Spectacular peaks aren’t the only thing that will greet you in this dazzlingly beautiful national park. With stunning canyons, roaring rivers and waterfalls and sprawling pine forests surrounding the mountains; Cumbres de Monterrey is an incredible place to visit with a wealth of things to see and do.
The scenery on offer is simply breathtaking and the magnificent mountains that dominate the park make for some fantastic trekking and mountaineering. With the huge cave system of Garcia Caves also located in the park, words cannot do justice to the wealth of natural wonders on show.
Main Hiking Areas in Cumbres de Monterrey National Park
Cumbres de Monterrey is one of the best hiking destinations near the city of Monterrey. Here are some of the best places to check out if you’re in the area:
García Caves (Grutas de García)
Perhaps the most popular destination in Cumbres de Monterrey National Park, García Caves (Grutas de García is a massive subterranean network of rooms and passageways. The cave is located near the town of García and you can access it via cable car or on a long hike.
While most visitors take the aerial tramway out of convenience, the hike is also worth the effort if you’re up for an adventure. Once you’re at the caves, you can walk around and explore the many funky formations, which include stalagmites and stalactites.
If you want a guide, there are normally guided tours of the caves each hour, or you can often hire a guide service that will provide transportation to and from the caves each day.
Major Cities in Cumbres de Monterrey National Park
Looking for a place to stay during your trip to Cumbres de Monterrey? Here are some of the best cities and towns to check out:
Monterrey, Nuevo León
Monterrey is the capital and biggest city in the state of Nueco León. With some 4.7 million residents, Monterrey is also the third largest metropolitan area in Mexico. The city is a major hub for commerce, culture, and tourism in the region and it is often ranked as one of the most livable cities in the country.
Monterrey offers exceptional access to Cumbres de Monterrey National Park, which is located just outside the city. It is also home to an international airport as well as a great network of roads and public transportation.
Things to Know Before You Go to Cumbres de Monterrey National Park
- Rock climbers won’t want to miss the Cumbres de Monterrey National Park, which is known for top-notch rock climbing in both the Huasteca Canyon and Potrero Chico.
- Wear sturdy shoes for a visit to Chipinque or the García Caves, as both have sometimes slippery pathways.
- Visiting the Cumbres de Monterrey National Park is a great way to escape the summertime heat in downtown Monterrey.
- Cumbres de Monterrey National Park is not fully wheelchair accessible, although some hiking paths in Chipinque may be stroller accessible.
How to Get to Cumbres de Monterrey National Park
Cumbres de Monterrey National Park covers close to 695-square-miles (1,800-square-kilometers) and can be accessed from the towns of Santiago, García, and more. However, the easiest point of access from Monterrey downtown is the Chipinque Ecological Reserve. Make it easy on yourself and take a taxi or rideshare to the main entrance.
When to Get to Cumbres de Monterrey National Park
There’s no bad time to visit the Cumbres de Monterrey National Park, although some attractions—such as the García Caves—open for longer in the summer months. Visits to the Chipinque Ecological Reserve makes for a refreshing escape during the midday Monterrey heat, while rock climbing is best attempted during the cooler winter period.
National Parks in Mexico
If you want to climb more mountains, you can’t miss the Nevado de Toluca National Park, famed for its snowy peaks and twin lagoons. Alternatively, cruise down the Sumidero River in the Sumidero Canyon National Park, or dive in at Cozumel’s Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park near Cancún.
What are the nearest attractions to Cumbres de Monterrey National Park?
Attractions near Cumbres de Monterrey National Park:
Rodrigo Gómez Dam (La Boca)
Plaza Fiesta San Agustin
Macroplaza (La Gran Plaza)