The city is named after Dr. Salvador Apodaca, Bishop of the city of Linares, who was born in Guadalajara in 1769.

Salvador Apodaca y Loreto was a Mexican Catholic priest and bishop of the Diocese of Linares (Nuevo León).

Salvador Apodaca completed his studies in Guadalajara and was ordained a priest in Durango in 1794. He was assigned to minister for two years in Mazapil in the present state of Zacatecas.

He returned to Guadalajara and was appointed master of ceremonies for the town hall, a post he held for four years.

He earned a doctorate in theology. For 38 years he was a priest in the towns of Zapotitlán, Tuxcacuesco, Mascota, and Sayula.

In 1838, he was named a canon of the Cathedral of Guadalajara. On January 29, 1842, he was appointed bishop of the Diocese of Linares and was consecrated in the city of Guadalajara on September 24, 1843.

Salvador Apodaca arrived in the city of Monterrey in January 1844. During his brief tenure, he improved the services of the hospital and established two fellowships at the seminary. He died June 15, 1844, in Monterrey.

The city of Apodaca has a rich history dating back to the colonial era.

Apodaca was officially founded on May 3, 1585, by Diego Rodriguez de Montemayor. Over the centuries, it experienced various stages of development, witnessing the rise and fall of industries that shaped its identity.

Apodaca, or Hacienda San Francisco, was one of the oldest settlements in the New Kingdom of León.

San Francisco was located 45 degrees northeast of Ojos de Santa Lucía – or Villa de San Luis from 1582 – later becoming Ciudad Metropolitana de Nuestra Señora de Monterrey in 1596, to which it was originally close.

Hacienda San Francisco then served as an ideal link between the San Gregorio mines or Ciudad León (Cerralvo) and the towns of San Luis (Monterrey) and Santiago del Saltillo.

Around 1584, the mayor of Villa de San Luis, Gaspar Castaño de Sosa, owned a hacienda called San Francisco, which was granted to him by the first governor (1579-1589) of the New Kingdom of León, Luis Carvajal y de la Cueva.

The hacienda had an area with a water source (Ojos de San Francisco) and four land parcels. Castaño was later commissioned to go to the mines of Trinidad to find the Villa del Nuevo Almadén (Monclova), leaving his estate in San Francisco.

Diego de Montemayor, from the political group of Castaño and Carvajal, mentioned earlier, claimed the abandoned land on August 16, 1585, and requested additional lands, including a second water source, to found Hacienda San Francisco.

The opposing group from the valley of Saltillo was composed mainly of Francisco de Urdiñola (a wealthy mine-owner from Mazapil, Saltillo, Parras, and Río Grande), Francisco de Villarreal, Francisco Martínez Guajardo, and Juan de Tarango.

Due to political intrigues, both leaders, Carvajal and Urdiñola, were taken as prisoners to Mexico City. Carvajal was accused of being a Judaizer, and Urdiñola was accused of poisoning his wife. Castaño had been exiled abroad, taking him out of the equation.

These events played a pivotal role in the migration of a small group from Saltillo and the subsequent foundation of Monterrey in 1596.

It was believed that Hacienda San Francisco was located several “leguas” (a measure of distance) within a square, likely one degree of longitude and latitude, centered around Ojos de Santa Lucía in the newly founded metropolitan city.

It is worth noting that a “legua” was an old measurement of travel that indicated speed rather than distance. In the late 16th century, for every degree of longitude on the planet, there were 17 and a half Spanish leagues.

This translates to about 5 kilometers and 733 meters per league. Based on this calculation, the San Francisco chapel mentioned later in the text would have been roughly three leagues away from the current historic center of Monterrey.

Two characters who arrived after the foundation of Monterrey played a crucial role in Hacienda San Francisco: Marcos Alonso de la Garza and his brother-in-law José de Treviño.

José de Treviño, a wealthy miner in Zacatecas and Durango, became the owner of Hacienda San Francisco in 1610, purchasing it for 4000 pesos from the heirs of Diego de Montemayor.

With his family and belongings, he settled in the hacienda and expanded agriculture and cattle farming, turning it into a regional supply center whose trade extended to Saltillo, Mazapil, Zacatecas, and Durango.

In 1624, José de Treviño sold the hacienda to two of his sister Juana de Treviño’s sons, who were married to the daughters of Marcos Alonso de la Garza Falcón from mining centers in Durango.

These nephews of José de Treviño further expanded the population of Hacienda San Francisco and established sheep farming, leading to the beginning of the first textile company in the Northeast Novohispano in 1634. T

hey produced textiles such as jerga, sayal, and frazadas, which were sold in places like Zacatecas and Durango.

In the 1630s, a conflict arose between Diego Fernández de Montemayor and captains Blas de la Garza and Alonso de Treviño regarding the sale of Hacienda San Francisco by Diego’s grandfather, Governor Diego de Montemayor, to Captain Jusepe (José) de Treviño.

This legal dispute was resolved in July 1633.

Over time, Hacienda San Francisco evolved into several smaller haciendas, including Agua Fría, la Encarnación, Huinalá, San Francisco (the head hacienda), San Juan del Mezquital, San Miguel, and Santa Rosa.

