Website design By BotEap.comWith today’s busy lifestyle, where can one go to escape the boredom of daily routine? Patawalk has the answer for you, what better than a place where industrial growth is prominent but you have the opportunity for exploration and adventure right at your back door? Visit Monterrey and live the adventure of being one with nature!

Website design By BotEap.comMonterrey is located in the northeastern part of Mexico and has the third largest metropolitan area in the country. Of course, this was not always the case. Before the Spanish settlement began, Monterrey was a desolate land where several nomadic indigenous groups passed through. It was not until 1582 that the Spanish expeditionary Luis Carvajal y de la Cueva made a deal with the king of Spain (Felipe) and claimed a new territory for Spain, which he named Nuevo León (New Kingdom of León). Not much came of it until sixteen years later (in 1596) when Diego de Montemayor accompanied by thirteen Crypto-Jewish families established another settlement. They established their settlement next to a spring of water that still flows today, Ojos de Agua de Santa Lucía. The settlement quickly grew into a city and the population and popularity increased as Monterrey’s location facilitated trade between San Antonio (Texas, USA, but part of Mexico, at the time), Tampico (Mexico) and Saltillo (Mexico). The city became one with industrialization. In the 19th century, a steel-producing company was built in Monterrey, known as Fundidora de Fierro y Acero de Monterrey, something that added to the already accelerated industrialization of the city.

Website design By BotEap.comBut don’t be fooled by the thriving industrialization of the city, there is much more than meets the eye. For example, has it ever occurred to you that you could find a theme park based on the famous American children’s television show Sesame Street? Well, surely you can find it here. Plaza Sésamo Monterrey (Plaza Sésamo Monterrey) is only one of four in the world! The House of Puppets is a truly amazing museum. It really is captivating to look at; the museum features a history of puppetry, an exhibition of puppetry through time, and you might even see a puppet show! One of the most popular places to visit in the city is the Macroplaza; this place was built in the 80’s and there are countless things to see. You can just walk around, do some shopping, maybe enjoy a bite to eat, you can see one of the many sculptures and even admire their murals that have been created by famous artists. Here you can also see the Paseo del Río Santa Lucía, which is a recently built artificial river. Here you just want to take a walk along the river and visit the shops and restaurants that surround it.

Website design By BotEap.comIf you’re a fan of architecture, you must visit at least one of Monterrey’s churches, some of which date back to the founding of the city and boast a unique architectural style. One church you shouldn’t miss is the Metropolitan Cathedral of Monterrey (La Catedral Metropolitana de Monterrey). This cathedral was built almost at the same time as the city, at the end of the 16th century. His style is like a combination of neoclassical and baroque. You really must admire its murals, which are a joy to behold. Oh, and did I mention that this church was visited by none other than Pope John Paul II in 1990? The Basilica del Roble is another wonderful constructed building that can be admired for its Roman architectural design. There is a story behind his erection that tells of a priest who hid the image of the Virgin Mary in an oak tree (hence the name of the church) so that the nomadic indigenous groups would not get hold of it. In fact, that very oak is where the church is built. Another church that you cannot miss is the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which was built between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th. It is really a representative of the popular architectural style of the late 19th century; just the mother outside the temple is quite impressive, but the stained glass windows inside are magnificent.

Website design By BotEap.comIf you are looking for the opportunity to become one with nature and are looking to start an adventure, look no further. First of all you will want to see one of the wonders of nature, Cascada del Chipitin. This is an unbelievably beautiful 300 foot waterfall where a picture must be taken. If you like to climb mountains or even go hiking, then you will be in your perfect environment when you go to Potrero Chico. This particular area is considered one of the best rock climbing walls in all of Latin America. Potrero Chico is also an amazing place to ride a bike, as it has more than 700 different routes. Horsetail is another extremely captivating wonder. This is a waterfall and if you look at it from afar, you will notice how it looks like a horse’s tail. But admiring the waterfall is not the only thing to do there. The waterfall is surrounded by a forest where you can ride mountain bikes, hike, and if you are really daring, you can even go bungee jumping. How about looking at one of nature’s works of art: a cave? Then head to Grutas de Bustamante, which boasts some of the most spectacular caves in the world. Another set of caves is found in Grutas de García. These were discovered in the mid-19th century and are believed to be about sixty million years old. Also, scientists believe that these caves were once underwater due to the fossils found there. One of the most incredible places is the Pozo del Gavilán, which is a well but it looks more like a hole in the ground. It’s over 260 feet deep and has a radius of almost 400 feet, now that’s huge! What is even more wonderful about this place is that on the walls of the well the swallows have their nests, and during the nesting season you can see falcons stealing the eggs of the swallows. And if you are a thrill seeker, then feel free to go down the well. These are just a few of the multitude of natural wonders found in Monterey’s backyard, where you can hike, climb, jump, sightsee, and even enjoy bird and butterfly watching.

Website design By BotEap.comBioparque Estrella is a zoo that has more than 700 animals of 50 different species; these animals are meant to represent the five continents. Not only will you be able to see all of these animals in their “natural habitat,” but the zoo also has rides, a dinosaur area, and beautiful waterfalls.
After sightseeing and doing so much physical exercise, you will surely get hungry. I recommend you try one of the typical dishes of Monterrey, Cabrito. This dish has Jewish influences; It consists of a kid slowly cooked over coals with some spices. If it’s Sunday, you’re sure to enjoy a Mexican staple, carne asada served with a side of baked potato, grilled onions, and even sausage. After the delicious meal, you will surely have room for dessert and what better than the Capirotada, which is a mixture of bread, cheese, raisins and sugar among other ingredients.

Website design By BotEap.comSo don’t wait any longer and come explore it. You can always stop by the Patawalk and preview it on a virtual tour!