IMPORTANT FACTS
Nuevo Leon is 24,800 square miles large. It has a population of 4,745, 535 people as the eighth-most populous state. The capital is Monterrey. Major cities of Nuevo Leon include Santa Catarina, Guadalupe, Apodaca, San Nicolas de Los Garza, and San Pedro Garza Garcia. The state is one of the smartest in Mexico.  Nuevo Leon claims one of the country’s lowest rates of illiteracy. Â
GEOGRAPHY AND LANDSCAPE
Nuevo Leon has an arid climate. There are three geographic regions to Nuevo Leon: semi-dry, desert, and temperate mountain zones. The large city of Monterrey receives water from the San Juan River. The mountainous region has pine and oak forests in many areas. The plains feature flora like agave and yucca. This region is popular for tourism. Tourist activities include rappel, rock climb, and camp. The state is also known for its caves, waterfalls, and scenic vistas. The desert regions are filled with dramatic scenes that also attract tourists. Cumbres National Park is in the Sierra Madre Oriental near Monterrey and is a famous tourist attraction. Animals in the area include bobcats, white-tailed deer, boars, badgers, and roadrunners.
Archeologists assert that people were hunting and gathering in the region of Nuevo Leon by 8900 B.C. They also maintain that nearly 250 indigenous tribes were in the area and many around the part of present-day Monterrey. However, by the time of Spanish arrival, the region did not boast significant settlements. Home tribes were still mostly nomadic, relying on hunting and gathering practices. Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca came to Nuevo Leon in 1535. However, significant colonization efforts did not occur until the 1600s. During this time missionaries were trying to convert the Native Americans to Catholicism. Â
In the late 18th century Silver and gold mining depleted the region’s stores. Then the Catholic Church began to establish convents and seminaries. The area considerable political instability after the War of Independence. Industrialization for the state did not begin to progress until a road linking Monterrey with Mexico City. Nuevo Leon was one of the earliest countries to support the Mexican Revolution.  In the years after the revolution, Nuevo Leon thrives as a cattle ranching state. The capital, Monterrey, is a northern hub for industry and finance in the country.
TOURISM
Nuevo Leon is known for its outdoor tourist activities. With its canyons, pine forests, waterfalls, and caves, Nuevo Leon has many breathtaking scenic attractions. Famous for its eco-tours and outdoor adventures, Nuevo Leon is popular among campers, rock climbers, and hikers. On the other hand, its major cities like Monterrey are vibrant with cultural and historical attractions. Visitors to the state invariably find much to love, making this one of the country’s favorite northern states.
MONTERREY, NUEVO LEON
The capital is the third-largest city in Mexico. Monterrey boasts a plethora of attractions. Visitors will find unsurpassed examples of northern Mexican cuisine. Monterrey has world-class museums that contain remarkable exhibits. And the accommodations (hotels and inns) will fit any budget.
Click here to download the Monterrey Map to your device. The map is PDF and zoomable to help you find your way even without the internet.
The capital attracts business executives with its convention centers and thriving business sector.  Monterrey is the second wealthiest economy in Mexico. Visitors to Monterrey will find a city bursting with exciting things to see and do.
OTHER THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN NUEVO LEON
Pal Norte
Happening every April and November, the Pal Norte festival is always a favorite with visitors and locals alike. Part arts fair, part musical celebration and all fun, the Pal Norte has been an annual event since 2012. If you love great food, friendly people and amazing music, be sure to put Pal Norte on your calendar.Â
 Cerro de la Silla
This saddle-shaped mountain is a recognizable symbol of Monterrey. As a significant Nuevo Leon landmark, it is a popular recreational site among locals and travelers alike.
Abierto Monterrey:Â
If you love the sport of tennis, make room on your calendar for the annual Abierto Monterrey. This world-class tournament attracts the best players the world has to offer, so you can enjoy the intense competition and watch the players play the game they love.
Museum of Contemporary Art of Monterrey
This museum is one of the nation’s best-known museums of contemporary art and boasts world-class exhibits each year.
a Huasteca
This famed climbing area outside of Monterrey is known for its challenging limestone formations that are more slippery than other types of limestone.
Cabuland Monterrey
On the second weekend of August, the bustling city of Monterrey becomes a premier concert venue, and you get to enjoy all the musical offerings. From reggae to hip hop, from urban rhythms to funk, you will find it all in Monterrey. If you love great music, you will not want to miss this spectacular event.
Potrero Chico:
One of the best rock climbing destinations in Mexico, Potrero Chico. It has an international reputation as one of the best climbing sites in the entire world. Near the town of Hidalgo, this area is also popular with mountain bikers, campers, and hikers.
Boca de Potrerillos
This archaeological site is located east of the capital in the valleys of the Sierra Madre Oriental.  It contains one of the most significant examples of ancient rock art and petroglyphs in the nation.
Macroplaza
This Monterrey central plaza is one of the biggest in the world. It boasts many sightseeing attractions like the governor’s palace, the Fero del Comercio monument, the Teatro de la Ciudad, and City Hall.
Fiestas
During nearly every month of the year, there are fiestas in honor of various anniversaries. The Festival del Barrio Antiguo and the Guadalupe Cattle-Ranching Exposition draw visitors from around the country. Many of the celebrations are local events but offer glimpses of traditional culture that is popular among tourists.
Ironman 70.3 Monterrey
Taking place in the vibrant metropolis of Nuevo Leon and the surrounding region, the Ironman 70.3 brings the most elite and well-conditioned athletes together for a race like no other. The Ironman competition represents the pinnacle of athletic achievement, and you can watch it all on your visit to Nuevo Leon.