In 1851, the Villa de Apodaca was established, named after Salvador de Apodaca y Loreto, and separated from the jurisdiction of Monterrey, becoming a municipality with Apodaca as its municipal seat.

Apodaca later became part of the Monterrey metropolitan area alongside the municipalities of Santa Catarina and General Escobedo in the 1960s. The city was officially renamed Ciudad Apodaca on May 7, 1981.

Today, the city of Apodaca continues to thrive as part of the greater Monterrey region, maintaining its rich historical heritage as a significant settlement in the region’s early history.

The Parish of San Francisco is located in front of the main square, the east side. The parish was built in 1848 and the bell tower was completed only in 1966.

The Municipal Presidency of Apodaca is located in the main square, west side. Built in 1976, with a modernist style, with which the old similar building was replaced.

The monument to the teacher Moisés Sáenz is located in the Plaza of the town El Mezquital. It is a work by the capital sculptor José L. Ruiz, unveiled in 1962.

Monument to the First European Inhabitant. On September 26, 1995, the installation of a plaque in honor of Gaspar Castaño de Sosa, the first European settler. It is placed in the town of Ojo de Agua.

Two airports, General Mariano Escobedo International Airport (IATA: MTY) and Del Norte International Airport (IATA: NTR), are located in Apodaca.

VivaAerobus Airline and Grupo Aeroportuario Centro Norte have their corporate headquarters on the grounds of Escobedo Airport.

You can dial 078 from any phone, where you can find free information about tourist attractions, airports, travel agencies, car rental companies, embassies and consulates, fairs and exhibitions, hotels, hospitals, financial services, migratory and other issues.

Or dial the toll-free (in Mexico) number 01-800-006-8839.

You can also request information to the email correspondencia@sectur.gob.mx

MORE EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

General Information: 040 (not free)

National Emergency Service: 911

Radio Patrols: 066
Police (emergency): 060
Civil Protection: +52(55)5683-2222
Anonymous Complaint: 089

Setravi (Transport Mobility): +52(55)5209-9913
Road Emergency: 074

Cruz Roja: 065 o +52(55)5557-5757
Firefighters: 068 o +52(55)5768-3700

The climate in Galeana is usually much colder than the rest of the state. In summer it is pleasantly cool and during winter, temperatures may reach down to -9°C. The winter cold blends with a noticeable lack of air humidity.

The annual average is 17°C, and the average rain precipitation is around 446 mm.

Predominant winds come from the north.

The best time to visit Galeana

The optimal time to visit Galeana largely depends on individual preferences and interests.

For those seeking outdoor adventures such as hiking, camping, and exploring the area’s natural wonders, the spring and autumn months (March to May and September to November) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

During these seasons, temperatures are mild, and the landscape bursts with colorful flora and fauna.

If you wish to witness the region’s vibrant cultural festivities and celebrations, consider planning your visit during traditional holidays such as Dia de los Muertos in early November or Semana Santa leading up to Easter.

Don Martin Zavala, colonizer of the New Kingdom of León, entrusted General Don Fernando Sanchez de Zamora with the foundation of this land to exploit his agricultural resources. In the year 1678, he founded the valley of San Pablo de los Labradores.

The first years were populated by Guachichil Indians, headed by a Franciscan missionary. On February 14, 1892, it was erected as a village, and on December 28, 1877 as a city.

It was given the name of Galeana in honor of Hermenegildo Galeana, a lieutenant involved in the country’s movement towards independence who fought in the War of Independence.

In Galeana you can find some regional food restaurants such as La Casona del General and Plaza Restaurant, there is a gas station, grocery stores, medical services, and bus service to Matehuala, Doctor Arroyo, and Linares.

The main square stands the church of San Pablo, whose construction dates from the eighteenth century.

The municipality is known for its numerous tourist attractions. Probably the best-known attraction is the Cerro del Potosí (Potosi’s Mount), the highest mountain in the whole state, which rises over 3,700 m above sea level.

In 2000, Cerro del Potosí was declared a Natural Protected Area.

There you can find forests of oyamel, hayarín, pine, oak, and strawberry trees. From the top, you can see the mountain belt of the Sierra Madre Oriental, as well as the Laguna de Labradores and the Pozo del Gavilán.

The journey on foot or horse to the top of Cerro del Potosi from the ejido San Francisco de los Blanco is very interesting, and in winter, it gives you snow-covered landscapes.

On the Rayones-Galeana highway lies El Puente de Dios (God’s Bridge), a majestic natural archway that lies on top of a small creek. It is a natural arch 15 meters high and 30 wide formed by the action of water, creating high vertical walls and deep precipices.

To get there it is necessary to take the dirt road to Rayones. Drive seven kilometers more and take the right at the fork, a kilometer later you will find this natural beauty.

Pozo del Gavilán is an enormous, deep natural cenote, where diverse species live.

The well-known “Pozo del Gavilán”, is approximately 80 meters deep and has a radius of 120 meters. You can hire extreme sports services for activities such as rappelling and kayaking in the turquoise waters of the cenote.

The Laguna de Labradores, in the capital, is a small lake connected to the Pozo del Gavilán. Fishing from the shore or by boat is one of the recurring activities. You can find species such as carp, rainbow trout, catfish, mojarra, and robaleta.

The lagoon was formed by faults in the subsoil and has a calculated depth between 200 and 300 meters.

