover some of what this vibrant city has to offer, such as its culture, gastronomy and breathtaking landscapes, in addition to its increasingly large cultural and musical offerings.
After a brief non-stop flight, I found myself in the capital of the state of Nuevo León, Monterrey, or rather its metropolitan area, which encompasses 14 municipalities and is home to more than five million people. I headed towards my hotel (the Hotel NH Collection Monterrey) in San Pedro Garza García, a municipality where the quality of life is perceived in every detail.
Two Days in Monterrey: What to Do
My first destination was the Macroplaza, which unlike the one in Mérida, is not a shopping center. In Monterrey, the Macroplaza is a central square in the style of the Yucatecan Plaza Grande, but with an area of approximately 40 hectares: it is truly vast. It is a space full of green areas and surrounded by important buildings such as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Monterrey, the Municipal Building of the City Council, the Government Palace and the Museum of Contemporary Art, among others. I joined the people who were walking and enjoying the warm rays of the sun, while chatting and others resting under the trees.
Our next destination was the Santa Lucía Walk, where we enjoyed the artificial river aboard a boat (although the tour can also be done on foot); it culminates in a crucible: an original piece that used to be used as a container for steel and high-temperature metals that were produced in the Fundidora Park.
Fundidora Park: From Steel Giant to Urban Oasis
The space occupied by Fundidora Park used to be the grounds of the defunct largest steel company in the country, which gave Monterrey the great economic boost that it continues to lead in the industrial sector to this day.
In the park, I walked through its immense green areas and large industrial vestiges from when it was still operating a few decades ago. Within the Park is the Horno 3 Steel Museum, which offers an impressive tour of what used to be one of the buildings where steel smelting was carried out. The museum has an elevator that takes you to the highest part of the furnace, where you have an imposing view of the city and the hills that surround it.
To end our first day in Monterrey, we visited the Old Quarter of the city, where among its cobbled streets and colorful façades we found a restaurant called Jabalina to delight ourselves with a sample of authentic local cuisine. Here our lunch was a varied selection of traditional dishes, mainly beef cuts.
After a day full of activities, we returned to the comfortable and recently renovated Hotel NH Collection Monterrey San Pedro. Its exceptional amenities provided us with the perfect rest, making us feel completely refreshed and ready for the next day.
Day Two: Magic Towns and Mountain Views
The next day I headed to the magical town of Santiago, located about 40 minutes from San Pedro Garza García. This picturesque town surrounded by mountains is home to colonial houses and an iconic church that can be seen from afar, the Parish of Santiago Apóstol. Here we stopped to regain energy and take some photographs.
The tour ended with a visit to the Cola de Caballo Ecotourism Park, on a journey that includes inclined roads and stunning views of the nearby mountains. This incredible experience paled when we arrived at the Cola de Caballo Waterfall, which with the force of the falling water emitted a lullabying noise, and a refreshing breeze.
The Cola de Caballo Ecotourism Park is equipped with grills and enough chairs and tables to enjoy a morning or an afternoon with family or friends. For the more adventurous, there are also zip lines, roller zips, bungee, and other extreme options.
A Feast for the Senses: Monterrey's Culinary Delights
One of the things I like most when I travel is trying the authentic local cuisine. On this occasion, I enjoyed many local delicacies, such as the traditional chicharrón (pork rinds) from "La [Carnicería] Ramos". Chicharrón is delicious on its own, but also in presentations such as chicharrón in green sauce, or in guacamole tacos. A key element of the area's cuisine is meat and all its derivatives, which, if you embark on this trip, you will enjoy at all times, as well as milk sweets in their different presentations, such as milk caramel glorias, bolitas de leche (milk balls), gusanitos (little worms), or barritas de leche (milk bars).
The culinary experience at the Hotel NH Collection Monterrey San Pedro was also outstanding. Its gastronomic options stand out for their quality and flavor, turning each meal into a memorable moment. From the fresh and varied breakfasts to dishes that integrate the best of local and international cuisine, staying and eating at the hotel was a true delight.
Monterrey is an excellent option for a weekend from Mérida, as it is an experience that mixes history, modernity and nature in a unique way. From its majestic hills to its delicious gastronomy, this weekend left me wanting to return and explore even more of its regal charm. If you are looking to change scenery leaving Mérida, it could be the ideal option for you too!
This article was made possible thanks to the kind invitation of the Hotel NH Collection Monterrey San Pedro.
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