Festival Internacional de Santa LucÃa
The country of Mexico is a not really a melting pot. It’s mostly a nationalist country that takes pride in themselves. The Monterrey region takes this diversity seriously. As such, they celebrate themselves with the aptly-named Festival Internacional de Santa Lucia. This festival features food, art and music from around Mexico. Dont miss this festival.
Monterrey Natural Attractions – South
Monterrey is as diverse in natural attractions as it is cosmopolitan. This post deals only with the locations on the south side. To the north are mountains venerated by alpinistas (mountain-climbers) with varying levels of difficulty. There is a cave system accessible by anyone who can walk. There is one lone hot spring, sharing a down-home Balneario and a five-star spa. All those are for a later post.Â
For a little nature, drive southwest of the city to Parque Ecológico Chipinque. This old-growth forest with a winding two-lane road leaves the city behind. There are places to picnic along the way. Hikers will be pleased with the number of marked trails, rest areas and bathrooms.
Nearly at the end of the trail is the Hotel Chipinque. This venerable institution has been around for decades. It is currently a spa and resort. Even if you don’t go for the spa, the grounds, the views of the city and the rustic-chic rooms will make this a worthwhile place to overnight.Â
Beautiful Road If You Like Curves
There will be heavy traffic on weekends. One way to get to know the Mexican people is to share a picnic table with them.
Be careful coming down the mountain, especially if it has rained recently. I nearly lost it in a Suburban once because I got confused and thought I was in my Alfa Romeo, testing the limits of the curves. The pavement gets slick when it rains. Heed the warning signs like those in the pictures on all mountain roads, Frene con Motor (Brake with Motor). For those too young to know a stick shift, you can carefully downshift your automatic transmission to one gear lower than the drive. If you gear down too far, your transmission will not be happy, so experiment a little before leaving. With a stick shift, go down one or two gears below your highest and listen to your engine. You can still use brakes, but sparingly. If you use them alone, they will glaze over and stop working (like you might do at a boring business meeting). These same rules apply to mountain driving in the rest of the world. Of course, you can relax if you have AWD (all-wheel drive), as in my Subaru and some other models. But under no circumstance should you switch to 4WD on the pavement. Ever.Â
Nature Tourism Group
Want to participate in local nature events or join groups of mainly Mexican people? The club Bakpak is headquartered in Monterrey. They lead groups all over Mexico for trips ranging from hiking to full-scale mountain climbing. They are responsible, respect the environment, and are fully trained in emergency procedures. Subscribe to their newsletter and peruse their events at https://bakpak.com.mx/. PH: (81) 83403053 y (81) 208-6 0049 They also publish a full-color slick outdoor magazine. And it is free! Their website will tell you where to get a copy in Monterrey. I can’t think of a better way to get to know Mexican people than to join a group like this.
Want to participate in local nature events or join groups of mainly Mexican people? The club Bakpak is headquartered in Monterrey. They lead groups all over Mexico for trips ranging from hiking to full-scale mountain climbing. They are responsible, respect the environment, and are fully trained in emergency procedures. Subscribe to their newsletter and peruse their events at https://bakpak.com.mx/. PH: (81) 83403053 y (81) 208-6 0049 They also publish a full-color slick outdoor magazine. And it is free! Their website will tell you where to get a copy in Monterrey. I can’t think of a better way to get to know Mexican people than to join a group like this.
Monterrey Attractions: Waterfalls
For a lot of nature, drive south on MEX-85 to Santiago / El Cercado 23.8 miles from Obispado (Bishop’s Palace) which you’ll want to see too), Turn right towards Cascada Cola de Caballo (Horsetail Falls). (There’s a shortcut on the map for those coming from Reynosa. It is a blue highway. You skirt the town and wind your way up to the falls. The road is paved and full of vendors. These folks are eking out a living selling serapes, honey, dulces (which sadly is seldom locally made), wood carvings, piñatas and anything else they think tourists might need to make their lives better. It won’t hurt you to stop and buy some trinkets and it will make a big difference in their lives.
Cola de Caballo is part of the Cumbres de Monterrey Biosphere Reserve, defined by UNESCO. They rise to 82 feet /(25 meters). They are as accessible as any I’ve seen, with wide paved or brick paths that a wheelchair could negotiate. The paths won’t allow you to get to the top, but they will get you closer and with a better view than if you’d had to stay at the concession booth.Â
Less well-known Monterrey attraction is the Cascada de ChipitÃn. It is somewhat difficult to get to, requiring about an hour’s hike. The falls have about a ninety-meter drop into pools where you can swim – if you fancy cold water. You can hire a guide or wait around the parking lot to Cola de Caballo on a weekend. Look for a group of young people and ask them if they are going to ChipitÃn or Matacanes. They’re usually pretty friendly and will welcome you. There is a lodge, Matacanes, and a couple more nearby on Booking that looks nice but I have not been to them.Â
There is one hotel at Horsetail Falls, the Hacienda Cola de Caballo which is nice, upscale, quiet and popular. Should you wish to stay in the neighborhood, this listing has six other properties.Â
There is never a bad time to be in Nuevo Leon. Whether you plan to visit the capital of Monterrey or make your way into less charted territory. You will enjoy the warmth and welcoming nature of the Mexican people, making lots of new friends along the way.
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You can enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells along the way, especially if you bring your car. And you can confidently drive to Monterrey and beyond – as long as you protect yourself and your passengers with quality Mexican car insurance. This simple but essential purchase can safeguard you against the unexpected so you can enjoy your Mexican vacation without worry.
Plan a trip to Nuevo Leon