Stews with Galeana potatoes, roast pork, roast beef, and nopales are very famous.

Cheeses from cow’s milk or goat are produced in their different forms.  In Semana Santa, it is tradition that the “chicales” (a stew made with solid corn, red chile, and spices) are consumed.

Pumpkin sweets, chilacayote, preserves of peach, apple, plums, figs, and burnt milk sweets, among others are made. One of the most representative drinks is the Chona wine, which is beginning to be distilled in the municipality.

The famous Galeana potatoes are a variety that is also known as the mountain potato. It is a very small regional potato, which is believed to have existed in the wild since pre-Hispanic times.

The municipal seat is a picturesque town that celebrates two annual fairs: that of St. Paul the Apostle, patron saint, from January 15 to 25. There are processions, pastorelas, and pyrotechnics, to conclude with a regional fair.

In addition, the Potato and Apple Fair is held from September 15 to 20.

…

Escobedo was known as “Topo de los Ayala” and was under Monterrey’s jurisdiction in 1830.

It wasn’t until 1867 that it was separated from the San Nicolas de los Garza municipality under governor Jerónimo Treviño and was thus decreed on February 24, 1868, becoming the “Villa de General Escobedo”.

It has been settled for over 400 years. The land was originally known as “Los Llanos del Topo” (Hills of the Topo).

The first owner of these lands was Captain José de Treviño, who was granted the territory on April 25, 1604, by Gov. Diego de Montemayor.

Although Treviño was the original owner, the city itself was established by his son José de Ayala with the “Hacienda del Topo de San Nicolas Tolentino” by the time known as “Topo de los Ayala” or “Topo Grande”, not to be confused with “Topo de los Gonzalez” or “Topo Chico”.

In recent years, Escobedo has undergone major growth, with many urban projects like shopping malls and the “Escobedo Industrial Park expansion. The town was the location of Blue Diamond Trucks, a joint venture between Navistar and Ford Motor Company until that company was dissolved in 2009.

The population in year 2005 in General Escobedo was 295,131 people, 148,835 men, and 146,296 women. It was the 5th most populous city in the state, representing 7.03% of the total population.

This is due to the exponential growth in expansion on commerce, neighborhoods, and Industries along the municipality, Escobedo and Apodaca N.L. are the two Municipalities with the biggest growth in recent years.

When Monterrey was founded in 1596, the land, which was populated by various indigenous tribes, was ceded to Diego de Montemayor, the founder of Monterrey, but he did not make use of the land.

In 1627, the land was turned into large plantations, where sugar cane and corn were raised.

The owner of the land around the time of the turn of the 18th century was named Capitán Nicolás Ochoa de Elejalde, but the land was taken from him by the Spanish government and converted into a mission in February 1715.

Guadalupe was founded by Francisco de Barbadillo y Vitoria, the founder of the Misiones de la Purificación y de la Concepción (“Purification and Conception Missions”) in the Valle del Pilón (“Pilón Valley”), Montemorelos.

With the remaining natives, he established on February 5, 1715, the Mission of Our Lady of Guadalupe a league east of Monterrey.

In 1756, the city was renamed the “Pueblo de la Nueva Tlaxcala de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe de Horcasitas”.

In its beginnings, Guadalupe was an agricultural town. However, this condition was progressively replaced by industry, commerce, and services.

On March 5, 1825, the city was declared a municipality of Nuevo León and categorized as a villa, even though for many years it continued to be called the “Villa de Guadalupe”.

On April 28, 1971, Guadalupe reached the category of city.

On October 4, 2019, the mayors of Guadalupe and Tlaxcala signed a twinning agreement between both cities, consolidating the cultural and commercial bridge between both municipalities.

Parque La Pastora: Inside the park, there is a zoo that houses different species of animals, as well as an aviary and a herbarium.

Pipo Park: Park dedicated to the Monterrey clown “Pipo”, it has walkways on the sides of the river and various green areas.

BBVA Stadium: Recently inaugurated with a capacity of 53,500 spectators, the matches of the Monterrey Football Club are played here and it is the venue for various concerts.

Expo Guadalupe: The Regional Livestock Exhibition is held annually, in addition to the cattle and sheep exhibition, there are mechanical games, restaurants with Mexican snacks and regional dishes, and El Domo Care, which is where great artists are presented.

Tolteca Park: It has the permanent water of the La Silla River, a place for family recreation, it has: boats, slides and soda fountains, grills, and snack bars.

Ciudad Guadalupe Museum: Dedicated to the approach to the origins of the municipality through its history, geographical characteristics, and original settlers.

The patronal festival is the second Sunday of the month of August, the patron of the town is the Lord of Expiration who is in the Old Temple of the same name.

He is also called the Lord of the rain; for the celebration, there are various activities accompanied by music and dance, all this in the main square of the municipality, the mornings are sung at 22:00, and then continue with the pyrotechnics.

This is the legend:

It happened one morning when the first light of dawn was barely visible.

The Indians woke up startled and ran quickly to the Chapel because they heard the tolling of the bell. They were in shock when they realized that it was not the Indian Sacristán who was ringing it, but a donkey that moved its neck and pulled the rope with its snout.

