Things To Do
in Ciudad Santa Catarina

Dramatic canyon walls, boulders and sweeping valley views make La Huasteca a top spot for landscape, climbing and sunset photography.

Ridgetop vantage points offer panoramic shots of the Monterrey basin, particularly striking at golden hour or with stormy skies.

Capture daily life, colorful produce stalls and candid street scenes that highlight local culture and architecture.

Several roadside lookouts on access roads give elevated perspectives of Monterrey’s skyline framed by the surrounding mountains.

Roast kid goat, a Nuevo León specialty often served at celebratory meals and in regional restaurants; seek out family-style asadores and regional eateries for the best versions.

Must-Try!

Grilled beef, thinly sliced and served with tortillas, salsas and grilled onions; common at local taquerías and weekend barbecues.

Dried, shredded beef rehydrated and cooked with eggs or in stews; a popular breakfast item in northern Mexico available at many fondas.

Handmade corn-based breads stuffed or layered with beans, cheese and meats; widely available at street stalls and neighborhood markets.

Open-air markets and street vendors sell tacos, quesadillas, tamales and fresh fruit; visit early morning for breakfast staples and to experience local bustle.

Typical municipal market offering fresh produce, regional cheeses, salsas and prepared foods—great for sampling local ingredients and cheap meals.

At restaurants, tipping 10–15% is customary for full-service venues; leave small change for street food and vendors. Tip baggage handlers and taxi drivers a small amount if they provide help or exceptional service.

Cash (pesos) is widely used, especially at markets, street stalls and smaller businesses. Credit/debit cards are accepted at larger restaurants, hotels and shops; ATMs are common but carry cash when visiting rural trails or small vendors.

Hot temperatures (often 30–38°C / mid-80s to 100°F) and occasional afternoon thunderstorms; mornings are best for outdoor activities. Bring sun protection, hydration and schedule hikes early to avoid heat.

Warm days and cooler evenings with generally stable weather—great season for climbing and hiking as bugs and heat decrease.

Milder daytime temperatures (around 15–22°C / 60–72°F) and cool nights; cold snaps can bring chilly winds on the ridges. Layers are recommended for morning and evening outdoor plans.

Comfortable temperatures and blooming vegetation in the canyons; a popular time for outdoor sports, but watch for variable weather and strong sun.

A network of trails through dramatic canyon walls and boulder fields—options range from short scenic walks to long technical routes for experienced hikers and climbers.

Challenging ridge hikes with panoramic views of the Monterrey valley; some sections are steep and exposed—best for well-prepared hikers.

Iconic saddle-shaped mountain with established trails and spectacular city views—popular and more accessible from Monterrey but within easy reach for a day trip.

Well-maintained trails, picnic areas and viewpoints in a protected area of the Sierra Madre—great for family hikes and birdwatching.

The main international airport serving Monterrey, about 30–45 minutes by car depending on traffic; offers domestic and international flights and is the primary gateway for Santa Catarina visitors.

There are smaller airfields and private flight services in the region but most commercial travelers will use Monterrey’s MTY airport and transfer by taxi, rental car or shuttle.