Baroque Cathedral of Saltillo City on Mexico in an Autumn

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Northeast Mexico

The northeast has never been Mexico’s main tourism draw, and news of cartel-related violence has turned off travelers even more. But the northeast’s history, sights and people are remarkable, and all the more rewarding for being unexpected. Monterrey is a lively modern city, while nearby Saltillo oozes colonial charm. You can check out the idyllic wine country of Parras and the unique desert ecosystem at Cuatro Ciénegas, one of Mexico’s most biologically diverse regions.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Horno 3, a blast furnace turned museum located in Parque Fundidora in Monterrey.

    Horno3

    Monterrey

    Blast Furnace No 3 in the former industrial site of the Parque Fundidora has been converted into Horno3, an exceptionally impressive high-tech, hands-on…

  • Overlooking Monterrey, Mexico from Parque Ecológico Chipinque.

    Parque Ecológico Chipinque

    Monterrey

    This stunning mountainside reserve is just 12km from downtown Monterrey. There's great hiking and mountain-biking on over 60km of well-marked trails…

  • Paseo Santa Lucia, Monterrey, Mexico.

    Paseo Santa Lucía

    Monterrey

    The stunning 2.3km promenade of Paseo Santa Lucía is a world-class example of urban regeneration. This (artificial) river forms a turquoise ribbon through…

  • Museo de Historia Mexicana in Monterrey.

    Museo de Historia Mexicana

    Monterrey

    This sleek modernist museum on the Plaza 400 Años presents an extensive but easily manageable chronological history of Mexico. In the heart of the museum…

  • Dunas de yeso, the gypsum dunes of Cuatro Ciénegas in Coahuila, Mexico.

    Dunas de Yeso

    Northeast Mexico

    Located within the Cuatrociénegas Reserve, these blinding-white gypsum sand dunes – the second largest in North America – contrast superbly with the six…

  • Museo de las Aves de México

    Museo de las Aves de México

    Northeast Mexico

    Mexico ranks 10th in the world in terms of avian diversity, and this fascinating museum displays more than 3000 stuffed and mounted species, many in…

  • Museo del Desierto

    Museo del Desierto

    Northeast Mexico

    Saltillo's top attraction, this no-expense-spared natural history museum is highly enjoyable and informative (even if you don’t speak Spanish). Exhibits…

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Plan with a local

Go Beyond

Northeast Mexico and beyond

Beyond Northeast Mexico
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