The beast carried a heavy load on its back. Locals freed the donkey from such a weight, and when they put the box of rough and poorly nailed boards on the ground, they noticed that its content was a life-size image of the crucified Lord.

Kneeling down before such a providential visit; some wept, moved by the expression on the Lord’s face; others crossed themselves with a gesture of astonishment and delight.

They introduced the Christ in the Chapel, substituting him for the great wooden cross that stood out in the background, and that had been venerated until then as the owner of the primitive hacienda.

So overflowing was the joy that no one knew more about the tired donkey that had been left by the door. They searched for them a lot among the bushes and fields; everything was useless, and they did not find it.

However, it is said that he was found dead of exhaustion near the north door of the Chapel and that he was buried right there.

Since then this image has been venerated in what is now the Parish and Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

In honor of Mexican president from the 19th century, Benito Juárez.

Founded as “Hacienda de San José” or “Hacienda San José de loz González” on June 15, 1604. The Governor of the state of Nuevo León, Martín de Zavala, granted the lands for settlement to Bernabé González Hidalgo on April 1, 1642.

The congress of the state decreed on March 1, 1850 the foundation of a new district with the name “El Rosario”, within then “Hacienda de Villa”. This new district was part of the municipality of Cadereyta until 1868.

On December 30, 1868, General Jerónimo Treviño, governor of the state of Nuevo León, decreed that the “Villa de Juárez” (Juarez’s Village) will be founded and recognized in the same area “El Rosario” occupied. As all of the other present-day municipalities of the state, Juárez was part of the system of villages used in the 19th century. These villages were founded in order to exploit the natural resources of the zone.

Villa de Juárez was granted the title of city in May, 1988 with the name of “Ciudad Benito Juárez”.

The city is going under a heavy process of urbanization and construction of houses and residential complexes, as all of the inner municipalities part of the Monterrey metropolitan area have no more room available.

The municipality has an extension of 277.8 km² and located at an altitude of 403 meters above the sea level.

The territory is mountainous, but with not important elevations, with around 70% of plain or semi-plain lands and 30% of rugged terrain.

The lands are crossed by River La Silla, that joins River Santa Catarina in a place called “Las adjuntas”. River La Silla joins River San Juan in the municipality of Cadereyta Jiménez.

Juárez’s annual average temperature is 22° celsius, and its annual rain precipitation is 400 mm. Dominant winds comes from the north.

You can dial 078 from any phone, where you can find free information about tourist attractions, airports, travel agencies, car rental companies, embassies and consulates, fairs and exhibitions, hotels, hospitals, financial services, migratory and other issues.

Or dial the toll-free (in Mexico) number 01-800-006-8839.

You can also request information to the email correspondencia@sectur.gob.mx

MORE EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

General Information: 040 (not free)

SNational Emergency Service: 911

Radio Patrols: 066
Police (Emergency): 060
Civil Protection: +52(55)5683-2222
Anonymous Complaint: 089

Setravi (Transport Mobility): +52(55)5209-9913
Road Emergency: 074

Cruz Roja: 065 o +52(55)5557-5757
Firefighters: 068 o +52(55)5768-3700

The city of Monterrey is 540 meters above sea level and located in the northeastern Mexican state of Nuevo León.

The Santa Catarina River – dry most of the year on the surface but with flowing underground water – bisects Monterrey from East to West, thus separating the city into north and south halves, and drains the city to the San Juan River and the Rio Grande.

Monterrey is adjoined to San Nicolás de los Garza, García, and General Escobedo to the north; Guadalupe, Juárez, and Cadereyta Jiménez to the east; Santiago to the south; and San Pedro Garza García and Santa Catarina to the west.

Together, their population reaches over 4,080,329 people.

Monterrey lies north of the foothills of the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range.

A small hill, the Cerro del Topo and the smaller Topo Chico are located in the suburbs of San Nicolás de los Garza and Escobedo. West of the city rises the Cerro de las Mitras (Mountain of the Mitres), which resembles the profile of several bishops with their miters.

Cerro de la Silla (Saddle Mountain) dominates the view at the east of the city and is considered a major symbol of the city. Cerro de la Loma Larga – South of the Santa Catarina River – separates Monterrey from the suburb of San Pedro Garza García.

At the summit of the Cerro del Obispado, north of the river, is the historic Bishopric Palace, the site of one of the most important battles of the Mexican-American War.

Climate

Monterrey has a semi-arid climate (Köppen climate classification BSh). It is one of the warmest major cities in Mexico.

Summers are generally hot, spring and fall temperate, and winters mild, with temperatures rarely below freezing. The average high in August is 35 °C and the average low is 23 °C. The average January high is 21 °C and the average low in January is 8 °C.

Rainfall is scarce in winter, but more frequent during May through September.

Monterrey frequently experiences extreme weather changes, for example, sometimes reaches 30 °C in January and February, despite these being the coldest months.

The most extreme weather changes in summer occur with rainfall, which changes extreme heat to cooler temperatures, and the temporary absence of the northern winds in winter, which can lead to abnormally high temperatures.

Seasons are not well defined; the warm season may start in February and may last until September.

In April and May 2011 temperatures reached 45 °C or more, causing fires and extreme heat in the city, despite the fact that these months are in spring. Snow is a very rare event, although an accumulation of 51 cm in 8 hours occurred in January 1967.

