The wide variety of options Nuevo Leon has to offer to its visitors is a combination of many facets: nature and modernity, tradition and adventure, exquisite cuisine and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Visitors cannot miss visiting its capital city, Monterrey, where modernity and history come together within the same space: the Macroplaza. Here, the Metropolitan Cathedral –dating back to the XVIIIth century– is in sharp contrast with the Faro de Comercio (Lighthouse of Commerce) –whose famous green laser beam can be spotted from many places around the city–. The Paseo Santa Lucia, a 1.25 mile long water canal, is the waterway linking the Museum of Mexican History and the Museum of the Northwest, both buildings located on the Macroplaza, with the Fundidora Park.
The land belonging to the old Fundidora Monterrey, has now become one of the places of which the inhabitants of Monterey are most proud: the Fundidora Park is now a space combining the history of the steel industry with the concept of a modern park, where people can engage in sporting activities such as skating on ice or roller skating. Here, locals and visitors alike can enjoy cultural activities or organize business meetings.
The mountain range surrounding the city offers visitors beautiful views of the natural surroundings. If you are a sportsperson, you will enjoy exploring the rock formations which over the course of millions of years have resulted in canyons and waterfalls. These sites are perfect for rappelling, camping, hiking and other ecotourism activities. You will also be able to explore the Matacanes, el Salto and Laberinto canyons, dive in the crystal clear waters of the Cola de Caballo (Horsetail) waterfall or sail in the La Boca dam.
This state’s cuisine is really worth mentioning. The delicious cabrito (roasted lamb), the tacos de trompo (marinated smoky pork, spicy chilis, sweet pineapples, fresh onions and cilantro), the machaca (shredded beef with scrambled eggs, onions and poblano chili pepper), the frijoles charros (beans cooked over an open fire, with chiles, herbs and meat) and the Glorias,, sweets made with burnt milk and nuts, are just a taste of what the cuisine in the state of Nuevo Leon has to offer. Go ahead and try a roast, barbecued pork, or the succulent combination of tomatoes, chilis and beef in a delicious cortadillo. If you still have room for dessert, a custard or Bustamante bread will crown the banquet.
In Nuevo Leon, festivals and traditions are also a great tourist attraction and, in cases such as the Livestock Fair, they are emblematic examples of local tradition. This festival, which is held in Monterrey, stands out on account of its variety of culinary samples, sale of handicrafts and local products. The Bella Via Festival is also held in this capital city; this is a cultural event devoted to the coexistence of talented local and foreign artists. It is thus, that each year the Macroplaza is carpeted with images and beautiful reproductions of works of art.