The most recent snowfall was in December 2004, on Christmas Eve. Several sleet and ice events occurred during January 2007, December 2009, January and February 2010, and February 2011, caused by temperatures around -5 °C.

From June 30 to July 2, 2010, Monterrey was hit by the worst natural disaster in the city’s history when Hurricane Alex delivered more than 584 mm of rain around 72 hours, with areas reaching up to 1 m of rain during that same period.

The amount of water that fell is equivalent to the average precipitation for a year period. This was about 3–4 times as much rain as when Hurricane Gilbert arrived in the city on September 15, 1988.

This hurricane destroyed homes, avenues, highways, and infrastructure, and left up to 200,000 families without water for a week or more. The death toll of Hurricane Alex was estimated to be around 20.

Monterrey Coat of Arms is represented by an Indian throwing an arrow to the sun in front of Cerro de la Silla mountain. This scene represents the natives’ ceremony, they form a row in front of Cerro de la Silla and wait for the sunrise to throw one arrow, each one to the sun.

Prehispanic history

Prior to the European foundation of the city, there was no established nation-state, and the population instead consisted of some indigenous semi-nomad groups.

Carved stone and cave paintings in surrounding mountains and caves have allowed historians to identify four major groups in present-day Monterrey: Azalapas, Huachichiles, Coahuiltecos, and Borrados.

Foundation

In the 16th century, the valley in which Monterrey is located was known as the Extremadura Valley, an area largely unexplored by the Spanish colonizers.

The first expeditions and colonization attempts were led by conquistador Alberto del Canto, naming the city Santa Lucia, but were unsuccessful because the population was attacked by the natives and fled.

The Spanish expeditionary of Sephardic Jewish descent, Luis Carvajal y de la Cueva negotiated with King Philip II of Spain to establish a territory in northern New Spain, which would be called Nuevo León, the “New Kingdom of León”.

In 1580 he arrived in the newly granted lands but it was not until 1582 that he established a settlement called San Luis Rey de Francia (named for Saint Louis IX of France) within present-day Monterrey.

The New Kingdom of León extended westwards from the port of Tampico to the limits of Nueva Vizcaya (“New Biscay”, now the State of Chihuahua), and around 1,000 kilometers northwards.

For eight years Nuevo León was abandoned and uninhabited, until a third expedition of thirteen families led by conquistador Diego de Montemayor founded Ciudad Metropolitana de Nuestra Señora de Monterrey (“Metropolitan City of Our Lady of Monterrey”) on September 20, 1596, next to a water spring called Ojos de Agua de Santa Lucia, where the Museum of Mexican History and Santa Lucía riverwalk is now located.

During the years of Spanish rule, Monterrey remained a small city, and its population varied from a few hundred to only dozens. The city was a place that facilitated trade between San Antonio (now in Texas), Tampico, and Saltillo to the center of the country.

Tampico’s port brought many products from Europe, while Saltillo concentrated the Northern Territories trade with the capital, Mexico City. San Antonio was the key trade point with the northern foreign colonies (British and French).

After Mexican Independence (19th century)

In the 19th century, after the Mexican Independence War, Monterrey rose as a key economic center for the newly formed nation, especially due to its balanced ties between Europe (with its connections to Tampico), the United States (with its connections to San Antonio), and the capital (through Saltillo).

In 1824, the “New Kingdom of León” became the State of Nuevo León, and Monterrey was selected as its capital.

However, the political instability that followed the first 50 years of the new country allowed two American invasions and an internal secession war, during which the Governor of the State annexed the Coahuila and Tamaulipas states, designating Monterrey as the capital of the Republic of the Sierra Madre as it did before in 1840 for the Republic of the Rio Grande.

In 1846, the earliest large-scale engagement of the Mexican-American War took place in the city, known as the Battle of Monterrey. Mexican forces were forced to surrender but only after successfully repelling U.S. forces during the first few advances on the city.

The battle inflicted high casualties on both sides, much of them resulting from hand-to-hand combat within the walls of the city center.

Many of the generals in the Mexican War against France were natives of the city, including Mariano Escobedo, Juan Zuazua, and Jerónimo Treviño.

Contemporary history

During the last decade of the 19th century, the city of Monterrey was linked by railroad, which benefitted industry.

It was during this period that José Eleuterio González founded the University Hospital which is now one of the best public hospitals in the northeast of Mexico and serves as medical school support to the School of Medicine of the Autonomous University of Nuevo León (UANL).

Antonio Basagoiti and other citizens founded the Fundidora de Fierro y Acero de Monterrey.

In 1890 the brewery company Cervecería Cuauthemoc one of the milestone local enterprises was founded and in 1900, a steel-producing company that accelerated the already fast industrialization of the city and became one of the world’s biggest of its time.

Santa Lucía Riverwalk, an artificial river built between 1996 and 2007. It currently joins the Macroplaza with Fundidora Park.

The Macroplaza, one of the world’s largest squares, is the cultural and administrative heart of the city featuring remarkable monuments, green areas, and buildings.

Faro del Comercio (Lighthouse of Commerce), is another trademark of the city. This monument beams a green laser around the city at night.

Barrio Antiguo (lit. Old neighborhood or old town) is the historical urban center of the city of Monterrey. There are preserved old houses from the XVII, XVIII, and XIX centuries. Nowadays bars, cafes, art galleries, and restaurants can be found there.

In November of every year the Festival Cultural Barrio Antiguo took place with national and international artists and performers but now is replaced with the Festival Internacional de Santa Lucia, which now takes place in September.

The Museum of Modern Art is a post-modern Mexican architecture designed by Ricardo Legorreta with the objective of creating different ambiances for artists and visitors from all around the world.

Monterrey’s Inukshuk is one of only a handful of authentic examples to be found outside Canada of these stone monuments from the high Arctic. The sculpture was created in situ by the renowned Inuit artist Bill Nasogaluak in 2007 and was a gift to the state of Nuevo León from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Government of Canada.

Fundidora Park is a large urban park that contains old foundry buildings, 120 hectares of natural ambiance, artificial lakes, playgrounds, an alternative cinema (Cineteca), a museum (Photo Collection, the State Plastic Arts Collection, Exhibits and Spaces), a hotel, an auditorium and convention center.

Puente de la Unidad (sometimes called Puente Atirantado) is a suspension bridge that crosses the Río Santa Catarina and joins San Pedro Garza García with Monterrey.

The Alfa Planetarium is the first IMAX dome built in Latin America and the fourth in the world.

The Government Palace of Nuevo León is a pink marble of Neoclassical architecture where the governor’s office is located.

El Cerro del Obispado (Bishopric Hill) includes a public, scenic lookout called Mirador del Obispado, a Monumental flag, and the museum inside the Palacio del Obispado (the Bishopric Palace).

ITESM, ITESM has two distinctive buildings CEDES which houses the administration of the ITESM nationwide system, and CETEC which houses the main computer classroom and other offices.

Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma Brewery (Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma), with its 19th-century buildings and where the national Baseball Hall of Fame (Salón de la Fama) is located.

The Museum of Mexican History is the most representative and visited museum of the North of the Republic, fulfilling its purpose of spreading the historical context of the Mexican cultural heritage.

The Cola de Caballo (Horse Tail) waterfall, on the mountains near the towns of Santiago and El Cercado, about 35 km (22 mi) south.

On the way to the Cola de Caballo waterfall (Carretera Nacional going to Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas), in Santiago, the Presa Rodrigo Gomez or “La Boca” (“La Boca” Dam) lays nested between green hills.

The mountains surrounding Monterrey contain many canyons, trails, and roads that cross deserts and forests. Suitable trails are available to the general public. The Sierra Madre Oriental mountains south of the city are included in the “Parque Nacional Cumbres de Monterrey” (National Park), which was added to UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Program of Biosphere Reserves in 2006.

Cumbres de Monterrey includes:

Parque Ecológico Chipinque, which contains forested areas (oak and oak-pine mainly).

La Estanzuela State Park, about 7 km (4 mi) south of Monterrey, is a river and forested area.

La Huasteca, west of the city, in the municipality of Santa Catarina.

El Potrero Chico Climbing Area, northeast of the city, in the municipality of Hidalgo.

Garcia Caves – These caves are situated in Garcia, Nuevo Leon, and were discovered in 1843. Inside you can see amazing stalagmites formations and snail fossils.

Matacanes – can be found in the municipality of Potrero Redondo in Santiago, Nuevo Leon. It is a 10-hour walking tour in which you can find rappel descents, underground rivers, and waterfalls, among other obstacles.

Hydrophobia Canyon – similar to Matacanes with the only difference being that this is a 100% aquatic area.

Cascade Cola de Caballo – a spectacular waterfall in Santiago Nuevo Leon, formed by water that runs down from the mountains of nearby Parque Nacional Cumbres de Monterrey, impressive rock formations, and sprawling forests.

The Cerro de la Silla (Saddle Mountain).

The most traditional dish from Monterrey is cabrito, a kid goat cooked on embers based on the Jewish cuisine of the founders of the city.

Other local dishes and customs that perhaps date back to the Crypto-Judaism of these founders are the “semita” (bread without leavening), the capirotada dessert (a mix of cooked bread, cheese, raisins, peanuts, and crystallized sugarcane juice), and the relative absence of pork dishes.

Another famous local dish is machacado con huevo.

Carne asada on weekends remains a tradition among Monterrey families. It is usually served with grilled onions, baked potatoes, and sausages or chopped as tacos.

Locally brewed beer and cola are an almost mandatory part of the weekly ritual.

The traditional desserts, “glorias” and “obleas,” made from goat milk are both traditional candies from Nuevo León.

Starting in the 1960s, Monterrey has been known for “Norteño” music which is the trademark music of the city, bands like Ramon Ayala, Pesado, Duelo, and other Mexican “Regional” music bands perform at the different clubs in the city.

Monterrey has witnessed the birth of several bands that have become internationally acclaimed.

Their genres vary considerably. Bands include Plastilina Mosh, Control Machete, Kinky, El Gran Silencio, Jumbo, Division Minuscula, Genitallica, 3Ball MTY, GAMA, and Los Claxons.

The song “Los Oxidados” by Plastilina Mosh opened the 2005 movie Mr. & Mrs. Smith.

Monterrey is connected with the United States–Mexico border, the sea, and inland Mexico through different roads, including the Carretera Nacional (also known as the Panamerican Highway) that runs from Nuevo Laredo to Mexico City and south, and the Carretera Interoceánica connecting Matamoros with the port of Mazatlán on the Pacific; it is also crossed by highways 40, 45, 57.

The divided highway Monterrey-Saltillo-Matehuala-Mexico City is the main land corridor to interior Mexico.

There are several between-cities bus lines at the bus station downtown. There are arrivals and departures into deeper Mexico, to the U.S. border, and into the United States.

Monterrey is also connected by at least three important railroad freight lines: Nuevo Laredo-Mexico City, Monterrey-Tampico, and Monterrey-Pacific (Mazatlán).

The city has a rapid transit system called Metrorrey, which currently has 2 lines. and a BRT called Ecovia.

The city is served by two international airports: General Mariano Escobedo International Airport (served by major international carriers and moving more than 6.5 million passengers in 2007) and Del Norte International Airport, a primarily private airport.

Monterrey is linked through frequent non-stop flights to many Mexican cities and to key United States hubs (Atlanta, Chicago-O’Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Detroit, Houston-Intercontinental, JFK/New York, and Las Vegas). Monterrey is the second most important city for the operating routes of Aeroméxico.

Five airlines have their operational bases and headquarters in Monterrey, Volaris, Aeroméxico Connect, VivaAerobus, and Magnicharters. There is no public transportation from Monterrey International Airport to the city.

However, a cartel of taxi services links the airport with the city and charges around $20 US for a one-way ride to the city. From this airport, there is a bus shuttle to nearby Saltillo. Inter-city bus services run daily into the interior, as well as north to the US border and points beyond.

You can dial 078 from any phone, where you can find free information about tourist attractions, airports, travel agencies, car rental companies, embassies and consulates, fairs and exhibitions, hotels, hospitals, financial services, migratory and other issues.

Or dial the toll-free (in Mexico) number 01-800-006-8839.

You can also request information to the email correspondencia@sectur.gob.mx

MORE EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

General Information: 040 (not free)

National Emergency Service: 911

Radio Patrols: 066
Police (Emergency): 060
Civil Protection: +52(55)5683-2222
Anonymous Complaint: 089

Setravi (Transport Mobility): +52(55)5209-9913
Road Emergency: 074

Cruz Roja: 065 o +52(55)5557-5757
Firefighters: 068 o +52(55)5768-3700

San Nicolás de los Garza experiences a subtropical climate, which means it has distinct seasons.

• Summers tend to be hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching into the high 30s°C.
• Winters are milder, with daytime temperatures averaging around 20°C, but nights can be cooler.

Rainfall is highest during the summer months, so be prepared for occasional thunderstorms if you visit San Nicolás de los Garza during this time. The dry season in this region typically falls between November and April.

The best time to visit

The ideal time to explore this region is during the winter months, from November to April.

The weather is more pleasant for outdoor activities, and you can enjoy the city’s parks and cultural attractions without the sweltering heat of summer. This period is also less prone to heavy rainfall.

Additionally, if you’re interested in local festivities, consider visiting during the city’s annual Feria de San Nicolás, which usually takes place in September. This celebration showcases the rich culture and traditions of the region.

San Nicolás de los Garza was founded on 5 February 1597.

• The city was given the name Estancia de Pedro de la Garza.
• Later, the city was renamed Estancia de San Nicolas.
• And finally, it received the name Estancia de San Nicolas de los Garza.

The first people that inhabited this area were Amerindians, mostly nomads.

San Nicolás was founded right after Monterrey, when Diego de Montemayor granted permission to inhabit the area to his secretary, Diego Díaz de Berlanga; Pedro de Iñigo; Domingo Manuel; and D. Pedro de la Garza.

The members of these families are considered the first settlers of the city. Diego Díaz de Berlanga was the person who redacted Monterrey’s Foundation Act and authorized the first land permissions to its first settlers.

In 1830 the area was declared to the category of village, with the name of San Nicolás de los Garza, in honor of the patron saint of the town. On 12 May 1970, it was declared a city.

In the 1970s, San Nicolás increased its reputation as a good place to live, and the municipality experienced a tide of house construction. This house construction boom was possible because there was a lot of land available within the territory of the city.

In the 1980s several industrial facilities moved to other municipalities, mainly to Apodaca, which is still within the Monterrey Metropolitan Area, but farther from downtown.

At the end of the 1980s and the beginning of the 1990s, huge commercial centers or malls were constructed to serve the large population. The first economic activity became commerce instead of industrial production.

The most important malls are La Fe (east), Citadel (east), Las Plazas Outlet (northwest), Plaza Fiesta Anahuac (south), Sendero (North), and Universidad Avenue. The city has several commercial centers in construction.

It houses the Autonomous University of Nuevo León – UANL – one of the most prestigious public schools in Mexico and Latin America. The main campus of the UANL is located in this municipality.

This university is the third largest Mexican university and is among the most recognized schools in Mexico, ranked by the Reader’s Digest-AC Nielsen Survey 2005 as the top university (both public and private) in the northeast region of Mexico.

The UANL system comprises 26 colleges, 22 post-graduate divisions, 24 high schools (throughout the metropolitan area of Monterrey), 1 center of bilingual education, and 3 technical high schools.

The municipality has an area of 69.4 km² (26.8 sq mi) and is almost entirely urban, lying adjacent to the southwest side of Monterrey. It sits in a valley surrounded by mountains; most notably La Loma Larga and Sierra Madre Oriental.

In 1596 was the founding of San Pedro Garza Garcia.

The land was converted into a large plantation called “Los Nogales”, where crops like corn, wheat, beans, and many other foods were produced.

During the 18th century, the plantation often went by the name of “San Pedro”, in honor of Saint Peter.

The city was not elevated to the status of “Villa” (Village) until December 14, 1882, when it was given the name Garza García, in honor of the governor of Nuevo León, Genaro Garza García.

It was not until 1988 that the mayor at the time, Alejandro Chapa Salazar gave the city its current name, adding the reference to what it was called centuries before.

San Pedro boasts one of the best preserved national parks in the country, the Chipinque park, within the Parque Nacional Cumbres de Monterrey. The park is located at the foothill of the Sierra Madre, and is the only naturally forested spot in metropolitan Monterrey.

Centro Cultural Alfa. A science interactive museum, the first one of its kind in Mexico. It is located within a tilted column-shaped structure and surrounded by lush gardens. It is worth to visit, especially for kids. There is a good planetarium, and an impressive masterpiece glasswork by Rufino Tamayo.

Auditorio San Pedro. A mid-sized auditorium used for plays and concerts.

Shopping Malls. The Paseo San Pedro and Plaza Fiesta San Agustín malls with some of the best stores in town. Paseo San Pedro is the newest mall in San Pedro. It includes a movie theater, a NH hotel, a Palacio de Hierro store, and a food court.

Calzada del Valle/Calzada San Pedro. Beautiful three lane intersecting gardened boulevards. Some of the most exclusive stores lie on this avenue (Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Cartier, among others). Joggers can be seen in the mornings. In Christmas, trees are lit by thousands of lights to add splendor to the zone.

Opened in 2003, the Puente de la Unidad (sometimes called Puente atirantado) is a suspension bridge that crosses the Río Santa Catarina and joins San Pedro Garza García with Monterrey.

El Centrito. A traditional place to drink a good coffee, have dinner or meet friends in a casual environment. Many restaurants and nightclubs are located here. For San Pedro residents, “El Centrito” is the go to place on a weekend. Nightclubs include, The City, D-Club, Republica, Ness, Sr. Mostacho and Abolengo.

The Avalanz Tower. The second tallest skyscraper in the Monterrey metropolitan area, and the third tallest in Mexico outside Mexico City. Previously named Dataflux Tower.

The Comercial America Tower. The second to the tallest skyscraper in the metropolitan area.

Barrio de Tampiquito – A lower income area, known for its creativity fairs, which promote the workshops of the craftsmen in the neighborhood. Tampiquito has its own symbol – the Lion of Tampiquito – a symbol that plays an important role in the integration of the area.

Hotels in San Pedro. Camino Real, Quinta Real, Hotel Habita Monterrey, Hotel Presidente Intercontinental, among others.

Strip malls. Plaza Tanarah, Calzada 401, Gomez Morin 404, Plaza Duendes, Plaza 02 Vasconcelos, among others.

Centro Cultural Alemán. Representative German school of the German embassy. Zazil Treviño is the name of the coordinator.

Rufino Tamayo park. One of the biggest parks in San Pedro, which has a great view of the Valle Oriente skyline and features a leash free pen for dogs.

You can dial 078 from any phone, where you can find free information about tourist attractions, airports, travel agencies, car rental companies, embassies and consulates, fairs and exhibitions, hotels, hospitals, financial services, migratory and other issues.

Or dial the toll-free (in Mexico) number 01-800-006-8839.

You can also request information to the email correspondencia@sectur.gob.mx

MORE EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

General Information: 040 (not free)

National Emergency Service: 911

Radio Patrols: 066
Police (Emergency): 060
Civil Protection: +52(55)5683-2222
Anonymous Complaint: 089

Setravi (Transport Mobility): +52(55)5209-9913
Road Emergency: 074

Cruz Roja: 065 o +52(55)5557-5757
Firefighters: 068 o +52(55)5768-3700

The name of this city comes from the Catholic Saint Catherine of Alexandria. The city of Santa Catarina was not “founded” in a traditional manner; at the beginning, it was only a resting point for travelers between Monterrey and Saltillo.

The first recorded name was “Estancia de Santa Catarina” (Shelter of Santa Catarina).

During the French Invasion of Mexico in the second half of the 19th century, the president Benito Juárez spent some days in Santa Catarina while traveling to Monterrey, and it was during this time that he elevated its status to Village.

The category of Village was maintained until 1979 when the state government elevated its status to City.

Santa Catarina is located about 15 kilometers southwest of central Monterrey.

As of the Mexican census of 2005, its population was 259,202 in the city and 259,896 in the municipality. The city and municipality both rank sixth in population in the state.

The municipality has an area of 984.5 km² (380.12 sq mi) and includes numerous very small localities outside of the city itself.

Most of the National Park Cumbres of Monterrey, including the canyon of La Huasteca is located within Santa Catarina.

Also a certain portion of Cerro de las Mitras is located in Santa Catarina.

Santa Catarina is named as a “El nuevo San Pedro”